Initial Advice Process

How did proceeding beyond the initial meeting to receiving comprehensive advice on your position help you, either personally and/or financially?

It provided clarity on our current financial position and clearly set out realistic future financial goals and the investment strategy to get us there. It was invaluable having this information comprehensively documented, as we had previously been ambling along financially, without regard for where we were headed. – B & S, Greensborough

The direction that the comprehensive advice has given me is immeasurable, giving me detailed steps I so desperately required to achieve my personal and financial goals for my future stability. – D, Lakes Entrance

Think Independent provided us with an extremely comprehensive report, which addressed in detail all matters discussed during the initial meetings, and mapped out a step by step plan of how to implement any action required to be taken. This report has given us great confidence, knowing a considered and holistic plan for our future is now in place. – R & N, Elwood

After a number of reviews with Jason, my wife and I were in a position where we had a strong long-term view on our financial situation, as well as a clear action plan of what needed to be done in the short term. We are now in a position where we have comfort that our actions today will give is financial security in the long term. – N, North Warrandyte

After taking the time to learn about our current position and financial goals, Jason provided very comprehensive and detailed advice, tailored to our situation. This enabled us to feel confident that our finances were in good hands and that we had a clear path forward to achieving our financial goals. – J&P, Richmond

We were given guidance on what to do to keep our investments in a suitable app. for purposes of taxation, tracking and numerous other speciality functions. Help and/or guidance from Jason was always prompt. – V&G, Bayswater

The financial advice we recieved from Jason was incredibly valuable, leading to us reviewing our superannuation arrangements and putting in place insurance products to protect our income. We felt the advice and follow up actions gave us the peace of mind we needed to start a family and the understanding of our future choices and opportunities for wealth management. – J&I, Pascoe Vale South

I am a 50+ single woman, and like many women my age, have little superannuation. In the year before receiving the comprehensive advice with Jason at Think Independent I had been extremely anxious about my future financial position. The comprehensive advice was just that, comprehensive, as well as realistic and reflective of my age, current financial position and future requirements. Jason showed me what strategies to implement and my future outlook. This gave me peace of mind that I could have a secure future, and immediately lifted a lot of the anxiety I was feeling. – J, Southbank

Helped us understand financial impact of critical life decisions before we make them. – R, Fitzroy

The initial meeting with Jason allowed us to explain our particular situation and what we hoped to achieve. We felt listened to and this clearly occurred once we started to receive more formal advice. It didn't feel rushed and we didn't feel overwhelmed as any complicated matters were clearly explained. The advice we received was extremely detailed and provide us with clear guidance on how to implement strategies which were tailored to our specific needs. This meant we felt confident and comfortable with the recommendations as they were documented and explained in an easy-to-understand manner. – M&A, Eynesbury

Jason worked with us to really understand what was important to us in our lives, and how our financial goals might support that. He also included a range future possibilities to give us an idea of the scope of financial predictions, and plans were made using common-sense assumptions and a balanced risk approach that was well-tailored to our attitudes. He took the time to answer questions and explain the impact that our plans and financial decisions would have on our future. Finally, he directed us to service provider for superannuation, income protection, home loan brokerage and estate planning that were high quality and cost-efficient. – S&S, Clifton Hill

The detailed financial process was great, very comprehensive and Jason could answer any questions I asked, with detail and confidence. It reassured me that I was well on track and whilst there were a few reality checks in there was also some pleasing news such as being able to increase my budget for a home. I really like to action list at the end, made it very clear what needed to be done and by when. – Z, Brighton

The comprehensive advice provided has become our financial plan which is flexible to accommodate any potential changes into our future. – S & T, Eaglemont

Do you feel you received value for money? How?

Yes. The fixed fee structure was one of the main things that attracted us to Think Independent, as it meant we could be sure our adviser was acting in our best interests. Even though their fees aren’t being propped up by commissions, they are very reasonable given both the quality and quantity of work that Jason puts in. – B & S, Greensborough

Absolutely, my Advisor was so easy to communicate with and he “got it” talking through current and future opportunities. I am so appreciative and relieved to know by spending the small amount of time taken to “tick off” my checklist and “make it happen” has given me a real sense that my life in my twilight years will not be such a struggle. The money is well worth the amount of time my Advisor has put in to this – MY comprehensive report. – D, Lakes Entrance

Think Independent invested a considerable amount of time and energy in determining our wants and needs for the future, which enabled them to tailor specific advice for our unique situation. We were extremely impressed with the care and detail that went into this advice, which went above and beyond our expectations given their modest fees. And of course, we keep benefitting from this day in day out as the plan is implemented and returns are realised. – R & N, Elwood

This is an outstanding yes for us. In fact, the recommended changes Jason recommended resulted in a pay back, within 6-9 months. Jason’s fixed-price pricing model – is refreshing and difficult to find in the market. This gave us assurance the there was no motivation to sell us something we did not want. – N, North Warrandyte

We do feel that we have received value for money. Jason is an independent financial advisor, meaning we pay lower premiums for products than we may otherwise. We appreciate knowing we are receiving unbiased advice. Jason is always available to help and provides a very thorough and comprehensive service. – J&P, Richmond

Our fees are now reduced by almost half of what we paid our previous advisor and we now get prompt action – V&G, Bayswater

The advice document is very comprehensive and we have revisited it several times in the years since receiving it, for many reasons. It provides a snapshot of our financial position, choices and forecasts of income which has been useful for decision making. – J&I, Pascoe Vale South

Yes, picks up on things that we miss (hidden additional costs 0.65% on mortgage commission charges), comes up with good questions and suggestions to make life decisions that we would not have otherwise thought of. He's not a salesman; of which we love. – R, Fitzroy

The comprehensive advice showed me key areas that needed to be changed. Some of these were simple things that I knew but had procrastinated on as I wasn’t confident to make the changes. Other things I had not even thought of. Working through the changes has helped me maximize and secure my financial position. I know that leaving everything ‘as is’ would have cost more over the years than the comprehensive advice cost. – J, Southbank

The advice we received was comprehensive and the immediate actions we were able to take meant that we had quickly saved more money than the cost of the advice. Knowing that it was set fee based on independent and unbiased advice gave us confidence that it was advice that was genuine and suited our needs. Jason was also available to answer all the questions we had either in person, on the phone or via email. This made as feel like valued clients. – M&A, Eynesbury

We both felt we received value for money from the Financial Health Check & we left Jason’s office feeling very reassured that we had made the right decision to seek truly independent advice. – L&G, Melbourne

Yes, it has taken a lot of the "Financial Stress" away from our personal relationship. – S, Glen Huntly

Jason's advice is very valuable , a comprehensive report was prepared covering all facets of our life, insurance, superannuation, investing , as well as a detailed explanation of recommendations and implementation timelines. – D, Glen Huntly

Yes, it has paid itself back immediately by restructuring my insurances and super saving me cash. It also will pay itself back multiple times in the future, I'm really clear on the benefits in the longer terms now as Jason demonstrated this to me which helped me shift out of a short term / now view into planning for the future. – Z, Brighton

Yes, It sets the groundwork for a multi year strategy and plan to help secure our retirement with confidence. I have been to several financial planners over the last 15 years and have not been impressed as they appear generally have a pre-defined outcome regardless of your situation or requirements. We have realized Tax savings which have already exceeded the cost and will be considerably more in the future. Overall great value which included highlighting potential personal risks in areas such as Will's, Power of attorney and insurance.– S & T, Eaglemont

Yes, I did as I had a good amount of time with Jason to go through everything, plus Jason sent me a detailed email afterwards outlining our session which I have since reverted back to many times. – E, Brighton

Other feedback/comments.

It doesn’t matter how little you think you might have, by reaching out to a professional who has the insight and knowledge of entitlements and services you may not have realised were out there and pointing you in the right direction and what to consider now and in the future has released and appeased any anxiety I was subconsciously stewing over for quite some years. THANK YOU!! – D, Lakes Entrance

I have no hesitation in recommending Jason and Think Independent to anyone looking for guidance with their estate/finances. In fact, I suggested my parents go and see him, and they too are now loyal Think Independent devotees. – R & N, Elwood

Jason has a fantastic business model, that is refreshing in the Financial Advice industry. I would not hesitate to recommend Jason to friends and family, and expect to have regular checkpoints/reviews in the future. – N, North Warrandyte

Jason is an excellent communicator and listener and really knows how to help his clients think about money and choices in a practical but deep way. He is highly experienced and knowledgeable and really cares about his clients. His commitment to independence is unique and really valuable. – J&I, Pascoe Vale South

I really enjoy working with Jason, he has such a depth of knowledge and is great at articulating the implications and interdependencies of financial decisions on your specific situation. – Z, Brighton