DOZENS of people, including councillors, the business community and Baby Boomers, attended a one-off screening of award-winning documentary Boom! Demographics Are Destiny at the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

Hosted during Financial Planning Week by Chartered Financial Planners, MFP Wealth Management, the film was part of the firm’s plans to help raise awareness of the benefits of planning for your financial future.

MFP said that a recent survey showed that 82 per cent of people worry about money some, most or all of the time and yet only four per cent have a comprehensive financial plan in place.

Major changes that come into effect next year will mean savers have more flexibility in how they use their pension pots and, with today’s retirees predicted to live on average 34 years longer than their grandparents, planning for retirement has never been more important.

Director Justin King held a signing after the film for his new book Ready, Steady, Retire!, which he wrote to help people plan their way to a successful retirement.

The foreword was written by Jill Insley, The Sunday Times’ personal finance and consumer columnist.

Justin said: “I am delighted that so many local business people and decision-makers were able to watch this ground-breaking documentary, as the issues raised are so relevant for Christchurch and our surrounding area.

“Thirty-five per cent of Christchurch’s residents are projected to be aged over 65 in a decade’s time. By sharing this thought-provoking documentary and my book I hope to help people take the first step towards achieving peace of mind and financial security in retirement.”

MFP Wealth Management also opened its doors for free financial planning surgeries and welcomed locals who wished to take that first step towards financial peace of mind.