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.).
- Fixed fee basis (not an asset based fee).
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.
- People preparing for, or about to, retire.
- Anyone going through a significant life transition (e.g. lost partner, inheritance, divorce, redundancy).
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?
John Hicks, Founder and lead Financial Adviser began his financial planning career in 2007 after relocating from London to Australia. Before launching his own practice, he worked as an employee with practices ranging from boutique to mid-sized up and a large corporatised institution building his strategic understanding and passion for personalised client care. He holds an Honours degree in Economics, a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and the SMSF Specialist Adviser® designation. John’s depth of experience, academic foundations and empathy, shapes a practice with a simple philosophy: clear advice, thoughtful strategy to provide guidance that empowers.
He is supported by a highly experienced team.
- Megan Henderson, Associate Financial Adviser, brings insight, efficiency and genuine passion for helping our clients. She has a background in Law before shifting to Financial Planning over a decade ago with advanced qualifications including a Masters in Financial Planning, Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance and Bachelors degree in Business. Megan plays a key role in strategy development, financial modelling and providing a high-quality advice experience.
- Rebecca McPherson, Client Services Manager, brings a rare depth of expertise to our office having had her career include being a long-term Financial Adviser prior to transitioning into a Compliance and Training Manager role. She specializes in Implementation and an advice delivery support role for us while bringing a culture of putting client interests first to our team. Bec holds a Bachelors degree in Business (Marketing and PR) as well as an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.
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.