How do we charge for advice

Fee-for-Service Private Client Advice

Battistella Financial Services operates on a transparent, fee-for-service basis.

We do not receive commissions or other forms of conflicted remuneration from product providers.

Our advice fees are agreed in advance and set as fixed dollar amounts, reflecting the scope, complexity, and nature of the engagement.

Advice Engagement Structure

Our advice process is typically structured across three stages:

Initial Advice
Preparation of a comprehensive Statement of Advice (SoA), including strategic analysis and recommendations tailored to the client’s circumstances.

Implementation
Where required, we assist with the execution of agreed strategies and implementation of recommendations.

Ongoing Advice
Provision of ongoing portfolio oversight, strategic review, and advice. Fees are reviewed annually and agreed in advance.

Fee Basis

For all new engagements, fees are determined by reference to:

  • Scope of work required
  • Complexity of the client’s financial position
  • Time involved in advice preparation and delivery

We do not charge percentage-based fees.

All fees are disclosed and agreed prior to commencement of work.

Insurance Advice

Life insurance advice is provided on a fee-for-service basis, with no commissions received.

Where a client specifically requests a commission-based structure, this may be accommodated upon instruction.

Investment Philosophy

Clients retain full flexibility in how they invest, including:

  • Listed securities
  • Managed investment solutions
  • Separately Managed Accounts (SMA’s)
  • Property and alternative assets where appropriate

Our role is not to prescribe products, but to assist in the construction and maintenance of an appropriate investment structure aligned to each client’s objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Advice Scope

We provide advice across the full spectrum of private client wealth management, including:

  • Retirement planning and decumulation strategy
  • Superannuation and SMSF advisory services
  • Income stream structuring
  • Wealth accumulation and portfolio strategy
  • Borrowing to invest strategies
  • Risk management and personal insurance
  • Tax-effective structuring
  • Estate planning and intergenerational wealth transfer, including testamentary trusts

Ongoing Advisory Relationship

We provide ongoing advice through a structured engagement model designed to ensure strategies remain appropriate over time.

This typically includes:

  • Regular portfolio and strategy reviews
  • Formal written advice documentation (Statement or Record of Advice where required)
  • Proactive monitoring of relevant legislative and market changes

Client Engagement

Our clients typically engage us for clarity, structure, and continuity in the management of their financial affairs.

We work with clients who prefer either:

  • Active involvement in decision-making, or
  • A more delegated advisory relationship

Our approach is flexible and tailored to individual preference.

Client Events

We maintain a long-standing tradition of private client events, featuring leading Australian commentators and experts across economics, markets, health, leadership, and public affairs.

Recent speakers have included:

Bernard Salt AM • Tim Costello AO • Steven Bradbury • Susan Alberti AC • Steve Sammartino • Dr Timothy Sharp • Emma Murray • Rachael Robertson • Raelene Boyle • Alan Oster (NAB)

Contact

To discuss your circumstances or arrange an initial consultation, please contact us on 03 9832 0768.

We look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.