Our Credentials

• Not all financial planning firms are the same - Unified Financial Services is a Professional Practice Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) adhering to a strict code of ethics and professionalism.
  
  
  
  
• We employ advisers who are Certified Financial Planning Professionals CFP® – the highest designation in the financial planning industry.
  
  
• Michelle Tate-Lovery, CFP® Director & Authorised Representative (235917) of Unified Financial Services Pty Ltd sits on the FPA Transition to Fees Taskforce and previously the FPA Certified Financial Planner, Curriculum Taskforce: Ethics, Professionalism and Compliance. Michelle is also on the panel of judges for the FPAs Value of Advice awards. 
  
  
• Michelle was a top 6 finalist of the inaugural AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award 2011, recognising professional excellence and outstanding work in addressing the particular issues faced by many women in achieving financial security now and in the future. You can view Michelle's finalist video on our blog, where Michelle discusses why she is passionate about financial planning:-
  http://www.unifiedfs.com.au/blog/michelle-tate-lovery-finalist-interview.html 
• We were one of the first (since 1989), and are still one of the leaders in operating on a transparent fee-for-service basis. We do not rely on generating our income from selling investment products. 
  
  
• We are prepared for the industries latest reforms in relation to fee for service and opt in agreement requirements for advisers and their clients (to be in place July 2012). Being a pioneer in professionalism in the financial services industry and fee-for-service pricing, we have already been operating an opt-in agreement system for over 15 years.
  
  
• We are privately owned meaning that whilst client funds are institutionally invested, we are not owned and have no ties with any one fund manager, bank, insurance company or financial institution. 
  
  
• We hold an Australian Financial Services Licence, AFSL number 230510, and are a Life Insurance Broker, adhering to strict compliance regulations as outlined by ASIC.
  
  
• We have been frequently invited by Associations, Pharmaceutical Companies, Public Hospitals, Pathology Laboratories & Local Government to present on financial planning issues. We have worked with the following organizations who recognise our professionalism:-
  
  
  • Medical Scientists Association of Victoria (MSAV)
  • The Alfred Hospital
  • The Austin Hospital  
  • Melbourne University Women's Association,
  • The Queen Victoria Women's Centre in partnership with WIRE - Women's Information and the Victorian Government
  • Victorian Psychologists Association
  • Health & Community Services Staff Association
  • The Government's understanding money campaign
  • We have presented to the Australian Institute of Management on salary packaging
  • Presented to Health Super members at retirement seminars
  • Provided training for Health Super staff on allocated pensions and salary packaging.
• We have excellent working relationships with:-
  
  
  • Industry and government superannuation funds - specialising in the HealthSuper Defined Fund
  • Financial Information Officers (FIS) at Centrelink
  • Salary Packaging Administrators.
• We take our profession seriously and contribute back to improving the standards across our industry by providing comment on topical issues.
  
  
• Unified Financial Services has been built on referrals. In addition to the above associations and referrals from our clients, we have strong relationships with Lawyers and Accountants.

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