“I’m a planner by nature, probably because of my previous life running retail businesses. It was a master class in the value of forward financial thinking.”

Holder of a Bachelor of Economics and a qualified financial planner with more than 30 years’ experience, Kay Aarons established Strategic Financial Solutions in 1995. With the help of a dedicated team, she’s grown that business into one of Melbourne’s most influential boutique financial planning groups. At the same time though, SFS has remained a financial consultancy with a very human touch. And that’s exactly the way Kay likes it.

It explains why, despite being responsible for the day-to-day management of the business and chairing the SFS Investment Committee, she still relishes time personally helping clients define financial goals and delivering strategies to help achieve them.

A voracious reader and news junkie, Kay also enjoys the gym, the AFL and spending time with her two grown sons and beautiful grand-daughter. Professionally, Kay is incredibly passionate about getting more women involved in providing financial advice. She is a respected mentor to both her male and female colleagues, as well as to many of her peers in industry.

“Money interests us only for the reason it helps clients lead the lives they want”.

Paul, alongside Kay Aarons, is a Partner and Senior Financial Planner with Strategic Financial Solutions, one of Melbourne’s most influential boutique financial planning groups.

Paul’s holds a degree in Science, an MBA, a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and as you’d expect, he’s a Certified Financial Planner. These achievements, coupled with his genuine passion to help others achieve their financial goals, is what makes Paul a standout and invaluable asset to the SFS team.

Day to day, Paul helps lead the business with Kay. He oversees client investment strategies, leads the SFS International Equity strategy and is a key member of the SFS Investment Committee, which steers company-wide investments. Over the last 10 years, Paul has built incredibly strong and trusted relationships with clients and the SFS team alike.

Paul is an avid cyclist. On weekends you’ll most likely find him cultivating his MAMIL status (middle aged man in lycra) and enjoying spending time with his family.

“I invite the whole family into meetings if that’s needed, or wanted, by my clients. It's the people that I meet and the satisfaction of knowing that I’m helping to create a better future that makes my job so rewarding.”

Peter Kenyon started in Financial Planning in 1986 in an administrative capacity, moving to an adviser role in 1994. Peter has developed a significant client base over many years with a focus on high quality client service. He provides advice in many areas including retirement planning, superannuation (including SMSF), Centrelink, Aged Care, Estate Planning, plus wealth accumulation and implications for savings plans, gearing, loans and debt management.

Peter joined SFS early in 2012 and fast became an integral and valued member of the team. The knowledge and experience that he gleaned over many years in previous roles has benefited many of our clients, from smoothing Centerlink negotiations to providing them with clarity on the complex world of Aged Care.

When he’s not helping clients reach their financial goals, Peter is a huge fan of all sports, in particular, local footy, AFL, Cricket and Golf. He’s also self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and enjoys eating out amongst the diverse range of dining options across Melbourne.

“I spent a decade as a paraplanner, which involves the analysis of large quantities of data, modelling scenarios and writing advice documents for clients. Don’t feel sorry for me. I love getting into the detail!”

Ben Walvisch is an award-winning paraplanner; a meticulous analyst and enthusiastic problem solver. He has been working in the financial planning profession since 2001, during which time he has worked for State Trustees, the Pentad Group and Mercer Wealth Solutions before joining Strategic Financial Solutions in 2010.

Ben has completed the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, has a Commerce degree from Monash University and also has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning). In 2009, Ben won the Victorian Paraplanner of the Year, a prestigious award which further underlines his technical expertise and value to our team and our clients.

Ben loves getting to know our clients and his strong attention to detail, combined with his experience and knowledge, ensures that our clients maximise the benefits that a well-constructed financial plan can offer.

When not helping clients to achieve their goals, Ben loves watching sport, especially football and spending time with his young family.

“I’ve been with SFS for many years and have loved watching the business grow. The team are always warm and welcoming when I am in the office and make my job so easy. Their energy, calm heads and down to earth personalities are just some of the reasons I enjoy coming to work so much.”

Gina Zammit started with SFS team in 1999, where her first project was to help with the office move. Since then, she has worked in a variety of roles including client administration, Paraplanner and Financial Adviser.

After having two children, Gina is back at SFS part time in an office administrative role. She works closely with Melissa and Olivia to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the office. Having been involved in all aspects of the business, her knowledge and understanding is of great benefit to everyone.

Gina has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Melbourne University.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a happy, professional team. Being in an environment that allows me to develop my own skills whilst problem-solving for our clients is a win-win.”

Olivia has been working as an Administration Officer with Strategic Financial Solutions since 2017.

Olivia’s role includes the daily management of clients’ accounts, managing all paperwork to ensure recommendations are implemented correctly, managing the implementation of investment portfolio changes, creating reports for clients and many other vital functions.

Olivia holds a Master of Business with a Major in Accounting and Finance as well as a Diploma of Financial Planning and has many years of experience in Client Services positions.

In her spare time, Olivia enjoys hiking, swimming, martial arts and helping charity organisations to run activities.

“I love connecting with people from all walks of the life. Hearing their personal stories, and knowing that what we do at SFS helps to improve their lives is a huge buzz for me.”

Melissa is the newest member of SFS, commencing in April 2018. She came to the team with plenty of experience having spent six years with a boutique financial planning team in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. As Client Services Manager, it is Melissa’s job to provide front of house contact for all clients, as well as to provide support to the advisers, a role that she undertakes with a practical and solution-driven focus.

Melissa is a passionate Melbourne Demons (AFL) fan and a lover of sport in general.