Caring beyond numbers with a personal drive for aged care financial advice solutions
With a career in financial services dating back to the late 1980s, Craig’s journey took a personal turn when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, motivating him to specialise in aged care and retirement planning. Now the Principal and Senior Adviser at Phillips Wealth Partners, he helps families navigate the complexities of aged care with expertise and empathy.
Tell us about your career path. What led you to where you are?
I’ve worked in Financial Services since the late 1980s and have been in advisory roles since 2004. Around 2014, I began specialising in financial planning for aged care and retirement living. The catalyst was a conversation with my brother about our parents, who were in their early 70s and needed additional care. Our father, showing signs of cognitive decline, was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. With little idea at the time about what aged care was, it motivated me to learn more about it. From a personal perspective when caring for Dad, I wanted to understand aged care better, and from a professional perspective, I needed a greater understanding of the technical intricacies surrounding aged care for my advice clients.
Tell us about your organisation and your role within it.
I am the Principal and Senior Adviser at Phillips Wealth Partners, a Canberra-based financial planning firm focused on helping clients navigate care options, from home support to retirement villages and residential aged care. After being a finalist twice, I won the 2023 Aged Care Adviser of the Year Award, and Phillips Wealth Partners was also a finalist for the 2023 Aged Care Advice Program of the Year.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
We understand that entering aged care, or even planning for a move, can be very stressful. Being able to reduce stress and provide a sensible roadmap in a timely manner, resulting in families having one less thing to worry about, is very satisfying, along with the gratitude from clients.
Can you share some of your favourite leadership or business resources/influences that have had a significant impact on your career?
The support I received early in my career from management to advance my knowledge and confidence was key, which led to my personal experience with my father living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. From a business perspective, I would say Louise Biti, co-founder and Director of Aged Care Steps has been pivotal. Louise and her amazing team have always had our back and shared so much of their knowledge and continue to do so for which I am grateful.
What advice do you have for those looking to advance their careers?
Look for possible mentors inside or outside your employer. Consider joining industry bodies or associations connected to your area of work/profession. Attend networking events, both formal and informal, and stay in touch with people you meet. Keep learning, stay aware of where your industry is heading, and invest in yourself.
When you’re not at work, where can we find you?
If the weather is good, I ride on Canberra’s bike tracks, particularly around Mt Majura or the old highway toward Lake George, with my small but fun peloton.
