Retirement planning for busy professionals
Start with what you'll spend.
I'm Stephen Farrell, an independent financial adviser with over 20 years in financial advice. I help busy professionals work out when they can comfortably retire, and how to fund the life they want once they get there.
We start with something most plans skip: what you actually spend. We can meet by video from anywhere in Australia, or in person at my office in Ringwood.
Read client reviews on Adviser Ratings
The questions I help answer
Most people come to me with one big question sitting quietly at the back of their mind. These are the ones I hear most often.
Am I ready to retire?
It's the question behind almost every first conversation. Together we'll look at whether your super, investments and, in time, the Age Pension can support the life you want, and what we could adjust if they can't just yet.
Retirement planningHow much will we actually spend?
A good income can hide what a household really spends, and it's very common not to know. I start with your actual spending, because once we know that number, the rest of the plan has something solid to stand on.
Try the plannerCan we retire at 60?
Stopping work earlier is a goal I help people with often. It raises some important questions: when you can reach your super, how to bridge the years in between, and how long your money will need to last.
Let's talk it throughWhat clients say
I'm grateful to every client who has taken the time to share their experience. Here are a few of their words.
“Due to his valuable advice, I am now in the position to contemplate retirement debt-free and have a sensible and realistic plan for this next life stage, which I can take forward with confidence.”
“Stephen is responsive, calm and clear in his approach, and at no time have we ever felt pressured.”
“Steve has no loyalties to anyone so his advice is honest and he gives it clearly.”
Excerpts from client reviews published on Adviser Ratings. Read all reviews
How we'd work together
There are no surprises along the way. Every fee is fixed and agreed with you before any work starts, and as an independent adviser I don't accept commissions from any product.
Free 20-minute call
A relaxed phone or video chat about what's on your mind, so we can both see whether I'm the right fit. There's no advice given and no obligation.
Initial consultation, $440
Two hours together going through your situation, your goals and the options worth exploring in detail. If you go ahead with a plan, the $440 comes off its fee in full.
Your financial plan
A written plan with my recommendations and the reasoning behind them, for a fixed fee agreed in advance. Initial plans range from $3,600 to $17,600, depending on how much the plan needs to cover.
Ongoing advice, if you want it
Regular reviews and support as your life and the rules change, for a fixed annual fee. It's entirely your choice, and you can stop at any time.
Hi, I'm Stephen
I've worked in financial advice for over 20 years, and Guided Wealth is my own independent practice. Most of the people I work with are in their 50s or early 60s: good at what they do, busy doing it, and quietly wondering whether they're on track.
My job is to give you a clear, honest answer, and a plan you understand, feel comfortable with and can actually act on. I'll explain things in plain English, and you'll never be rushed into a decision.
More about meLearn before you talk
I write regularly about retirement, super and investing, in plain English. It's a good way to get a feel for how I think before we speak.
Not ready to talk yet?
That's completely fine. The Retirement Spending Planner shows what your retirement might cost year by year, and an illustrative range of what it could take to fund it. There's no sign-up needed, and it's a good way to start the conversation at home.