Check out PocketSmith here: http://pocketsmith.com/fireplay

Financial advice can feel expensive. Especially with the average cost of a comprehensive financial plan sitting around $5,000. And for many people, that price tag alone is enough to delay or avoid seeking help altogether.

But is that the real cost?

Or is the bigger cost the missed opportunities, tax inefficiencies, emotional decision-making, and years of uncertainty that come from trying to do it all alone?

In this episode of SugarMamma’s Fireplay, I sit down with fellow financial planner Richard Nichols from Blue Lantern to unpack the true value of financial advice what you’re really paying for, when it pays for itself, and how to make it work for you.

This is a transparent, honest conversation designed to help you make a confident, informed decision about your financial future.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why financial advice costs around $5,000 (sometimes more) and what goes on behind the scenes
• What you’re really paying for (it’s not just a document)
• The difference between seeing advice as an expense vs an investment
• The true cost of not getting advice
• When a financial plan can actually pay for itself
• How to prepare before seeing a financial planner (and reduce costs)
• Ways to get the best value from your Statement of Advice (SOA)
• Whether paying for advice through superannuation is appropriate
• The pros and cons of staging advice over time
• How to decide if financial advice is worth it for you, right now

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Financial advice is not just about numbers, it’s about strategy, structure, and clarity
• The value often comes from avoiding costly mistakes, not just chasing higher returns
• A good financial plan should create direction, confidence, and long-term efficiency
• Preparation can significantly reduce both the cost and time involved
• Advice is most valuable during key life stages or financial complexity
• You don’t always need to do everything at once, staged advice can be powerful and practical

🧠 Canna’s Perspective

Financial advice isn’t for everyone and it shouldn’t be rushed into.

But what I’ve seen over my 20+ years as a financial planner is this:

👉 The people who seek guidance early often move forward with more confidence, clarity, and efficiency

👉 The people who delay often spend years second-guessing, making avoidable mistakes, or missing opportunities

Sometimes, the real cost isn’t the advice…

It’s staying stuck.

⚖️ Is Financial Advice Worth It?

This depends on:

• The complexity of your financial situation
• Your confidence and knowledge
• The decisions you’re currently facing
• And the potential risks of getting it wrong

For some, financial advice is transformational.

For others, education and self-guided strategies may be enough — at least for now.

The key is making a conscious, informed decision, not one driven by fear or avoidance.

🛠 Practical Tips Before Seeing a Financial Planner

• Get clear on your goals and priorities
• Understand your cashflow and spending habits
• Gather key documents (super, investments, debts, insurance)
• Write down your biggest questions and concerns
• Be open about your expectations and budget

This can help streamline the process and maximise value.

🎯 Final Thought

“Financial advice is not about telling you what to do —

it’s about helping you understand your options,

so you can move forward with confidence.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out PocketSmith here: pocketsmith.com/fireplay

If you’re just starting university, your first job, or your financial life, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Start Here, Canna answers a listener question from Kate — a university student who has just finished school and wants to know the smartest financial steps she can take now to set herself up for the future.

The truth is, building wealth isn’t about earning a huge salary or having the perfect plan. It’s about putting simple systems and habits in place early so that your money can grow with you over time.

In this episode, Canna shares five powerful financial steps every young adult can take to build strong financial foundations.

These steps will help you avoid common money mistakes, build confidence with money, and start creating long-term wealth.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why building a budget AND a cashflow system is the key to financial consistency

• How to calculate the right amount of emergency savings for your personal situation

• How investing just $100 per week could potentially grow into over $500,000 over time

• Why ETFs and Listed Investment Companies (LICs) can be powerful long-term investments

• The hidden benefits of engaging with your superannuation early

• How young Australians can take advantage of the Government Co-Contribution scheme

• Why investing in yourself, your education and experiences is one of the most valuable investments you can make.

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start building wealth.

Small financial habits — practiced consistently over time — can quietly transform your financial future.

The most powerful thing you can do with money is simply start early and stay consistent.

Resources Mentioned

• The $1000 Project – Canna Campbell

• Mindful Money – Canna Campbell

• SugarMamma Budget & Cashflow Academy

Disclaimer

The information shared in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. For advice tailored to your situation, please speak with a licensed financial professional.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.