Who is Strategic Wealth?
Strategic Wealth commenced as a business in October 2004 and has been operating in the Melbourne CBD (in its current and previous form) for the past 20 years.
We specialise in providing advice for high net worth clients with straightforward or complex situations. Our guiding principle is to always enhance our clients' financial wellbeing.
Our team are highly trained professionals who are passionate about what they do and have a combined 50 years of business and financial planning experience.
We operate as part of Oreana Financial Services Limited.
Who is Oreana Financial Services?
Oreana Financial Services is owned by the Oreana group of companies. They are a highly successful, privately-owned business based in Melbourne, with offices in Hong Kong. They are licensing a network of high-quality practices like Strategic Wealth throughout Australia.
How are financial planners regulated?
The financial planning industry in Australia is subject to a high degree of regulation and has rigorously evolved over recent years. The primary objective of this is to protect the public practitioners who may influence a client’s decision to purchase a financial product.
Financial planning services may only be provided upon the granting of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) issued under very strict criteria by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The licence permits the licence holder to deal in securities or advise on investments, which may be achieved through representatives or authorised representatives who have been approved by the licence holder to provide advice to clients. Representatives of licence holders must meet minimum training requirements and also be licenced by the ASIC. The licence holder is ultimately responsible for the advice given by their representatives and must ensure they meet all training and compliance prerequisites.
In addition to this, the Financial Planning Association (FPA), recognised as the peak professional body representing financial planners in Australia, has established a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct by which financial planners are required to operate. The FPA provides leadership and a professional framework that enables members to deliver quality financial advice to their clients.
The FPA is also licensed to provide the CFP Certification Program to financial planners in Australia. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP® represents the highest professional certification that can be awarded to a financial planner worldwide.
What is a Certified Financial Planner?
A Certified Financial Planner is someone who is dedicated to a high level of professionalism in the delivery of personal financial advice to clients.
Only those who fulfil initial and ongoing certification requirements can use the CFP certification mark. This means when you meet with a CFP professional you can have confidence in their experience, ethics, competence and integrity and be assured that they their processes and overall objectives are always to put their clients’ interests and needs first. Rigorous requirements for the award of certification have meant the CFP Mark has quickly become the highest standard in financial planning worldwide. There are over 102,000 CFP professionals worldwide with some 5,500 in Australia.
How will I benefit from seeing a financial planner – can I do this myself?
A financial planner, much as an accountant or lawyer, utilises their professional training, formal study and experience in understanding your personal financial situation and coordinating solutions to meet your needs in every area of your financial life. Accessing this expertise enables you to receive the best possible advice to protect and leverage your family’s income and asset position over the short, medium and long-term.
We keep abreast of changes in legislation, technical strategies and investment markets and products to quickly determine the relevant impacts on you. We are able to assess and respond appropriately to ensure your strategic plan remains on track to meeting your lifestyle needs. This means we are also best placed to identify and coordinate the right specialist professionals where necessary, e.g. Loan Specialists, Estate Planning & Investment Management, etc.. At Strategic Wealth, we hold certain beliefs and views based on extensive research and experience on each of the financial areas that are addressed in a financial plan.
How do you charge me? What will it cost?
We charge fees on a Fee for Advice basis only, which means that we do not receive commissions from financial institutions on investment products.
Our initial consultation is provided free of charge. Should you wish to proceed with our service, then there will be charges for the development of a Wealth Management Plan and for Ongoing Services. Please refer to Strategic Wealth’s Our Fees section that provides more detail on the structure of our fees, as will our Financial Services Guide Representative Profile.
Can you make managing the household bills and cashflow easier?
While you may be time poor, effective cashflow management requires you to understand your budget and the breakdown of household and living expenses, both discretionary and non-discretionary. It requires the same rigour that applies to managing business expenses.
We will educate, guide and coach you to make better informed financial decisions aided by new innovative technology and solutions that have been designed specifically to assist with this process. While helping you to understand the importance of strong cashflow management, we will empower you to take control of your own financial future.
How does our cashflow service differ from traditional budgeting?
Our cashflow management service is different because we go on the journey with you. As your strategic coach, we make sure that we use the right balance of advice, backed by leading software and tools, to deliver your personalised financial plan, successfully. One of our financial professionals will work with you across the four key areas of:
- Banking structure
- Balance sheet
- Budgeting
- Benchmarking.
As you progress, you’ll see first hand how you can reach your financial goals sooner through:
- Immediate tangible savings that can often be measured in thousands of dollars
- Better management of household expenses
- Establishing an achievable savings plan
- Debt management services and strategies.
Best of all, this information feeds back into our regular review of your financial strategy to ensure you are maximising the value of every dollar you earn.
I have stock options and restricted stock units - what should I be aware of?
Executive share benefits can come in a variety of forms. These include shares, restricted stock units (RSUs) or options. While shares are relatively straightforward, RSUs and options can be complex, and decisions with significant implications are usually required at the time of issuance, vesting or exercising. Our highly experienced team can help you work through these often complicated issues so that you can make sound decisions that maximise your long-term wealth creation benefits.
I need help for my small business but don’t know where to start…
We have extensive experience in helping small business owners, working closely with your other advisers and accessing experts to address the specific key issues confronting your business. While the rewards of being your own boss can be greater than traditional employment, so too can the risks. We can help to enhance your chances of success and reduce associated stress by developing a financial plan for both your business and personal lives. This will help you to deal with any adverse circumstances that may arise.
Do I really need insurance?
Insurance is often something we don’t really think about until it’s too late. Many of us assume that the level of insurance provided through our superannuation will be enough – but what happens if it’s not? Wouldn’t you prefer to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that should the worst happen, you and your family are provided for?
To understand more about where and how the various types of insurances are best funded or structured please refer to our Insurance section.
I need to get my Wills done - what part does a financial planner play?
We believe that estate planning is an important part of your financial plan and addresses the issue of appropriately distributing your wealth in a tax effective manner. After working hard all of your life to create the wealth you have, it is essential that your wealth transfers smoothly to your chosen beneficiaries. Estate Planning involves managing the transition of wealth between generations.
I’m considering an overseas assignment - what do I need to think about?
We specialise in the provision of expert advice to outbound and inbound expatriates. Our expatriate clients have a number of unique needs to address and opportunities to take advantage of. Expatriate financial planning is a specialised area, so it is important to work with an experienced adviser who understands the issues and challenges you will face. Visit the Expatriates site outlining key issues that should be considered at each phase of your assignment.
I’m considering retirement - how do I maximise my retirement capital?
When you have worked hard throughout the working phase of your life, retirement is the time to enjoy the wealth you have created. There are so many things that you want to do – travel the world, get that golf handicap down, spend more time with the grandchildren and buy that lifestyle property that you have wanted for some time. But, are you still worried about how to manage your retirement funds and how long you can live the lifestyle that you want to live? We can help by providing you with a clear roadmap for your retirement phase and ‘peace of mind’ by knowing that your affairs are expertly managed. [Link to Retirees]
My needs are diverse and complex - how can you help me?
An uncomplicated but well-crafted solution for your complex needs. Like many of our clients, you may have particularly complex needs that regularly require expert advice from a range of professional consultants. Whether you are an executive, professional, small business owner or wealthy retiree, our bespoke Private Wealth Management service can assist. Whether you are simply time poor or feel you don’t have the appropriate expertise to manage the issues involved our Private Wealth Management service can assist.