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

From creating weekly budgets to complex investments, there’s no escaping managing money, so why not do it well? 

Whether it’s property investment, navigating wills and estates, support with running a business or increasing personal wealth, Canberra’s financial experts know exactly how to help locals get the most out of their money…

Financial services that put you first

Tristina Haines is a qualified mortgage broker celebrating six months with More Than Mortgages. 

“Prior to that, I was with another broker for two years, and I had been in banking for 10 years; so overall 14 years in the finance industry,” says Tristina.

“Being in the industry for so long I have a good strong knowledge of where the market has been and where the market is now with rates and the housing market.”

Tristina says she can assist with any purchasing, refinancing or restructuring home-loan questions.

In particular, Tristina says she loves working with first-home buyers.

“I love helping people get into the market, especially today’s market because it’s a little trickier to get into, especially in the ACT,” she says.

“We also do financial health checks, where we check over people’s current situation to see if there’s anything they could be doing better or could do in the future.”

Tristina says that while More Than Mortgages is predominantly a mortgage-brokering business, the team is dedicated to giving back. 

“The ‘more than’ from More Than Mortgages comes from how much charity work we do,” she says. 

“Recently the two owners have gone to Nepal and done some charity work there.

“We’ve also got a trek coming up in May in Nepal and all the funds from that go to people in Nepal.

“I love helping people, even if you’re saving someone $100 a month by getting them a lower interest rate, it’s still putting them in a better place at the end of the day, because they can spend that $100 on their family, or travel or something like that.”

More Than Mortgages, 4/6 Phipps Close, Deakin. Call 6188 4555 or visit morethanmortgages.com.au

Gail helps to get it right the first time

Tax expert, self-management super fund specialist, financial planner and qualified in all areas of superannuation, Gail Freeman, of Gail Freeman & Co, is able to assist with all taxation needs. 

“We specialise in taxation,” says Gail.

“We have two registered tax agents who can assist with any tax matters, and we also have a staff of three others who have been working in this area for 20 years that can assist with any tax or business issues,” she says. 

“We also have computer experts, so our team is experienced in using Xero, MYOB and Quicken, as well as other accounting programs. 

“We can help with budgeting, cash flows for your business, international tax or restructuring your business.”

Gail says their services are all based on the fact that people are entitled to pay as little tax as they legally need.

“Our goal is to make sure that people pay the right amount of tax for their situation,” she says.

“The thing that is really important is that we are always up to date, tax changes almost on a daily basis and we always know the latest changes and are able to advise on them. 

“At the same time, we can assist with financial planning, retirement, self-managed super funds, we have clients who are primary producers, retirees, small businesses, public servants, anyone in the workforce, we can help you with your business activity statements.

“It is so easy to make a mistake, and not realise you’ve made a mistake.

“Then the mistake continues, and if the ATO finds out, it’s going to cost you a lot more than if you had got it sorted out in the first place correctly. 

“If you get audited and you have made a mistake, not only do you have to pay the tax that you avoided, but you also get charged penalties and it’s hard to get those remitted. 

“If you get it right the first time you’re ahead.”

Gail Freeman & Co, 9/71 Leichhardt Street, Kingston. Call 6295 2844 or visit gailfreeman.com.au

Natasha helps women fix their money relationship

Women With Cents was started in 2016 by Natasha Janssens, as a financial education platform for women.

“The focus now is less on financial literacy, and more on the psychology behind money and spending,” she says.

“I grew up in eastern Europe, in what was Yugoslavia, and came to Australia by myself at 18.

“I had to figure out everything to do with money on my own.

“I became an accountant, but I decided I wanted to do something to help people manage their money better, so I then became a financial adviser and mortgage broker.”

When Natasha was pregnant and joined in mothers groups, she says she realised how male-dominated finances were.

“My mothers’ group started a Facebook page to discuss our money and questions, and we’d meet up in person, too,” she says.

“I even wrote a book, ‘Wonder Woman’s Guide To Money’, but I realised something was still missing, so I became a behavioural money coach.

“People don’t talk about the money they earn because they fear judgement.

“Childhood trauma can often impact the money-related decisions we make as adults, because women are taught to put others first, always.

“We all know how to budget, it’s not a lack of knowledge.

“So, now I help women realise what shapes their relationship with money, so they can learn and become more confident.”

Women With Cents. Visit womenwithcents.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.

“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

The importance of an up-to-date will

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators helps clients wishing to update their will, says director Ken Hubert. 

“This will often mean completing an enduring power of attorney as well as a will,” he says.

“If people don’t have a will, it means their possessions are instead distributed by the rules of intestacy.

“This distribution means that your spouse, family member or friend will have to apply to the court to be appointed administrator before they can handle your estate.

“This can be costly and time-consuming. 

“Completing an enduring power of attorney to address later-in-life challenges, as well as a will, assists loved ones to care for you in the manner you wish when the time comes.”

Ken says Capon and Hubert have been helping people with their legal matters for more than 35 years and can also help people with a range of legal issues in areas such as family law, children’s matters, conveyancing, and power of attorney.

“Our team is focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times,” says Ken.

“Our staff are experienced in their fields and we take pride in knowing that they will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement.” 

Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au