Create The Lifestyle You Deserve
WE HELP YOU CREATE A LIFESTYLE YOU DESERVE
At Initiative Financial Advisers, we believe in a holistic approach to financial advice. We understand that financial well-being is not just about numbers on a balance sheet or investments in a portfolio. It encompasses various aspects of your life, goals, values and aspirations.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU IS IMPORTANT TO US
We take the time to truly understand your unique financial situation, needs, and objectives. We delve into your short-term and long-term goals, your family dynamics, career aspirations, risk tolerance and any specific concerns you may have. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of your financial landscape, we can provide tailored advice that aligns with your specific circumstances.
To us, you are unique
We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to financial planning. Whether it’s pursuing a passion, providing for your loved ones, supporting causes you care about, or enjoying a comfortable retirement, we help align your financial decisions with your life aspirations. We aim to create a financial plan that brings harmony and balance to all areas of your life.
Our advice encompasses a wide range of financial areas, including investment management, retirement planning, tax optimisation, risk management, estate planning and more.
WE WILL HELP KEEP YOU ON TRACK
We value long-term relationships with our clients. Financial planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that evolves with your changing circumstances. We are committed to being your trusted advisor throughout your financial journey, providing guidance, support and regular reviews of your financial plan. Our goal is to be there for you, adapting strategies as needed and helping you navigate through life’s financial challenges and opportunities. By fostering a collaborative partnership, we empower you to make informed decisions and take control of your financial future.
Your Advice Team
Glenn
Financial Adviser/Director
DFS(FP) ADFP GradDipFinPlan MFinPlan FChFP FAAA(Member)
Glenn is a seasoned professional in the Financial Services industry since 2002. With an extensive financial services background working at renowned institutions like Macquarie Bank, Heritage Bank, BOQ and NAB, Glenn’s journey through Investment Lending and Branch Management has made him a well-rounded professional. But it was as a Financial Adviser that he truly discovered his passion. Since 2012, Glenn has worked with prestigious national advice firms such as MLC Advice, BT Advice and Viridian Advisory, where he excelled in empowering and guiding clients to turn their aspirations into realities.
Qualifications:
- Master of Financial Planning
- Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
- Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner
- Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
- Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
- Member of Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA)
Sam
Paraplanner / Senior Client Service Officer
Sam is a highly experienced financial services professional with deep knowledge of the end-to-end financial planning process. With extensive experience across advice preparation, modelling, compliance, and implementation, Sam brings a well-rounded understanding of how quality advice is delivered and executed. While he specialises in crafting tailored Statements of Advice (SoAs) and Records of Advice (RoAs), his expertise also extends to advice execution and client servicing, ensuring strategies are not only well-designed but effectively implemented.
Sam is RG146 qualified and highly proficient in industry platforms such as Xplan, WealthSolver, Risk Researcher, and Xtools+. He is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and genuine passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. Sam takes pride in supporting advisers to deliver compliant, high-impact advice that empowers clients to make confident financial decisions.
Ella
Client Service Officer
Ella is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a degree in Management Accounting. With a strong foundation in financial analysis, and reporting. She began her career as an accounting staff where she gained valuable hands-on experience in maintaining accurate financial records, managing accounts receivable, and supporting month-end closing processes. Her time in this role developed her keen eye for detail and commitment to accuracy. In her current role as a Client Service Officer at Initiative Financial Adviser, Ella supports clients by providing clear, timely assistance and ensuring a smooth experience throughout their financial journey. Her combined experience in accounting and client service makes her an essential link between clients and the advisory team and passionate about continuous learning and is always seeking opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to the success of the organization she is part of.
Financial Planning Advice To Create The Lifestyle You Deserve
In today’s complex and ever-changing financial landscape, seeking professional financial planning advice has become increasingly important. Having a solid financial plan in place is crucial for achieving your goals and securing your financial future. Here’s why financial planning advice is essential:
Goal Clarity and Direction
Financial planning advice helps you gain clarity and define your financial goals. We will work closely with you to understand your aspirations, assess your current financial situation and create a roadmap to help you achieve your objectives. With a well-defined plan, you have a clear direction to follow and a higher likelihood of success.
Strategic Decision-Making
We bring expertise and experience to the table, helping you make informed decisions. We provide insights into investment strategies, tax planning, risk management and other crucial areas of finance. With our guidance, you can make sound financial choices aligned with your goals, minimise risks and optimise opportunities for growth.
Risk Mitigation and Security
The financial landscape is filled with potential risks and uncertainties. We can help you identify and mitigate these risks effectively. By conducting thorough risk assessments, providing insurance recommendations and implementing risk management strategies, we can help protect your assets and provide a sense of financial security for you and your loved ones.
Maximising Returns and Efficiency
A financial planner has the expertise to optimise your financial resources. We can develop investment strategies that balance risk and return, diversify your portfolio and identify opportunities for tax efficiency. Our knowledge of market trends and investment options can help you make informed choices, potentially increasing your returns over the long term.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, and financial circumstances can change rapidly. Our expertise can help you adapt your plan to accommodate life events such as career transitions, receiving an inheritance or early retirement. We provide ongoing support, monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments to keep you on track toward your goals.
Peace of Mind
Seeking professional financial planning advice is not a luxury; it is a strategic investment in your financial well-being. By partnering with us, you can navigate the complexities of finance, make informed decisions and take steps toward achieving your financial goals. Whether you need assistance with retirement planning, investment management, tax strategies or overall financial guidance, a financial plan can be an invaluable resource on your journey to financial success.
Areas of Advice
SUPERANNUATION
Superannuation is quite often your biggest investment when you retire. Seeking advice on superannuation helps you navigate the complexities of managing your retirement savings, understanding contribution limits, selecting appropriate investment options and maximising the benefits of this crucial retirement vehicle.
INVESTMENT
Investment advice focuses on building and managing an investment portfolio tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. We can help you develop a diversified portfolio, select suitable investment vehicles, assess risk levels and provide guidance on asset allocation. We consider factors such as your time horizon, income needs and risk appetite to help you make informed investment decisions that align with your objectives.
RETIREMENT
Retirement planning involves creating a strategy to achieve your desired lifestyle and financial security during your retirement years. We can help you estimate your retirement income needs, analyse your current savings and investments, develop a savings plan, and explore retirement income sources such as Social Security, pensions and annuities. We also assist with retirement income withdrawal strategies, tax planning and considerations related to estate planning.
INSURANCE
Insurance advice focuses on protecting yourself, your loved ones and your assets against unforeseen risks. We can assess your insurance needs, including life insurance, disability insurance and income protection. We help you understand policy terms, coverage options and assist in selecting suitable insurance plans that provide adequate protection for your specific circumstances.
SMSF
Self-Managed Super Fund: Setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) can be a suitable option for individuals who desire more control over the investment options and asset allocation within your retirement savings. An SMSF can offer potential cost savings and tax advantages through strategic planning.
Take Initiative
By working with us, we can assist you in gaining confidence in managing your superannuation, investments, retirement plans and insurance coverage, ultimately helping you achieve financial security and peace of mind.
Your Journey With Us
Initial Consultation
We will discuss your financial goals, concerns and current financial situation.
We will do an initial review of relevant financial documents, such as superannuation/ investment portfolio reports and insurance policies.
We will help you define your short-term and long-term financial goals, such as saving for retirement, buying a home, or funding education.
You can then prioritise your goals based on importance and urgency.
Goal Setting
Financial Assessment
We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your income, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flow.
We then assess your risk tolerance, time horizon and financial resources.
Based on the assessment, we will provide tailored recommendations to help you achieve your financial goals.
This may include strategies for budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, tax planning and insurance coverage.
Recommendations
Implementation
With your authority to proceed, we implement the recommended strategies.
This may involve opening investment or superannuation accounts, setting up automatic savings plans/ contributions, adjusting insurance policies or establishing retirement plans.
We will regularly review and monitor the progress of your financial plan and to assess any changes in your circumstances, goals or market conditions.
Whenever necessary, we will make adjustments to the plan as needed to stay on track.
Monitoring and Review
Ongoing Support and Education
Engage in regular meetings or check-ins with us to address questions, concerns, or new opportunities.
Stay informed about financial matters through educational resources provided by us on a regular basis.
We will conduct a comprehensive plan review at specific intervals or when major life events occur.
We will update your financial plan to reflect changes in income, expenses, goals, or risk tolerance.
Periodic Plan Review
Communication and Transparency
We will maintain open and transparent communication with you.
Conversely, being in constant dialog with us if anything changes with your goals or circumstances will help us make necessary adjustments.
Remember, the financial advice process may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific services offered by our firm.
Remember
CARE Philosophy
Exciting Life, Boring Money
…and not the other way around. The investment philosophy where good behaviour and SMART decisions make all the difference.
What is the CARE Portfolio?
Fundamental to the CARE Investment Philosophy is what is known as the DALBAR Study. The original DALBAR Study was conducted between 1980 to 2000 in the USA on the top 500 US listed companies. The study found that the average return over that 20 year time period for the 500 companies was a 12% return.
Do you know what the return was for investors over the same period? It was around 4% over the same 20 year period! That’s a poor average investor return. The number one reason for the 8% difference was bad investor behaviour.
See the DALBAR emotional rollercoaster schematic below.
The CARE Investment Philosophy believes that 50% of your returns are made up by your investment behaviour. 45% of your return is to do with asset allocation and the remaining 5% is timing and selection. The traditional investor would contest this and say the investor return equation is 90% asset allocation and 10% timing and selection and has nothing to do with investor behaviour.
However, based upon the DALBAR Study we do know that 50% of returns are based on investor behaviour, which has a critical impact on your returns. See the impact of investor behaviour in the graph pictured.
The DALBAR Study
found that the average holding period by investors who said they were investing for the long term was just over 3 years! Those investors made bad short-term decisions based upon events happening in the world at the time. That’s why the CARE Investment Philosophy was designed – to stop investors from blowing up money, to prevent bad investment decisions being made in down markets and to stop the dangerous DALBAR cycle that destroys the wealth our clients have worked so hard to create. Are you interested in an excellent investment philosophy that protects your investment future? Ask us for more information on the CARE Investment Philosophy.
C
CORE INVESTMENTS
The “C” in CARE stands for “Core” investments. The Core of a CARE portfolio is made up of a range of Exchange Traded Funds (commonly called ETF’s) and fixed interest fund managers that are single sector, single manager securities and funds that are constructed to be invested according to your risk profile. Your Core investments, together with your risk profile are a strategic mix of Cash, Fixed Interest, Property, Australian shares and bonds, and overseas shares and bonds.
A
ACTIVE INVESTMENTS
The “A” in CARE stands for “Active” investments. This is a tactical blend of ETF investments which includes Australian Shares, Global Shares, Emerging Market shares, Global Small Companies and Gold. The Active component within the portfolio is designed to take advantage of long term market themes and attempt to smooth your total portfolio return by systematically adjusting allocation to undervalued or overvalued asset classes.
R
RESERVES
(Used when income is required from your portfolio)
The “R” in CARE stands for “Reserves”. This is a very important part of the overall investment strategy that looks to benefit you in two ways. The first is that it provides a steady income stream with a very low risk to capital. The second benefit is that we recognise that volatility and capital loss have a probability of occurring in the short term. By allowing enough time for investment in shares and property to grow, the risk of you having to sell assets in times where markets are declining is mitigated. Reserves are an important component of CARE where we set aside up to four years of any income requirements, especially for retirees, because in volatile markets if you don’t have enough Reserves you may have to sell assets to provide sufficient income, or worse: you may panic and sell. The Reserve is a good buffer for peace of mind and to assist you with the cash flow you need during these investment downturns.
E
ENHANCED RETURNS
Lastly, the ”E” in CARE stands for “Enhanced”. This portfolio is made up of Australian and overseas shares, held either directly or through managed funds or ETF’s. Listed Australian shares will predominantly be selected from the largest 100 Companies on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). These companies generally produce good dividends for our clients. Investors also have the option of investing in a portfolio of international shares managed by a specialist manager or via an exchange traded fund (ETF). The Enhanced looks to deliver above market returns or “Alpha” as it is called in investment circles.
Meet The CARE Investment Committee
Emmanuel Calligeris
BEc MBus (Finance)
Emmanuel is Chairman of the CARE Investment Committee. Emmanuel holds a degree in economics and previously had 20 years’ experience as Chief Investment Officer for OnePath Investments (the investment arm of ANZ Bank) and was responsible for $13 Billion of funds under management.
Grahame Evans
GAICD DipSM MBA
Grahame is the Risk and Compliance member of the CARE Investment Committee. Grahame brings over 35 years of financial service industry experience.
Dr Mark Brimble
BCom(Hons) PhD CPA FFin
Mark is an independent member of the CARE Investment Committee. Mark holds a doctorate in capital markets and is keenly interested in investor behaviour
Rob McGregor
SIA (Aff) ADFP
Rob was a founder of GPS Wealth, developed the CARE Investment Philosophy over the last 15 years and successfully managed $100m in clients’ funds during the GFC.
Contact Us
Take initiative and contact us to discuss how we can help you create the lifestyle you deserve.
Call Us
07 5239 8966
Email Us
enquiries@initiativefa.com.au
Office
Ground Floor, 51 The Esplanade, Maroochydore, QLD 4558
(The Cosmopolitan – Cotton Tree)
Parking
Back of the building via 96 Memorial Ave., Maroochydore
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We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your financial goals. Feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need for a secure and prosperous financial future.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm
Privacy Notice: We value your privacy and confidentiality. Any information you provide through this contact form will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used to respond to your inquiry. We do not share your personal information with third parties without your consent.