Who We Are

A good financial planner will start by asking questions to ascertain your current situation and needs.  They will then use that information to devise strategies that will assist you in improving your current situation and in reaching future financial or lifestyle goals.

Importantly, your financial plan shouldn’t be a static document.  The plan will evolve as your personal circumstances change and as you reach different stages in life.  A good financial planner will be in ongoing contact with you to assist in this process.

A good financial planner will also explain their advice clearly without the use of jargon.  It’s no use having a financial plan if you don’t understand it.  Your planner should ensure that their advice is understood and that they have made it clear to you what actions they are recommending that you take to achieve your goals.

Financial matters require expert advice in the same way that you would seek professional advice for legal or taxation issues.  A professional financial adviser will assist you in navigating the complexities of the financial landscape while also alerting you to opportunities to help you reach your goals. 

Some people elect to manage their own finances without the assistance of a professional financial adviser.  This can be effective if you’re familiar with superannuation, taxation and insurance regulation, keep abreast of developments in investment markets, understand how to manage your budget effectively, understand how different investments can help build wealth and have a good understanding of how to effectively plan for retirement. 

Those who don’t have an in depth knowledge of the above issues, or who don’t have the time to devote to their financial plan, will benefit from consulting with a professional financial planner.

Accountants generally specialise in taxation and business advisory matters but many are not qualified to provide full financial advice.  As financial planners and accountants have different areas of specialisation, it’s advisable to utlise the services of both to obtain the optimal benefit.

Ideally your accountant and financial planner should be willing to communicate to ensure that your accountancy and financial planning matters are co-ordinated and consistent.

It’s important that your planner meet at least 4 basic criteria:

1. They must be appropriately qualified and experienced; and
2. You must be comfortable working with them; and
3. They must be able to explain how they will add value to you; and
4. They should be open about their ownership structure and any alignments that they have with any other financial institutions.

It pays to ask questions of your adviser until you’re satisfied that they’re the right person to assist you.

Some people want a financial plan to help them manage their current wealth, but many financial plans deal with your future goals and wealth that hasn’t been achieved yet (and strategies for how you will generate wealth in the future). 

Many financial plans also include insurance strategies for protecting you and your family from risks that might derail the achievement of your goals.

We cover the cost of the initial appointment to get a clear picture of how we can help you.

If you proceed with advice, we engage with clients on a ‘fee for service’ basis.  This means that we charge a fixed fee for our services that is transparent and agreed up front.  The only exception to fee for service is the potential for commission payable by the insurer for personal insurance advice as we often find that this is an easier means for our clients to obtain this type of advice.

We do not accept commissions or payments from any other product or service provider.

Typically we levy a one-off fee for the preparation of the Statement of Advice.  Any ongoing fees depend upon the services being offered and are commensurate with the time and attention required. 

All ongoing fees will be outlined in our Fixed Term Agreement and no fee will ever be charged without your prior knowledge and consent.