ASIC-Licensed Financial Planner in Sutherland Shire
I’m James Hayes, a licensed financial advisor based in Caringbah. For 15+ years, I’ve been helping pre-retirees, retirees and wealth-builders across the Sutherland Shire and Greater Sydney make sense of super, retirement, property, investments, and everything in between. If you’re looking for advice that’s crystal-clear, practical, and genuinely in your best interests, you’re in the right place.
Who Are My Ideal Clients?
Pre-retirees & Retirees (55–65)
You’ve worked hard, raised a family, and now you’re ready to think about finishing work. The questions often sound like: “Will my super be enough? How do I set up an income stream? Can I retire sooner than I think?”
The people I work best with usually fall into two groups:
Wealth Builders (35–50)
You’re in the thick of your career, earning well and thinking about the long game. Maybe it’s setting up a self-managed super fund, investing in shares and ETFs, or buying your first or next investment property..
If either sound like you, let’s talk. If you’re mainly after Centrelink Jobseeker support, debt consolidation, or ways to withdraw super early, I’m probably not the right fit – and I’d rather be upfront about that.
What Financial Planning Services Do I Offer?
Money means different things at different stages of life. These are the areas where I can step in and help take the pressure off:
Superannuation
Making the most of your super, from regular contributions through to withdrawals and tax-free pensions so you feel confident at every stage of life.
Transition to Retirement
Structuring your income streams as you ease out of work, while keeping your lifestyle and tax planning on track.
Inheritance Advice
Helping you manage family inheritances in a tax-smart way, so wealth is preserved and distributed as smoothly as possible.
Shares & ETFs
Building and managing portfolios of shares and ETFs, with strategies designed to balance growth potential against sensible risk.
Property Investments
Guiding you on when and how property can play a role in your broader financial plan, including super and tax considerations.
Pensions
Setting up reliable tax-free retirement income streams that give you security today while protecting your financial future.
Aged Care Planning
Supporting families through the complexity of aged care decisions, from costs and entitlements to long-term sustainability.
First Home Buying
Helping younger clients step into the property market with clear strategies on saving, borrowing, and long-term planning.
Ethical Investing
Designing investment strategies that align with your personal values while still focusing on growth and financial outcomes.
Wills & Estate Planning
Ensuring your assets are protected, your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are supported into the future.
Every plan is personal. I’m not tied to banks or big corporates, and I don’t use rinse-and-repeat templates. The strategies we build together reflect your goals, your values, and the life you want to live.
Non-financial people walk into my office saying something like: “I’ve put this off for years because it’s confusing, and honestly… things like insurance or pensions don’t exactly excite me.”
My job is to cut through that confusion: to explain super rules, tax impacts, and investment options in plain English, and to map out exactly what the numbers mean for your future.
Why Do People Choose Me as Their Financial Planner?
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I’m not aligned with banks or corporates, which means every recommendation is in your best interests.
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I’ll be your advisor for the long run, not someone who’s here this year and gone the next.
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I break things down in plain English, often on a whiteboard, so you know exactly what’s happening.
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I stay in touch however works for you, whether that’s face-to-face, over the phone, or even WhatsApp.
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Once you become a client, I look after you all the way through life’s changes and milestones.
Client Experiences
Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of people who’ve sat where you’re sitting now.
What Should You Expect from Our Engagement?
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Step 1: Quick Call
We begin with an obligation- and cost-free 15-minute chat where you tell me a little about your situation and I explain how I work. It’s a chance for us to see if I’m the right fit, and I’ll be upfront if I don’t think I can add value.
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Step 2: Planning Session
If it makes sense to go further, we sit down together. I’ll map out your options, run through the numbers, and show you what life could look like a year from now. Most people leave this session saying they finally feel like things are clear.
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Step 3: Your Strategy
After that session, you walk away with a plan that’s practical, realistic, and built around your goals. If you want ongoing support, I’ll stay by your side to update the plan as your life changes and new opportunities or challenges come up.
I’m based in Caringbah, and most of the people I work with live right here in the Sutherland Shire. If you’re nearby, chances are I already have clients in your suburb, which makes it easy to catch up in person when you need to.
What Sutherland Shire Suburbs Do I Serve?
| Alfords Point | Caravan Head | Grays Point | Lilli Pilli | Sylvania Heights |
| Audley | Como | Greenhills Beach | Loftus | Sylvania Waters |
| Bangor | Como West | Gundamaian | Lucas Heights | Taren Point |
| Barden Ridge | Cronulla | Gymea | Maianbar | Warumbul |
| Bonnet Bay | Dolans Bay | Gymea Bay | Menai | Waterfall |
| Bundeena | Engadine | Heathcote | Miranda | Woolooware |
| Burraneer | Grays Point | Illawong | Oyster Bay | Woronora |
| Caringbah | Greenhills Beach | Jannali | Port Hacking | Woronora Dam |
| Caringbah South | Gundamaian | Kangaroo Point | Royal National Park | Woronora Heights |
| Caravan Head | Gymea | Kareela | Sandy Point | Yarrawarrah |
| Como | Gymea Bay | Kirrawee | Sutherland | Yowie Bay |
If you don’t see your suburb listed, that doesn’t rule you out because I also work with clients across Sydney and the CBD who prefer an advisor close to home in the Shire.
A Bit About Me
ASIC Licensed | 15+ Years’ Experience | Caringbah Local
I’ve been in financial advisory for 15+ years, working with locals across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney. Before that, I studied economics at the University of Sydney and completed my Diploma in Financial Planning at Kaplan.
Today, I run my own advice practice here in Caringbah. I’m not aligned with banks, product providers, or institutions, which means my advice is 100% about what’s best for you.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me walking my dog or catching up with friends over coffee. Clients often tell me that working together feels less like dealing with a “financial planner” and more like chatting with a neighbour who happens to know a lot about super and tax. And that’s exactly how I like it.
You’ve Worked for Your Money. I Make Your Money Work for You.
Most of my clients tell me the biggest change isn’t the plan itself but the relief of finally having someone they trust to handle it with them. If you’d like that weight off your shoulders, let’s chat. The sooner you start, the better your options.
FAQs
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A financial planner helps with super, retirement, investments, tax, insurance and estate planning. They identify your goals, analyse your situation, prepare a written plan, explain risks, and recommend strategies. Legally, they must act in your best interests, keep advice documented, and update it as laws or circumstances change.
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Being licensed by ASIC means your financial advisor meets strict professional and ethical standards set by Australia’s financial regulator. It gives you protection as a client because they have a legal duty to act in your best interests, and are required to keep their knowledge up to date.
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In Australia, “financial advisor” is now the regulated term under ASIC, while “financial planner” is often used interchangeably. Both must meet the same education, licensing, and ethics standards. The important part isn’t the title; it’s that they’re listed on ASIC’s Financial Advisor Register.
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Check ASIC’s Financial Advisor Register, ask how they’re paid, and meet at least two advisors before choosing. Look for someone who explains things clearly, not with jargon. Experience with people in your stage of life matters more than fancy job titles or glossy brochures.
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Trust comes from regulation and reputation. In Australia, advisors must be licensed by ASIC, follow fiduciary duties, and meet ongoing training standards. Ask for their ASIC rep number, read their Financial Services Guide, and check how they’re paid. Independence and transparency are key trust signals.
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The main drawbacks: cost, potential conflicts of interest (if advisors are tied to products), and needing to share personal financial details. That’s why checking ASIC’s register and choosing an independent, long-term advisor matters, so you get advice you can trust without hidden sales pressure.
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James Hayes charges an upfront fee for advice and an ongoing fee, similar to a retainer, for continued support. The only commissions he may receive are insurance brokerage. All fees and commissions are disclosed upfront, and full transparency is required under ASIC’s financial advice regulations.
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The initial phone call and first one-hour meeting are always complimentary. If you proceed with advice, the upfront fee typically ranges from $2,200 to $6,600 depending on complexity. Ongoing advice is charged separately. If James can’t help, he’ll be upfront and point you in the right direction.
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Yes, in many cases. The portion of advice fees relating to producing assessable income (like super or investment strategies) is deductible. Fees related to estate planning or insurance usually aren’t. Advisors and accountants often work together to ensure deductibility is correctly applied.
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Yes, through government services like ASIC’s MoneySmart and some super funds, which provide limited guidance. But it’s usually general, not personal. Licensed financial advisors like me charge for personalised strategies because I'm legally responsible for acting in your best interests and standing behind my recommendations.
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There’s no strict minimum. Many advisers work with clients earning strong incomes or holding $150k–$200k+ in investable assets, including superannuation. The key trigger isn’t net worth but complexity: when super, property, inheritance, or retirement decisions start involving risk, professional advice usually saves more money than it costs.
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The earlier the better, because compounding rewards time. But common triggers are major life events: starting work, buying property, marriage, inheritance, or retirement planning. If you’re asking, “Am I on track?” that’s the point where advice becomes valuable, often preventing expensive mistakes and creating long-term benefits.
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DIY is possible if you’re confident with tax, super law, and investments. But Australia’s rules are complex, and mistakes are expensive. Advisors bring expertise, scenario modelling, and accountability. Many clients can technically DIY, but they choose advice to save time, stress, and costly missteps.
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No. Advisers cannot log into accounts, move funds, or access your money directly. You authorise all changes through your super fund, bank, or provider. If an adviser also manages investments under a formal agreement, it must be disclosed in writing. ASIC licensing and compliance rules protect client funds.
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Yes. Incomplete information leads to poor advice. Advisors base recommendations on your income, debts, assets, and goals. If you hide details, the plan won’t fit reality. Advisors are bound by confidentiality, so honesty ensures the advice is safe, compliant, and genuinely in your interest.