In this great country of ours, there are standout Financial Advisors in every city. This website showcases the best advisors across the main cities in Australia. It allows you an independent resource to compare Financial Advisors who can best help you meet your individual financial and wealth creation goals.

None of the Financial Advisors listed on this website have an affiliation or financial arrangement with us (their listings are not paid for), it's entirely non biased and independent. Each advisor who is showcased has met criteria that have successfully earned their profile listing. Criteria such as accreditations, qualifications, client satisfaction reviews, awards won, industry experience, and more.

If you are a Financial Advisor and believe you are ‘one of the best' and would like to see if you qualify for a profile listing, then please contact us on the form below.

What does a financial advisor do?

Financial advisors help individuals and families manage their finances and achieve financial peace of mind and security by providing advice on investments, retirement planning, estate planning, and other areas of financial planning.

How do I choose a financial advisor?

Like most things, a personal recommendation from a friend or family member is always a great place to start. In the absence of this, Google ‘financial advisor near me’ or ‘financial planner near me’ and take a good look at the websites of the businesses that come up. The website of any quality financial advisor should clearly outline their services, experience, credentials and approach to financial planning. It should also display strong testimonials from current clients.

Once you’ve identified a financial planner you’d like to work with, you should be able to set up a no-obligation initial meeting with them to discuss your personal situation and needs and ensure you feel they are a good fit before proceeding further with their services.

What qualifications should I look for in a financial advisor?

To become a financial advisor in Australia, you need to meet the following requirements:

• - Complete an approved bachelor's degree (AQF7 level) comprising 24 subjects, or above or equivalent.
• - Pass the financial advisor exam.
• - Complete a professional year.
• - Apply for registration with ASIC.

Some financial advisors also have a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP) qualification, which requires extra study and certification and is a designation beyond the required standards.

What questions should I ask a potential financial advisor?

Ask about their:

• - Experience, including with people like yourself
• - Investment philosophy
• - Financial planning process
• - Fees
• - How they will tailor their advice to your specific situation.

How do financial advisors get paid?

In Australia, financial advisors can be compensated through various fee structures, depending on the services they provide and the agreements with their clients. Here are some common ways Australian financial advisors get paid:

Fee-for-service: This is a fee based on the time spent on providing financial advice or specific services. This fee can be hourly, project-based, or a flat fee for a comprehensive financial plan.

Percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM): Advisors who manage investments on behalf of their clients may charge a percentage of the total assets they manage. This fee typically ranges from 0.5% to 2% annually and is deducted directly from the client's investment account.

Hybrid Model: Some financial advisors combine fee-for-service and commission-based compensation by charging an upfront fee for creating a financial plan and receiving ongoing fees based on AUM.

Fixed or retainer fee: This model is for financial advisors who provide ongoing financial planning and advisory services. This fee structure provides clients with clarity on costs and covers regular reviews, updates, and ongoing support.

It's crucial to discuss and clarify the fee structure with your financial advisor before engaging them. Make sure you understand how they are compensated, including any potential conflicts of interest, to ensure they are acting in your best interest and providing unbiased advice.

How much does financial planning cost?

Financial planning costs vary depending on the advisor's fee structure and whether the service they provide is ongoing or ‘as needed’.

Typical ongoing fees start at around $300 per month, and typical hourly fees for ‘as needed’ services start at around $150 per hour. Percentage of assets under management (AUM) fees start at 0.5% of AUM.

Is the financial planning industry regulated?

All financial advisors in Australia must comply with the regulatory requirements set by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and adhere to the industry's Code of Ethics. This regulatory framework aims to protect consumers and ensure that financial advisors act in their clients' best interests.

Can a financial advisor guarantee investment returns?

No reputable financial advisor can guarantee specific returns. Investments inherently carry some level of risk, and returns are influenced by market conditions.

Are there any red flags I should watch out for when working with a financial advisor?

Be cautious if an advisor promises unrealistic returns, lacks transparency about fees, or pressures you into making quick decisions. Always trust your instincts and seek a second opinion if needed.

Do I really need a financial advisor?

Deciding whether you need a financial advisor depends on your financial situation, goals, and comfort level in managing your finances. Here are some signs that you may benefit from working with a financial advisor:

Complex financial situation

If you have a complex situation involving multiple goals such as retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, or debt management, a financial advisor can help you create a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.

Lack of time or expertise

Managing finances can be time-consuming and requires knowledge and expertise in various areas such as investment strategies, risk management, and tax laws. If you don't have the time, interest, or expertise to manage your finances effectively, a financial advisor can provide valuable guidance and support.

Unclear financial goals

If you're unsure what your financial goals are or how to prioritise them, a financial advisor can help you clarify your objectives, develop a realistic plan, and set achievable milestones to track your progress.

Investment decisions

If you're uncertain about where to invest your money or how to build a diversified investment portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals, a financial advisor can offer personalised investment recommendations and ongoing portfolio management.

Life transitions

Significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, job change, or retirement can profoundly impact your financial situation. A financial advisor can help you navigate these transitions and adjust your financial plan accordingly.

Tax planning and optimisation

If you want to take advantage of tax-efficient strategies, a financial advisor with tax planning expertise can help you optimise your financial decisions and maximise your after-tax returns.

Estate planning

If you have assets that you wish to pass on to your heirs or charitable organisations, estate planning is essential to ensure your wishes are carried out efficiently and tax-effectively. A financial advisor can work with estate planning professionals to help you develop an estate plan that aligns with your goals and protects your legacy.

Behavioural biases:

Emotional decision-making and behavioural biases can negatively impact investment performance. A financial advisor can provide an objective perspective, help you avoid common pitfalls, and keep you focused on your long-term financial goals during market fluctuations.

Peace of mind

Working with a financial advisor can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a professional guiding you through financial decisions, helping you stay on track, and adjusting your plan as needed to adapt to changes in your life or the financial markets.

Can I trust financial advisors?

Most people who become financial advisors do so because they love helping people. They have huge respect for the fact that their clients are often having conversations with them that they can’t have with anyone else - conversations about money and their hopes and dreams for the future.

The financial planning industry is also heavily regulated to ensure qualified financial advisors act in the best interests of their clients. To do this, they take the time to understand your unique financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, and preferences to develop a personalised financial plan tailored to your needs.

How often would I meet with my financial advisor?

The frequency of meetings depends on your needs and the complexity of your financial situation. But you should meet with your financial advisor at least once a year to check for any changes in your personal situation and short and long-term goals, and ensure your financial plan continues to support your needs in the most optimal way.

How do financial advisors help with retirement planning?

Financial advisors play a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable retirement by providing personalised guidance, strategies, and solutions to help individuals achieve their retirement goals. They do this by:

• - Working with you to identify your retirement goals, lifestyle aspirations, and financial needs.
• - Helping you quantify how much you'll need to save for retirement, considering factors such as living expenses, healthcare costs, travel, and leisure activities.
• - Developing a tailored retirement plan that outlines strategies to accumulate savings, optimise investment returns, manage risks, and maximise income streams in retirement. This plan will serve as a roadmap to help you stay on track towards achieving your retirement goals.
• - Helping you manage your investment portfolio to ensure it's aligned with your retirement goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. 
• - Assisting with tax-efficient strategies to maximise your after-tax returns and minimise tax liabilities in retirement. 
• - Helping you take advantage of tax-deferred retirement accounts, tax-free investment options, and other tax-saving opportunities to optimise your retirement income.
• - Helping you create a sustainable income stream in retirement by developing a withdrawal strategy from your retirement accounts, pensions, and other income sources. 
• - Evaluating your insurance coverage, including health, life, long-term care, and disability insurance, to protect your assets and mitigate risks in retirement. 
• - Working with estate planning professionals to help you develop an estate plan that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and minimises estate taxes.
• - Assisting with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations to protect your legacy and provide for your heirs.
• - Providing ongoing monitoring and adjustments to adapt to changes in your life, financial situation, and market conditions. 
• - Providing emotional support and behavioural coaching to help you stay disciplined, focused, and confident in your retirement planning journey.