Sydney Financial Advisors

A senior financial adviser at the My Wealth Solutions Sydney office, Matt loves helping people wherever he finds them and experiences fulfilment in improving their lives.

Matt has worked with a range of different clients, across different organisations including his own financial planning firm.  With over 15 years of experience as an advisor and business owner, Matt is exceptional at explaining complex concepts in a simplistic manner and always delivers outstanding outcomes and service to his clients. He has a very personal approach and prides himself on understanding what is important to his clients so that he can provide clarity, direction and the best outcomes.

Matt believes that everyone can be financially free with some planning and execution but most people are unaware of what is possible for them and most people fail to take action. He believes that it's important to have a strategy with your finances but more importantly, it's about being accountable and implementing and reviewing that strategy.

The philosophy of My Wealth Solutions is about putting the best interests of their clients first as they help clients achieve financial security.  They do this by providing achievable financial advice that is tailored to the client's personal financial situation. They focus on listening to the client, and their advice will always have their clients' best interests at heart. A core practice of My Wealth Solutions is to discard jargon and complexity and ensure that the client always understands clearly what is being discussed and recommended.

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Qualifications:

• Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
• Diploma of Financial Planning
• Cert IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking
• Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner (FChFP)
• Qualified Property Investment Adviser (QPIA)
• SMSF Accredited

 Matt Leech & My Wealth Solutions has been recognised via the following awards:

• 2019 & 2021 GPS Wealth Practice of the Year
• 2019 GPS Wealth Award
• 2018 Most Trusted Advisor
• 2016, 2017 & 2018 GPS Wealth Practice of the Year finalist
• 2018 GPS Wealth Award finalist

Michelle is a Certified Financial Planner® and has been in the industry for over 20 years.  It is her combined industry experience of being a General Manager/Director of a financial advice business and evolving into a successful adviser that provides her with the strong knowledge and skill set needed to help her clients.

Alex Litas - 
“I wanted my investments managed properly, and the genuineness on first contact was enough to give me that feeling of warmth. With TWD, I feel like I’m coming into a family of expertise, with people that - at the drop of a hat - will be able to assist me."
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As an adviser, Michelle aspires to help her clients achieve their goals by providing an alternative approach to financial advice.  This is done by asking deep questions of significance to unravel what motivates them to achieve their dreams.

Michelle says “There is nothing more rewarding then hearing people’s stories and dreams, and the trust that is placed in me by them to help build their financial life.  My commitment is to provide my clients with a blueprint of how they can best achieve their goals by identifying the basic and important parts, breaking down the complex and explaining concepts to clients."

Her clients say they greatly value the assistance, guidance and wise advice from their trusted relationships with Michelle.

TWD Australia has been recognised via the following awards:

• The 2018 AFA Practice of the Year
• Telstra Small Business Award in 2014
• The 2013 Professional Planner Best Practice

At TWD, the foundation for this success was built on an approach that focused purely on providing value to the client every 12 months.

Qualifications:

• Certified Financial Planner® 2017
• Diploma of Financial Planning 2004
• Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Marketing) 1999

Memberships:

• The Financial Planning Association of Australia
• SMSF Association

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Which describes you best?

Are you are a successful professional or business owner who wants to increase your wealth while protecting your assets?

Or you are a pre-retiree looking to fund your dream retirement or have already retired and are concerned about managing your family wealth and ensuring your loved ones will be looked after in the event of your not being able to do so in the future.

You have a life and are time-poor.  You “get” the value of dealing with a professional and are willing to delegate management of your finances to a trusted financial advisor.

You want independent, ethical financial advice not aligned with a large institution or product provider.

I deliberately work with only a select number of clients so I can give you the attention you expect.  Our goal is to provide you with the highest level of tailored service.  To add far more value than you pay for with our fixed fees.

Our clients come to us for peace of mind

“After the sudden death of my husband, I felt very vulnerable and I knew I needed a financial advisor that I can trust implicitly. When I saw Claire Mackay interviewed on the ABC 7.30 program one night, I felt that she was someone I could work with. I connected with her and I am glad I did. Not only is Claire very personable, she’s a lovely person and easy to talk to. On a professional level, she’s got a great deal of credentials. She’s an accountant, a financial planner and has a law degree too.”

Trusted by peers and regulatory authorities

I developed my investing skills at Macquarie Bank and PwC. I was recognised as Financial Planner of the Year 2015 by Money Management; Investment Advisor of the Year 2014 and Excellence in Financial Advice 2014 by Independent Financial Advisor.

I am regularly asked my views on ABC TV and in the AFR. In 2015 I joined David Koch onscreen to discuss the Federal Budget. Alan Kohler wrote of me “One of my favourite financial planners, Claire Mackay of Quantum Financial in Sydney”.

I sit on ASIC’s External Advisory Panel with Peter Costello, David Gonski, Catherine Livingston and others.  I am a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Advisor and Self Managed Super Fund expert. I hold Degrees in Commerce and Law and a Master’s Degree in Law.

But all work and no play would make me a dull Financial Planner. When not managing your money, I love adventures including climbing Machu Picchu, backpacking Africa & India, walking the Kokoda Track, and the Palm Beach to Whale Beach Big Swim.

Please contact my team for a complimentary copy of our proprietary Investing Insights report on 02 8084 0453. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Managing Director / Financial Planner

John's background is about as financial as you can get. He studied a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Finance and while he was a student he tutored maths and worked as a bookkeeper. He also worked for Vintage Cellars, assisting with sales and it was here that he developed an appreciation of fine wine, but that’s another story entirely!

His clients say it is his honesty, pragmatism and the fundamental desire to get things done that sets him apart from others in his field, while his peers cite trustworthiness, clear strategic thinking and a thoroughness that goes above and beyond expectations. It is these qualities that equip John for the role of Eqeus Managing Director, where he leads an innovative, yet grounded, team of financial professionals committed to offering a fresh approach to financial planning.

Developing close relationships with his clients, who include young adults accumulating wealth and those in their middle years consolidating and planning retirement, is an area that he continues to enjoy. John says that amongst his strongest skills are his ability to analyse then communicate complex matters through practical roll-out strategies, a proficiency that he intends to nurture within Eqeus’ strategic and original thinking. John understands that regardless of stage of life, his clients have aspirations and goals that often need a coach and mentor to bring to fruition.

While researching, planning and providing a tailored financial strategy are among his technical skillset, it is close listening, understanding and interpretation of needs where John excels to define personal goals and financial planning objectives aimed at helping his clients achieve their personal vision.

After graduating university, John worked as an accountant, moved on to become a paraplanner with a major financial services group, stepped up to financial planner, moved into the role of business development manager with a major property developer before settling in to his role at RK Financial Planning, which proceeded his Eqeus evolution.

His success also has a lot to do with life experiences. At 17 years of age, John’s family home was gutted during the Sydney bushfires. Everything he owned, and everything his parents had worked for, was destroyed. It was a life changing event and John says that as an introverted and quiet young man it brought a realisation that life is to be lived and material things are just that.

Importantly, he learned that planning for the unexpected and having a financial plan that is flexible and able to adapt to your changing life circumstances is essential for establishing the support necessary for financial and emotional recovery.

It was perhaps this personal experience that paved the way for John’s career in financial planning - a role which allows him to help clients to organise, understand, anticipate risk and make the most of their financial affairs for now and in the future.

Personally…
Away from the office, John’s most important job is being a father to his children Ryan and Mackenzie. While these days a couple of nagging injuries see him more on the sideline than on the field he has enjoyed his share of accolades since he began playing hockey at the age of seven. John played 1st Grade for more than 10 years and scored a couple of Best & Fairest awards including Best Player in a Grand Final and the University Blue Sporting Award from UTS. He has been a good club man too - Treasurer for a few seasons and now a coach - roles that match his innate sense of teamwork and mentoring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Finance)
• Certified Financial Planner®
• Chartered Financial Analyst

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Greg is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Eureka Whittaker Macnaught. He has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner since 1998 and is a Justice of the Peace. In 2008 Greg was made a fellow of the FPA and in 2010 he also qualified as a Life Risk Specialist. In 2010 Greg became a member of the FPA’s Conduct Review Commission, and was the FPA national conference chair for 2010 and 2011.
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Greg is also the former national chair of the Financial Wisdom Adviser Forum, and he is actively involved in representing the financial planning profession in the media. Greg is originally from the Northern Rivers of NSW and is married with three children. Cricket, politics and classic cars are among his interests.

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• Independent Financial Advice Excellence Awards 2018 and 2017 – Winner of Holistic Advice Firm of the Year
• Independent Financial Advice Excellence Awards 2017 – Winner of Client Service of the Year (Company)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) issued 27 November 2001
• Bachelor of Business
• Diploma of Financial Planning
• Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia since 24 July 1998
• 2015 Independent Financial Adviser – Boutique Firm of the Year Award – WINNER
• 2016 Independent Financial Adviser – Practice Principal of the Year Award – Finalist
• 2016 Wealth & Money Management Awards – Best Bespoke Wealth Manager
• Responsible Officer and Partner – VISIS Private Wealth

In his role as responsible officer Simon has worked within the VISIS Private Wealth business to ensure the principles of a Privately Owned Practice are held at the forefront of the business.

In other words all of VISIS Private Wealth client dealings are driven solely by the client’s needs, goals and objectives.  VISIS Private Wealth is a respected, 100% privately owned and Self Licenced practice – with no alliances to other financial institutions.

Simon joined VISIS Private Wealth in 2008 after relocating to Brisbane with his young family.  Previously he had built a small, successful financial planning practice in Pitt St, Sydney.  Simon is a Certified Financial Planner and has 20 years’ experience in providing strategic financial advice, successfully delivering tailored, practical and smart solutions to clients.

Simon specialises in developing strategies to assist his clients to meet their goals in wealth accumulation as well as asset protection, structural advice,  pre-retirement and retirement planning.

VISIS Private Wealth is proud to offer the best of both worlds: the size and resources to offer market-leading services, with personal attention and support. Every client has comprehensive financial expertise at their fingertips, covering investment management, personal insurance, finance/lending, superannuation, taxation advice and accounting services.

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The financial decisions you make today will determine the life you live tomorrow. My goal is to help you build the complete program you need to maximise your earning potential during your working years, so you can enjoy your life now and know that tomorrow has been taken care of.

My 360 Review Approach is a structured review I developed to help clients get the most out of their financial decisions by comparing options and recommending the best course of action. I research advice scenarios based on 7 key foundations to wealth: cash flow, tax, debt, investments, superannuation, insurance and government entitlements. I will then create a program that includes a combination of strategies which are optimised to suit your unique situation and financial goals. You can be confident that my constant monitoring of these 7 foundations ensures your program is always working its hardest for you.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner with more than 10 years experience, I can help you make informed decisions and empower you to achieve the lifestyle you desire. My clients have entrusted their long term financial well being in my care so they can focus on what they do best.

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Martin joined Jacoby Cameron & Co as an undergraduate in 1998 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001. Since that time Martin has been involved with the Institute of Chartered Accountants post-graduate Chartered Accountants program as a workshop leader, exam paper author, technical adviser and marker.

Martin is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner (widely regarded as the premier designation for Financial Planners in Australia) and an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Limited. Martin became a partner on 1 July 2007. Whilst Martin has experience across such diverse areas as accounting, audit and tax he is also responsible for our financial planning division.

In 2010 he was recognised by AFR Smartinvestor magazine as one of Australia’s top 50 financial planners. Martin’s interests outside of work include swimming, water polo, sail boarding and sport in general.

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Craig Wilford is the Director of the Financial Services division at Nexia Sydney. Craig has had over 25 years’ experience as an authorised financial planner, both here in Australia as well as in the UK. Craig has been providing holistic advisory services for clients of Nexia Sydney since 2003.

His focus is on providing wealth accumulation and retirement planning advice for individuals, executives and small to medium-sized business owners. Given his international experience, Craig also assists those clients with cross jurisdictional issues, whether as expatriates relocating overseas or as non-residents relocating to Australia. The regulatory and technical requirements for cross border advice is quite onerous and the combination of Craig’s skillset in this area along with the specialities in the global Nexia network allows him to provide comprehensive advice to his clients.

All of Craig’s portfolios are carefully structured in accordance with his clients’ specific financial and personal objectives. Importantly, a lot of time is spent with the client to ensure they properly understand the relative merits of the recommended strategy against potential alternatives to ensure they enjoy a full understanding of how those goals will be met.

Craig is committed to delivering the best possible level of service, and his broad spectrum of loyal clients and on-going business referrals is a direct reflection of his expert advice and strategies.

Craig has regularly been recognised as a leading financial planner by the AFR Smart Investor Masterclass and he prides himself on ensuring his technical skills are as strong as possible at all times. Nexia Sydney Financial Solutions operates on a fee for service basis, providing the right environment to ensure Craig and his team are able

to customise strategies, financial solutions and exercise their experienced advice to suit each individual client’s situation, requirements and circumstances.

At Nexia you benefit from objective, professional advice within a holistic financial framework. Our Financial Services team has the combined intelligence and resources to assist you in assessing your financial health and selecting the right products and investments to structure a financial plan that suits your individual goals and life-stage.

We believe you need professional advice from someone who knows you and understands your individual requirements; someone who has knowledge of your complete financial situation and can look at your needs with insight and perspective.

Craig is an Authorised Financial Planning Representative. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), a Master of Taxation, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Designation and a Diploma of Financial Planning (Australia). He also holds ; the Advanced Certificate of Financial Planning (UK).

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Fergus has worked in financial advice since 2000, and has experienced two major global market crisis since then, the Tech Bust from 2000 to 2003 and the GFC from 2007 to 2009, hence Fergus understands the need for good risk management. Since 2004, Fergus has been the Principal Financial Planner at FM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS (the firm owned by Fergus and Margaret Hardingham). Since 2008, FM Financial Solutions has held an Australian Financial Services Licence, and meets the ASIC definition of independence.

Fergus holds the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Business (University of Queensland)
• Diploma Financial Planning (Deakin University)
• Certified Financial Planner (Deakin University)
• Justice of the Peace

Fergus is passionate about the value of independent advice to improve people’s lives and their well-being and uses the following guiding principles in our dealings with our clients:

• We will only take you on as a client if we can genuinely help you and add value;
• We will only take you on as a client if we can enjoy our interactions with you, and there is mutual respect;
• We will tell you upfront when we are not able to assist you;
• We act in a way that is both highly ethical and legal;
• We treat you with respect;
• We treat you as an individual with your own particular needs;
• We act in your best interests;
• We act as fiduciary and respect the trust given by you, and never take it for granted;
• We take the utmost care when preparing our recommendations;
• We will be discrete and protect your privacy;
• We will work hard to increase the certainty of you achieving your objectives, and celebrate with you when you have achieved them.

Fergus is able to advise clients in regards to their Government or Semi-Government Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans as an area of speciality. As Principal Financial Planner at FM Financial Solutions, Fergus helps clients in the following areas of their financial affairs: Development of Spending and Savings Plans and allocation of cash flow to grow net wealth - Assisting clients to reduce financial obligations and debt, with the focus being to increase net wealth - Contingency Planning to reduce risk of not achieving client's financial and life style goals as a result of significant illness / incapacity or death. - Estate Planning to reduce the risk of not achieving client's estate planning objectives. - Advice on the selection of the appropriate structure or structures to invest within. - Advice on the selection of the appropriate portfolios to use to help achieve financial independence with a focus also on risk management. - Advice on the selection of the appropriate superannuation and investment solutions to use. - Providing a sounding board for client's questions and ideas.

"After the death of my husband, I was lost and had no idea how I was going to manage/plan for the future. After some lengthy research and meeting many financial advisors, I decided to proceed with Fergus and Margaret. I have no regrets. They have been very professional, approachable, transparent and detailed with their advice and recommendations. I feel I am in safe hands and trust them with my life savings. I would recommend them without hesitation. Their fees are well worth the services they provide." - Tracy Dunford

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