Financial advice James Cruz Financial advice James Cruz

We are an Independent Firm!

You don't know how good it feels to be able to write this heading. It's really important to understand that you have to be careful calling yourself an independent Financial Planner in the current environment. There is so much that needs to be done and ticked off before you can call yourself this term. The fallout from ASIC is immense if you have not got all your ducks in a row. Let me explain what this means to us and to our current and prospective clients.

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Financial advice James Cruz Financial advice James Cruz

The greatest gift of being a Financial Planner

The plight of a cancer sufferer may seem hopeless but the fight that I saw in this family showed a resolve that is captured in adversity. I mean real adversity. Not a market fluctuation where your capital drops by 20% or changes to legislation which means you may have to pay some tax. The realisation that nobody believes you can survive a terminal illness. 

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Financial advice James Cruz Financial advice James Cruz

What is in your worry bag right NOW?

Investments, insurance and superannuation are some of the “things” people suggest are the main roles of what a financial planner can offer. In a transactional model, this would be a fair assumption. Generally, when the relationship with a financial planner is transaction based, there is less substance to the personal relationship.

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Financial advice James Cruz Financial advice James Cruz

Getting it right for the grandkids

Grandparents really are the jewels in the crown of our community. Having raised their own children, many are now helping raise their grandchildren. This often extends to providing financial support to the grandkids. If you’re in this situation, how can you make sure your generosity is as financially effective as possible?

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Financial advice James Cruz Financial advice James Cruz

It's not just a house

When buying a house, it is standard to consult the help of a local real estate agent and a home loan specialist because you want expert help with one of the biggest financial decisions in your life.

Why then wouldn't you also enlist the services of a financial adviser?

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Financial advice James Cruz Financial advice James Cruz

Financial management for Gen Y

Planning for the future while you are still young can have a lot of benefits for you in the long term, particularly when it comes to your retirement. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in 2006, 31% of young people in their twenties were still living with their parents, mainly for financial reasons.

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