Frequently asked

Many people think they need a major event to justify financial advice. In reality, the right time is often when you're starting to ask bigger questions about your future and want confidence you're making the right decisions. If you're wondering whether you could be doing more, or whether you're making the most of the opportunities available to you, it's probably worth having a conversation.

This is one of the most common questions I help clients answer. Depending on your circumstances, the answer could involve reducing debt, building investments, growing superannuation, improving cash flow or creating more flexibility for the future. The important thing is having a plan that reflects your priorities and the life you're trying to build.

Retirement is about more than reaching a particular age or balance. Understanding when you can retire comfortably starts with understanding the lifestyle you want and the income required to support it. From there, I can model different scenarios and help you make informed decisions about the years leading up to retirement.

Most people are surprised by how difficult this question can be to answer on their own. The right amount depends on the lifestyle you want, the choices you hope to make and the financial flexibility you'd like to have. Advice can help turn a vague number into a realistic and achievable target.

Not at all. In many cases, some of the most valuable planning occurs while clients are still paying down debt. Understanding how your mortgage fits alongside superannuation, investments and other priorities can help you make more intentional decisions long before retirement is on the horizon.

No. Many clients come to me 10 to 20 years before retirement. They're still working, building wealth and pursuing goals, but they want clarity about the decisions they're making today and how those decisions affect their future options.

Absolutely. Many Australians hold the majority of their wealth in their home and superannuation. Understanding how those assets work together, and how they can support future goals, forms an important part of financial planning.

Often, yes. Some of the most successful planning happens before a major life event occurs. Many people seek advice because they want reassurance, direction or confidence, rather than because something has gone wrong.

This is one of the biggest questions people face as their financial position improves. The goal isn't simply accumulating more. It's finding the right balance between enjoying life today and preparing for tomorrow.

Financial planning often involves trade-offs. Whether it's travel, reducing work, helping family or building wealth, the objective is to make decisions that support both your current lifestyle and future aspirations.

Many people reach a point where they have more options than they did a decade ago but aren't sure whether they're making the most of them. Advice can help identify opportunities, bring clarity to decisions and ensure your money is aligned with what's important to you.

Yes. A higher income doesn't automatically create financial progress. I help clients make deliberate decisions about where their money goes so that their efforts translate into greater flexibility, financial security and future opportunities.

The first conversation is simply an opportunity to get to know each other. We'll discuss your situation, your goals, what's important to you and what prompted you to explore advice. You'll also get a better understanding of how Clarus works and whether we're the right fit for each other.

No. While Clarus is based in Melbourne, I work with clients across Australia using a combination of video meetings, phone conversations and online collaboration tools.

Every client relationship is different. Some clients prefer regular ongoing meetings, while others only need advice around specific decisions or milestones. The frequency of meetings depends on your needs and the level of support you're looking for.

Not at all. Many people delay seeking advice because they feel they should have everything sorted first. Part of my role is helping you organise your financial affairs and identify what information is important.

Yes. I regularly work alongside accountants, solicitors and other professionals to ensure the advice you receive is coordinated and reflects your broader circumstances.

Not always. Some people need help with a specific decision, while others value having an adviser they can turn to as life evolves. We can discuss what level of support is appropriate for your circumstances.

Advice fees depend on the complexity of your circumstances and the work involved. Any fees are clearly explained before you proceed, so you can make an informed decision about whether advice is right for you.

No. Clarus Private Wealth is focused on providing advice that is aligned to your circumstances and objectives. Any recommendations are made with your best interests in mind and are based on what is appropriate for your situation.

I often work with professionals, couples and families who have worked hard to build a solid financial foundation and want confidence they're making the most of the opportunities ahead. They are usually less concerned with chasing the next investment and more focused on making thoughtful financial decisions that support the life they want to live.

Relationships are at the centre of everything I do. Financial advice is about more than strategies and recommendations — it's about understanding what's important to you, helping you make confident decisions and being there as your circumstances evolve. My clients value having someone they can call when opportunities arise, decisions need to be made or life changes direction.