Ethical Investing Advice in Sutherland Shire

James Hayes with his dog

Australians are increasingly choosing investments that exclude harmful industries and back sustainable ones. I help locals in the Sutherland Shire and Greater Sydney create ethical portfolios that meet both personal values and financial goals, without falling for greenwashing or sacrificing long-term returns.

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Not Sure Where to Start with Your First Home?

Terms like ESG, sustainability, and responsible investing are everywhere, but the details differ across funds, shares, and super. One meeting with me cuts through the confusion: we map out clear options for investing ethically while keeping risk, returns, and tax efficiency in check.

What Ethical Investing Advice Do I Offer?

Ethical investing covers more than “picking the green option.” It’s about knowing exactly what you own, how it’s screened, and what outcomes you can expect.

  • Identify which industries you want to avoid and which you want to support, whether that’s clean energy, healthcare, education, or social enterprises.

  • Understand the different ESG screens, fees, and performance across funds and ETFs so you can invest without relying on marketing claims.

  • Explore building portfolios of individual companies that meet ethical standards, complementing or replacing managed ethical funds.

  • Avoid overconcentration in sectors like renewables and maintain diversification so your portfolio grows steadily without unnecessary volatility.

  • Structure investments to remain tax-efficient while still reflecting your personal values, using concessional accounts and capital gains planning.

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Call 02 9524 6711

Why Do Clients Choose Me for Ethical Investing?

Clients want portfolios that feel right morally and perform well financially. Here’s what they value when working with me:

  • I’ve designed portfolios that integrate ESG screens without sacrificing diversification or risk management.

  • I translate jargon-heavy ESG criteria into practical choices, helping you see what’s really in a fund or shareholding.

  • I’m not tied to banks or product providers, so my recommendations are based on your goals, not commission.

  • Ethical standards and investment options change. I review portfolios regularly for value and performance alignment.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Call
Call 02 9524 6711

Client Experiences

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of people who’ve sat where you’re sitting now.

  • I was attracted to James's business by the online referees and comments and have since been very happy with the choice. James has been very patient and professional in rebuilding my superannuation portfolio and the results are pleasing. I very much appreciate his depth of knowledge and his personal skills.

    Geoffrey Todd

  • We have found dealing with James a worthwhile experience as he listens to what you require and that investments are reviewed and information to us is clear. We found James helped our transition into retirement an easy experience and very grateful for his expertise. 5 stars all the way !!

    Craig Pullen

  • James was incredibly helpful and prompt in his responses. Very accurate in the analysis of the real estate market and my personal, financial circumstances. In just a few hours we understood the best-case scenario, in my situation, and he guided me towards positive and reassuring final decisions to be made. He really placed my personal and financial needs first and we went from there. I really appreciated the honesty in his judgment and of course his valuable knowledge.

    Marta Lentisco

  • I have referred James to other colleagues as I find him to be very open and honest. He understands my husband's and my needs and is always on top of everything. He has great knowledge of superannuation and financial matters. James is always a pleasure to deal with, and we highly recommend his services.

    Jenelle Edwards

  • Having been referred to James by a colleague, I found his industry knowledge exceptional. His approach to my financial plan was holistic as he took consideration of what was happening in my life with a short to medium set up. James is also a great people person and very personable whilst maintaining strong professionalism. I can thoroughly recommend James Hayes without hesitation.

    Robert Stewart

  • I contacted James for advice with my superannuation policies, he put my mind at rest from the first phone conversation, I appreciated his support and advice in making a decision. No attempt was made to pin me down, allowing me time to consider my options. When a date was made to call me back, he did. He continues to stay in touch and offer guidance. I’m happy with the advice and the results I’m benefiting from.

    Allan Cavanagh

  • James has been my family’s financial advisor for the past 6 years. He has looked after our super and life insurance and provided invaluable financial advice. We have used other advisors previously; however, none have offered James’s understanding of our situation and what options might be available to us that we are not aware of. He is a pleasure to deal with, and I would highly recommend him.

    Matt Woodroffe

  • James has looked after my family and me for many years. I trust James and he has really helped us understand what we need to do to reach our financial goals. I can’t recommend anyone more than James!

    Andrew Rockliff

  • I have been working with James for almost 20 years. I've always been happy to make fun of the financial planning game, but my God we were grateful to have it in place when things went wrong. Thank you, James, for your hard work and diligence in helping with the claim and with establishing a great network of financial support and advice, which I've been leveraging for years.

    Rhys Baker

  • James exhibits the essential attributes and qualities required to be an asset on any person's path to financial freedom and security. Working with James, I have seen clients benefit from his interactions and instruction and I’m sure many more will.

    Mark Cameron

  • Very knowledgeable, tailors an approach and advice to suit each individual's needs and goals. Great communication, never "too busy", whether it's a chat over coffee or a meeting in the office, James' expertise coupled with a friendly approach is refreshing for those of us who sometimes get lost in the complexities of the industry!

    Nigel

  • I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the work and expertise you have done and provided over the past years. I not only consider you my advisor, but we have become friends over the years and again I appreciate the help you have given me. You have gone on to extend the same help to my now adult children. May you prosper along with your clients.

    Jeremy Bressick

  • James Hayes managed my super and investment portfolio for 5+ years, and I couldn't be happier with not only the results, but the communication and overall professionalism provided. I highly recommend.

    Joe Boy

  • I've been lucky enough to have James looking after my financial affairs for many years and couldn't be happier. Genuine guy with exceptional industry knowledge.

    Pietro Di Ciaccio

  • I’ve been using James as my financial planner for just over 5 years now. He’s done an amazing job with my super and would recommend him.

    Laura Stevenson

  • Really great advice and explained to a non-financial person so well! Happy to recommend.

    Lyn Bradshaw

Need Help with Anything Else?

Money means different things at different stages of life. These are the areas where I can step in and help take the pressure off:

Superannuation

Making the most of your super, from regular contributions through to withdrawals and tax-free pensions so you feel confident at every stage of life.

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Transition to Retirement

Structuring your income streams as you ease out of work, while keeping your lifestyle and tax planning on track.

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Inheritance Advice

Helping you manage family inheritances in a tax-smart way, so wealth is preserved and distributed as smoothly as possible.

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Shares & ETFs

Building and managing portfolios of shares and ETFs, with strategies designed to balance growth potential against sensible risk.

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Property Investments

Guiding you on when and how property can play a role in your broader financial plan, including super and tax considerations.

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Pensions

Setting up reliable tax-free retirement income streams that give you security today while protecting your financial future.

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Aged Care Planning

Supporting families through the complexity of aged care decisions, from costs and entitlements to long-term sustainability.

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First Home Buying

Helping younger clients step into the property market with clear strategies on saving, borrowing, and long-term planning.

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Wills & Estate Planning

Ensuring your assets are protected, your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are supported into the future.

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Every plan is personal. I’m not tied to banks or big corporates, and I don’t use rinse-and-repeat templates. The strategies we build together reflect your goals, your values, and the life you want to live.

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Put Your Investments to Work, Ethically and Effectively.

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Ethical investing is about backing industries you believe in as well as structuring a portfolio that performs while staying true to your values. The sooner you get the settings right, the sooner your money can deliver returns you’re proud of.

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First Home Buying FAQs

  • Ethical investing screens investments based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, while still seeking returns. A financial planner identifies suitable managed funds, ETFs, or direct shares, ensures proper diversification, and balances your values with your risk profile and retirement goals so investments stay aligned long-term.

  • Yes. Many ethical funds match or outperform standard benchmarks over time. Strong ESG companies often have lower regulatory, reputational, and operational risks. A financial planner compares performance data, tests projections, and selects products that meet both ethical criteria and financial objectives without exposing your portfolio to concentration risks.

  • Common screens exclude fossil fuels, tobacco, gambling, weapons, and companies with poor labour or environmental practices. Positive screens favour renewables, healthcare, and sustainability leaders. A financial planner clarifies how different funds apply these criteria and ensures your portfolio reflects your chosen stance without sacrificing diversification or returns.

  • Ethical investments can be included in superannuation, SMSFs, or retirement portfolios. A financial planner models outcomes under different contribution, tax, and drawdown strategies to ensure that retirement balances grow responsibly. They balance ethical exposure with defensive assets to protect income streams by avoiding overconcentration in one sector like renewables or tech.

  • Some ethical funds carry slightly higher fees due to screening processes and active management. However, costs vary widely. A financial planner compares expense ratios, tests long-term impact on returns, and selects funds or ETFs that provide ethical exposure without eroding performance through excessive fees or narrow mandates.

  • Yes, in certain cases. Companies with strong ESG practices often face fewer fines, scandals, and compliance costs, lowering volatility. However, risk depends on diversification. A financial planner structures your portfolio to avoid overexposure to niche sectors and ensures ethical positions are balanced with broader defensive holdings.

  • SMSFs can pursue ethical strategies by choosing ESG-focused funds, ETFs, or direct shares that meet the trust deed’s investment strategy. A financial planner helps draft compliant investment strategies, assess risks, and balance ethical aims with trustees’ duties, tax treatment, and long-term retirement income obligations.

  • Ethical investments are taxed like other assets: capital gains tax applies on sale, and income distributions are assessable. Franking credits may apply. A financial planner integrates tax outcomes with broader superannuation or trust structures to ensure that ethical portfolios are held in the most tax-efficient way possible for your situation.

  • Begin by clarifying which industries or practices you want to avoid or support. A financial planner translates those preferences into a diversified portfolio of shares, ETFs, or managed funds, tests projections against your goals, and ensures the strategy is affordable, compliant, and sustainable for decades, not just years.