Frequently asked questions

You can expect straight answers, prompt replies, and clear explanations. We listen first, turn complex numbers into simple choices, and stay with you until each decision is in place. Our focus is on reliability, clarity, and follow-through so you always know what is happening and why.

We’re based in Charlestown (Newcastle / Lake Macquarie) and work with clients across Australia. We will happily meet via video call if that suits your location or schedule better.

We work best with Australians in their 40s to 70s who are building wealth, planning for retirement or in the early stages of retirement. Learn more about who we help through client stories here.

In most cases, we work with clients on an ongoing basis to ensure advice is implemented and evolves with your life. However, we do offer one-off advice for specific needs depending on the situation. Just reach out and we can talk it through.

Our first meeting is the initial step in a comprehensive approach and is designed to understand the life you want. In this meeting, we talk generally about pros and cons and help highlight priorities. This meeting is charged at $385 including GST. The next stage to the comprehensive approach is to build a practical roadmap that is tailored to your life and priorities. We provide a quote for this roadmap after our first meeting.

We charge flat, transparent fees based on the complexity of your situation and the scope of advice. You will always know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re getting in return, with no asset-based fees or product-linked incentives. We provide you with a quote for our advice, typically in our first or second meeting once we are clear on your needs, goals, and the scope of the advice.

We build diversified, resilient portfolios with a cash reserve for near-term spending, so they do not need constant tweaking. We set a clear rebalancing approach and top up cash from the right place at the right time. When market conditions or rules change in a way that affects you, we contact you to explain and agree any adjustments. You will not see activity for its own sake. You will see measured, tax-aware changes when they help your plan.

We agree on your goals and comfort level, then select appropriate, well diversified options that suit your situation. We use clear criteria for cost, quality and fit, and explain why each choice makes sense for you.

We build and maintain an investment approach that fits how you want to live from day one. Read our investment philosophy to learn more.

It depends on your needs and preferences. Many clients use a core of index funds for cost and reliability, with active or specialist options where they add value. We explain the pros and cons so the mix feels right for you.

We can set your investment mix and cash reserve so you can keep drawing income without forced selling. If markets move sharply, we contact you, explain what it means, and make sensible adjustments if needed. If you’re unsure at any time, we’re here for you to call.

Yes, we provide guidance and support on social security related matters so that you can deal with Centrelink with confidence. Additionally, we review any benefits you may be entitled to, keep you informed of any changes that may affect your situation, as well as assist in completing applications for you to lodge.

We give tax-effective financial advice and model tax impacts of strategies. We coordinate with your accountant so everything lines up when it comes to managing your tax.

Yes. We advise on whether an SMSF suits your needs and responsibilities, and we work with your accountant or administrator on the running of the fund. If an SMSF is not the best fit, we explain alternatives.

Yes. We make sure ownership and account setup support your wishes, when complexity arises we coordinate with your solicitor on your estate plans and ownership structures. You stay in control and documents match the plan.

We do. With your permission we request information, submit instructions, and keep you updated so agreed changes are implemented as intended.

We don’t just focus on what’s happening in your world – our planning meetings also cover regulatory updates, market shifts, and new opportunities. We’ll adjust your strategy as needed to keep your plan on-track and forward-looking.

Three other areas include accelerated wealth accumulation (strategies to grow your wealth effectively, particularly in the second half of your working life), income management for retirement (helping you maintain consistent cash flow throughout retirement), and SMSF investment and management (including setup and tailored investment strategies for retirees and business owners).