
What you want and I want are probably pretty similar.
And I’ve got a hunch it’s all about choices.
Nobody said it would be like this.
Who would've thought deciding to go out on your own and blu-tac an open sign in an empty shop window, would be the start of one of the biggest personal growth experiences around?
I know I didn't.
How about you?
You see, I'm a business owner too. I get it.
I get the late nights, the uncertainty, the excitement and the sense of building something great.
I get that it's about surviving first and thriving second. Pushing uphill with everything you've got.
I get that you learn a million different skills you never thought you'd need.
I get that you're a specialist in your sweet spot expertise, and a jack of all trades in running the show.
You know about marketing, and book-keeping, and payroll and rostering. And you’re a dab hand at fixing tech (turn it off and on again), making coffee for clients, and sweeping the shop floor for the 7th time today.
You also know there’s a time to call in the experts. Because a specialist’s ability to look at your situation with an objective eye, and apply their deep knowledge can be worth its weight in gold.
When folks need specialist help with their retirement plan, they call me.
Tom Finnegan. Retirement planner.
Because when there's a plan, there's choices.
Pleased to meet you.
Tom Finnegan
Hello, I’m Tom.
I’m a financial adviser and retirement planning specialist for small business owners — especially those who’ve spent more years investing in their business, than their super.
It doesn’t matter where you’re at with your retirement savings right now. My job is to help make sure there’s enough.
Because let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their golden years waking at 2am in a cold sweat, worried about running out of money and having to go back to work.
I’ve got a Bachelor of Commerce and Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, and I’m currently studying a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Along with being a small business owner like you, I love being husband to Em, and dad to three girls — Ella, Keira and Seirsha. We spend weekends koala-spotting, gardening and adventuring out at our cabin on five acres at Ravensbourne.
And I reckon the simple things, can make for a pretty good life.
Sophie Oliver
Check out my professional qualifications here.
Hello, I’m Sophie.
I’m the office manager. I’m the person that works mostly behind the scenes to create smooth, efficient and delightful experiences for our clients and our team.
I’m kind of like a pastry chef — mixing all the skills and goodness of our specialist people, with our how-can-we-make-it-even-better philosophy, to bake an experience that’s so delicious you want to share it with your friends. Yum!
I’ve got a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, a Diploma of Financial Planning and I’m a Justice of the Peace.
I might be a self-confessed numbers, communication and process nerd from 9-to-5, but balance that by living slow and simply with my high school sweetheart (now husband) on our 20 acres north of Toowoomba.
We spend time spotting koalas, chasing chickens, tasting sweet, sweet honey from our hives, and wrangling Bear and Koda — our snuggly, sassy, larger-than-life Rottys. It’s like our own little zoo.
Danny McErvale
Check out my professional qualifications here.
Hello, I’m Daniel. You can call me Danny.
I’m a financial adviser who helps people with “RETIRE!!” on their 10-year wish list, figure out the nuts and bolts of how to make that happen.
Whether it’s maximising savings before you retire, or managing income after you’ve hung up your hat, I reckon having a solid but flexible plan, is essential.
Even better, is having someone handle it for you.
I’ve got a Bachelor of Business (Marketing/Administration Management), an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning, and SMSF and margin lending certifications.
I grew up on a farm in north west Victoria, but have lived in the Toowoomba region for over 30 years — now with my wife, three kids and two doggos. I reckon that qualifies me as a local.
And when I’m not pottering around in the garden, you’ll find me barracking for good ol’ Collingwood (but don’t hold that against me).
Merryn Barnes
Hello, I’m Merryn.
I’m a paraplanner, which is a fancy name for someone who prepares your financial advice documents.
I work closely with Tom to research strategies and products, model the options, and write it all out in a Statement of Advice that explains the ins and outs of your financial plan.
You might remember me as your client service assistant when I lived in Toowoomba, but I now work remotely from Canberra, where I live at the army base with my husband.
I’ve studied book-keeping and financial advice, so I know my numbers and how it all works.
But I also love games nights, dancing, and can play a fairly average rendition of "Happy Birthday" on the ukulele.
And if caravanning around Oz is in your retirement plan, hit me up with questions. I’ve had a go at that once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s so much fun.
Stuart Southey
Check out my professional qualifications here.
Hello, I’m Stuart.
I’m an associate adviser. I help research and craft the strategies, technical and product advice that goes into creating your financial plan.
I’ve spent over 20 years helping people like you, navigate the ins and outs of planning for retirement. I get a huge kick out of supporting people in working towards their goals.
And as a former small business owner myself, I’ve also experienced the challenges and rewards that come from pursuing that path.
I’ve got a Master of Financial Planning, Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance, and Aged Care specialist qualifications.
I spent my younger years in Rhodesia and Austria, so you might hear the hint of an accent, although I think I sound as dinky-di as the next bloke.
Outside of the office, you’ll find me spending time with my wife and two adult sons, supporting the Brissy Lions, learning pickleball, and trying not to injure myself on the tennis court.
Janine Polzin
Hello, I’m Janine.
I’m the client services officer — the friendly face who greets you when you visit or answers when you call.
I make sure all the i's are dotted and t’s crossed in those mountains of paperwork you’re sometimes greeted with. Then, I help manage the process to turn your financial plan into reality.
I have qualifications and a background in client service, training, project and event management, so I have a knack for keeping things running like a well-oiled machine.
But what I love most, is building genuine relationships with the people we help.
When I’m not at work, you’ll find me curled up with a mystery book, planning my next travel adventure (I love a good cruise — the Alaskan coastline is amazing), or riding the scream-iest roller coaster at any and every theme park.
And you should see my keyring collection — I’ve got one for every country I’ve visited.

"We have been clients of Tom for some years now and have always been very impressed with the soundness of his advice, but also the way his understanding of us and our individual circumstances has underpinned his advice.
The truly wonderful thing is that we can relax in the confident knowledge that we are on the right track. We have recommended Tom to friends and relatives and will continue to do so in the most glowing terms."
- Liz