Introducing Chris Carlin: Head of Education & Financial Adviser

Meet Chris Carlin, a dedicated financial adviser with a passion for helping individuals like you turn their financial goals into reality.

With over nine years of experience in the financial planning industry, Chris has been a guiding light for Australians seeking to enhance their income, gain insights into superannuation, safeguard their loved ones' future, and plan for a comfortable retirement. His expertise and insights can be found on various platforms, including blogs, LinkedIn, and Instagram, where he regularly shares invaluable financial advice and commentary.

Although Chris is based in Geelong, his reach extends across Australia, as he connects with clients through the power of technology, conducting virtual meetings via Zoom and Facebook.

Chris Carlin's qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction from Deakin University, where he specialised in Finance and Financial Planning. He combines his expertise with a personal touch, evident by the greylead pencil that still sits atop his computer monitor to this day.

Why did you decide to become a financial adviser?  

I saw my first financial adviser when I was 19 years old and only had $7,000 in savings. I wanted to invest that money into shares but my financial planner told me not to and use it to pay off my HELP debt (back in the day when you got 20% off for paying upfront). Best financial advice I ever received as this was May 2008, four months before the Global Financial Crisis!  

But after that experience I thought financial planning was very cool as it combined my two passions of “number crunching” and “helping people”. Fifteen years later I’m still here!  

Where was your last holiday?  

My wife is a kiwi so we spent most of March in New Zealand visiting the in-laws. It is a beautiful country with fantastic people. It is such a shame how bad the economy is – it is ten times worse than what is happening in Australia.  

I’m also went to Perth last July and very open to family friendly activities to do while I am over there.  

What do you do in your spare time?  

With two daughters Charlotte (two years old) and Chelsea (ten months old) most of my free time is spent chasing after and/or cleaning up after them. I am at that stage where there are a lot of kid birthday parties and the dads all catch up talking about life which I do enjoy (between temper tantrums…)  

Favourite sports team?  

First and foremost I am a soccer fan and a long suffering Evertonian. Follow Western United in the A-League.  

AFL, have to follow the Geelong Cats – I walk past Kardinia Park every day when I walk to work.  

Cricket, Australia naturally but follow the Renegades in the big bash.  

Formula One, I don’t really follow anyone anymore now that Daniel Riccardo is having the season off, but I thoroughly enjoy it and regularly stay up late to watch it.  

Is it weird interviewing yourself?  

Must admit it is a bit strange, however at least I can make myself look good!!!