Our financial advice process
Five clear steps, no jargon and no pressure. You'll always know where you stand and what happens next.
Advice is a relationship, not a transaction.
At Stevens & Co Financial Services, we are passionate about helping you achieve financial freedom by providing you with the knowledge to make the best choices when it comes to your finances.
Below are the five steps we go through with clients to develop the right advice for your particular circumstances.
From first conversation to ongoing support
Finding your freedom
It starts with getting to know you: your goals, your current financial position and what matters most to you. Honesty and openness on both sides lay the foundation for advice that genuinely fits your situation, wherever you are on your financial journey.
Tailor a strategy
Your adviser works with you to explore the options and investment strategies suited to your needs, then builds a plan around your goals, your priorities and how much risk you're comfortable with.
Present our recommendations
At our next meeting, we walk you through your Statement of Advice: what we've learnt about you, what we recommend and how we'll put your strategy into action. Ask as many questions as you need, so you understand each recommendation and feel comfortable before going ahead.
Get the ball rolling
With your permission, we put your plan into action and take care of the details, so you can get on with life while your financial future takes shape.
Check-ins
Life changes, and your plan should keep up. We review your strategy with you every 6 to 12 months, track your progress and update the plan when your circumstances change.
Questions about getting advice
What happens at the first meeting with a financial adviser?
The first meeting is a conversation about you: your goals, what's worrying you and where your finances stand today. You can ask us anything about how we work.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring what you have handy: recent super statements, details of any investments, loans and insurance policies, and a rough idea of your income and spending. If you don't have everything, that's fine. We can gather the rest with your permission.
What is a Statement of Advice?
A Statement of Advice (SoA) is a written document that sets out your situation and goals, our recommendations, the reasons for them, any risks and the costs involved. It's a legal requirement for personal financial advice in Australia, and we go through it with you in person.
How long does the advice process take?
It depends on how complex your situation is and how quickly we receive information from super funds, insurers and other providers. We'll give you an idea of timing at our first meeting.
How much does financial advice cost?
It depends on the complexity of your situation and the services you need. Our fees and how we're paid are set out in our Financial Services Guide, and the fees for your advice are confirmed in your Statement of Advice.
What does a financial adviser do?
A financial adviser helps you understand your financial position, set goals and put a strategy in place across areas such as super, investments, insurance, retirement and debt. Advisers must be licensed, and when giving personal advice they are required to act in your best interests.
The first step is just a conversation.
Book a time to talk through where you are and where you'd like to be.