What we do
More about us
Isn’t it funny how most of us will pay hundreds of dollars to get others to look after our health, but panic at the thought of paying someone to keep us financially fit.
The good news is, that’s starting to change. More and more families are realising the effect financial pressure can have on their wellbeing, and the sooner they take control of their finances, the less stress they face down the line.
Looking after your money doesn’t have to be scary. At CommonCents we love helping people improve their relationship with money because, we know, a good financial plan enhances their overall wellbeing.
The other good news is, most of the financially fit people we know follow ordinary, sometimes boring strategies, and are masters of the greatest financial quality of all – patience.
We love making money matters simple for our clients so they can start living a richer life, with less stress and more energy for their dreams and the things that really matter to them.
Our boutique agency is based in Toowoomba and we pride ourselves on taking a practical and holistic approach to finances. Our financial planning background covers over 30 years combined, and we use that experience to bring comfort, security and peace of mind to all our clients. Over the past few years we’ve purchased a number of financial planning practices from retiring advisers, and our aim is to build on and improve the legacies they left behind.
We’re always free for coffee and love to discuss lifelong dreams with our clients. If you want to know how we can support you and your family, jump in and book a coffee date. The latte’s on us.
Our philosophy
KNOW
When you first come to us we’ll start by finding out what you know and what you don’t know, then teach you the fundamentals you need to know. We’re not here to make you an armchair economist, and in fact we do things differently to avoid the typical jargon and complexity associated with the finance industry. Our goal is to give you the fundamental knowledge you need to make consistently smart choices with your money.
Change
Do
After change comes do. It’s not enough to gain new knowledge and commit to a few adjustments, the real magic comes when you take action. It’s all good and well to plan a better diet or agree to more exercise, but if don’t do the healthy eating, or consistently move, your health won’t improve. Your financial wellbeing is no different to your physical wellbeing. Like the famous Nike slogan says, Just Do It.
At CommonCents we’re committed to helping you experience a richer life. Know, Change, Do is a tried-and-tested strategy, and our way of supporting Australian families.
Financial Service Guide
If you love detail our Financial Services Guide (FSG) will float your boat and clarify who we are and what we do.
It includes:
- The services and types of products we offer.
- How we and our associates are paid and any other benefits we may receive.
- Any potential conflicts of interest we may have.
- How we protect your privacy and handle your personal information.
- How we resolve disputes, and what you should do if you have one.
Meet our team
“Only 20% of money success is what you know, the remaining 80% is what you do.”
The term rich means different things to different people and my career has been spent teaching individuals, from all walks of life, the right knowledge and behaviour so the actions they take around money, are meaningful and relevant to their lives.
I’m a big believer that common sense trumps complexity everyday. At CommonCents we work with motivated mums and dads to help them achieve a life free from financial stress. Our proven framework, and practical step-by-step actions, help our clients achieve their goals, with more cash to spend on the things they really value.
I became involved in the Financial Services industry with the Suncorp group, before taking on a Senior Planning role with NAB Financial Planning. We established Common Cents Wealth, in 2011, so I could focus on what’s really important – a client’s financial success. I enjoy getting to know our clients and take the time to understand their family’s hopes and dreams.
If you want to chat, call us on 1300 376 781, or come and see us for coffee.
Qualifications
- Diploma of Financial Planning: Deakin University
- Master of Financial Planning: University of Sunshine Coast
Professional Memberships
- Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA)
“It concerns me that financial stress can lead to divorce, broken families, depression, and worse.”
I grew up in a loving family and the only disagreements I recall between my parents was over money. I remember coming home from School one day to find my dad already home from work. He was emotionally distraught as he told us he’d been made redundant.
My family got through this tough period but it’s something I’ll never forget. My parents lacked a financial plan and, like most families, had lots of financial commitments. They had no one to turn to for help and the stress led to arguments, anger and frustration. It concerns me that financial stress can lead to divorce, broken families, depression, and worse. As a result, I always want my clients, regardless of their challenges, to feel secure and never lose sight of their hopes for the future.
Today, Australian parents are more worried about money than ever before and I’m proud to say I’ve devoted my working life to changing this. I want my colleagues and clients to know the only product I ever sold was great advice.
Since 2001 I’ve met thousands of Australians from all walks of life – high incomes, low incomes, self-employed, business owners, rich families, poor families – and I’ve coached them all on the knowledge, behaviour and action required to get ahead.
CommonCents was founded to deliver the outcomes families cherish most. Most people couldn’t care less about the latest money fad or financial product, what they do crave is a trusted partner who will help them make the right choices, so they can live the life they want.
If you want to talk, call us on 1300 376 781, or better still, stop by for a coffee.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce UQ 1995
- CPA Deakin University 2000
- Diploma Financial Planning Deakin University 2001
Professional Memberships
- Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA)
- Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF) Association
“The goal of any good financial plan is to achieve the lifestyle you desire.”
Having been in the industry since 2001, I understand that “money” means more than dollars, it means being able to; do the things you love, support the people you love, and to live comfortably and peacefully throughout all stages of your life, especially in retirement. I am a big believer in work/life balance and striving to have it all. This is why my personal slogan is “Enjoy the Journey” as it is a reminder not to “ work hard and enjoy life later”, but to find purpose and enjoyment now. I try to bring this philosophy to my meetings so that we can work together to find ways to have the holiday, the new car etc, while still saving for your future lifestyle.
I have found that the best way to achieve this “balance” is to outsource what I don’t like doing (I have a cleaner) and keep everything else as simple as I can. I’ve worked with many different people (small business owners, couples, singles, retirees) over the years and find that sticking to these 2 principles – they “outsource” the research, worry, complexity of legislation to me and I keep their investments and financial strategies as simple as I can (while still accessing the best tax strategies) – has provided my clients with the peace of mind that they are doing what they need to do to get on track and stay on track to achieving their goals.
I am a Mother to 2 beautiful girls (Kaylee and Zoe), Wife to a Small Business Owner in the construction industry (Tony) and spend my spare time travelling and exercising (I love walking and am a bit of a gym junkie). I fully understand the juggling act of families and the demands of people in business and my mission is to help you spend less time worrying about your finances and more time enjoying life!
If you would like a quick chat to see how I can help you “Enjoy your Journey” then, call me on 1300 376 781 or click here to book a time in my diary, and I will call you then.
Qualifications
- Advanced Diploma Financial Planning Deakin University
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Deakin University
Professional Memberships
- Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA)
Karen Donnelly
- Client Experience Associate
- karen@commoncentsfp.com.au
I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to attention to detail and spend a significant amount of time in the office building our financial modelling. Since joining CommonCents in 2020 I strive to achieve top results in my client work and interactions.
Give us a call on 1300 376 781 to see how we can help you.
Megan Caldwell
- Client Experience Associate
- megan@commoncentsfp.com.au
Ashlee Weldon
- Client Experience Associate
- ashlee@commoncentsfp.com.au
After a vast amount of experience in the financial industry, I joined the CommonCents family in 2016. My sole focus is to keep our data quality first-rate. I consistently strive to leave no stone unturned when it comes to understanding our clients full financial situation, so our Planners can provide the best advice.
Got a question? Call us today or book an appointment. 1300 376 781.
CAREERS
All our position are currently filled, but we know you can’t keep great people in one place forever.
If you’re interested in joining our team in the future, please send your resume to us via the Contact Us page.
