Financial Planning
Learn what a financial adviser actually does, when professional advice may be valuable, and how financial advice can help Australians build long-term financial confidence.
We regularly review our Knowledge Centre articles to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. Where legislation, thresholds or government guidance changes, this content is updated accordingly.
In this guide we'll explain:
A financial adviser works with individuals and families to help them make informed financial decisions.
Rather than focusing on a single investment or product, advice considers your entire financial situation, including your goals, income, assets, debts, family circumstances and future plans.
Financial advice is designed to help you make confident decisions today while preparing for tomorrow.
For many Australians, retirement is the biggest financial transition they'll experience.
A financial adviser can help you:
Superannuation is often a person's largest investment.
Advice may include:
Investment advice should begin with your goals, not markets.
A financial adviser can help:
Insurance provides financial protection when life doesn't go to plan.
Advice may cover:
The appropriate cover depends on your personal circumstances.
Financial advisers don't replace accountants, but they often work alongside them.
Advice may include:
Estate planning helps ensure your wishes are carried out.
Advice often includes discussions around:
Financial advisers commonly work with solicitors in this area.
There is no perfect age.
Many people seek advice when they experience a significant life event, such as:
Seeking advice earlier often provides more opportunities for long-term planning.
Every adviser has their own process, but it typically involves:
Understanding your goals, circumstances and priorities.
Collecting financial information to understand your complete situation.
Reviewing opportunities, risks and strategies.
Presenting recommendations that align with your objectives.
Putting agreed strategies into place.
Reviewing your plan as your circumstances change.
Australian financial advisers must clearly explain how they are paid.
Depending on the advice provided, fees may include:
Your adviser should explain all fees before you decide to proceed.
Consider asking:
No. Many Australians seek advice to help make informed decisions regardless of their wealth.
No. Advice may also include retirement planning, insurance, superannuation, estate planning and cash flow strategies.
Financial advisers may recommend tax-effective financial strategies where appropriate and often work alongside accountants, but they do not replace tax advice.
Many people review their financial plan annually or whenever significant life changes occur.
About the author
Founder & Principal Financial Adviser
Josh Hampton is the Founder and Principal Financial Adviser at Hampton Wealth Management, helping professionals, families and retirees make confident financial decisions.
Retirement isn't about stopping work. It's about creating choice, and building the income and confidence to support the lifestyle you want for decades to come.
Last Reviewed: August 2026
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Read ArticleGeneral Advice Warning. General information only, this website does not consider your personal circumstances. Before acting on any information, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your objectives, financial situation and needs. The Hampton Group Australia Pty Ltd T/A Hampton Wealth Management is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Beryllium Advisers Pty Ltd (AFSL 528250). Josh Hampton is an authorised representative (1002846) of Beryllium Advisers Pty Ltd (AFSL 528250). Prepared 5 August 2026. Last Reviewed 6 August 2026.
If you'd like to discuss your situation and whether advice may be valuable, we'd be pleased to arrange a complimentary initial meeting.
