How a financial advisor sets up a fruitful 2026

It feels like each week brings another layer of turmoil and distraction to the global headlines. Instability has somehow become normalised, and geopolitical conflicts, from war in Ukraine to other tensions arising out of the Middle East, and the latest US announcement that it plans to acquire Greenland, are affecting markets and causing uncertainty. Inflation and interest rates have been unpredictable, too. It’s natural to feel anxious about your investments or retirement plans under these conditions. You might feel tempted to make sudden, or emotion-driven decisions that may not be in your best long-term interests. That’s where having a wealth advisor can make all the difference.

When the economy gets turbulent, the worst thing you can do is make knee-jerk financial moves. As a wealth advisor and a Chartered Accountant, my role is to provide a steady hand so you don’t let panic derail your long-term plans. In volatile times, people often make costly mistakes, selling at the wrong time or abandoning their strategy. A good advisor helps you avoid those impulsive mistakes and stick to your plan. I’ll make sure we focus on facts and data, not emotions.

I’m a Chartered Accountant and a financial planner. This means I have training in tax and finance and adhere to strict professional ethics.

Being an accountant also helps me navigate complex financial rules on your behalf. For example, consider Division 296, a new tax law coming soon for Australians with large superannuation balances. In a nutshell, if your super balance exceeds $3 million, the government will charge an extra 15% tax on the earnings above that threshold, and for balances over $10 million, an additional 10% tax on that portion. As both an accountant and advisor, I stay on top of changes like Div 296 and help you adjust your plan, ensuring your investment and tax strategies work together.

Trusting someone with your money takes time, a solid relationship and a proven ethical history. That’s why I lead with my Chartered Accountant credentials and a transparent approach.

I keep things straightforward and open: no opaque “black box” products, just simple investments you can understand. You’ll always know what you own and why, and I communicate in plain English to keep you in the loop. Most of my wealth clients come through referrals or are longtime accounting clients, proof that trust is earned over time. If you already trust us with your accounting, you can feel confident in our wealth management services too.

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision, and you should feel comfortable with the person you choose. When evaluating a potential advisor, be sure to ask a few key questions. For example: What are your qualifications? How do you get paid? What is your investment approach? The answers will reveal if they have solid credentials, are transparent about fees, and have a clear, realistic strategy. A trustworthy advisor will welcome these questions, and honest answers help you judge if they truly have your best interests at the forefront of their mind.

With so much going on globally, it is important that your financial future is in the right hands. With professional guidance and a plan that aligns with your vision and risk tolerance, you can weather the storm. My goal is to help you secure your financial future and give you peace of mind, even when markets are rocky.

If you’re feeling unsure what to do next, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Feel free to reach out for a chat about your goals and concerns. I can set up a realistic and flexible financial plan that works for you.

Our goal is to help you focus on long-term growth and wealth preservation.
Cayle Petritsch, Director and Wealth Advisor, is a leading financial advisor on Sydney’s North Shore.

He has helped many Australians maximise their financial positions and leverage opportunities, leading to sustained, profitable wealth accumulation.

Contact Cayle today.