Armidale

Only 8% of people reach financial independence. If I can have a much larger percentage of my clients reach financial independence and choose to live the lifestyles they want due to a plan that we have put in place for them, then the clients and I will be happy.

Steve's approach to providing advice to his clients is by first helping them to identify their goals and then put a plan into place to make this happen. With a background in the real estate industry as a property consultant Steve’s dream was to grow his own business.  An opportunity to pursue this dream presented itself in 1998 and he has not looked back.

Steve is incredibly proud of the New England region and is passionate about giving back to the region that his given him so much over the years. He has played an active role in local events since establishing Invest Blue, raising over $1 million for various charities and organisations. He was the founding member of the Armidale branch of Can Assist and is now Patron and Life Member. He also works with the Cancer Council. A focus of his contribution with this organization was to provide financial advice to patients diagnosed with terminal illness without cost, leading to recognition from AMP for being a leader in pro bono work in this field.

Steve loves spending time with his beautiful wife Jenni and four sons Tom, Sam, Joe & Jack. He loves supporting their sporting activities and keeping fit by cycling and surfing.

Areas of specialisation

• Wealth creation strategies
• Transition to retirement strategies
• Risk management strategies
• DIY and Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF Advice)

Qualifications and Professional Accreditations

• Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Justice of the Peace Commissioned for Declarations Department of Justice NSW
• Most Trusted Adviser designation; Beddoes Institute

Memberships

• Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia

I want to make a difference by developing lasting relationships with clients as they transition through life and helping them achieve their dreams and realise their aspirations and goals.

Rob joined Invest Blue in August 2012 bringing with him 14 years’ experience in accounting and the financial services industry. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Queensland and completed a Graduate of Financial Management at the University of New England. He became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia in 2005.

Outside of work Rob loves spending time with his family, friends and is a staunch supporter of the bulldogs. He takes great delight in watching his boy’s achievements in a variety of sports including rugby, basketball, athletics and cricket.

Rob is an avid traveller and recent destinations have included Tasmania and Hawaii. He enjoys keeping fit and healthy by cycling, going to the gym and playing golf.

Areas of specialisation

• Wealth creation strategies
• Debt and cashflow management
• Risk Insurance strategies
• Retirement planning

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant Qualification with ICAA
• Bachelor of Business
• Graduate Diploma in Financial Management
• Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)

Memberships and Associations

• Member of the Institute of Charted Accountants in Australia (CA)

"Working in Law has allowed me to see what can go wrong in people's lives. It has given me a great appreciation for people who help others make the right decisions and it is something that I endeavour to do in all aspects of life."

Luke, originally from Tweed Heads, attended UNE in Armidale to study a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law. In 2008 and 2009, he worked for Invest Blue as a Paraplanner before leaving to practice law. He re-joined Invest Blue in January 2017 as a Client Support Manager and moved to a planning role in July 2017.

Luke is passionate about all things sport, in particular, rugby union. He enjoys keeping fit and has completed the Gold Coast Half Marathon. He enjoys cycling, playing golf, tennis and rugby. He loves to travel and one day hopes to travel to France to watch the Tour De France.

Luke believes in helping people who are in need. Prior to moving to Armidale, he would assist in cooking meals for people undergoing chemotherapy. He enjoyed being able to talk to a wide range of people going through a difficult time and trying to put a smile on their face.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Law
• Diploma of Financial Planning

"Invest Blue is a wonderful forward-thinking company which puts the client first. Everyone who works here has a smile on their face and is genuinely passionate about helping you achieve your financial dreams and goals.”

Sophie joined the Invest Blue team in 2017 after 4 years working as a commercial solicitor. She studied Law at UNE and grew up on a farm near Quirindi.

Sophie enjoys yoga, cooking and catching up with family and friends. She also has a pet dog called Mill and loves to read and travel.

Areas of Specialisation:

• Commercial Law

Qualifications/Professional Accreditations:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws
• Arts Major: Communications

“Working for Invest Blue is an amazing opportunity and I look forward to contributing to the team and providing optimal client service."

Rebecca joined the Invest Blue Armidale Team in July 2019 and has Certificates II and III in Business Administration, and a Certificate IV in Frontline Management.

Rebecca has a background in administration, retail management, executive support and customer service. What she loves about her work is being able to work alongside the Advisers and with Clients, to achieve a great overall experience for Invest Blue Clients.

Rebecca is married with three children and has lived in the New England area for most of her life. She likes to keep active by running and playing netball as well as coaching junior rep netball teams. Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends and getting to the beach whenever she possibly can.

"I love working with Invest Blue because they make me feel like #IBelong, that my opinion matters and that whatever I do, no matter how small or how big, it has an impact on the bigger picture!"

Leah has a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Psychology and previously worked as a Human Resource Officer for 4 years. Leah started working with Invest Blue in 2016, she never imagined she would be working in the Financial Planning Industry but here she is enjoying it! She has learned along the way that being a part of a business that helps people live their dreams is something she is and will always be proud of!

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family by watching movies and sports games together. She also enjoys going out with friends and catching up.