Find a qualified financial adviser in Australia

Initial advice (Statement of Advice): $3,300-$5,500 typical, up to $8,000 for complex situations. Ongoing advice: $3,000-$8,000/year for $500k-$2M households. Hourly: $300-$600/hr. Robo-advice (Stockspot, Six Park): $50-$140/month. Many planners offer free 30-minute initial discovery calls before you commit. Fee structures matter: flat fees are typically better for clients than asset-based fees (which penalise portfolio growth) or commission-based fees (banned for most products since 2014).

Verify on ASIC Financial Adviser Register (moneysmart.gov.au) — every licensed adviser is listed with qualifications, employment history, and any disciplinary action. Look for: CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or higher qualification, independent or non-aligned (not owned by a bank), upfront transparent fees, willingness to walk you through their fee structure, listening to your goals before recommending products. Avoid: anyone who recommends specific products before understanding your situation, "free" advice that's actually commission-based.

Bank planners can be competent but face structural conflicts: limited product approval lists (often only their bank's in-house funds), pressure to meet sales targets, less competitive insurance pricing. Generally fine for: super consolidation, basic insurance review, mortgage-related advice. Independent planners are better for: complex investments, retirement strategy, aged care, estate planning, business owners. Always check the ASIC Financial Adviser Register to verify their qualifications and any past disciplinary actions.

Earlier is better — small optimisations compound over decades. Common trigger points: turning 50 (10-15 years from retirement), receiving an inheritance or redundancy, considering early retirement, planning aged care for parents, divorce/separation, starting a business, or investments exceeding $250,000. Even a one-off Statement of Advice at age 35 to optimise super and insurance can save $200,000-$500,000 over a lifetime through compounding.

Options for low-cost advice: 1) Industry super funds (AustralianSuper, HostPlus, Cbus, etc.) offer simple super-related advice free or for $0-$500. 2) Robo-advisers like Stockspot ($66/month) or Six Park ($150/month). 3) MoneySmart (moneysmart.gov.au) — free government education resources. 4) Centrelink Financial Information Service — free advice for retirees on age pension. 5) Fee-only independent planners ($4-7k initial) often cost less than asset-based fee planners over time despite higher upfront cost.

Financial planner: Comprehensive financial advice (super, investment, insurance, retirement, estate planning). Builds long-term plans. Cost: $3,000-$8,000 initial, $3,000-$8,000/year ongoing. Stockbroker: Specialises in share market trading and execution. Provides specific stock recommendations. Cost: brokerage on each trade ($30-$250/trade) plus management fees on portfolios. Many wealthy investors use both: a planner for overall strategy, a stockbroker for execution. For most people, ETFs through a financial planner is simpler than active stockbroking.

FASEA (Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority) introduced higher standards for Australian financial advisers from 2019. All advisers must: hold approved bachelor degree (or equivalent), pass Financial Adviser Exam, complete CPD training annually, abide by Code of Ethics. The Code requires advisers to act in clients' best interests, manage conflicts of interest, and only recommend products they reasonably believe will benefit clients. ASIC enforces these standards. Verify your adviser meets all standards on the Financial Adviser Register.

SMSF makes sense if: combined super balance over $500k (running costs become viable), you want direct property investment in super, you want full control over investments, complex business structures benefit. SMSF doesn't make sense if: balance under $300k (running costs eat returns), you don't have time/interest for ongoing administration, your needs are met by an industry super fund. Setup costs: $3,500-$8,000. Ongoing: $1,500-$3,500/year accounting + audit. ASIC penalties for non-compliance can be severe — get specialist SMSF advice before setting one up.