Grafton

"The dynamics of the financial services industry really appeal to me. Helping the mums & dads of Australia achieve their goals & objectives whilst supporting them through the complexities of ever changing legislation is very rewarding."

Ben, originally from the Tweed Coast in northern NSW studied at the University of New England in Armidale and moved to Coffs Harbour for his role as a Financial Planner with Invest Blue.

Ben is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Coffs Harbour/Grafton team ensuring clients receive a high standard of advice and overseeing internal training and development of staff.

Ben loves spending time with his wife and three daughters and has recently completed the Future2 Wheel Classic from Melbourne to Adelaide - helping raise funds for kids in need.  He is passionate about all sports, in particular rugby. One day Ben would like to complete the New York Marathon.

Areas of specialisation

• Wealth creation strategies
• Debt and cash-flow management strategies
• Risk insurance strategies
• Retirement planning strategies
• Self-Managed Superannuation Funds

Qualifications

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Law
• Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Self-managed Superannuation Funds Accreditation
• Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking
• Justice of the Peace Commissioned for Declarations Department of Justice NSW
• Most Trusted Adviser designation; Beddoes Institute

Memberships

• Financial Planning Association of Australia
• Finance Brokers Association of Australia

"My goal is to help my clients with the financial planning process. This may mean an education process for some or a change in their current financial situation for others. My aim is to make a positive difference for the clients I see in order for them to achieve financial freedom and opportunities to live their best possible life."

Having a strong background in banking, this encouraged Jane to want more than transactional relationships with clients. Motivated by wanting an ongoing client relationship career, this led Jane into the financial planning industry in 2003. Since then Jane has enjoyed working with DKM Group and now with Invest Blue as a Senior Financial Planner and has been an integral part of growing the business in the Grafton region.

With an experienced background in banking, Jane enjoys working with her clients and has the ability to explain often technical concepts in client-friendly language.

Jane loves swimming and walking as recreational sports, which is incorporated into her daily routine.

Areas of specialisation

• Wealth creation strategies
• Debt and cash-flow management strategies
• Risk insurance strategies
• Retirement planning strategies

Qualifications

• Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Finalists in 2 categories IFA Awards 2017 - Best Client Servicing Adviser and Investment Adviser of the Year

"My goal is to make the financial planning process a smooth transition for my clients so that as their life evolves so does their financial plan. I aim to make the process as simple as possible with my priority being to understand my clients and what they want to achieve."

Motivated by a strong interest in helping people achieve their goals throughout their life led Brendan into the financial planning industry in 2006. Since then Brendan has been an integral part of growing the business in the Coffs Harbour and Grafton regions.

With a background in accounting, Brendan has meticulous attention to detail and has the ability to explain often technical concepts in client-friendly language.

Brendan, once an avid sportsman, now supports Coffs Rugby as a major sponsor from the sidelines but still and enjoys playing social Oztag in the local Summer competition.

Areas of specialisation

• Wealth creation strategies
• Debt and cash-flow management strategies
• Risk insurance strategies
• Retirement planning strategies

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Business Economics)
• Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Most Trusted Adviser designation; Beddoes Institute

"The greatest satisfaction is helping clients to make smart decisions by breaking down the financial jargon and providing strategic advice that’s easy to understand."

Tom’s a born and bred local who joined Invest Blue in 2015 after completing his Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Although originally from the fitness industry, Tom has always held an interest in financial markets. Together with his experience helping clients reach their fitness goals, Tom is now able to make your financial goals a reality.

In his spare time Tom enjoys travelling with his wife Jodi, keeping active with their two little sausage dogs and cheering on the Sydney Swans!

Areas of specialisation

• Wealth creation strategies
• Debt and cash-flow management strategies
• Risk insurance strategies
• Retirement planning strategies

Qualifications

• Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• Advanced Diploma Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• JP

Karen has been the Client Support Manager of the Invest Blue team in Coffs Harbour since 2005. She joined the Coffs Harbour AMP Financial Planning Office in 1996. Prior to moving to Coffs Harbour, Karen lived in Melbourne where she worked in the Investment and Finance Industry for 15 years. She loves spending time with her family and is proud of being a Mum and raising a beautiful daughter.

‘The most effective way to do it, is to do it’ Amelia Eahart.

Gretel has been working within the corporate sector for the past 12 years. Starting with a large project management company in Sydney before returning to Coffs Harbour and working with smaller regional solicitor and accounting firms. She completed her Diploma of Financial Planning in 2015 and plans to undertake further study to increase her Financial knowledge in 2018. Gretel joined the Invest Blue team in August 2017.

Gretel’s spare time she loves to be with her husband Nathan and her 4 young children. Gretel enjoys running and being outside enjoying the beautiful beaches. Gretel loves to cook and be with her family and friends.

Gretel is a keen Pilates instructor which she has been doing on the side for the past 9 years. Gretel also has assisted with the Ronald McDonald House Ride for Sick Kids for the past 7 years in which she organises the ride in Northern NSW to raise money to keep families together with seriously injured or sick children.

Qualifications/Professional Accreditations:

• Diploma in Financial Planning
• Cert IV in Pilates and Fitness

Tracee joined the Invest Blue team in January 2018 as a Client Support Manager with DKM Financial Services. Prior to this, Tracee had been working with DKMIS for just over 10 years mainly in Admin and Client Services positions.

Outside of work, Tracee and her husband are born and bred Coffs Harbour locals and have two sons. They enjoy playing social and comp tennis, as well as spending time with the family. Tracee is also looking forward to travelling more in the future!

"I love the culture of Invest Blue and how all people are valued. Although we physically work far from each other, we are still a very strong team together."

Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Business Management and previous experience in Philippine AXA Life as a Financial Advisor, as well as in the Call Center industry. Mike began working with Invest Blue in 2015 and likes working in the financial planning industry because it is something that he is proud of.

In his spare time, Mike loves to spend his time playing with his Son.