Financial Advice for All Your Important Life Decisions

A financial planner helps with super & SMSFs, TTR, retirement, investments (shares & ETFs, first home, property, ethical), inheritance, insurance, pension, aged care, and wills & estate planning. They identify your goals, analyse your situation, prepare a written plan, explain risks, and recommend strategies. Legally, they must act in your best interests, keep advice documented, and update it as laws or circumstances change.

Being licensed by ASIC (opens in a new tab) means your financial adviser meets strict professional and ethical standards set by Australia’s financial regulator. It gives you protection as a client because they have a legal duty to act in your best interests (opens in a new tab) and are required to keep their knowledge up to date.

In Australia, financial adviser is now the regulated term under ASIC, but financial planner is often used interchangeably. Both must meet the same education, licensing, and ethics standards. The important thing is to verify that no matter what they call themselves, they are listed on ASIC’s Financial Adviser Register (opens in a new tab).

Check ASIC’s Financial Adviser Register (opens in a new tab), ask how they’re paid, and meet at least two advisers before choosing. Look for someone who explains things clearly, not with jargon. Experience with people in your stage of life matters more than fancy job titles or glossy brochures.

Trust comes from regulation and reputation. In Australia, advisers must be licensed by ASIC, follow fiduciary duties, and meet ongoing training standards. Ask for their ASIC rep number, read their Financial Services Guide, and check how they’re paid. Independence and transparency are key trust signals.

The main drawbacks are cost, potential conflicts of interest (if advisers are tied to products), and needing to share personal financial details. Check ASIC’s register (opens in a new tab) and choose an independent, long-term adviser to get trustworthy advice that is unbiased by corporate agendas.

James Hayes charges an upfront fee for advice and an ongoing fee, similar to a retainer, for continued support. The only commissions he may receive are insurance brokerage. All fees and commissions are disclosed upfront, and full transparency is required under ASIC’s financial advice regulations.

The initial phone call and first one-hour meeting are always complimentary. If you proceed with advice, the upfront fee ranges from $2,200 to $6,600 depending on the complexity of your situation. Ongoing advice is charged separately. If James can’t help, he’ll be upfront about it and point you in the right direction.

Yes, if you have super, investments, or retirement decisions to make. ASIC (opens in a new tab) and Deloitte (opens in a new tab) emphasise that quality advice can improve retirement outcomes and forestall costly mistakes. A good financial adviser educates you, never leaves you in the dark, or burdens you with technicalities.

Yes, in many cases. The portion of advice fees relating to producing assessable income (like super or investment strategies) is deductible. Fees related to estate planning or insurance usually aren’t. Advisers and accountants often work together to ensure that deductibility is correctly applied.

Yes, through government services like ASIC’s MoneySmart (opens in a new tab) and some super funds, which provide limited guidance. But it’s usually general, not personal. Independent financial advisers like James Hayes charge for personalised strategies because they are legally responsible for acting in your best interests and standing behind their recommendations.

There’s no strict minimum. Many advisers work with clients earning strong incomes or holding $150k–$200k+ in investable assets, including superannuation. Complexity is a bigger factor than net worth because when super, property, inheritance, or retirement decisions start involving risk, professional advice usually saves more money than it costs.

The earlier the better, because of the power of compounding. Major life events like starting work, buying property, marriage, inheritance, or retirement planning usually incite people to start.

DIY is possible if you’re confident with tax, super law, and investments. But Australia’s rules are complex, and mistakes are expensive. Advisers bring expertise, scenario modelling, and accountability. Many clients can technically DIY, but they choose advice to save time, stress, and costly missteps.

No. Advisers cannot log into accounts, move funds, or access your money directly. You authorise all changes through your super fund, bank, or provider. If an adviser also manages investments under a formal agreement, it must be disclosed in writing. ASIC licensing and compliance rules protect client funds.

Yes, because incomplete information leads to poor advice. Advisers base their recommendations on your income, debts, assets, and goals. If you hide details, the plan won’t fit reality. Advisers are bound by confidentiality, so honesty ensures the advice is safe, compliant, and genuinely in your interest.