Fees and how it works
Talking about fees shouldn't be awkward, so here's everything up front. You'll always know what advice will cost before you commit to anything. Every fee is fixed and agreed with you in writing before work starts, and as an independent adviser I don't accept commissions from any investment or insurance product.
The four steps
Most clients move through these at their own pace, and there's no obligation to continue after any step.
Free 20-minute call
A friendly phone or video conversation about what's prompted you to look for advice, how I work and what it would cost. It's simply a chance for us both to see whether we're a good fit, so I won't give advice in this call, and there's no obligation afterwards.
Initial consultation, two hours, $440
We sit down together and go through your situation and goals in detail, explore the options open to you, and identify the strategies worth analysing more closely. I won't make specific recommendations in this meeting; those come in your written plan, once I've done the detailed work. The $440 comes off your initial plan fee in full, and if you don't feel the meeting was worthwhile, I'll refund it.
Your financial plan
I prepare a written plan (a Statement of Advice) with my recommendations and the reasons behind each one, so you can see exactly why I've suggested it. The fee is fixed and agreed before I start: one third is payable up front, and the balance once the advice has been put in place.
Ongoing advice, if you'd like it
Regular reviews of your plan and investments as your life and the rules change, and you can contact me directly in between. It's a fixed annual fee, paid monthly and adjusted for inflation each year, and you're free to stop at any time.
What it costs
| Service | Fee | How it's paid |
|---|---|---|
| 20-minute introductory call | Free | Booked online |
| Initial consultation (2 hours) | $440 | Paid when you book; comes off your initial plan fee in full |
| Initial financial plan | $3,600 to $17,600 | One third up front, the balance once the advice is in place |
| Ongoing advice | $3,300 to $16,500 a year | Monthly in advance, indexed to inflation each year |
| Portfolio management (only where recommended) | A fixed fee based on the portfolio's complexity | Set out in your plan before you agree |
These are my fees for advice. Super funds, investment platforms and investment products charge their own fees, which are separate, and I'll set them out clearly in your plan before you decide anything. My fees can be paid directly, or in some cases from your super or investment accounts. Whatever your situation, the fee is fixed and agreed with you in writing before any work starts.
What clients typically pay
Every plan is different, so these examples are illustrations based on typical situations rather than quotes. They should give you a feel for where you might sit, and I'll always confirm your fee in writing before any work starts.
Individual, 50, about $400,000 in super, wanting a simple plan to check they are on track
Typically covers: Detailed strategic modelling, retirement projections, super contributions and investment options within super
Initial plan: $3,600
Ongoing advice: $2,700 a year
Single professional, 58, about $800,000 in super and investments, wondering whether retiring at 60 will work
Typically covers: Detailed strategic modelling, retirement timing, spending, super contributions before retirement and income from super
Initial plan: $4,000
Ongoing advice: $3,000 a year
Retired couple with about $600,000 in super and investments, wanting a second opinion and a more reliable income
Typically covers: Detailed strategic modelling, income strategy, investment review, the Age Pension and estate planning basics
Initial plan: $5,000
Ongoing advice: $3,750 a year
Couple, 60 and 57, about $1.5 million across super and investments, planning to stop work within three years
Typically covers: Detailed strategic modelling, retirement timing for both, contributions, investment structure, retirement income and the Age Pension later on
Initial plan: $6,000
Ongoing advice: $4,500 a year
Business owners with more than $2 million in assets, including an SMSF holding property and a family trust
Typically covers: Detailed strategic modelling, SMSF strategy, contributions, business exit timing, and estate and succession planning
Initial plan: $12,000
Ongoing advice: $9,000 a year
Common questions about fees
Do you take commissions?
No. As an independent adviser, I don't accept commissions from any investment or insurance product, volume payments or other incentives, and I don't accept payments for referring you to other professionals. The only payment I receive is the fee you've agreed to.
What if I decide not to go ahead after the initial consultation?
That's absolutely fine. You've paid $440 for the consultation and there's nothing more to pay. And if you didn't feel the meeting was worthwhile, I'll refund it.
Do I have to sign up for ongoing advice?
Not at all. Ongoing advice is optional. Some clients like the regular check-ins and support; others prefer to come back when something changes. You can start or stop it at any time.
Why a fixed fee instead of a percentage of my investments?
A fixed fee doesn't change with your balance or with the products I recommend, so neither can influence the advice. Whether I suggest paying down debt, keeping cash or investing more, what I'm paid stays the same.
You'll find full details of my fees in the Financial Services Guide. If anything isn't clear, I'm always happy to explain.