At Atkinson Financial Planning, we are dedicated to delivering strategic advice specifically tailored to your individual circumstances and taxation situation, to make sure you achieve tax effective results. We prefer to use direct uncomplicated investments such as Shares, Fixed Interest and Property.

We created our business to provide a better, a more personalised alternative to wealth management and offer a high touch, private bank style service, whilst maintaining value to you. We place great importance on your ongoing involvement in the investment process, and always consult and advise when making those crucial investment decisions.

Our fees are also uncomplicated and we insist on a full and clear undertsanding, to guarantee transparency.

We value and actively foster solid long-term relationships, founded on integrity and trust.

"We take the time to ensure that our clients are
conscious of the journey they are on and then work
with them to construct a strategy to enjoy that journey."

Couple meeting with financial adviser

ABOUT ATKINSON FINANCIAL PLANNING

Established in 1990, Atkinson Financial Planning is based in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, East Doncaster, around 20 minutes from the CBD and provides financial planning services to private clients throughout Melbourne and around Australia.

We are dedicated to delivering a total investment solution specifically tailored to our client's individual circumstances and taxtaion sitatuion, to make sure they achieve tax-effective investment results.

We created our business to provide a better, more personalised alternative to wealth management. We place great importance on our clients having involvement in the investment process, and always consult and advise our clients when making those crucial investment decisions.

Our Services

Learn about the range of financial services that Atkinson Financial Planning can help you with.

Client Testimonials

Our Planning Process

Our experienced advisers will guide you through a process that is designed to help you achieve your goals.

01. Initial Meeting

During our inital appointment we step you through a discovery document to allow us to gain an understanding of your true financial needs by establishing your key goals focusing on who and what is most important to you along the journey.

We will collect the information necessary to assess your sustainability to various strategic options by asking a series of questions that allow us to ensure we are fully informed and what you would best like to achieve from your financial plan.

Using the data gathered during this meeting we will begin to develop a detailed strategic advice document.

02. Strategic Analysis

With a full understanding of your current situation and goals that are most important to you, we are then able to complete further background research as we explore and model the best strategic plan tailored to your current situation.

03. Presentation of the Strategy

In this meeting we will present to you our Strategic Advice Document (Statement of Advice) which reconfirms your current situation and key goals as we understand them from our initial meeting. This document will act as a roadmap helping to maximise your ability to achieve the goals you have set.

Smart strategic solutions with a focus on providing you with the financial freedom to allow you to achieve your goals along the journey.

04. Implementing the Strategy

After providing us with authority to proceed, proactive implementation is essential in maximising success in your strategic plan. Working closely with the Atkinson Financial Planning team, we will guide you through the process of achieving the financial setup as agreed upon within our advice document.

Implementation meetings will be arranged to ensure each step is understood by you and the optimal result achieved.

05. Review

To reinforce that you remain on track to achieving the goals you initially identified, we will provide you with scheduled reviews of your ongoing financial position and new strategies that will inevitably evolve and become available in the future.

The process of review is essential as it allows us to ensure your financial success over the journey.

Latest News

Read the latest industry updates from the Atkinson Financial Planning news desk.
Illegal access nets $637 million

Illegal access nets $637 million

The ATO has found $637 million of superannuation savings has left the system due to illegal early access...

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Trustee decisions are at their own discretion: expert

Trustee decisions are at their own discretion: expert

A trustee doesn’t need to show reasons why they made a decision, they will only need to show they followed a...

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Regular reviews and safekeeping of documents vital: expert

Regular reviews and safekeeping of documents vital: expert

Keeping track of all documents relating to an SMSF trust deed is important if an estate planning issue arises...

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Latest stats back up research into SMSF longevity and returns: educator

Latest stats back up research into SMSF longevity and returns: educator

There was a dramatic decrease in the number of SMSF wind-ups from 2018 to 2023, indicating that the SMS...

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Investment and economic outlook, February 2024

Investment and economic outlook, February 2024

Region-by-region economic outlook and latest forecasts for investment...

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Planning financially for a career break

Planning financially for a career break

A pause in super contributions can have long-lasting effects. Here's how to plan ahead for super...

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Could your SMSF do with more diversification?

Could your SMSF do with more diversification?

Australian Tax Office Office data shows a high percentage of SMSFs are lacking portfolio...

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Countries producing the most solar power by gigawatt hours

Countries producing the most solar power by gigawatt hours

Check out the countries that produce the most solar...

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Labor tweaks stage 3 tax cuts to make room for ‘middle Australia’

Labor tweaks stage 3 tax cuts to make room for ‘middle Australia’

Following years of mixed messaging, Labor has bowed to economic pressure and announced changes to its stage...

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Videos

Watch our video series to learn more about the value of getting financial advice, how it applies to common life events and how we can help you.

Market Updates

Roger Montgomery Market Update – Sept 2020

Charter Hall Market Update – July 2020

Education & Strategy Videos

Tools & Resources

Create a FREE account and login to our Financial Tools client area, or enjoy the links to FREE tools and calculators supplied by MoneySmart.

Contact Us

We'd love for you to get in touch and we welcome any enquiry that you may have.

Get in Touch

Atkinson Financial Planning welcomes your enquiry. To book an appointment or simply ask us a question, fill in your details and we'll be in touch soon!

Superannuation

Understanding superannuation is the key ingredient to being able to fund your own retirement. The earlier you establish an understanding and gain control of your superannuation asset the sooner you can drive it harder with investments you are most comfortable with toward establishing your retirement nest egg.

There have been some significant changes to Financial Services legislation focused heavily on superannuation reform. This area continues to evolve and it is critical to have an Adviser who continues to be up to date with these changes.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9841 7755 or email us at steve@atkinsonfp.com.au

SMSF Gearing in Super

A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a trust where money or assests are held and managed on behalf of members to provide retirement income in the future.

Essentially, SMSF's are for family members and close business associates who wish to take more control of their retirement savings. Briefly, a SMSF is definedin the following way: has 4 members or less; all members must be trustees and all trustees must be members. Where the trustee is a company, all members must be directors of the trustee company and all directors must be members of the fun. No member of the fund can be an employee of another member unless they are also related; and, the trustee cannot receive any remuneration for fulfilling his or her duties as a trustee of the fund. Recent legislation which allows for borrowing within a correctly structured SMSF has opened the door for investment properties in Property.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9841 7755 or email us at steve@atkinsonfp.com.au

Retirement Planning

Once you achieve your required nest egg in Superannuation savings, retirement becomes a realistic option. Often the adjustment from working 5 days a week 48 weeks a year to nothing needs to be considered. Which is why we query;

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9841 7755 or email us at steve@atkinsonfp.com.au

Estate Planning

Estate planning is all about having control of your assets, making sure that the right amount of money and assets go to the right person(s) at the right time. It is about wealth succession. Estate planning is complex and requires the expertise offered by a solicitor in conjunction with the guidance of Atkinson Financial Planning. The specific areas of successful estate planning are: Wills, Power of Attorney and Testamentary Trust.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9841 7755 or email us at steve@atkinsonfp.com.au

Risk Management & Insurance

When considering whether Risk Insurance products are necessary “for you”, to insure against sickness, injury and death, we like to remind our clients the key reasons for undertaking such policies. The key benefit is to ensure your family is financially supported if any such occurrences eventuate in the future. There is no set formula for establishing how much Life, TPD and/or Trauma cover to take out but some key questions to consider would be;

Are you a guarantee for personal or business loans? Who would become responsible for these if you were to pass or become seriously ill or injured?

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9841 7755 or email us at steve@atkinsonfp.com.au

Education Savings Bonds

The goal to provide your child(ren) private school education can be a significant financial burden, which, depending on how many children you have and what school(s) you choose can be into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The earlier you begin saving the more achievable the goal will become. There are numerous investment options available to you, which can assist you in a tax friendly manner to getting your child into the school you most desire for them.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9841 7755 or email us at steve@atkinsonfp.com.au

David Saynor

David Saynor

General Manager

DDavid began with Atkinson Financial Planning in January 2004 as part of the RMIT co-operative education program. After his first 12 months with Atkinson’s he returned to RMIT to complete his Bachelor Business – Financial Planning. After enjoying a year long ‘gap year’ period in 2005/06 backpacking around the world, David returned to Atkinson’s as a Paraplanner. David became an Authorised Representative of Paragem and Office Manager in June 2014. Taking on a more hands on and key role of the practice in recent years, David is now General Manager and equity holder in the business since January 2017.

David advises on a broad range of financial planning related services including wealth creation and accumulation both inside and outside of Superannuation, Pre Retirement and Retirement planning and Risk Management and Insurance assessment. David also advises on Self Managed Superannuation Funds and is a SMSF Association ‘Specialist Advisor’ (SSA).

David is married to Kait and they have two sons, Harry (2018) and Lewis (2021) who they adore and keep them incredibly busy, equally throughout the week and weekends! David is a keen sports enthusiast, still playing social basketball with friends and an RACV Golf Club member currently playing off 18. David loves his MCC membership and following the Hawks through the winter months.

LinkedIn

Steve Atkinson

Steve Atkinson

Director

Steve has worked in the Financial Services Industry for 45 years. Steve is focused on providing high quality and personally tailored financial advice that meets the requirements of his clients. Steve has extensive experience in all forms of Financial Planning, whether it be the early stages of wealth creation, or preparing strategies for clients addressing their Retirement & Estate Planning needs.

Steve also advises on Self Managed Superannuation Funds and has excellent knowledge of purchasing Direct Property within the Superannuation environment. Steve is a SMSF Association SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA), Licensed Real Estate Agent and Justice of the Peace (JP).

LinkedIn

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs

Paraplanner

Matt joined Atkinson Financial Planning in March 2022 having previously spent 8 years working as a commercial insurance broker. Matt has a passion for investing and began a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning during the first Covid lockdowns in 2020, transition his career from broking to planning.

Matt has taken a paraplanner role while he works to become a Registered Financial planner by completing his Professional Year.

A busy family man, Matt has 2 gorgeous girls under 5, and most weekends are spent at the park, and playing hide and seek around the house with his eldest daughter Annie. Matt is also keen Cats fan, he loves his footy and watches as many games as his girls allow.

LinkedIn

Adam Faulkner

Adam Faulkner

Client Administration Assistant

Adam began his role as Client Administration Assistant at Atkinson Financial Planning in February of 2022, through the RMIT Cooperative Education Program.

JAdam is currently working full time whilst completing the third year of his Bachelor’s Degree in Business, majoring in Economics & Finance.

In his brief tenure at Atkinson Financial Planning, Adam has developed key administrative skills whilst building his knowledge of the financial planning sector, which will assist him in completing his degree through 2023.

Outside of work Adam can usually be found at the gym, fishing or working on his car. As a dedicated motorsport enthusiast Adam regularly volunteers at rally racing events and hopes to start participating in ‘track days’ towards the end of 2022. Adam balances the adrenaline and intensity of both the gym and motorsport, by occasionally kicking back and going fishing with mates.

LinkedIn

Xander Simpson

Xander Simpson

Client Administration

Alexander joined Atkinson Financial Planning in February 2021 as part of the RMIT co-operative program, the ninth student through this stream. Currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business majoring in Economics and Finance, he will look to complete the degree alongside working permanent part-time through 2022. He has developed key knowledge about the financial planning world and eager to learn more.

Alexander is a keen sportsman, playing futsal on a Wednesday night, as well as kicking the footy and playing golf with mates. Xander loves the Dees and tries to get to as many games as he can with his MCC membership. Xander is also an avid Chelsea fan and would love to watch them play live at Stamford Bridge one day.

LinkedIn

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Login to Secure File Transfer, or contact us if you require a username and password.

General Calculators

Disclaimer

GENERAL ADVICE WARNING

Stephen Atkinson and David Saynor are authorised representatives of Paragem and provide financial planning services for superannuation, managed investments, personal risk insurance and shares. Stephen Atkinson is additionally authorised to provide self managed superannuation fund investment advice.

This information is of a general nature only and has been provided without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, we recommend you consider, with or without the assistance of a financial adviser, whether the information is appropriate in light of your particular needs and circumstances. We are not authorised by Paragem to provide advice in relation to taxation. We have however provided estimates and explanations based on our understanding and interpretation of the relevant legislation. Due to complexity and the speed with which taxation laws and regulations may change we recommend you seek more detailed advice from your taxation adviser on any taxation issues.

DISCLAIMER

All of the material published on this web site is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. This information is of a general nature only and has been provided without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, we recommend you consider, with or without the assistance of a Financial Adviser, whether the information is appropriate in light of your particular needs and circumstances.

The information on this web site is current on the date of publication but may be subject to change. Whilst Atkinson Financial Planning have made every effort to ensure that information is free from error, we do not guarantee that the information or images are current, complete or correct and accept no responsibility therefore. Atkinson Financial Planning do not accept liability for errors, omissions in, delays or interruptions to or cessation of access to this web site, through negligence or through any other reason whatsoever. Atkinson Financial Planning do not guarantee that this web site or third party web sites will be free from viruses.

References to other sites are provided as an information service only and should not necessarily be construed as an endorsement. Conversely, omissions should not be construed as a non-endorsement.

Although every care is taken to provide links to suitable material from this site, the nature of the Internet prevents us from guaranteeing the quality, suitability, completeness or accuracy of any of the material that this site may be linked to. Consequently, Atkinson Financial Planning can accept no responsibility for the content of that material including any unsuitable or inaccurate material that may be encountered.

Also, Atkinson Financial Planning are not responsible for the accuracy or legitimacy of information found elsewhere on the Internet and there is no guarantee that any of the sites listed will be available at any particular time. Subject to any terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, we accept no responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense (whether direct or indirect) incurred by you as result of any error omission or misrepresentation in any information in this site.

Atkinson Financial Planning do not guarantee any services which might be announced nor provide any authorisation direct or indirect relating to use of information or links. A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or other disclosure documentation is available for the products mentioned in this website and are available from your Financial adviser. You should obtain and consider the PDS or disclosure document before deciding whether to acquire, continue to hold or dispose of other interests in the product.