The Best Financial Advisors and Planners in Gold Coast

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The Gold Coast’s median house price above $1.17 million, strong population growth, and rental costs well above the national average have increased financial pressure for many households. As one of Australia’s fastest-growing non-capital cities, it attracts affluent professionals, business owners, and retirees who require structured financial planning to manage wealth, superannuation, and property decisions effectively.

A qualified Gold Coast financial adviser can help you navigate investment strategy, retirement planning, tax considerations, and long-term wealth management with greater clarity. Industry research consistently shows that Australians who seek professional financial advice report stronger financial confidence and improved retirement preparedness compared to those managing complex decisions alone.

How We Selected the Gold Coast’s Best Financial Advisers

We independently reviewed and identified a recommended shortlist of Gold Coast financial planners who meet our professional and ethical benchmarks. Our goal is to help you choose with confidence by highlighting advisers who demonstrate experience, integrity, and consistent client satisfaction.

Our Selection Standards
✓ Minimum 5 years industry experience
✓ ASIC licensed and verified
✓ CFP® or equivalent advanced qualifications
✓ Strong client reviews
✓ Clean compliance record
✓ Ongoing professional development

All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Last review: February 2026.

Should You See a Financial Adviser?

Financial advice can be particularly valuable in a high-growth, property-driven region like the Gold Coast where financial decisions often involve significant assets.

Consider Professional Advice If You:
☑ Are within 5 to 10 years of retirement
☑ Have substantial superannuation but no clear strategy
☑ Recently received an inheritance or financial windfall
☑ Own a business and require succession planning
☑ Earn a high household income with complex tax considerations
☑ Are navigating divorce or separation
☑ Are considering establishing an SMSF
☑ Need Age Pension optimisation strategies
☑ Are planning for aged care or downsizing

Not sure? Many Gold Coast financial planners offer an initial consultation at no cost, allowing you to explore your options before committing.

Quick Comparison: Find Your Match

Adviser Experience Key Specialisation Languages
Andre Dirckze Holistic Financial Planning, Wealth Strategy, SMSF & Lending Integration English
Rachael Glover Retirement Planning, Superannuation Strategy, Personal Insurance English
Hugh Robertson Goals-Based Financial Planning, Investment Strategy, Estate Planning English
Scott Everingham Investment Management, Retirement Strategy, SMSF Advice English
Amanda Cassar Superannuation & SMSF, Aged Care Strategy, Retirement Planning English
Ellie Fordham Holistic Financial Planning, SMSF Strategy, Superannuation Planning English
Aaron Alston Wealth Management, Investment Strategy, Estate Planning English
Morgan Hayward Life Transition Planning, Wealth Management, Business Succession English
Kearsten James Independent Financial Planning, Wealth Creation, SMSF Strategy English

The Gold Coast’s Top Financial Advisers

Dip FP

Advisor Since: 2002 | . | LinkedInFacebook 

Andre founded Wealth Effect Group after becoming disillusioned with commission-driven advice, building a practice centred on life-first financial planning rather than products. His approach integrates wealth, lending, and SMSF strategy under one roof, giving clients a clear, values-led framework for long-term decisions. He is known as an experienced adviser for professionals and business owners seeking conflict-free advice.

Areas of Expertise: Holistic financial planning, private wealth management, mortgage broking, SMSF, pre-retirement planning

Typical Clients: Professionals, Business owners, Pre-retirees, High-income earners

GDip FP

Advisor Since: 2013 | . | LinkedInFacebook 

With more than 16 years in advice, Rachael focuses on delivering clear, jargon-free personal advice that helps clients feel confident at every stage of life. She is known for long-term relationship building and a structured planning process that links financial decisions directly to lifestyle goals. Gold Coast clients value her experienced and steady guidance through changing circumstances.

Areas of Expertise: Goal planning, cash flow management, tax minimisation, debt reduction, investment advice, superannuation, SMSFs, retirement planning, personal insurance, estate planning

Typical Clients: Families, Pre-retirees, Professionals, SMSF trustees

MBA, Masters FP, Certified Financial Planner®

Advisor Since: 2004 | . | LinkedIn

Hugh leads one of the Gold Coast’s most recognised advisory firms, with a strong emphasis on goals-based financial advice that connects strategy to real-life outcomes. His firm’s national recognition reflects a consistent focus on clarity, accountability, and measurable progress. He is widely regarded as an award-winning adviser for clients wanting structure and confidence in complex decisions.

Areas of Expertise: Investment strategy, personal insurance, tax minimisation, superannuation growth, debt reduction, estate planning

Typical Clients: Professionals, Families, Pre-retirees, Investors

Key awards: AFA Adviser of the Year; Independent Financial Advisers Goals Based Adviser of the Year

Certified Financial Planner®, GDip FP

Advisor Since: 2000 | . | LinkedIn

As Head of Strategic Advice, Scott brings over two decades of disciplined, technically grounded investment advisory experience. He is known for explaining complex strategies in a clear, unhurried way, particularly for clients approaching retirement. His long-standing professional recognition reflects an experienced adviser with deep technical breadth across investments and tax-linked advice.

Areas of Expertise: Investment planning, retirement planning, SMSFs, direct shares, geared investments, tax (financial) advice

Typical Clients: Pre-retirees, Retirees, SMSF trustees, Investors

Key awards: Professional Excellence Award (2005); High Performance Award (2009)

Certified Financial Planner®, M AppFin, GDip FP

Advisor Since: 2006 | . | LinkedIn | Google

As Head of Wealth at Liston Newton Advisory, Peter focuses on strategic wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families. With over 20 years in financial planning, he combines portfolio oversight, estate coordination, and risk strategy within a structured process that begins with a detailed strategy session. He is an experienced financial adviser for those seeking disciplined, long-term wealth management on the Gold Coast.

Areas of Expertise: Portfolio management, risk management, investment management, wealth accumulation, independent financial advice, estate planning, aged care, insurance

Typical Clients: High-net-worth individuals, Families, Pre-retirees, Professionals, Business owners

Key awards: Australian Accountants Awards – Boutique Firm of the Year, 2025 Finalist, SMSF Adviser – Multi-Service Firm of the Year, 2018 Winner

Masters FP, SMSF, Aged Care

Advisor Since: 2001 | . | LinkedIn

Amanda has advised Gold Coast families since the early 1990s and is particularly known for simplifying complex financial situations through practical retirement planning. Alongside her work in super and aged care strategy, she brings an educational, stress-reducing approach to advice. She is an award-winning adviser with deep local roots and multi-generational client relationships.

Areas of Expertise: Superannuation, SMSFs, investment strategy, personal insurance, estate planning, aged care advice

Typical Clients: Retirees, Pre-retirees, Families, SMSF trustees

Key awards: Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman in Finance (2020, 2021 Finalist), SMSF & Accounting Awards (2017-18), FS Power50 Most Influential Advisers (2017)

Certified Financial Planner®, SMSF Specialist, B Bus (FP)

Advisor Since: 2012 | . | LinkedIn | Google

Ellie combines more than 15 years of client-focused financial planning experience with a strong commitment to values-led advice and professional leadership. She works with clients who want their finances aligned with life priorities, not just returns. As part of a nationally recognised firm, she is regarded as an award-winning adviser delivering highly personalised outcomes.

Areas of Expertise: Goals-based planning, SMSF guidance, retirement planning, behaviour-based strategy, investment optimisation

Typical Clients: Professionals, Pre-retirees, High-income earners, SMSF trustees

Key awards: Self-Licensed of the Year (2024), Client Servicing Company of the Year (2024), Excellence Awards (2021, 2024)

Senior Financial Advisor, B Comm, AdDip FP, SMSF Specialist

Advisor Since: 2015 | . | LinkedIn

Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Aaron leads high-net-worth client strategies with a strong emphasis on tax impact and legacy-focused wealth management. Working within a self-licensed, strategy-first firm, he delivers advice free from institutional influence. He is recognised as a reputable adviser for clients seeking disciplined, long-term portfolio oversight.

Areas of Expertise: Wealth management, investment strategy, estate planning, tax strategy, retirement planning, SMSFs, risk management

Typical Clients: High-net-worth individuals, Families, Business owners, Investors

Key awards: Top Financial Advisor – Hudson Institute (2022); Excellence in Client Service – Future Assist (2015)

M AppFin, AdDip FP, SMSF specialist

Advisor Since: 2017 | . | LinkedIn | Google

Morgan specialises in guiding clients through major life transitions, including business exits, inheritance, and separation, using structured financial advice that restores clarity and control. Her work blends technical depth with strong leadership within the profession. She is widely recognised as an expert adviser for complex, change-driven planning needs.

Areas of Expertise: Wealth management, retirement planning, business succession, inheritance advice, divorce financial advice, ESG investing, SMSFs

Typical Clients: Business owners, Professionals, Pre-retirees, Individuals navigating life transitions

Key awards: Financial Standard Top 50 Advisers (2022–2024); FAAA Female Excellence in Advice Finalist (2022)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), B Comm, SMSF Specialist

Advisor Since: 2006 | . | LinkedIn | Google

Kearsten founded Addi House to deliver independent, fee-for-service financial planning built around education, clarity, and long-term partnership. With over 20 years in advice and leadership roles within the profession, she is known for simplifying complex decisions for medical professionals and executives. She is an expert adviser with a strong ethical and mentoring focus.

Areas of Expertise: Financial planning, cash flow strategy, tax planning, wealth creation, investment advice, debt strategy, superannuation, SMSFs, retirement planning, personal insurance, estate planning

Typical Clients: Medical professionals, Executives, Retirees, Professionals

Key awards: FS Power 50 Most Influential Advisers (2022); Multiple FPA and AFA award finalists and winner

Which Specialist Do You Need?

Retiring in Next 5 Years → Scott Everingham, Amanda Cassar, Rachael Glover, Ellie Fordham
Need: superannuation drawdown strategy, transition to retirement planning, portfolio risk adjustment, tax-efficient income structuring

High Net Worth ($2M+) → Aaron Alston, Andre Dirckze
Need: portfolio construction, tax strategy coordination, estate planning structuring, asset protection strategy

Want to Establish SMSF → Amanda Cassar, Scott Everingham, Rachael Glover, Ellie Fordham, Andre Dirckze
Need: SMSF setup advice, compliance obligations, investment selection within super, contribution strategy

Business Owner → Andre Dirckze, Morgan Hayward, Aaron Alston
Need: business succession planning, cash flow structuring, tax planning, personal wealth integration

Property Investor → Andre Dirckze, Rachael Glover, Amanda Cassar
Need: loan structuring, equity utilisation, tax implications of property, property within super strategy

Major Life Transition (Divorce, Inheritance, Business Sale) → Morgan Hayward
Need: asset division strategy, inheritance planning, capital allocation decisions, risk restructuring

Aged Care Planning → Amanda Cassar
Need: aged care funding strategy, RAD and DAP structuring, pension eligibility assessment, estate coordination

Professionals Building Wealth → Ellie Fordham, Rachael Glover, Kearsten James
Need: cash flow optimisation, super contribution strategy, long-term investment planning, insurance structuring

Medical Professionals and Executives → Kearsten James
Need: complex income structuring, tax planning, asset protection, long-term retirement strategy

What Financial Advice Costs on the Gold Coast

Financial advice fees vary depending on complexity, asset levels, and the scope of services required. Gold Coast pricing generally sits around the national mid-range, with some firms offering structured fixed-fee models.

Comprehensive Financial Plan: $3,000–$5,000
Includes strategy development, superannuation review, investment recommendations, cash flow analysis, risk assessment.

Ongoing Advice: $3,000–$4,500 per year
Includes annual review, portfolio monitoring, strategy adjustments, access to adviser support.

Single-Issue Advice: $1,000–$2,500
Includes specific strategy such as super contribution advice, retirement income modelling, or insurance review.

SMSF Setup: $2,000–$5,000
Includes establishment advice, compliance setup, investment structure guidance.

Hourly Consultation: $300–$550
Includes targeted advice sessions and second opinions.

Some ongoing investment management fees may be tax deductible where advice relates to income-producing investments. Initial plan preparation fees are generally not tax deductible. Always confirm with your adviser or accountant.

Gold Coast Financial Adviser Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Advice on the Gold Coast

How much does it cost to have a financial adviser in the Gold Coast?

Fees typically range between $3,000 and $5,000 for an initial plan. Ongoing advice usually costs between $3,000 and $4,000 per year, with hourly rates from $300 to $550 depending on experience and complexity.

Gold Coast fees are broadly consistent with other major cities. Many advisers offer fixed-fee structures for retirement planning, SMSFs, or property-focused advice. An initial consultation is often provided at no charge so you can understand the scope and pricing before proceeding.

Is $500,000 enough to work with a Gold Coast financial planner?

Yes, $500,000 is typically sufficient to benefit from professional advice. Many advisers work with clients who have between $300,000 and $1 million in investable assets.

With this level of capital, a financial planner can help structure superannuation, manage investment portfolios, and develop a tax-aware retirement strategy. You do not need to be ultra-wealthy to receive comprehensive personal financial advice.

What qualifications and licences should a Gold Coast financial adviser have?

All financial advisers must be licensed and listed on ASIC’s Financial Adviser Register. You can verify credentials here:

https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-advice/financial-advisers-register

Look for recognised qualifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) status or a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Membership in the Financial Advice Association Australia indicates commitment to professional and ethical standards.

Can a financial adviser help me invest in Gold Coast property?

Yes, advisers can provide strategic guidance on property within your broader financial plan. While they do not act as real estate agents, they can advise on loan structuring, tax considerations, risk management, and how property fits into retirement planning or SMSF strategies.

Given the Gold Coast’s strong property culture and rising values, structured advice can help ensure real estate decisions align with long-term wealth goals.

Where are financial advisers located in the Gold Coast?

Many leading advisers are based in the southern suburbs. Varsity Lakes, Robina, Mermaid Beach, and Palm Beach host a strong concentration of financial planning firms.

You will also find advisers in Surfers Paradise, Sanctuary Cove, Isle of Capri, and Runaway Bay. Virtual consultations are widely available, allowing access to expert advice across the broader Gold Coast region.

What if I Live Outside the Gold Coast?

Location is less important than finding an adviser whose experience and approach align with your needs.

Most financial planners now operate through secure video conferencing, digital document sharing, and hybrid service models. This means you can work with a Gold Coast adviser even if you live interstate or in regional Queensland.

The key is fit, expertise, and communication style rather than physical proximity.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your Action Plan

1. Shortlist two to three advisers
2. Book initial consultations
3. Compare fee structures and service models
4. Assess communication style and personal fit
5. Begin structured financial planning

The best financial adviser is not simply the most credentialed or the least expensive. It is the professional who understands your circumstances, communicates clearly, operates with integrity, and has experience relevant to your goals.

For many households, the cost of delaying important financial decisions can exceed the cost of quality advice.

How This Directory Works

Selection Process: We independently assess financial advisers against licensing, qualifications, experience, compliance history, and client feedback. We may receive listing fees but do not accept referral commissions.

What You Should Do: Review adviser profiles carefully, verify credentials via ASIC, and speak directly with advisers to determine suitability for your personal circumstances.

Feedback: If you have feedback regarding any listed adviser, please contact us through our website.


All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Annual reviews conducted. Last review: February 2026.

Disclaimer: This directory provides general information only and is not financial advice. All advisers listed are independent businesses. We receive listing fees but do not accept referral commissions. Verify credentials independently before proceeding.

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