Financial Planning · Pakenham, VIC

A financial planner in Pakenham for every stage of your financial future.

Pakenham is a big, established community with a strong trades and self-employed workforce alongside growing new estates. Whatever your circumstances, building, protecting, or planning ahead, we build advice around them.

Book a Financial Planning Consultation

See How We Help

Servicing Pakenham & Melbourne’s South-East

Mortgage Broking + Financial Planning

Living In Pakenham

A growing, family heavy community

Pakenham anchors Melbourne’s outer south-east as the terminus of the Pakenham train line, the gateway between suburban Melbourne and Gippsland. Many locals split their time between commuting for work and life in a fast-growing community, with the population up 16.6% between 2016 and 2021.

It’s a young, family-heavy area where most local households are couples with children. That mix of growing families and a wide range of careers and income types across our clients shapes the kind of financial planning conversations we have most often here: balancing today’s family costs with tomorrow’s goals.

54.1k

Population (2021)

Median Age

+16.6%

Population Growth Since 2016

Families

Predominant Household Type

Understanding · Support · Guidance

Financial planning that fits how you earn

Pakenham’s a mix of commuters, local business owners, tradies and everything in between so we tailor advice to how your income actually works, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Salaried & PAYG

Structuring super, insurance and savings around a regular pay cycle and workplace benefits.

Self-Employed & Business Owners

Keeping super contributions and protection consistent when income varies month to month.

Mixed-Income Households

Common in growing families balancing one steady income with one more variable, we plan around both.

Financial Planning In Pakenham

More than choosing investments or managing your super.

Financial planning is about understanding where you are today, where you want to be in the future, and developing a strategy to help you get there.

Buying a home, starting a family, building your career, receiving an inheritance or approaching retirement and other life events can all create important financial decisions. We work closely with you to understand your circumstances before developing a strategy tailored to your needs.

Learn more about our Financial Planning Services

Based in Melbourne’s South-East

We work with clients in Pakenham and surrounding areas, helping them consider the bigger picture when making important financial decisions.

Wealth & investment strategy
Superannuation review
Personal insurance & protection
Retirement planning
Mortgage & lending, where appropriate

How Can Financial Planning Help?

Everyone’s circumstances are different. So is every plan.

There’s no single strategy that works for everyone. Your financial plan may help you:

Establish clear financial goals and priorities
Develop a strategy for building and managing wealth
Make informed decisions about investments and superannuation
Plan for your future retirement
Protect your income, family and financial commitments
Understand how different financial decisions may affect your overall position
Make the most of your financial resources over time

Financial Planning For Every Stage Of Life

Your priorities change. Your plan should too.

The right financial strategy for you today may not be the right strategy several years from now. Tap each milestone below.

Starting Out

Getting your finances organised early can help establish a strong foundation. Managing cash flow, setting goals, understanding super and beginning to build wealth.

Buying a Home

Understanding how your mortgage fits within your broader financial position helps you make decisions that support your longer-term goals. Our mortgage brokers and planners work together where appropriate.

Building Wealth

As income, assets and commitments grow, financial planning helps you consider how investments, superannuation, property and other assets fit together as part of your overall strategy.

Protecting What Matters

Personal insurance can help provide financial protection if illness, injury or other unexpected circumstances affect your ability to earn an income or meet your commitments.

Preparing for Retirement

The earlier you understand what you may need for retirement, the more opportunity you have to put an appropriate strategy in place, considering your superannuation, investments and future income requirements.

Enjoying Retirement

Your focus shifts from building wealth to managing assets and generating appropriate income. A planner can help you review your position against your retirement objectives.

Your Mortgage Is Part of the Bigger Picture

Lending decisions and financial planning, considered together.

With both mortgage broking and financial planning services under one roof, we help you understand how one decision may affect another, whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing or investing in property.

Explore Mortgage Broking in Pakenham

Why Choose Our Financial Advisers?

Why Pakenham locals choose our financial advisers

Approach

A Personalised Approach

Practical experience across salaried, self-employed and mixed-income households, common across Pakenham’s diverse local workforce.

Perspective

The Bigger Picture

Your superannuation, investments, insurance, property and retirement plans can all influence each other. We consider how the pieces fit together to create a clear overall strategy.

Clarity

Practical, Clear Advice

Financial planning shouldn’t be complicated. Plain-English explanations of your options, with no one-size-fits-all templates

Guidance

Advice for Every Stage

Support that evolves as your circumstances change, from starting out through to retirement.

Meet Your Financial Advisers

Real people, real experience, servicing Pakenham.

You’ll always know who you’re talking to. Here’s a bit about the advisers behind your financial plan.

Justin Smaluch

Financial Adviser

Justin is an experienced financial adviser who helps clients across Pakenham and Melbourne’s south-east make confident decisions about their finances.

His focus is on practical, personalised advice across wealth creation, superannuation, retirement planning and protecting what matters.

Certified Financial Planner CFP®
Authorised Representative No. 1261429, AFSL 229892

Michael Wallace

Financial Adviser

Michael has helped hundreds of clients over more than ten years in financial services.

He specialises in helping clients build wealth, save money and develop clear strategies for their future, including retirement planning and account-based pensions.

Certified Financial Planner CFP®
Authorised Representative No. 1267421, AFSL 229892

Meet The Full Team On Our About Page

What Our Clients Say

Real feedback from clients in Pakenham & across South-Eastern Melbourne.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 244 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Fiona D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic experience working with Michael from MJ Financial Chiefs for our financial planning. Michael took the time to understand our goals, explain our options clearly and help us feel more confident about our financial future.

He was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful throughout the process. We really appreciated his guidance and the time he took to make sure we understood everything and felt comfortable with the decisions we were making.

We’re very grateful for Michael’s support and would highly recommend him and MJ Financial Chiefs to anyone looking for financial planning advice. Thank you, Michael!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bryce H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic Service. Michael is very knowledgeable, helpful and incredibly easy to deal with. Would recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tara R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had been wanting to refinance our home loan for a while, and after having such a great experience with Michael when we first purchased our home, we knew exactly who we wanted to go through again.

The original process was simple, smooth and fast, and our refinancing experience was no different. Once again, we honestly could not fault Michael. He was quick to act, kept communication top-notch throughout the entire process, and had us approved and in a better financial position before we knew it!

We couldn’t recommend Michael highly enough. He goes above and beyond, makes the whole process stress-free, and genuinely looks after his clients. We wouldn’t go anywhere else. Michael is our go-to person for anything we need financially, and we will continue to recommend him to anyone looking for someone they can trust.

Thanks again, Michael, for making everything so easy!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Simone L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Justin is fantastic to deal with - everything has been explained clearly and streamlined well. We are so glad we found MJ Financial Chiefs!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Molly W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t recommend MJ Financial Chiefs enough! ⭐️
Michael helped us secure our new block and made the entire process so easy and stress-free. From start to finish, the communication was fantastic, everything was explained clearly, and we always felt supported throughout the process.
We’re so grateful for all the hard work that went into helping us secure our property and making this exciting next chapter possible. Thank you again! We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a fantastic mortgage broker! 😊
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Margaret V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My daughter referred me to Michael as she had used him to help her get bank loans for properties she was purchasing in Queensland.  I was lucky enough that Michael was local and I was able to meet up with him and discuss my finances transitioning into retirement. I found the whole experience very easy as Michael was very knowledgable and gave me some great advice as I was unsure which direction to head into whilst thinking about retiring in the coming years. He was always there if I needed any questions answered and will continue to guide me leading into full retirement. I would highly recommend MJ Finacial Chiefs and Michael if you need any financial advice or plan leading into retirement or purchasing a home.
Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Flynn V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Michael was polite, professional and very helpful in assisting us to gain a loan for us to get our first home. He was happy to get on a call or answer any questions promptly and honestly and was a huge help. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Roxy S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn’t recommend Justin highly enough. Professional, knowledgeable and genuinely focused on getting the best outcome for me. They found a great option and helped me negotiate with my existing lender.

What impressed me most was that they never pressured me to refinance when staying with my current lender ended up being the better choice. They genuinely put my interests first and were fantastic to deal with from start to finish.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jemma w 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As first home buyers, we honestly had no idea what we were doing when it came to the process of buying a home. From day one, Michael went above and beyond to guide us through everything, answer every question and make what felt like a very overwhelming process so much easier.

We always joked that the devil works hard, but Michael works harder! He was genuinely always available, incredibly easy to contact and never made us feel like any question was silly or too much trouble.

We couldn’t recommend Michael highly enough to anyone looking for a broker, especially first home buyers.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Renee B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a really great experience using Justin from MJ Financial Chiefs. He was so helpful throughout the whole process and made everything feel a lot easier than I expected. He was easy to communicate with, always available to answer my questions, explained everything clearly and never made me feel like I was bothering them.

The whole process was smooth and stress free, and I always felt like I was in good hands.

I would definitely recommend to use this company to anyone looking for a broker and will use them again if needed.

Financial Planners Servicing Pakenham and Surrounding Areas

Finding a planner isn’t just about finding someone nearby.

It’s about finding an adviser you can build an ongoing relationship with and trust to understand your financial goals. Our team works with clients at different stages of life and a range of financial circumstances throughout Melbourne’s south-east.

BerwickOfficerClydePakenhamNarre WarrenCranbourneBotanic RidgeDrouinBeaconsfield

Take the Next Step With Your Financial Future

You don’t need everything figured out before speaking with a planner.

Sometimes the first step is simply understanding where you stand financially, what options are available to you and whether professional financial advice could help.

Whether you’re building wealth, protecting your family, planning for retirement or simply looking for greater clarity around your finances, we’re here to help.

Book A Financial Planning Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do you do as a financial planner?mjfc2026-08-26T15:00:02+10:00

What exactly do you do as a financial planner?

As financial advisers, we help individuals and families make informed decisions about their money and long-term financial future. This can include guidance around budgeting, cash flow, investments, superannuation, retirement planning, personal insurance, debt management,wealth creation strategies and more.

We work with clients to understand their goals and create tailored financial plans designed to help them build, manage, and protect their wealth over time. We can also help ensure you have appropriate insurance and financial structures in place to protect your income and lifestyle if unexpected events occur.

Where appropriate, we also work alongside other professionals involved in your financial life, such as accountants and solicitors, to help ensure your overall strategy is aligned and working together effectively.

What is financial planning?mjfc2026-08-26T15:00:11+10:00

What is financial planning?

Financial planning is the process of understanding your current financial position and creating a strategy to help you achieve your short-, medium- and long-term goals. It can cover areas such as cash flow, superannuation, investments, insurance, retirement planning and estate considerations — all tailored to your circumstances.

What areas can financial planning help with?mjfc2026-08-26T15:00:31+10:00

What areas can financial planning help with?

Financial planning may assist with:

Setting clear financial goals
Superannuation strategies
Investment planning
Personal insurance and risk protection
Retirement planning
Cash flow and budgeting
Estate and legacy considerations

Advice is tailored to what’s relevant for you — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

When is the right time to seek financial advice?mjfc2026-08-26T15:00:38+10:00

When is the right time to seek financial advice?

There’s no “perfect” time — but common triggers include buying property, starting a family, changing jobs, receiving an inheritance, planning for retirement, or simply wanting greater clarity and confidence around your finances.

Is financial planning only for people with high incomes or large assets?mjfc2026-08-26T15:00:52+10:00

Is financial planning only for people with high incomes or large assets?

No. Financial planning is about making the most of what you have, regardless of your income or net worth. Many people benefit most from advice earlier in life, when good decisions can have the biggest long-term impact.

Do I need a financial plan if I already have a home loan?mjfc2026-08-26T15:01:20+10:00

Do I need a financial plan if I already have a home loan?

Yes. A home loan is just one part of your overall financial picture. Financial planning helps ensure your property decisions align with your broader goals, including wealth creation, retirement, risk protection and lifestyle planning — not just today, but over time.

What information do you need from us and why?mjfc2026-08-26T15:01:40+10:00

What information do you need from us and why?

To provide tailored financial advice, we’ll need to understand your current financial position, goals, and personal circumstances. This may include information about your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, superannuation, existing investments, insurance policies, and future objectives.

The more complete the information you provide, the better we can assess your situation and develop strategies that are appropriate for your needs and goals. Any information shared with us is treated confidentially and used to help us provide advice that is relevant, accurate, and aligned with your best interests.

Is my information kept confidential?mjfc2026-08-26T15:01:45+10:00

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Financial planners are required to adhere to strict privacy and confidentiality obligations. Your personal and financial information is handled securely and used only for the purpose of providing advice.

How much does financial planning cost?mjfc2026-08-26T15:01:58+10:00

How much does financial planning cost?

Because Financial Advice is personal and no two situations are the same. Fees vary depending on your goals, financial position and the scope/complexity of advice required. You can see our typical costs for financial advice here.

Is the fee one off or ongoing?mjfc2026-08-26T15:02:07+10:00

Is the fee one off or ongoing?

Financial advice can have a mix of both one off and ongoing fees depending on the types of advice provided, for a better understanding see our fee table here.

How is financial advice paid for?mjfc2026-08-26T15:02:13+10:00

How is financial advice paid for?

The cost of advice depends on the complexity of your situation and the type of advice provided. All fees and any commissions (where applicable) will be clearly disclosed so you understand exactly what you’re paying for before proceeding.

How long does the advice process usually take?mjfc2026-08-26T15:02:30+10:00

How long does the advice process usually take?

The timeframe for the financial advice process can vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the type of advice you require. In many cases, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months from the initial consultation through to presenting your personalised advice and implementing it.

This includes time to gather information, understand your goals, complete research and strategy analysis, prepare recommendations, and discuss the advice with you in detail. If additional professionals such as accountants or solicitors are involved, this can sometimes extend the timeframe slightly. Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed and work with you to ensure everything progresses as smoothly as possible.

You can read more about our Financial Advice process here.

What’s the difference between financial planning and general financial information?mjfc2026-08-26T15:02:35+10:00

What’s the difference between financial planning and general financial information?

General information is broad and educational. Financial planning provides personalised advice, based on your specific circumstances, goals and risk profile — helping you make decisions that are appropriate for you.

Let’s Talk

Let’s talk about your financial future.

If you’re looking for a financial planner in Pakenham, we’d love to understand more about your circumstances and what you’re hoping to achieve.