1%
Only around 1% of financial planners in Australia are independent. We are one of them.
Independent means no commissions, no kickbacks, and no ownership or ties to a product provider like a bank or super fund.
What your will does not cover
Most people think estate planning is a will. You see a solicitor, you sign the document, you put it in a drawer, and you assume your family is looked after.
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The will is important. But it only controls the assets that pass through your estate. A large part of what you have built, often the largest part, does not pass through your will at all.
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Your superannuation is the clearest example.
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Super is not automatically covered by your will.
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It is paid out by the trustee of your fund, and unless you have a valid nomination in place, the trustee decides who receives it.
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Your life insurance held inside super works the same way. So does anything you own jointly, and anything sitting in a trust or a company.
What independent estate planning advice covers
Estate planning done properly usually involves a small team: your solicitor drafts the legal documents, and we help make sure the financial strategy underneath them works.
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Because we are genuinely independent, we take no commissions and we are not owned by a bank or product manufacturer. When we look at your super, insurance and investments, we have nothing to sell and no reason to steer you toward one product over another. The advice is based on your circumstances.
"Andrew provided support to manage a very complex matter. Andrew talked us through all our options and took the time to explain the impact of each option. This enabled us to gain a good understanding and to make decisions in a timely manner. Andrew has a wonderful manner which leaves you feeling confident that you are in very good hands."
- Vicky, Adviser Ratings
These are the areas where we usually add the most value
Your super, and the tax your family may not expect
When super is paid to a spouse or a financial dependant, it is generally tax-free. When it is paid to an adult child who is financially independent, the taxable portion can be taxed at up to 15% plus the Medicare levy. On a large balance, that can be tens of thousands of dollars. There are legitimate strategies to reduce this, but they need to be considered while you are alive and eligible, not after the fact.
Making sure nothing is missed
Blended families, a child who needs extra protection, an inheritance you want to keep in the bloodline, aged care decisions that reduce what is left: these are situations where a simple will may not be enough. We map the whole picture so gaps are identified early.
Getting your money to the right people, in the right way
Sometimes that means a binding death benefit nomination so your super goes where you intend. Sometimes it means a testamentary trust, set up through your will, so an inheritance is passed on tax-effectively and is protected if a beneficiary goes through a divorce or a business failure. We help you see which structures are worth the effort in your situation and which are not.
Powers of attorney and guardianship, covered off
We make sure the financial side of these is addressed and flag anything your solicitor needs to formalise.
How estate planning advice works
1
Complimentary introductory call
We talk through your situation and what you are trying to protect. It is a chance to see whether we are the right fit, with no obligation and no cost.
2
Discovery and fact-find
If you decide to go ahead, we gather the detail: your super, insurance, assets, existing will and any structures already in place. We tell you the fixed fee up front before any work begins.
3
Strategy and advice
We build the estate planning strategy, model the tax outcomes, and prepare your written advice and the coordination brief for your solicitor.
4
Putting it in place
We work alongside your solicitor and accountant so the documents, nominations and structures are aligned. You finish with a plan that is practical and coherent.
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Keeping it current
Estate plans go stale. Marriages, divorces, new grandchildren, law changes and moving into aged care all shift the picture, so we can review it as your life changes.
Trusted to deliver with your best interests first
"Andrew has a very warm approach and is able to articulate complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Andrew's professionalism and strong investment knowledge has provided me with confidence that I am taking the right steps towards long term financial success."
- Johnathan, Adviser Ratings
"Always enjoy meeting with Andrew. Comfortable environment, sound advice, prompt action and no pressure to do crazy stuff with our hard-earned money. Thank you Andrew"
- Russell, Adviser Ratings