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You may find the answers to these questions useful when deciding to meet with an adviser.
Successful people are used to handling their own finances, but you may reach a point where financial management becomes too complex or time consuming and the consequences of financial mistakes far-reaching. At this stage it's wise to turn to a professional adviser who can help you build and protect wealth over the long-term.
If you value receiving expert advice (perhaps you're an expert in your field!) you know the importance of sitting down face-to-face to solve problems or improve your position. Our advisers don't give advice over the phone to new clients because we have a duty of care to consider your overall situation. That's best done in an initial consultation at our offices in Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide. We'll pick up the tab for the first meeting!
Much like a personal trainer or career coach, your FMD adviser will help you set financial goals and hold you accountable. So you need to be ready to improve your financial position. If you are time-poor, have unresolved financial or investment decisions, need to plan for retirement or are facing lifestyle or career change, seeking advice can be a great relief. Many of our clients are successful executives or business owners who value expert financial advice so they can focus on what they do best.
The title 'financial adviser' is often misunderstood, partly because it is used to describe advisers that work for or are affiliated with banks or superannuation funds. FMD Financial is not owned by or affiliated with another financial institution, and we charge a fee for service based our clients' individual needs. When choosing an adviser look for someone qualified and experienced, who is happy to offer client references. Choose someone you like and feel comfortable talking to. Over time they will become an important person during life's biggest challenges, like redundancy, divorce or the death of a loved one.
Our clients know quality advice is an investment in the future and they partner with us for the long-haul because their investment pays off. We're committed to being open and transparent about our fees and what you can expect from our advice process so more people can experience the confidence and that comes from getting good advice.
Australian Government Department of Health – facts and resources regarding COVID-19
Treasury – key economic response to COVID-19
Australian Taxation Office – COVID-19 support available
Centrelink – for those who expect to receive assistance if affected by COVID-19
Business.gov.au - Information and support for businesses affected by COVID-19
Financial freedom could be closer than you think, but it's important to get professional advice to understand your current financial position and plan your next step. You may not know where to find a good adviser, what to expect from the process, or how to get started.
You're not alone, so we’re pleased you found us! For 15 years we’ve helped busy executives, business owners and successful families achieve their goals and live their best life in retirement with the benefit of affordable, professional financial advice.
But don't take our word for it, see what our clients say:
I turned to Richard Dahl for advice about managing a small portfolio of shares when I was just 21 and working at Mitsubishi. When I got my first well-paid job at 23, I used his advice again to get serious about building my superannuation. My goal then was to retire at 50. I’m now 55 and semi-retired, set to retire fully next year. Richard’s advice has seen us through everything from paying off the house, to the kids’ education and making the most of a redundancy package. Our relationship with Richard has also helped cement our financial goals as a couple. The annual review meeting has kept us on track and it’s been great to see our savings and investment projections turn into reality over the years. After all the hard work and raising two independent daughters, we’ve gone full-circle and now it's time for us again.
FMD’s advice and support was invaluable when retiring from corporate life overseas and returning to Australia. I needed advice on consolidating assets in multiple countries so I interviewed three advisory firms and was most impressed with FMD. After meeting to understand my needs, they committed to putting a detailed plan together in a few short days, and that’s exactly what they did. Many years later, Jason Calleja now works closely with me to manage my money in retirement. I’m very happy with their investment performance over the long haul, but it’s their commitment to their clients that’s truly outstanding.
Megan and I sought advice about improving our superannuation and personal insurances in the lead-up to starting a family. Jason was amazing, taking us through our options and working with us to restructure our super investments and obtain affordable insurance with the desired level of cover. We would recommend Jason and the FMD team to anyone seeking financial advice. We look forward to working with him to shape our financial security in the future.
After a successful career in pharmaceuticals, I took a redundancy package and was recommended to FMD Financial for investment advice. Like many people, I was sceptical about financial advisers after a bad past experience. Aaron’s considered approach and FMD’s robust investment process changed my mind and five years later FMD now manages our superannuation through their Active Management Service (AMS). One of the things I really like is that they follow a rigorous process and always give a clear and transparent rationale for every investment decision. My husband was even more sceptical than me, but now he sees the value of good advice. My redundancy package was the trigger to contact FMD, but I’ve since realised the benefit of getting your "ducks in a row" in your 40s, while you still have time to make a difference to the money you'll have later. I would really encourage more people to get advice earlier in their working life. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable financial adviser that you can absolutely trust, give Aaron a call. He is genuine, supportive and great to deal with all-round.
Anna was unbelievable in helping us navigate a stressful year in the transition to retirement from our own business. In the end, we got a great outcome and we’re eternally grateful for her help. Both Anna and Martin are always there to listen and over the years their advice has been spot on. Now we can relax knowing we’ll have the money we need in retirement. FMD make the financial side of life easy and we trust them implicitly.
We were referred to David Batchelor by a friend when we needed advice on investing the proceeds of a property sale. David and his associate adviser, Sandra, were able to give us strong investment advice and implement it quickly and efficiently. Since then, the communication has been excellent and we always know where things stand. My wife and I now enjoy the security of knowing our money has been invested wisely and ethically. We appreciate the regular portfolio reviews undertaken by the FMD Investment Committee and are confident our money is being well managed. We’d certainly recommend FMD to others looking for sound financial advice.
Mum went downhill after Dad died and eventually we decided a care facility was best for her now she is in her late eighties. Mum and Dad’s investments with FMD enable her to be in a place she loves and their support has been invaluable. We had to move quickly to secure a place, so Anna modeled three financial options for us. Her knowledge of the process and paperwork was a huge relief when we had very little time and felt pressured to make a decision. I have great confidence in Anna’s judgement and knowledge of the Aged Care sector and I know I don’t have to worry as FMD have it covered.
I first met David Batchelor when I took a voluntary redundancy five years ago. David helped me move from a defined benefit scheme into a super accumulation fund and plot a path to early retirement. It was refreshing to meet a professional and knowledgeable adviser who was more interested in my needs than their own. Under David’s guidance I now have more money than when I started investing with FMD Financial, even though I’m drawing a comfortable monthly income stream. Life is short and I’m enjoying the retirement lifestyle I want with the confidence my money will last for the long haul. I've met other FMD clients at their regular events and no-one has a bad word to say about them. I'd certainly recommend David and the team to anyone facing redundancy and looking for expert financial advice.
I interviewed three different Financial advisers and found the most comfort with FMD. Michael, my adviser, opened my eyes to the potential of my retirement wealth giving me excellent direction as to what I need to consider in the future. Now I have a legal will, adequate insurance protection, a shares portfolio along with a far more lucrative superannuation fund building my future.
Jason Calleja was a source of great comfort as he provided us with all the information we needed to ensure a smooth transition for Dee's mum. He explained the legislation, prepared financial spreadsheets with projected multi-year income and costs, arranged tours of aged care facilities; liaised with Centrelink. Jason continues to be responsive to our ad hoc questions. We have no hesitation in recommending FMD's services when families face these challenging and emotional decisions. Having access to their knowledge of the system and financial modelling enables the family to focus on the wellbeing of the parent.
My introduction to FMD 10 years ago facilitated an unexpected life change - to my delight, retirement was a possibility far earlier than expected. The strong relationship built to support my wealth management has given me peace of mind, removed work stress from the equation and contributed greatly to my happiness. I love my life and truly enjoy every day - I don't know how I ever had time for work!
I have been working with FMD Financial for the past five years. They are professional and knowledgeable and they’ve helped me make the most of my money. They have been able to help me develop a portfolio of investments that supports the needs of my growing family and my future wealth.
FMD Financial were recommended to me 13 years ago when I became concerned my previous company was not looking after my needs; and tended to chase quick profits which often became exactly the reverse. David Batchelor has been my Funds Adviser since and has delivered great service and communication while operating with integrity. He is backed up by a company structure that includes an active internal Investment Committee (IC) that constantly reviews their overall investment structure including detailed research of individual investment targets. I am totally satisfied with their service and their motto ‘Health, Wealth and Happiness’ has made a very positive impact on my life in retirement.
Based in our offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, our advisers are true professionals and certified financial planners. They're also footy fans, parents, foodies and explorers. They're serious about your money, but know your life is more important.
Our founding directors mentor the next generation to deliver full and frank, client-centred advice with integrity and excellence. With an average tenure of 10 years among our team, you'll be choosing an adviser who'll be there throughout your career and into retirement.
