Navigating Finances with Confidence
We understand that when it comes to their finances, people can sometimes feel a bit wary or hesitant. That's why we're here to provide expert guidance and support, helping you navigate through financial decisions with confidence and clarity. Explore the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. Have more questions? Get in touch with us today.
What does it mean to be FAAA certified and licensed?
The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) is the authoritative body for financial planning in Australia. It represents skilled experts who adhere to stringent standards and prioritise your best interests.
When searching for a financial planner, the FAAA serves as your assurance of trustworthiness. Membership in the FAAA requires financial planners to possess extensive experience, dedicate themselves to continuous learning, and uphold elevated standards of professionalism and ethics.
Is Smartin Financial Services FAAA certified?
Yes, SMARTIN Financial Services proudly holds FAAA certification and licensing. Our membership in the FAAA emphasizes our commitment to adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and expertise in the field of financial planning.
Why do I need a financial planner?
The truth is - if you could achieve your goals by simply depositing money into your bank account, you wouldn’t need a financial plan. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more to it than that, such as investment complexities, tax considerations and ever-changing regulations. When you work with a financial planner, you’re getting the skills, expertise, and guidance from a dedicated expert in the field to navigate these complexities effectively and increase your likelihood of achieving your goals with confidence.
What does the first meeting cost, and what is included?
Your initial appointment with us is provided free of charge. This appointment can take up to 2 hours and involves learning more about each other to identify if we’re a fit for you. We’ll dive into your current financial position, personal situation, and what you are looking for, and we’ll explain our services and identify which ones we think will best suit your needs.
We have an upfront, transparent fee policy. If you decide to proceed, we’ll outline a cost depending on the scope of services that are involved before committing to our work.
Will I be informed about how my money is being managed?
Absolutely. We operate exclusively with your approval and never put recommendations into effect without your explicit consent. We make sure to guide you through the details of how we handle your finances, ensuring that you remain fully aware of every step in the process.
Can you do my accounting?
We currently do not offer accounting services, however are happy to work with your accountant or can recommend you one if needed.
How do you charge for your services?
Our fee policy is clear and openly discussed from the start of our partnership. All clients' needs are different therefore their fees will be different too. Fees always depend on the scope of advice a client requires and the services that they receive.
Contact us for a free consultation so that we can discuss your needs and give you a price in writing before you commit to our work.
How often do you review and update financial plans to ensure they stay on track?
We understand the importance of keeping your financial plans aligned with your goals. Typically, we recommend reviewing and updating your financial plan every 6 to 12 months. This frequency allows us to monitor any changes in your circumstances, market conditions, and regulations. By doing so, we ensure that your plan remains relevant and effective in helping you achieve your financial objectives.
Of course, for individuals with more demanding financial situations or those who prefer a more hands-on approach, we’re always flexible to accommodate more frequent reviews.
What support do you provide in terms of education?
We understand that understanding all the intricacies of the financial world can be challenging, which is why we offer comprehensive guidance and resources to help you make informed decisions. In addition to our personalised one-on-one consultations to address your queries, we also offer monthly educational updates for our clients’ continuous learning.