Frequently asked questions

Financial planning is a valuable tool for anyone looking to take control of their financial future, make informed decisions, and work towards achieving their financial goals. 

You can read our Blog post about Who can benefit from financial planning for further information. 

If you are still unsure and would like to discuss with one of our financial advisers, you can complete our enquiry form. 

You can find a range of our services on our How we can help page. We also partner with a range of subject matter experts, such as accountants, solicitors and mortgage brokers, to ensure all of your advice needs are met.

If you are interested in the technical detail, our Financial Services Guide provides the specific areas on which we are licenced to provide advice.

If you are still unsure and would like to discuss with one of our team members, you can contact us via:

Phone: (02) 9091 0080

Email: contact@strategyfirst.com.au

Enquiry form: Contact Us (strategyfirst.com.au)

*on completion of this form, an email with our advisers’ calendar link will be sent immediately, allowing you to book yourself in for a phone call without any delay.

As an independent advice firm, your best interests are at the forefront of our philosophy. We take into account your personal needs and create a plan that is best suited to you.

Due to our independence, we can gladly state we have no conflicts of interest; while continuing to deliver our advice and process that is fully aligned with your values. 

Click here to read about the benefits of partnering with us. 

An independent financial firm / advisers are not tied to any specific financial institution or product. They are not owned by a corporation or other financial services provider, nor do they receive payments of any kind from financial product or service providers.

This means that clients of Independent financial planners can have the confidence that the advice and recommendations they receive are based on a comprehensive analysis of the client's financial situation and needs, and not because the adviser is incentivised by a third party to make their recommendations.

As of 31 March 2021, and as per Section 923A of the Corporations Act, Strategy First was officially recognized as an independent financial advisory firm. A label, that as of June 2023 and research by Super Guide, less than 1% of Australian financial advisers can claim.

The cost of financial planning varies based on the complexity of your financial situation and the specific fee structure adopted by the planner.

At Strategy First we are a fee-for-service firm, meaning the amount you pay will be a dollar amount, agreed upfront.

Our costs are generally broken down into two categories:

• Initial advice – this is the cost associated with creating and presenting a financial plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
  
  
• Ongoing Advice – this relates to an ongoing partnership where we regularly review your position and track your progress towards your goals.

Our Financial Services Guide provides more information on our costs.

Yes, all initial consultations are cost-free. During these meetings we will learn more about each other and determine if we are well-suited to working together.

If you are interested in discussing the possibility of financial planning, you can complete our Enquiry form. 

*on completion of this form, an email with our advisers’ calendar link will be sent immediately, allowing you to book yourself in for a phone call without any delay.

After completing your initial advice and establishing an ongoing relationship, you will receive a series of formal reviews and meetings each year, varying in number and intensity based on your needs.

In addition to this, you can ask questions and discuss your situation with your adviser at any time and in any format that suits you. However, we will always provide our advice, or confirmation of our advice, to you in writing, as this is a legal requirement.

For further information on the processes, you can read our What to Expect page.

Yes, advice can be given on a one-off basis. However, Strategy First will rarely provide this style of advice, as we have an ethical obligation to ensure the advice we give remains suitable to your needs, and to update it where circumstances have changed. This can usually only be achieved through an ongoing partnership.

Our approach to one-off advice vs. ongoing advice is designed to give you, the client, the best experience and chance of achieving your objective. We would prefer to give no advice than to give partial or incomplete advice.

Yes. We have a Blog which is dedicated to educating people about Financial Planning. Here you will find articles on Financial Planning Basics, Investor Behaviour, Economic updates, and more.

Click here to access Strategy First Financial Planning Blog.

Whilst we are based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, we provide services to a diverse range of clients from across the city, state and country. You don’t need to live close by to partner with Strategy First.