Why Independence?
Our aim is to provide strategic advice that will put you in a better position while reflecting your values and purpose. We believe the best way to do this is be part of the 1% of advisers in Australia who are Independent . Independence in the financial planning means we meet a legislated definition to remove conflicted interest that could influence advice. We are proud this means we:
- Don’t charge commissions or other conflicted incentives.
- Aren’t controlled by a (financial) product manufacturer (e.g. a super fund, investment provider, bank etc.).
- Don’t charge any asset-based fees.
Who We help
We are here to provide you with a trusted financial expert on your side. We provide expert strategic advice to help solve the challenges faced by you. The people we help the most are:
- Established Professionals and Executives.
- Business Owners.
- People preparing for, or going through, a significant life transition (such as retirement, divorce, inheritance).
We start by understanding your current position, any decisions or challenges that you are facing. Then we work together to design and implement a plan that achieves your goals and objectives.
Who are we?
Our Founder and lead Adviser is John Hicks. John began his financial planning career in 2007 after moving to Australia from London. In that time, he served clients as a Financial Adviser for both a small boutique in Canberra and before working a sea-change to Melbourne and working with a more corporatized approach to financial planning. With experience across large and small firms with different styles of advice and client types combined with an Honours degree in Economics, the SMSF Specialist Adviser® designation and ongoing studies for a Masters in Financial Planning, John provides expert and objective support that is in our client’s best interest.
We also have an experienced support team led by our Operations Manager, Megan Henderson. Megan started out in Law before pursuing a second career in Financial Services and she holds a Masters in Financial Planning, Grad Certificate in Applied Finance, a Bachelors in Business as well as being a JP (Qual). Megan has worked in a range of advice firms at several levels before consulting out to help Financial Planning firms under her own ABN. After our office initially hired her as a consultant to help improve our processes, she agreed to come on board full-time and is critical in making sure the team has a smooth and efficient delivery across the “end-to-end” process of delivering expert advice.
Complimentary 15
Minute call
Do you have any questions before booking a meeting or want to talk to me first?
You can book a complimentary 15-minute introductory call through the “Book a call or meeting” button.
Barbara, 65+ years, Docklands, VIC
“John appeared at just the right moment. I was about to sell a long-held investment property and I needed advice on dividing up the proceeds to provide me with ongoing retirement income; managing the CGT liability as cost effectively as possible; and estate planning as my next of kin live permanently overseas. John’s knowledge and expertise is exceptional and he has worked through all the various complexities that have cropped up with such kindness and efficiency. He is also a great listener. It is a pleasure to work with him and I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
John was extremely helpful with my request to clear our debt. John explains things clearly. Through Johns knowledge & experience I feel very confident that the advice given was right for my needs. He called back every time I leave a message and quickly resolves any issues which arise. In early 2020 John helped again with advice on my transition to retirement. Many Thanks to John.
Our experience has been very positive. John provides us with useful information in a timely and friendly manner and answers our questions promptly and succinctly. This has been very much appreciated.