FINANCIAL PLANNING
Where our advice ends and an adviser's begins
We arrange credit. Investment strategy, superannuation and product advice belong with someone licensed to give them.
THE DISTINCTION
Credit assistance and financial advice are separate things
A mortgage broker is authorised to provide credit assistance — assessing your position, recommending a loan and arranging it. A financial adviser holds a different licence and can advise on investments, superannuation, insurance and broader strategy.
The two overlap constantly in practice. Whether to use equity to invest, how to structure debt against an investment portfolio, whether an SMSF purchase makes sense — these questions have a credit component and a financial advice component, and they need both.
Visayab Financial Services is not a financial advice firm. Where a question falls outside what we are licensed to answer, we say so and introduce you to someone who can, rather than offering an opinion we are not entitled to give.
WHO DOES WHAT
Which questions belong where
We can help with
- What you can borrow — and how different lenders assess your income.
- Loan structure — splits, offset arrangements, repayment types and terms.
- Arranging the credit — application through to settlement, and reviews after.
- Lending inside an SMSF — arranging the loan, once the strategy is settled.
An adviser handles
- Whether to invest at all — and what to invest in.
- Superannuation strategy — including whether an SMSF suits you.
- Insurance recommendations — type of cover and how much.
- Retirement and estate planning — and the tax questions that sit alongside them.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about getting advice
Do I need a financial adviser?
Not everyone does. If your situation is straightforward — a salary, a mortgage, employer superannuation — you may not need ongoing advice.
It becomes more valuable where there is complexity: investment strategy, an SMSF, business interests, a significant change in circumstances, or approaching retirement.
How are financial advisers paid?
Advisers commonly charge fees — a fixed fee for a plan, or an ongoing service fee. Commissions on investment products have been substantially restricted in Australia, though they remain permitted on some insurance.
An adviser must disclose how they are paid. Ask, and read the disclosure documents.
Can you advise me on whether to buy an investment property?
We can tell you what you can borrow and how to structure the lending. Whether a particular investment is appropriate for you is financial advice, which requires a different licence.
We are careful about that line, because the alternative is giving you advice with no protection behind it.
Do you receive anything for a referral?
If a commercial arrangement exists with a firm we introduce you to, we will tell you before you engage them.
You are free to use your own adviser, and where you have one we are happy to work alongside them.
RELATED
Where lending and strategy meet
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question and are not sure who it belongs with?
Would rather talk it through?
(02) 9659 1694Important information
Visayab Financial Services provides credit assistance. We do not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and we do not provide financial product advice, tax advice or legal advice. Nothing on this page is a recommendation about any financial product or strategy.
The information on this page is general in nature. It has been prepared without taking your objectives, financial situation or needs into account, so it is not personal advice and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
Any rates, figures or examples shown are indicative only. Lending is subject to approval, and lender eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Talk to us about what your own circumstances allow.