Phillips Wealth Partners Client Testimonials

Financial Planning

With the retirement of our Financial Adviser after over 20 years it can be stressful having to find a new advisor. Craig was recommended as the adviser to use. We revised our Estate Planning, making provision for our Grandchildren and setting up a new superannuation fund. Craig and his staff have been great in organizing all the necessary documentation to switch over.

Aged Care Advice

'We consulted Craig and Luisa about transitioning our Mum into Permanent Residential Care from full-time home care. Our (generous) one and a half hour meeting was instructional regarding Centrelink and the 'Supported Resident' approach, including likely tax implications. Four options were explored from the premise of 'estate preservation', and these were clearly stated in the follow-up letter. This advice underpins our decisions about Mum going forward. Constructive advice. Just to be mindful of the position of the sound recorder in meetings as our own questions and comments could hardly be heard. But this is not really a complaint, as we're grateful to have this great included feature. We have already recommended Phillips Wealth Partners to another family facing similar decision-making.'

Financial Adviser, Canberra

Very helpful and prompt service. Easy to understand explanation. Would recommend their services and considering their services for my own other financial planning needs.

Aged Care Consultant

Useful advice and great service Phillips Wealth Partners gave me really comprehensive and useful aged care financial advice for my parents. I cannot compliment Craig and Luisa enough on the professional and caring way they went about it too. They were responsive to our questions and delivered as promised.

Aged Care Advice

"We contacted Craig to help us navigate the financial components of Aged care options for our parents. Craig was wonderful, clear and concise and knowledgeable regarding the different options available to our family. Emails were responded to in a timely manner which was excellent from our end. Thank you both for your help Hilary McPherson and family"

Aged care advice

Craig and his team provided my family with much needed professional advice on managing my mother’s transition to a nursing home. His advice included a range of strategies enabling us to better understand her fee options and to optimize the management of her assets. This included options for her share portfolio, to best meet her current and future needs. Craig’s statement of advice and Zoom conference with the family greatly facilitated our understanding of the issues involved and provided the family with welcome reassurance that our mother’s transition was being effectively managed.

Retirement Planning

"I felt he was there for me during a time of financial transition, anxiety and bewilderment. He clarified my position and likely scenarios, outlining different options. A big picture emerged, from which I could make the best decisions for my future provision and then actioned it. I liked that he was always available when I needed him in that time, which was reassuring to an older person unfamiliar with the financial world ."

Financial Planning

"I really enjoyed working with Craig. I found him to be authentic and he was able to guide in the right direction to make financial decisions that I believe will set me up well for the future. "

Financial advice

"I found the service provided to be appropriate to our needs, carried out efficiently, professionally and in a timely manner.  The final report was concise and clear with the face to face meeting showing understanding of the stresses under which the decisions are being made.  I would happily recommend our adviser to anyone in need of assistance."

Maruta, ACT

"….. Craig was brilliant at simplifying the options available to us and helping us understand how to best manage their finances for the long term. I could not recommend Craig highly enough for not only providing detailed advice on the costs of aged care and the government funding packages available but also having the patience to guide us through the finance maze during a difficult time".  

"Craig was recommended to me by our long term and trusted financial and tax advisor. At the time I was under considerable pressure to make quick and complex decisions about aged care options for my husband, based on little understanding or information about either the process or the financial implications.

Craig was available at very short notice for initial advice and after a thorough examination of our financial situation, he provided planning options which he explained in depth. Over the next four months, during my husband’s eventual entry into aged care, Craig was always contactable whenever questions arose or decisions were required (which could be sudden) and throughout he was always patient, warm and understanding.

The confidence and reassurance of having such an advisor on hand who was professional, experienced and objective was absolutely essential for both myself and my husband to manage this difficult stage in life". 

"Craig was of great assistance when I was faced with placing my mother into Aged Care. This was a very stressful time for me and Craig's knowledge and patience made the process easier". 

"Thanks so much for your help getting all these forms done ….  I was really struggling with it all but you lifted a very heavy burden”.

"We contacted Luisa at a stressful time in our lives as my parents had both gone through major medical procedures and they weren't doing so well. We were concerned about how we were going to manage their care and what options were available to us given their health and financial status. Connecting with Luisa at that time was just what we needed.  She not only simplified what is a complex web of services but more importantly, made us feel confident everything was going to be ok.  I could not recommend Luisa highly enough for not only providing detailed advice on how to manage their care and the government funding packages available but also caring enough to help us through the process of finding a carer and or aged care facility if needed. I can honestly say that her help was a godsend at the time."

My family and I tried to organise suitable care for my elderly mother for six months with no success before we found Luisa. A friend recommended I speak with her, and from the very first conversation with Luisa I knew that she was going to be able to help us. Her deep knowledge of the aged care system in Australia and specialised understanding of the service providers available in Canberra enabled her to assist us right away. Within a matter of weeks we had a system in place with wonderful carers that works for our family. There is no way we would have been able to achieve this on our own, let alone in such a short time frame. I cannot recommend Luisa highly enough. She is a not only an expert in this field, but also highly responsive and compassionate. Her support throughout the process was invaluable and I honestly do not know what we would have done without her.

Having Luisa and Craig from on our team was life-saving for our family.

 While we understood the aged care system, having navigated it previously for our mother, after being thrown into crisis following my brother’s significant stroke, we were too tied up with doctors, hospitals and sorting out my brother’s affairs to face the stress and trauma of finding a suitable nursing home, completing Centrelink forms and all that entails.

 Luisa provided a sense of calm outside the chaos. She was reassuring, responsive, organised, informative and professional.

 It was so helpful to have Luisa identify options, and organise visits to nursing homes for us.  Luisa provided us with helpful summaries of our visits and documented the pros and cons of each home we visited for us. Luisa was thoughtful and everything she did was highly professional. Luisa has a ‘can do’ approach, and took the load off us.

 It was so reassuring to have both Craig and Luisa there to discuss options and explore what would be best for our brother

 She was proactive, following up leads and exploring options for us.  Nothing seemed to be too hard or difficult.

 If it was not for Luisa’s ‘can do’ approach, her ability to think outside the box, to reach out and make helpful connections with others to explore all possible options, then our brother would still be in hospital, or would have been forced to move to a very unsuitable option.

 If Luisa had not suggested to us the option of my brother transferring interstate so that he could be near family, and subsequently finding out for us how it could happen, then we would have had to leave my brother in a nursing home in another state without any family or friends to support him.

 Luisa achieved what seemed to be the impossible for us and my brother.

Having Craig model the financial options and complete the lengthy and complicated Centrelink and nursing home applications relieved us of so much stress and provided reassurance that it was completed properly.

“Thank you so much for all your help Luisa, it really has been a tremendous help.  This hasn't been an easy journey but you and Craig certainly helped us out a during a very challenging time.”

I was told by the doctors and staff at Canberra Hospital that I was no longer sufficiently capable to attend to Theila‘s needs and it would be necessary to get her into care. This I found very difficult as it checking out The various nursing homes in Canberra and area around. Fortunately after meeting Luisa I decided she could be of great help as she knew our needs and what was offering at the various establishments. Luisa took me to the various care homes  (even down to the south coast) and discussed with me the advantages of each and so I was able to pick an excellent one in Canberra and then a suitable one for a relaxed lifestyle down the coast for both of us. I do thank both Luisa and Craig for their help.

You are the most trusted, empathetic and professional person I know in this space, I recommend you to anyone I meet needing support in this minefield. Thank you, Luisa for all you do for our elders. 

 I recommend you to anyone who is considering aged care needs!

Granny Flat Rights

"Craig has given us advice on options of how best to finance and acquire a combined home for us with our daughter and son-in-law ( including a granny flat)."

Aged Care Financial Advice

"Craig was really helpful in providing me with options around budget management for my mum and explaining them in an easy to understand way. It gave me much more confidence that we have a good strategy in place for Mum going forward."

Financial Planning

"Craig provide sound advice and options for my retirement plan. Craig paid attention and listened to my thoughts and ideas for my future lifestyle and plans to enable him to look for products to suit my needs and provide me with the information to assist me to make the right decision. Craig was always able to discuss and explain the answer to all my enquiries and questions. I have no hesitation in recommending Craig to future clients."

Aged Care Financial Advice

"Craig was able to confirm the structure and help navigate the financial side of the aged care system, so we could put a plan in place for my father's finances to be maintained and potentially grow as he moved into aged care. Craig's report containing the different options was easily understood and clearly outlined the pros and cons of each option. I'd recommend Craig to others based on his knowledge in this sector."

Financial Planning Canberra, Superannuation

"Being new to the world of shares and investments, I was in sudden need of expert direction and advice on investing an inheritance. Craig was recommended by a highly trusted and regarded friend in the insurance industry, and I was very satisfied with the referral. Craig gave me very timely time and advice on my needs made himself available to me at times and places convenient to me, and set it all in place. Moreover, he took a genuine personal and professional interest in my circumstances. For example, he took some details and looked into my superannuation situation in fine detail which was outside the scope but very appreciated. I highly recommend Craig as an investment adviser."

Financial Advice

"Craig has given me excellent advice on several issues. He is patient, understanding doesn't patronise and listens carefully to what I say. I am confident that any advice I receive from him will improve my situation. "

Financial Planning

"Craig provided comprehensive information and options to me when I requested assistance in renewing/replacing my personal trauma and life insurance policies. He provided this information in a very short period of time and clearly and objectively explained the policies to me. He made himself available to me and answered my questions thoroughly. I have no hesitation in recommending Craig with his expansive wealth of knowledge and experience in the finance industry."

"Craig has given me advice in areas including superannuation, shares, investment management, and wills. He has assisted me to get my entire financial and legal portfolio together to ensure all information is located in one location for ease of review, and transparency. As a single person, I believe it is essential to have such confidential information managed professionally and independent from the immediate family. Craig is someone I can trust, who is professional and equipped with the expertise to facilitate the execution of my will and assist my family with all my personal financial and legal matters, should a need arise."

Open and Honest

"Very happy with Craig’s ability to fit in an appointment on short notice to work in with our schedule. He helped with professionalism in options for aged care. I like the open honest and confidence that Craig displayed and listened carefully to our situation for what was our best option for my mum in aged care. Highly recommended Thank you "

Aged Care

"I initially looked at two advisers in Canberra, Craig replied in very short order and took the time to gain real understanding that I was doing this on behalf of my dad. Without Craig's help I'm certain that dad may not have received every benefit that he was entitled to. Just as people seek legal advice, so too should they seek financial advice, especially when it comes to aged care."

Retirement Planning

"Craig provide sound advice and options for my retirement plan. Craig paid attention and listened to my thoughts and ideas for my future lifestyle and plans enabling him to look for products to suit my needs and provide me the information to assist me to make the right decision. Craig was always able to discuss and explain the answer to all my enquires and questions. I have no hesitation in recommending Craig to future clients."

Financial Planning

"Very happy with Craig’s ability to fit in an appointment on short notice to work in with our schedule. He helped with professionalism in options for aged care. I like the open honest and confidence that Craig displayed and listened carefully to our situation for what was our best option for my mum in aged care. Highly recommended.  Thank you "

Financial Planning

"Exceptional experience! I have been looking to financial advice for some time but was very hesitant as I wasn't sure where to or who to trust. The minute spoke to Craig, I was blown away by his professionalism, attitude and expertise and knew that I could trust him. His communication has been phenomenal - keeping me in the loop and taking time to explain and guide me throughout the entire process. Thank you Craig! I highly recommend Craig for all of your financial advice!"

Financial Planning and budgeting

"Craig has given me advice in areas including managing debt, planning for retirement and insurance. Craig was able to explain things to me in a clear way. Through Craig’s knowledge and experience, I feel very confident that the advice given was right for my needs."

Tax advice

"Craig was recommended to me by our long term and trusted financial and tax advisor. At the time I was under considerable pressure to make quick and complex decisions about aged care options for my husband, based on little understanding or information about either the process or the financial implications. Craig was available at very short notice for initial advice and after a thorough examination of our financial situation, he provided planning options which he explained in depth. Over the next four months, during my husband’s eventual entry into aged care, Craig was always contactable whenever questions arose or decisions were required ( which could be sudden) and throughout he was always patient, warm and understanding. The confidence and reassurance of having such an advisor on hand who was professional, experienced and objective was absolutely essential for both myself and my husband to manage this difficult stage in life. "

Trusted adviser Canberra

"Craig has a natural ability to communicate in a clear and easy-to-understand fashion. I immediately felt comfortable and confident to share my financial situation with him, from which he efficiently assessed. He provided several options which is exactly what I wanted. A great guy and excellent financial planner. Highly recommended. Lucia, Canberra"

Financial advisor

"This was the first time that we had approached any financial consultant in relation to planning our finance and our future. Craig really helped us to understand how we stand now and provided some options for us to consider to place us is a good spot in the future. We have taken Craig's advice and believe that we have made the right decision."

Good-natured

Fantastic nature and extremely easy and enjoyable to work with. Not a dynamic advisor but that maybe more reflective of my wife's risk profile."

Superannuation

"I have appreciated Craig's advice in converting my superannuation fund to a tax-free pension fund. He has also taken into account the fact that I may need to draw on some of this money in the near future."

"Focused on providing good advice."

"Craig is very accomplished in his field of investment advice, extremely friendly and caring."

"I am very happy with the service provided"

"We would highly recommend Craig. His knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in assisting us in managing our superannuation and retirement goals. "

"We liked that Craig tailored his advice to our goals and circumstances and didn't push us into any higher risk investment strategy."

"Milestone Financial and AMP as a whole would do their clients and the world a great service by divesting from the fossil fuel industry (and its derivatives such as petrol/diesel vehicle manufacture) and emphasise the just transition to a society and economy powered from renewable energy sources. I'm surprised that your staff is not better acquainted with investment opportunities (which have been booming). "

"Understands our investment requirements and puts forward sound, sensible options. 

He is the reason I stayed with Milestone.

SMSF

"Craig has a very positive approach to ensuring our Superannuation needs were met and are maintained. We dismantled a poorly performing SMSF and resurrected a Managed fund all in a timely manner, despite the complications of the process. He kept us informed with good communications. The fees are lower, the fund is performing better and we are happier in our retirement. "

Money management, Superannuation

"Craig gave my wife and I advice in money management, superannuation, insurances, and directed us to the right people to create wills. Craig was able to explain things clearly and was always available to help."

Superannuation and Insurances

"I have really welcomed Craig's expertise to set up my super and insurances aligned to my ethical investment values."

"Have confidence in Craig he is willing to listen, is very friendly and has been very helpful to us"

"Craig is a 10/10, very happy with his service."

"I felt confident he knew what he was talking about..."

Retirement planning

"Craig supported me through the confusion of transitioning into retirement and planning for my old age. He also supported me as I got my very serious tax affairs in order. I still have to complete my Will but one step at a time we have negotiated some very difficult issues I had been unable to negotiate. With Craig's help I know I will get there in the end. Now that is peace of mind right there."

Best thing we have done

"Seeing Craig was the best thing we have done financially in the last 5 years! He is helping us get our lives back, so we can enjoy ourselves and still prepare for our futures. He is helping us to meet our life goals without our financial security now, or in the future, being at risk. Very personable, explains things well."

"Craig is very knowledgable, communicative, responsive and provides his services with a sense of humour which is important."

"A very approachable and competent adviser who has dealt with me in a manner that is appropriate and he has looked after and advised me in an acceptable way "

"I believed he has worked hard to get the best results for me in the short period of time to achieve these outcomes. He had to work with a lot of people to achieve the outcomes and they are coming together as planned"

Excellent Service

"Craig provides excellent service with timely advice on how to optimise my investments. He also listens to what my concerns and aspirations are and together we devise strategies to best achieve them. I highly recommend him for both his technical expertise and his great relationship skills."

"Craig has given me advice in Aged Care and assistance with Centrelink after having to put my father into an aged care facility. Through Craig's knowledge and experience, I feel very confident that the advice given was right for my needs. Between his and Luisa's assistance, we were steered in the right direction to ensure the right decisions were made relating to my father and his wife's needs. Thank you Craig and Luisa for guiding us into making what we now feel were the right decisions regarding their finance and property sales."

Aged Care

"Craig helped us navigate the complexities of aged care for our Dad as he moves from his own home to dependent care. Craig was fantastic in explaining the whole process and all the options so that we could help Dad make sensible and tailored decisions about his financial future. Couldn't have done it without him. Looking forward to a long relationship with Phillips Wealth Partners."

Aged care financial advice and aged care navigation, Canberra. 

Craig and Louisa took the time to clearly identify our current and projected financial situation and provided timely, useful advice specifically catered to our individual needs.