This page explains how advice fees are commonly structured, what services clients often engage for, and how Culgan approaches a deposit-first engagement model before the balance is due on advice delivery.
A simple starting structure
Step one
Complimentary first conversation
An initial discussion helps determine whether advice is needed, what kind of scope may be appropriate, and how Jessie can help.
Step two
Deposit to commence advice work
Once the scope and fixed fee are agreed, advice engagements usually begin with a deposit of around 40%.
Step three
Balance due on delivery of advice
The remaining balance is typically paid when advice is presented or delivered, creating clarity around both commitment and process.
Indicative fee guide
Advice fees vary depending on scope, complexity, implementation needs, and whether the work focuses on one area or a more complete planning strategy. These figures are shown as an indicative guide so people can understand the structure before a formal quote is provided.
Focused advice
Designed for clients who need guidance on a defined area such as superannuation, risk protection, debt strategy, or an initial retirement decision.
Payment approach
A$1,200 deposit, with the balance due when advice is presented.
Comprehensive financial planning
Suitable for broader advice needs where cash flow, super, investments, retirement, personal protection, and family priorities need to be considered together.
Payment approach
40% deposit, with the remaining balance due on delivery of advice.
Complex or family strategy work
Best for more complex work involving retirement transitions, family wealth structures, multiple entities, or layered strategy decisions.
Payment approach
40% deposit, with the final balance confirmed against the agreed scope.
Common service areas
Some clients come with one pressing question, while others need a broader planning framework. The table below gives a straightforward view of the most common service categories and how they are often charged.
Initial advice engagement
A first formal advice project covering a defined strategy need or broader planning scope.
Fixed fee, usually with deposit plus balance on advice delivery.
Retirement and superannuation advice
Retirement readiness, super strategy, pension planning, and contribution decisions.
Often positioned inside a focused or comprehensive fixed-fee engagement.
Investment advice
Portfolio structure, risk alignment, contribution planning, and long-term wealth strategy.
Usually a fixed advice fee, with implementation quoted if needed.
Insurance and protection advice
Personal risk review for income protection, life, trauma, or TPD cover.
Commonly a lower fixed-fee advice project or part of a broader advice package.
Debt recycling or cash flow strategy
Structuring debt, surplus cash flow, and wealth-building decisions more strategically.
Generally a fixed project fee based on complexity.
Implementation support
Application support, account changes, product setup, and administrative follow-through.
Included in scope where appropriate or quoted separately if substantial work is required.
Ongoing review service
Annual or periodic review support for clients who want continuing strategic guidance.
Quoted separately as an optional ongoing service plan.
How payment usually works
A deposit-and-balance structure is often one of the clearest ways to handle financial planning fees. It allows work to begin with shared commitment, while still keeping the larger fee tied to the delivery of advice.
Important note
All fees on this page are indicative only. Final fees depend on the agreed scope of work, the complexity of your situation, and whether any implementation or ongoing service support is included.
Step 1
The first conversation is designed to understand what you need, whether advice is appropriate, and what level of support is likely to be the best fit.
Step 2
Once scope is understood, you receive a clear fee proposal so you can decide whether you would like to proceed before any paid advice work begins.
Step 3
Advice engagements generally begin with a deposit, often around 40% of the agreed fixed fee, with the balance payable when advice is delivered or presented.
Step 4
After that, strategy work, presentation, and any agreed implementation pathway can move forward with clear expectations around timing and next steps.
Before you proceed
The information on this page is general in nature and has not been prepared with your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs in mind. If you would like tailored advice, the next step is to request a consultation so Jessie can understand your circumstances and confirm the right scope of work.
Next step
Jessie Culgan can help you understand the right starting scope, the likely fee pathway, and whether implementation or ongoing support should be included.