Canberra’s financial experts know exactly how to help locals get the most out of their money.

In a cost-of-living crisis, managing your finances can be a stressful journey.

From budgets to investments, understanding financial gain and management is an invaluable skillset.

Canberra has a selection of experts who can show you just how to get the most out of your money. 

Accountants go extra mile for financial success

Utilising more than 30 years of shared experience at Freedom Financial Solutions FFS and applying it to taxation, business, self-managed super funds (SMSFs), finance, mortgages, financial planning, property and share market investing, managing director Mary-Jane Liddicoat says SMSFs are an excellent way to grow family wealth. 

“Whether you’re experienced or new to managing finances, we’ll guide you through the complexities of SMSFs, explaining that while it can be complicated, we take care of the vast majority of the work,” she says. 

According to Mary-Jane, clients need only focus on three things: making investment choices, keeping paperwork, and reviewing and signing the audited tax return.

“We handle the rest,” she says. 

Mary-Jane says clients typically set up an SMSF for two primary reasons: investment diversity and direct control. 

“Unlike industry or retail funds, which limit investments to shares or cash, SMSF’s offer a broader range of investments such as property and bullion,” she says. 

“These tangible assets allow clients to directly engage with their investments, providing a sense of security and control.” 

With SMSFs, members can directly manage their investments, something that Mary-Jane says can allow for quick responses to market changes, such as market crashes. 

Following a “do as we do” and not a “do as we say” approach, Mary-Jane says their focus is on empowerment. 

“Ultimately your superannuation is yours, and it should be managed according to your preferences, not dictated by others.” 

Freedom Financial Solutions FFS. Call 1300 333121 or visit freedomffs.com.au

Working together to make retirement work

David Luke Retirement Planning specialises in advising those coming up to, or already in retirement, says director David Luke.

“I can help maximise your Centrelink entitlement, minimise tax exposure, set up income streams and offer investment advice and implementation,” he says.

“I have been a financial planner in Canberra and surrounding regions for 23 years, exclusively advising on retirement,” he says, and has run his own business for the last five years.

David says financial rules are daunting when you look at them for the first time.

“I can lead you through the process of the ATO, Centrelink, and investment markets, to make them work for you and achieve the retirement you want,” he says.

“You don’t need any prior knowledge with the rules or with financial planning, just an idea of what you want to achieve.”

He says he will break down the issues so you understand how it all fits together.

“I have no relationship with any product providers – I am on your side and I’m a one-person operation so you will always deal directly with me,” says David.

“I’m more than happy to visit you at home, after hours or on weekends.

“Don’t let the complexity of the system make you think it’s all too hard. Make it work for you instead.”

David Luke Retirement Planning, Level 1, 33 Allara Street, Canberra City. Call 0404 857242, or visit davidlukeplanning.com.au

An ‘empowerment’ approach to superannuation

Nearing a decade of experience in the accounting field, director and self-managed super fund (SMSF) manager Peta Demczyszyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Freedom Financial Superannuation Solutions and their clients. 

Choosing to specialise in SMSF accounting and compliance, Peta says she fulfils her desire to help people achieve financial success in retirement. 

“I always go the extra mile to help achieve the desired result and value strong and productive relationships with my clients,” she says. 

With an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the complex SMSF regulatory landscape, Peta says she ensures her team is on top of the latest industry trends and changes. 

Tax division manager Kirandeep Kaur Kang says she is dedicated to providing expert accounting and tax services tailored to the needs of individuals, sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts. 

Specialising in a broad range of services, including tax return preparation, financial statements, business activity statements (BAS) and instalment activity statements (IAS), Kiran is currently pursuing her Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification. 

Passionate about accounting and committed to ongoing professional development, Kiran says she is always focused on delivering the highest quality service to their clients. 

“Whether you need assistance with compliance, financial reporting or tax strategy, we can help guide your financial journey,” she says. 

Freedom Financial Superannuation Solutions. 5/44 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 1300 333121 or visit freedomsuper.com.au

One dedicated team for all financial services

Wholistic Financial Solutions (WFS) is locally owned by Michael Johnson and Chris McGuigan, who bring a wealth of expertise across a range of financial services. 

With more than 50 years of combined experience in accounting, taxation, business advisory and finance, Chris and Michael have been successfully helping clients navigate their financial journeys in Canberra for more than 20 years.

“With a focus on integrity and excellence, we aim to build lasting partnerships and deliver unparalleled financial expertise,” Chris says.

“We believe that by empowering our clients with the knowledge and resources they need, we can contribute to their long-term financial security and prosperity.”

WFS specialises in a comprehensive suite of financial services, including tax planning, business structuring, wealth management, succession planning and SMSF set-up and compliance. 

Chris says the difference between WFS and other financial service providers lies in its dedication to establishing strong relationships with clients, ensuring that all their financial needs are met with tailored solutions.

“When you choose WFS, you’re not just getting an accountant or financial adviser – you’re gaining a strategic partner who is genuinely invested in your success,” Chris says.

“We take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and aspirations, and we’re always here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.”

Chris and Michael believe that excellence in financial services is a team effort, and they take great pride in the fact that the entire WFS team shares these core values and qualities, ensuring clients receive the highest standard of service.

Wholistic Financial Solutions, 5/133 Flemington Road, Mitchell ACT.  Call 6162 4546 or visit wfscanberra.com.au

A clear understanding of home loans

At Clarity Home Loans, managing director Mark Edlund says their mission is simple. 

“We provide expert advice, guidance and support to every borrower, ensuring a stress-free journey into, through and beyond homeownership,” he says. 

With a firm belief in transparency, trust and ethical services, Mark says their award-winning team has been recognised at industry-leading events.

“Our brokers don’t earn commissions, instead operating on a salary-based model with bonuses linked to customer satisfaction, accuracy and compliance which ensures they focus solely on security, the best loan for you, not the one with the highest commission,” he says. 

“This approach guarantees that our brokers are financially secure enough to prioritise ethics over sales, so they can always act in your best interest.”

Unlike commission-driven brokers who may be pressured to push unsuitable loans, Mark says the team at Clarity has the freedom to reject deals that don’t align with a client’s financial wellbeing.

“When you sit down with a Clarity mortgage broker, you receive more than just a loan option,” he says. 

“We take the time to understand your financial situation, long-term goals and needs before recommending solutions.”

Overseeing thousands of successful loan applications processed and more than $7.7 billion in funded loans, Mark says their expertise is truly unmatched. 

Clarity Home Loans. Civic, Level 3/33 Allara Street, Canberra. Call 6209 1990 or visit clarityfinancial.com.au

Planning ahead provides relief

“It is important to seek professional estate planning help in order to be clear about what you want – where you want your assets to go,” says director and founding partner of Capon & Hubert, Ken Hubert.

“Your initial thoughts on this subject may not take into account contingencies which may occur.

“It is so important to ensure that the wealth you worked for goes to the people you want to inherit.” 

Ken says at Capon and Hubert, they always work through the client’s initial plans and thoughts, and ask questions to determine a clear path forward should different scenarios occur. 

“Many people who come to us have thought about making a will and feel a sense of relief once this is completed,” he says.

“We also find that people who have been asked to be an executor have a much easier role when the will they are responsible for is clear, well thought out and has considered different scenarios.”

Life can produce circumstances where initial plans may not be possible, says Ken, and clear details of intent for assets is necessary.

“A will greatly assists anyone who may be dealing with an estate for the first time and may be unsure how to proceed and the steps which must be taken to administer an estate,” he says.

“Having a will is caring for those who may need to carry out your wishes at a challenging and difficult time.”

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, First Floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au