Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, every member of our team is based right here in Brisbane.  While many firms outsource to offshore administration or paraplanning services – often to India or the Philippines – to cut costs, we have taken a different path.  We have made a deliberate decision to hire locally, because we know it leads to superior service and deeper expertise. Our team brings real-world experience, and shares the values that define who we are as a business. You can meet them here!

No – that is not how we operate.

We are completely product agnostic; we have no ties to any super fund or investment provider. We’ll only recommend moving when there is a clear, meaningful benefit to you. Our focus is always on using the right tools for your unique situation, not on pushing products.

Financial Advice requires a written Statement of Advice, which we will prepare after our initial meeting. To ensure the advice we provide is appropriate and tailored to your situation, we ask for detailed information about your current circumstances and financial position. 

If you prefer not to provide us with the information we require – or if you only have specific questions about how your super works – it would be more cost-effective to directly contact your superannuation fund.

There’s a common myth that financial advice is only for the wealthy – those with complex tax setups or large investment portfolios. In reality, good advice can benefit just about anyone. We work with a diverse range of people, each at different stages of life and with varying financial circumstances. 

Research shows that people who seek financial advice experience superior financial wellbeing. They worry less about money less, enjoy better mental health, and often have stronger relationships with family and friends. Plus, they are wealthier, and have the ability to spend more and achieve their goals with less risk along the way.

Appointments for prospective clients are billed at $440 per hour (GST inclusive), with a minimum one-hour booking; this fee is for our time. Once we understand your situation and determine if we can assist you, we will be able to provide a written quote for the preparation of a Statement of Advice.

There are no hidden costs – our service and fees will be clearly outlined, and not subject to change.

Statement of Advice fees are only payable once you have provided your consent through a signed Terms of Engagement.

We are fully transparent: we are paid solely by our clients for the advice we provide, and we do not receive commissions, asset-based fees, or any other payments related to product sales.

Our first meeting is a conversation – not a commitment. We will talk about what you are hoping to achieve, and then explore viable options. Typically, we will touch on your cashflow, tax position, investments, social security eligibility, and estate planning needs.

The initial meeting isn’t about giving advice – it’s about getting to know each other. You’ll get a sense of how we work, and we’ll take the time to understand whether we’re the right fit for you. If we both agree to move forward together, we’ll provide a clear Terms of Engagement outlining what we’ll do and what it will cost. Only with your explicit agreement will we move ahead with tailored advice. 

Please note: during busy periods, there may be a wait of several months for an initial meeting, as we prioritise ongoing service to our existing clients. If your matter is urgent, let us know – we will do our best to accommodate you sooner.

At River City Financial Planning, we work solely for our clients, not anyone else.

We are not aligned with any major financial institutions or super funds. That means we are never under pressure to promote in-house products or steer you in a particular direction. When we recommend a financial product, we do so based on what’s right for you; we can choose from a broad range of products, including products you are currently invested in. 

What you see is what you get. There are no hidden agendas, no vested interests – just advice that puts your needs first.

Yes – we specialise in retirement advice. It’s all we do.

We’ve deliberately chosen to focus on helping people prepare for and manage their retirement, because we believe this stage of life deserves deep expertise and undivided attention.

We don’t provide advice on Personal Insurance or Aged Care planning. These are complex areas, and, when needed, we’ll refer you to specialists we know and trust who focus specifically on those fields.

Our work centres on people who are actively considering retirement and those already living it. Retirement planning is a distinct area of advice, because the needs, goals, and risks faced by people in or approaching retirement are vastly different from those still accumulating wealth. That’s why the financial advice must be specific to your situation.

Typically, our clients first engage with us either one or two years before they retire, or if when they have already retired and are seeking support with their financial affairs.

Traditionally, Advisers focused on immediate, discrete transactions, while Planners would take a broader view – integrating those decisions into a long-term term, multi-year strategy. However, in recent years, the terms have become increasingly interchangeable in practice.