Secure your retirement with confidence.

My proven strategies and personalised approach ensure you a secure retirement.

HELPING YOU THRIVE IN RETIREMENT

Retirement should be about enjoying life with financial peace of mind. I help clients build a strategy that provides stable income, preserves capital, and offers more certainty, no matter what the markets do. With a simple, proven approach, we focus on what works long-term.

Most retirees fear a market crash. My clients and I? We welcome it. Why? We’re prepared with proven strategies that work long-term. We’re not afraid of the market; we aim to profit from it. Sometimes, it’s too good an opportunity to pass up.

ABOUT ME

Over 28 years of experience in financial planning.

I started in the financial industry in 1996 working for a bank. It wasn’t long before I felt like a mushroom - kept in the dark and fed the proverbial. I sought the truth and found enough that in 2004 I left the bank and started my journey of independent thinking in my own business. 

I had the fortune to meet Peter Van West (retired) and he agreed to be my mentor. His vast knowledge and guiding hand helped mould me into what I have become professionally today.

I have found the financial news to be at times misleading and provide way too much noise. I rely on facts and figures to guide me to what to do next.

I love what I do because I only take on clients I like and who like me. Everyone is different and has the right to be. I like to hang out with people I like to hang out with. 

I am a licensed financial planner.


Adviser # 284 256. Authorised Representative of Investors Direct Financial Planning Pty Ltd - AFSL# 385 827.

A proven track record of success.

I’m proud of the results I’ve achieved for my clients over the years. My approach is simple: avoid risks when it makes sense and seize opportunities when they’re clear.

No client left short

No client of mine has ever run out of money in retirement, lacked sufficient income, or suffered major losses.

Global financial crisis

In 2008, I advised clients to move from shares to Term Deposits (earning 8-9% interest) six months before the crash. As a result, none of my clients lost money during the crisis.

Trade war & market crash

When the U.S.-China trade war caused a market downturn, we were ready. With plenty of cash on hand, we bought in and capitalised on the opportunity.

COVID market downturn

During the COVID crash, we were prepared again—holding cash and buying at low prices to capture long-term growth.

Fixed interest in 2021

We exited Government Bonds before interest rates rose, preventing negative returns.

October 2023 recovery

We entered the market strategically, leading to strong gains.

My investment philosophy.

An investment philosophy is a set of beliefs, principles, and strategies that guide decisions to align with your financial goals. My philosophy has been developed over 28 years, focusing on three key outcomes:

  1. Sufficient income for your lifestyle

  2. Income that lasts longer than you do

  3. A high degree of certainty

It’s not just about returns; it’s about creating a sense of confidence, security and peace of mind in retirement.

  • Spreading investments widely helps protect your assets. I believe in having 1,000 baskets instead of just 10 to minimize potential losses.

  • Risk is lower when investments are purchased at good value. I buy only when value is clear, based on facts and modeling, to maximise potential returns.

  • While some fund managers perform well temporarily, index funds tend to deliver better long-term results with lower fees. But even then, I only buy when value is evident.

  • It’s not about how much capital you have but how much income it generates. Stable income creates financial security, regardless of market fluctuations.

  • Investments that generate income—like dividend-paying shares and rental properties—offer more certainty compared to assets that rely solely on value appreciation.

  • Holding separate funds for shares, property, fixed interest and cash allows you to draw from stable assets when markets fluctuate, reducing risk.

  • While market crashes are inevitable, they can be opportunities if you’re prepared. Logic-based decisions help minimise losses and capitalise on undervalued assets during downturns.

  • Understanding an investment means understanding its risks. I prioritise tried-and-true investments over complex products to protect clients from potential pitfalls.

  • Discipline is the backbone of my philosophy—acting when it’s logical and staying the course when it’s not.

WHY CHOOSE ME?

When you work with me, you get three things: logic, discipline and genuine care! My approach is rooted in clear principles and common-sense rules that have guided my decisions for nearly three decades.

What sets me apart?

Fact-based decisions

In a world of conflicting opinions, I rely solely on facts. With the right information, you can make decisions that align with your goals.

Common sense over confusion

Financial news can often be overwhelming. I simplify the noise by focusing on what truly matters—practical, tried-and-true strategies.

Discipline in action

Discipline means acting when it’s logical and holding back when it’s not. I’ve built confidence in this approach over years of successful outcomes.

A commitment to doing well

I developed my investment philosophy because I believe in doing the job right. It’s not just about achieving results; it’s about helping you succeed and enjoy financial peace of mind.

Authentic client experience

I’ve asked my clients to review this website, and they’ve confirmed it truly reflects their experience with me—logical, straightforward and supportive.

My dad always said, "If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing well." I bring that same dedication to my work with you. I care about your success and am committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence and clarity.

WHO I WORK WITH

I like to keep it straightforward. I added this section to help you understand if my services are a good fit for your situation.

  • Most of my clients are within 10 years of retirement or already retired. I specialise in strategies that provide stability, growth and peace of mind as you transition into or live through retirement.

  • If you’re new to financial planning or want to explore new ideas, I explain everything clearly, making it easier for you to feel confident about your financial decisions.

    • Option 1 - Super balance of $200,000+ with surplus cash flow, complex needs, property, or shares.

    • Option 2 - Super balance of $400,000+.

  • If preserving your capital is a key priority, we’re likely a good match. Achieving reasonable returns is also important to maintain your capital over time.

  • My focus is on delivering certainty and confidence, ensuring you have a secure and well-planned financial future.

  • Financial planning is a journey built on mutual respect and understanding. We’ll work together for the long haul, adapting as your needs evolve.

December 2024 market highlights.

These insights are designed to keep you informed and confident in your financial journey.

Testimonials

  • “Gavin was recommended to us by a family member 6 years ago and we haven’t looked back. He has helped us navigate the transition to retirement with a sound plan. We now are more confident going forward. Gavin is trustworthy and likeable and we have recommended him to our friends.”

    Client, LH

  • “I have been a client of Gavin’s for over three years. I appreciate his regular market updates and direct, down-to-earth advice while steadfastly sticking to tried and tested principles. His recommendations have served us well.”

    Client, BF

  • “I have been a client of Gavins for over five years. He has created a framework to generate a strategy to meet our investment goals. In a world that looks like a maze of uncertainty, Gavin has decoded a unique plan to progress forward and put results on the board. He then provides a guided (at your choice of involvement) service to execute that plan.”

    Client, JR

  • “My husband and I have been clients of Gavin's for around five years. I really like Gavin's down to earth nature and easy going personality. He is extremely trustworthy and gives me great peace of mind in regard to our finances. Very happy that he always has time to talk and would recommend him to anyone.”

    Client, LR

  • "Gavin has been our financial advisor since 2019. He shows us how to nurture a lifetime of savings confidently in these uncertain times. "

    Clients, F&P

  • "Prior to finding Gavin we spent some months working with another advisor and were not satisfied with the proposed investment direction. We asked around and Gavin came highly recommended. We clicked from the start as Gavin’s investment philosophy and methods aligned with our investment philosophy and strategies to utilise our superannuation and existing investments to move from working full time into retirement. Gavin has been our adviser since mid-2022 and we are extremely pleased with the service and advice provided through this major transition in our life. He patiently answers all of our questions ensuring we understand everything that’s happening. We can now relax and enjoy retirement as our future is being well looked after."

    Clients, I&J B

  • "Gavin has been advising us for over 6 years. He is careful to understand what we want to achieve, and his advice is concise, easy to understand & works!"

    Client, RP

  • "My wife & I had invested in property and had no idea on how make the best of our assets for retirement. Our biggest fear was would we have sufficient funds to support us in our retirement. We have been a client of Finwell Financial for three years and after Gavin reviewing our assets, liabilities & income there is now a road map in place for our retirement."

    Clients, P&C H

  • I have known Gavin professionally for 16 years. In 2012 my wife and I sought Gavin’s financial planning advice to better understand our financial situation as well as plan for our future and ultimately retirement. As a result of Gavin’s invaluable and frank guidance we have remained clients and participate in Annual Reviews. By following Gavin’s trusted advice we are now well established financially and enjoying retirement”

    Client, PB

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Whether you have questions about retirement planning, need guidance on investment strategies, or just want to understand how I can help, I’m here to chat.

gavin@finwellgroup.com.au
0422 917 400‬

The material shown in this presentation is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be read as specific personal investment advice. Whilst all care is taken in the preparation of this material no warranty is given with respect to the information provided, and accordingly no responsibility for errors or omissions, including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence is accepted by Investors Direct Financial Planning Pty Ltd or any member or employee of Investors Direct Financial Planning Pty Ltd, or its subsidiaries. Before acting on any of the information contained in this presentation you should obtain special advice from a specialist investment or risk professional, which is appropriate to your specific investment or risk needs, objectives and financial situation.