Gold Coast Financial Advisors

Colby is a financial advisor at Essential Wealth & Retirement, working with clients in the Gold Coast and Ballina areas. With over 7 years of experience in the financial planning sector, he has a proven track record of helping everyday families achieve their financial goals. Additionally, he holds over 3 years of expertise working with medical professional clients, enabling him to provide tailored advice to this unique demographic. Colby is deeply passionate about empowering his clients to realise their full potential, both financially and in terms of their overall lifestyle.

At Essential Wealth & Retirement, we recognise that every client's situation and goals are unique, which is why we provide a personalised financial roadmap to match every individual specific needs. Colby and the team will dedicate one-on-one time with each client to understand their current financial situation, identify any gaps, and determine their future goals and objectives. Colby and the team are committed to being there for their clients every step of the way, from young professionals embarking on their careers to new families and individuals approaching retirement.

Colby is from the Mid-North Coast of NSW, has lived in Southeast Queensland for 11 years and has now joined the Essential Wealth & Retirement team working with clients from the Gold Coast and the Northern Rivers. Outside of work, Colby enjoys playing and watching pretty much all sports and exploring the great outdoors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Financial Planning - Griffith)
• Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning (Monarch Institute)
• Diploma of Financial Planning (International Institute of Technology)
• Certificate IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking (AAMC Training Group)

 Colby’s current availability is Thursday in Ballina & Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday in the Gold Coast.

Book a time with him today.

Morgan Hayward is an award-winning adviser with 8 years of experience. The founder of Lume Wealth, Morgan specialises in guiding clients through significant life transitions, providing tailored financial advice that empowers you to make informed decisions with confidence.

Whether you're a business owner preparing to sell, a professional planning for the next phase, or navigating personal changes such as retirement, divorce or inheritance, our expertise ensures you're supported every step of the way. Our approach is deeply personal and client-centric. We understand that financial matters are more than just numbers, it’s about your life, aspirations, and peace of mind. By truly listening and developing strategies tailored to your unique circumstances, we simplify complex financial concepts, making them accessible and actionable. Choosing Lume Wealth means partnering with a team that prioritises your financial well-being, offering clarity and control as you navigate life's pivotal moments.

We collaborate closely with your accountant, lawyer, and mortgage broker to ensure your financial strategy is tailored specifically to your needs, whether personal, family-related, or business-focused. At Lume Wealth, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your circumstances are unique, and your financial plan should reflect that. We take the same view with how your money is managed: personalised, considered, and aligned with your goals.

Qualifications:

• Master of Applied Finance (Financial Planning)
• Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
• Diploma of Financial Planning
• Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking
• Certificate IV of Finance & Mortgage Broking
• Self-Managed Superannuation Specialist Accreditation
• Bachelor of Science (University of Queensland)
• Principles of Margin Lending Accreditation
• Accredited Derivatives ADA1 Adviser

Awards:

• FAAA- Female Excellence in Advice Finalist 2022
• Financial Standard top 50 advisers 2022
• Financial Standard top 50 advisers 2023
• Financial Standard top 50 advisers 2024

Testimonial:

"I have enjoyed working with Morgan as my financial advisor for the last 5 years, and I cannot recommend her enough! From day one, she has taken the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring I fully understand my options without using complex jargon or confusing terms. Her ability to communication ability makes even the most complex financial concepts accessible and clear. Morgan has always been incredibly patient and attentive to my needs, making the entire financial planning process not only informative but also enjoyable. She genuinely cares about her clients and goes above and beyond to provide personalised advice and support. She has truly been a lifesaver for my financial journey."

Leighton Fah is the Director and Senior Financial Planner at Novare Wealth, a Gold Coast‑based boutique advisory firm specialising in strategic, objectives‑based financial advice.

With over 20 years’ experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Leighton brings a global perspective to helping clients build, grow, and protect their wealth. He works primarily with professionals, business owners, and individuals approaching retirement who are seeking clear direction and long‑term financial confidence.

Leighton’s approach is focused on delivering structured, practical strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. He specialises in wealth creation, retirement planning, superannuation, and tax‑effective investment strategies, with an emphasis on simplicity, discipline, and long‑term outcomes.

Clients value his ability to simplify complex financial decisions and provide consistent, proactive guidance through changing market conditions.

His goal is to help clients take control of their financial future, accumulate meaningful wealth, and transition into retirement with clarity and confidence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Business Studies  (Finance Major)
• Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
• Diploma of Financial Planning
• Self-Managed Superannuation Specialist Accreditation
• Margin Lending Specialist Accreditation
• Certificate IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking

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Hugh is an Award-winning Financial Adviser with unparalleled expertise in the areas of superannuation, retirement planning, investments and personal insurance. Hugh is regarded as one of the best in the industry, has numerous industry awards and has appeared in the American publication Barron’s as one of the top Advisers in Australia, as well as being on The Australian Newspapers Money Puzzle podcast and written for Money magazine.

He heads up the financial advice team and is a Certified Financial Planner, holds a Master of Financial Planning, an MBA, a degree in International Finance, is an SMSF Accredited Specialist and is a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), the only one on the Gold Coast.

Whether you are just starting your wealth accumulation journey or need help managing your retirement assets in preparation for distribution to the next generation, he brings a wealth of experience that he’s spent over 19 years refining.

The trifecta is finding a great adviser with education and qualifications, great client testimonials, and awards. Hugh has achieved all of these.

Hugh’s main goal is to help you make well-informed decisions on what investments are right for you. He also emphasises the need to adjust your investment plans as your goals and needs change.

Qualifications

• Masters Financial Planning
• Masters Business Administration
• Bachelor International Finance (Accounting Major)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
• SMSF Specialist (SSA™)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)

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Elston Board Director, Darren Withers, is Elston’s Head of Strategic Advice with 20 years of experience in the industry. Darren has three times been named as a member of the Financial Planning Master Class by AFR Smart Investor Magazine (2007, 2010 and 2013).

Darren is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with the FPA® and a Specialist Self Managed Super Fund Adviser (SSA) with SPAA. Darren has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Recognition:

- A Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- A SMSF Specialist Adviser
- One of the Top 50 Financial Advisers in Australia 2018 by Barrons (and published in The Australian)
- One of the AFR Smart Investor Magazine Masterclass Top 50 Financial Planners on 3 occasions (2013 - top 10, 2011 & 2008)

Specialties: Advice on Superannuation, Self Managed Superannuation, Estate Planning, Succession Planning, Retirement Planning & Tax Structuring.

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Prior to establishing Robina Financial Solutions (RFS) in 2004, Troy was employed for ten years as an Accountant and Financial Planner with a Tweed financial planning and accounting practice. With the guidance of a senior adviser (who remains a firm friend), he cut his teeth on building client investment portfolios and defensive asset allocation strategies before moving into asset structuring and protection.

CWL Accountants – a BRW top 100 Accounting firm, then provided him with the opportunity to build something of his own within their firm and RFS was born.

The business has gone from strength to strength largely due to a simple philosophy of providing the services that clients want and need and then delivering on our service promises.

Troy has won a number of awards going back to 2006 however he was very proud to accept Professional Investment Services ‘National Financial Adviser of the Year’ in 2012 and in an unprecedented result, again in 2013. There are over 650 advisers in the network around Australia and this is a reflection of the quality of the business he has helped build and his commitment to the clients of RFS.

“Some of the keys to our success in meeting our clients expectations is in breaking the advice process into its component parts and trying to look at it through a clients eyes. Complexity, jargon and risk are not what our clients want. They want to know we listen to them, understand their values and concerns and build a plan that can feasibly achieve the lifestyle they desire. If issues come up, they want us to solve them, they want to spend their spare time with family and friends, not sitting on a phone with a geographically challenged call centre. Finally they want to know what is happening and how they are progressing to meeting their milestones. Yes, we need the technical skills, the systems, the processes and the team that can deliver but it all starts with understanding what each client wants.”

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business
• Certified Financial Planner Designation (CFP®)
• Diploma of Financial Planning

In addition to his qualifications above Troy has completed the Self Managed Superannuation Fund Specialist Pathway Program and is an accredited Finance Broker.

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Neil is an experienced Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Private Wealth Manager and joined this profession 30 years ago. He also holds professional qualifications in Agriculture.

Qualifications:

• CFP, Dip FP, Dip Ag Sc
• Private Wealth Adviser
• Authorised Representative of AdviceIQ Partners Pty Ltd

Neil specialises in helping clients achieve their wealth management goals including investment strategy and quality strategic advice. He also specialises in designing income generating portfolios for pre-retirees and retirees who require reliable income.

​He works closely with his clients planning for the accumulation, preservation and security of wealth. Most of Neil's clients are self-funded retirees, professionals or private business owners. Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF) are also a core of most client’s investments.

Neil also specialises in advice in relation to expatriate executives, multi-million dollar business sales and divorce settlements.

He is a Director and owner of Boston Private Wealth Pty Ltd and was awarded ‘Financial Planner of the Year’ in South Australia in 1992 and 1994. Money Management magazine also awarded him ‘Australian Financial Planner of the Year’ in 1998. He has been providing a fee-based ongoing portfolio management service to his clients for over 25 years.
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Neil resides at Sanctuary Cove in South-East Queensland and actively services clients in Queensland, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Tasmania, Central West NSW and Overseas.

Neil and his wife Debbie enjoy quality family time, travel and golf.

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Andrew is a seasoned financial planner with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting & finance, is a qualified Chartered Accountant (although does not provide accounting services), and has a deep understanding of financial planning, investments, and risk management.

Throughout his career, Andrew has helped countless individuals and families achieve their financial goals, no matter how big or small. He takes a holistic approach to financial planning, taking into account each client's unique circumstances and tailoring solutions to their specific needs.

Andrew is known for his dedication to his clients, always going the extra mile to ensure that they understand their options and feel confident in their financial decisions. He is a skilled communicator and educator, and takes the time to explain complex financial concepts in a way that is easy for clients to understand.

In addition to his work with individual clients, Andrew is also an active member of the financial planning community. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and has been published in several financial publications. He is also an advocate for financial literacy and has volunteered his time with various local organisations and is involved in 2 local charities.
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When he is not helping his clients plan for a brighter financial future, Andrew enjoys time at the beach with his family, and sharing his love of surfing with his children. He believes that a well-rounded life is key to achieving both personal and financial success.

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Amanda is the Director of Wealth Planning Partners, a financial advisory firm and Trusted Aged Care Services, helping families navigate the maze of Aged Care. She is a proud supporter of the financial services industry and a champion for raising financial literacy levels. She enjoys providing advice on Self Managed Super Funds and Risk mitigation strategies.

Amanda is a member of four industry organisations, and has voluntarily taken the Banking and Finance Oath. Along with being a Premium Member and event partner with Business Chicks, she is a proud supporter of the charities The Hunger Project and Hands Across the Water. People often ask ‘how do you do it?’ And the truth is, with a great support network of friends, family and team.

Amanda has been involved in the Finance and Insurance Industry since 1991. Amanda’s particular passion is making sure all families have adequate Risk Protection strategies in place and then look to Wealth Creation for their future, with a view to Retiring in Style!

Qualifications