How to Choose a Financial Planner in Australia
Red and green flags to look for, the right questions to ask, and how to find advice that truly adds value.
Choosing a financial planner is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make.
Not because the advice is complicated, but because the consequences compound.
Good advice quietly improves outcomes for decades.
Poor advice often looks fine at first, then becomes expensive later.
This guide shows you how to choose well, with clarity and confidence.
Why This Decision Matters More Than Most People Realise
A financial planner influences far more than your investments.
They shape:
How your income is structured
How tax is managed over time
How risk is handled
How confident you feel making decisions
How smoothly life transitions are navigated
The right adviser does not just help you grow wealth. They help you avoid expensive mistakes when life gets messy.
Why This Decision Matters More Than Most People Realise
A financial planner influences far more than your investments.
They shape:
How your income is structured
How tax is managed over time
How risk is handled
How confident you feel making decisions
How smoothly life transitions are navigated
The right adviser does not just help you grow wealth. They help you avoid expensive mistakes when life gets messy.
Why This Decision Matters More Than Most People Realise
A financial planner influences far more than your investments.
They shape:
How your income is structured
How tax is managed over time
How risk is handled
How confident you feel making decisions
How smoothly life transitions are navigated
The right adviser does not just help you grow wealth. They help you avoid expensive mistakes when life gets messy.
Why This Decision Matters More Than Most People Realise
A financial planner influences far more than your investments.
They shape:
How your income is structured
How tax is managed over time
How risk is handled
How confident you feel making decisions
How smoothly life transitions are navigated
The right adviser does not just help you grow wealth. They help you avoid expensive mistakes when life gets messy.
What a Financial Planner Should Actually Do
Many people assume planners exist to “pick investments”.
That is a small part of the role.
A good financial planner helps you:
Clarify goals and priorities
Build a long-term strategy across life stages
Structure super, tax, and income efficiently
Manage risk and uncertainty
Make informed decisions when circumstances change
Investment selection supports the strategy. It is not the strategy.
What a Financial Planner Should Actually Do
Many people assume planners exist to “pick investments”.
That is a small part of the role.
A good financial planner helps you:
Clarify goals and priorities
Build a long-term strategy across life stages
Structure super, tax, and income efficiently
Manage risk and uncertainty
Make informed decisions when circumstances change
Investment selection supports the strategy. It is not the strategy.
What a Financial Planner Should Actually Do
Many people assume planners exist to “pick investments”.
That is a small part of the role.
A good financial planner helps you:
Clarify goals and priorities
Build a long-term strategy across life stages
Structure super, tax, and income efficiently
Manage risk and uncertainty
Make informed decisions when circumstances change
Investment selection supports the strategy. It is not the strategy.
What a Financial Planner Should Actually Do
Many people assume planners exist to “pick investments”.
That is a small part of the role.
A good financial planner helps you:
Clarify goals and priorities
Build a long-term strategy across life stages
Structure super, tax, and income efficiently
Manage risk and uncertainty
Make informed decisions when circumstances change
Investment selection supports the strategy. It is not the strategy.
Green Flags: Signs You’re Speaking to the Right Adviser
These are indicators of advice that adds real value.
Green Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
They ask deep questions before offering solutions | Strategy comes before products |
They explain trade-offs, not just benefits | Real advice involves balance |
They talk about tax, cash flow, and structure | Wealth is multi-dimensional |
They explain how decisions affect future flexibility | Good plans adapt |
They are clear about fees and scope | Transparency builds trust |
If the advice feels calm, considered, and personalised, that is usually a good sign.
Green Flags: Signs You’re Speaking to the Right Adviser
These are indicators of advice that adds real value.
Green Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
They ask deep questions before offering solutions | Strategy comes before products |
They explain trade-offs, not just benefits | Real advice involves balance |
They talk about tax, cash flow, and structure | Wealth is multi-dimensional |
They explain how decisions affect future flexibility | Good plans adapt |
They are clear about fees and scope | Transparency builds trust |
If the advice feels calm, considered, and personalised, that is usually a good sign.
Green Flags: Signs You’re Speaking to the Right Adviser
These are indicators of advice that adds real value.
Green Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
They ask deep questions before offering solutions | Strategy comes before products |
They explain trade-offs, not just benefits | Real advice involves balance |
They talk about tax, cash flow, and structure | Wealth is multi-dimensional |
They explain how decisions affect future flexibility | Good plans adapt |
They are clear about fees and scope | Transparency builds trust |
If the advice feels calm, considered, and personalised, that is usually a good sign.
Green Flags: Signs You’re Speaking to the Right Adviser
These are indicators of advice that adds real value.
Green Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
They ask deep questions before offering solutions | Strategy comes before products |
They explain trade-offs, not just benefits | Real advice involves balance |
They talk about tax, cash flow, and structure | Wealth is multi-dimensional |
They explain how decisions affect future flexibility | Good plans adapt |
They are clear about fees and scope | Transparency builds trust |
If the advice feels calm, considered, and personalised, that is usually a good sign.
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Some red flags are subtle. Others are immediate deal-breakers.
Red Flag | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
One-size-fits-all recommendations | Your situation is not generic |
Heavy focus on products early | Strategy should come first |
Promises of above-market returns | No one controls markets |
Avoidance of fee discussions | Transparency matters |
Pressure to act quickly | Good advice stands up to time |
If you feel rushed, confused, or talked over, trust that instinct.
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Some red flags are subtle. Others are immediate deal-breakers.
Red Flag | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
One-size-fits-all recommendations | Your situation is not generic |
Heavy focus on products early | Strategy should come first |
Promises of above-market returns | No one controls markets |
Avoidance of fee discussions | Transparency matters |
Pressure to act quickly | Good advice stands up to time |
If you feel rushed, confused, or talked over, trust that instinct.
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Some red flags are subtle. Others are immediate deal-breakers.
Red Flag | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
One-size-fits-all recommendations | Your situation is not generic |
Heavy focus on products early | Strategy should come first |
Promises of above-market returns | No one controls markets |
Avoidance of fee discussions | Transparency matters |
Pressure to act quickly | Good advice stands up to time |
If you feel rushed, confused, or talked over, trust that instinct.
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Take Seriously
Some red flags are subtle. Others are immediate deal-breakers.
Red Flag | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
One-size-fits-all recommendations | Your situation is not generic |
Heavy focus on products early | Strategy should come first |
Promises of above-market returns | No one controls markets |
Avoidance of fee discussions | Transparency matters |
Pressure to act quickly | Good advice stands up to time |
If you feel rushed, confused, or talked over, trust that instinct.
The Questions That Separate Good Advice From Sales
You are allowed to interview a financial planner.
In fact, you should.
Ask questions that reveal how they think.
Questions Worth Asking
How do you typically add value for clients like me?
How do you manage risk during market downturns?
How often is advice reviewed and adjusted?
How do you approach tax efficiency over time?
How are you paid, and what is included in that fee?
Strong advisers welcome these questions. Weak ones deflect them.
The Questions That Separate Good Advice From Sales
You are allowed to interview a financial planner.
In fact, you should.
Ask questions that reveal how they think.
Questions Worth Asking
How do you typically add value for clients like me?
How do you manage risk during market downturns?
How often is advice reviewed and adjusted?
How do you approach tax efficiency over time?
How are you paid, and what is included in that fee?
Strong advisers welcome these questions. Weak ones deflect them.
The Questions That Separate Good Advice From Sales
You are allowed to interview a financial planner.
In fact, you should.
Ask questions that reveal how they think.
Questions Worth Asking
How do you typically add value for clients like me?
How do you manage risk during market downturns?
How often is advice reviewed and adjusted?
How do you approach tax efficiency over time?
How are you paid, and what is included in that fee?
Strong advisers welcome these questions. Weak ones deflect them.
The Questions That Separate Good Advice From Sales
You are allowed to interview a financial planner.
In fact, you should.
Ask questions that reveal how they think.
Questions Worth Asking
How do you typically add value for clients like me?
How do you manage risk during market downturns?
How often is advice reviewed and adjusted?
How do you approach tax efficiency over time?
How are you paid, and what is included in that fee?
Strong advisers welcome these questions. Weak ones deflect them.
Understanding Fees (Without Overcomplicating It)
Advice is not free.
The question is whether it is worth the cost.
Fee Type | What to Understand |
|---|---|
Fixed fee | Predictable and transparent |
Ongoing fee | Should include ongoing strategy, not just reviews |
Asset-based fee | Understand incentives and scope |
Initial advice fee | Reflects complexity and work involved |
The cheapest advice is rarely the most cost-effective over time.
Value is measured by outcomes, clarity, and peace of mind, not just price.
Understanding Fees (Without Overcomplicating It)
Advice is not free.
The question is whether it is worth the cost.
Fee Type | What to Understand |
|---|---|
Fixed fee | Predictable and transparent |
Ongoing fee | Should include ongoing strategy, not just reviews |
Asset-based fee | Understand incentives and scope |
Initial advice fee | Reflects complexity and work involved |
The cheapest advice is rarely the most cost-effective over time.
Value is measured by outcomes, clarity, and peace of mind, not just price.
Understanding Fees (Without Overcomplicating It)
Advice is not free.
The question is whether it is worth the cost.
Fee Type | What to Understand |
|---|---|
Fixed fee | Predictable and transparent |
Ongoing fee | Should include ongoing strategy, not just reviews |
Asset-based fee | Understand incentives and scope |
Initial advice fee | Reflects complexity and work involved |
The cheapest advice is rarely the most cost-effective over time.
Value is measured by outcomes, clarity, and peace of mind, not just price.
Understanding Fees (Without Overcomplicating It)
Advice is not free.
The question is whether it is worth the cost.
Fee Type | What to Understand |
|---|---|
Fixed fee | Predictable and transparent |
Ongoing fee | Should include ongoing strategy, not just reviews |
Asset-based fee | Understand incentives and scope |
Initial advice fee | Reflects complexity and work involved |
The cheapest advice is rarely the most cost-effective over time.
Value is measured by outcomes, clarity, and peace of mind, not just price.
Independence vs Alignment: What Actually Matters
Many people ask whether an adviser is “independent”.
Independence can matter, but clarity matters more.
What you want to understand is:
Are recommendations driven by your needs or incentives?
Are alternatives explained clearly?
Is the reasoning transparent?
Trust comes from alignment, not labels.
Independence vs Alignment: What Actually Matters
Many people ask whether an adviser is “independent”.
Independence can matter, but clarity matters more.
What you want to understand is:
Are recommendations driven by your needs or incentives?
Are alternatives explained clearly?
Is the reasoning transparent?
Trust comes from alignment, not labels.
Independence vs Alignment: What Actually Matters
Many people ask whether an adviser is “independent”.
Independence can matter, but clarity matters more.
What you want to understand is:
Are recommendations driven by your needs or incentives?
Are alternatives explained clearly?
Is the reasoning transparent?
Trust comes from alignment, not labels.
Independence vs Alignment: What Actually Matters
Many people ask whether an adviser is “independent”.
Independence can matter, but clarity matters more.
What you want to understand is:
Are recommendations driven by your needs or incentives?
Are alternatives explained clearly?
Is the reasoning transparent?
Trust comes from alignment, not labels.
How to Tell If Advice Is Truly Personalised
Personalised advice feels specific.
It references:
Your goals
Your concerns
Your timeframes
Your tolerance for uncertainty
Generic advice relies on assumptions.
Personal advice is built around your reality.
How to Tell If Advice Is Truly Personalised
Personalised advice feels specific.
It references:
Your goals
Your concerns
Your timeframes
Your tolerance for uncertainty
Generic advice relies on assumptions.
Personal advice is built around your reality.
How to Tell If Advice Is Truly Personalised
Personalised advice feels specific.
It references:
Your goals
Your concerns
Your timeframes
Your tolerance for uncertainty
Generic advice relies on assumptions.
Personal advice is built around your reality.
How to Tell If Advice Is Truly Personalised
Personalised advice feels specific.
It references:
Your goals
Your concerns
Your timeframes
Your tolerance for uncertainty
Generic advice relies on assumptions.
Personal advice is built around your reality.
Research Insight: Why Behaviour Matters More Than Returns
Multiple studies show that investor behaviour is one of the biggest drivers of underperformance.
Good advisers add value by:
Reducing emotional decision-making
Creating structure during uncertainty
Helping clients stay invested appropriately
The biggest risk to long-term outcomes is not markets. It is behaviour under stress.
Research Insight: Why Behaviour Matters More Than Returns
Multiple studies show that investor behaviour is one of the biggest drivers of underperformance.
Good advisers add value by:
Reducing emotional decision-making
Creating structure during uncertainty
Helping clients stay invested appropriately
The biggest risk to long-term outcomes is not markets. It is behaviour under stress.
Research Insight: Why Behaviour Matters More Than Returns
Multiple studies show that investor behaviour is one of the biggest drivers of underperformance.
Good advisers add value by:
Reducing emotional decision-making
Creating structure during uncertainty
Helping clients stay invested appropriately
The biggest risk to long-term outcomes is not markets. It is behaviour under stress.
Research Insight: Why Behaviour Matters More Than Returns
Multiple studies show that investor behaviour is one of the biggest drivers of underperformance.
Good advisers add value by:
Reducing emotional decision-making
Creating structure during uncertainty
Helping clients stay invested appropriately
The biggest risk to long-term outcomes is not markets. It is behaviour under stress.
When a Financial Planner Is Most Valuable
Advice is especially valuable during:
Career or income changes
Business ownership or sale
Starting or growing a family
Preparing for retirement
Market volatility
Major life events
Waiting until things feel urgent often limits options.
When a Financial Planner Is Most Valuable
Advice is especially valuable during:
Career or income changes
Business ownership or sale
Starting or growing a family
Preparing for retirement
Market volatility
Major life events
Waiting until things feel urgent often limits options.
When a Financial Planner Is Most Valuable
Advice is especially valuable during:
Career or income changes
Business ownership or sale
Starting or growing a family
Preparing for retirement
Market volatility
Major life events
Waiting until things feel urgent often limits options.
When a Financial Planner Is Most Valuable
Advice is especially valuable during:
Career or income changes
Business ownership or sale
Starting or growing a family
Preparing for retirement
Market volatility
Major life events
Waiting until things feel urgent often limits options.
A Smarter Way to Choose
Instead of asking:
“Is this adviser impressive?”
Ask:
Do I understand the strategy?
Do I feel heard and respected?
Does this advice make me feel clearer, not more anxious?
The best financial planners do not make you feel clever. They make you feel confident.
A Smarter Way to Choose
Instead of asking:
“Is this adviser impressive?”
Ask:
Do I understand the strategy?
Do I feel heard and respected?
Does this advice make me feel clearer, not more anxious?
The best financial planners do not make you feel clever. They make you feel confident.
A Smarter Way to Choose
Instead of asking:
“Is this adviser impressive?”
Ask:
Do I understand the strategy?
Do I feel heard and respected?
Does this advice make me feel clearer, not more anxious?
The best financial planners do not make you feel clever. They make you feel confident.
A Smarter Way to Choose
Instead of asking:
“Is this adviser impressive?”
Ask:
Do I understand the strategy?
Do I feel heard and respected?
Does this advice make me feel clearer, not more anxious?
The best financial planners do not make you feel clever. They make you feel confident.
Remember This
Choosing a financial planner is not about finding the smartest person in the room.
It is about finding someone who:
Thinks long-term
Explains clearly
Acts in your best interests
Supports better decisions over time
When advice is done well, it becomes one of the most valuable investments you make.
Not because of what it promises, but because of what it quietly protects.
Remember This
Choosing a financial planner is not about finding the smartest person in the room.
It is about finding someone who:
Thinks long-term
Explains clearly
Acts in your best interests
Supports better decisions over time
When advice is done well, it becomes one of the most valuable investments you make.
Not because of what it promises, but because of what it quietly protects.
Remember This
Choosing a financial planner is not about finding the smartest person in the room.
It is about finding someone who:
Thinks long-term
Explains clearly
Acts in your best interests
Supports better decisions over time
When advice is done well, it becomes one of the most valuable investments you make.
Not because of what it promises, but because of what it quietly protects.
Remember This
Choosing a financial planner is not about finding the smartest person in the room.
It is about finding someone who:
Thinks long-term
Explains clearly
Acts in your best interests
Supports better decisions over time
When advice is done well, it becomes one of the most valuable investments you make.
Not because of what it promises, but because of what it quietly protects.
Disclaimer:
This article has been prepared by Granada Wealth Advisory and is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs and should not be relied upon as personal financial advice.
Any views expressed are general in nature and may not be suitable for your individual circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your situation and seek independent professional advice, including financial, legal, and tax advice where appropriate.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, information may change and Granada Wealth Advisory makes no representations or warranties as to the ongoing accuracy or completeness of the content.
No part of this article may be reproduced, distributed, or copied without prior written permission from Granada Wealth Advisory.
For further information about our services, including our Financial Services Guide and how we provide advice, please visit granadawa.com.au or contact Granada Wealth Advisory directly.
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Our Best Resources,
No Gatekeeping.
The same tools and thinking we share with our clients. From portfolios to guides, everything here is designed to give you clarity and confidence on your wealth-building journey.
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Our Best Resources,
No Gatekeeping.
The same tools and thinking we share with our clients. From portfolios to guides, everything here is designed to give you clarity and confidence on your wealth-building journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Granada Help Centre.
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Getting Started
Process & Fees
How do I get started with Granada Wealth Advisory?
What does a financial planner actually do? How do they help?
Why should I work with a financial planner?
How are financial planners regulated in Australia?
How do financial planners charge for their services?
How often should I meet with my financial planner?
Frequently Asked Questions
Granada Help Centre.
Most Asked
Getting Started
Process & Fees
How do I get started with Granada Wealth Advisory?
What does a financial planner actually do? How do they help?
Why should I work with a financial planner?
How are financial planners regulated in Australia?
How do financial planners charge for their services?
How often should I meet with my financial planner?
Frequently Asked Questions
Granada Help Centre.
Most Asked
Getting Started
Process & Fees
How do I get started with Granada Wealth Advisory?
What does a financial planner actually do? How do they help?
Why should I work with a financial planner?
How are financial planners regulated in Australia?
How do financial planners charge for their services?
How often should I meet with my financial planner?
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