Financial advice is a long-term relationship: James believes the greatest value comes from evolving strategies as a client’s circumstances, priorities, and goals change.
14 August, 2026
James Grixti – Relationships are the key
First Financial Team
Chatting with First Financial Adviser James Grixti, it didn’t take long to understand that for James, the real value of financial advice isn’t found in a single meeting, strategy or transaction. It is a relationship journey built over time with interventions along the way as his client’s life circumstances evolve.
It’s an outlook shaped by almost a decade at First Financial. James joined the firm in 2017 in client services before progressing to an associate adviser role, completing his professional year and becoming a fully qualified financial adviser. Along the way, he has developed an understanding of financial advice from the ground up and an appreciation of the importance of the adviser-client relationship.
James’s path into the profession wasn’t something he had mapped out. While studying for a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in corporate law, he took a financial planning elective to fulfil a subject requirement. He loved it, changed direction and hasn’t looked back.
Today, his role brings together two things that continue to interest him: investment markets and the opportunity to use smart financial strategies to solve real problems for people. James works with clients ranging from their 30s through to their 80s, from senior executives with significant assets to retirees receiving the age pension. That diversity is part of what makes the job so rewarding. It also reinforces the need for good financial advice to be personal. Some clients want to understand every detail, while others simply want clarity that they are making the right decisions.
“The value of financial advice is in the ongoing relationship. As life changes and circumstances evolve, there are always new strategies and opportunities to help clients achieve better outcomes.” Says James
Strong, long lasting connections are at the epicentre of James's philosophy
Based in Mornington on the stunning Mornington Peninsula, James has developed a strong connection with clients across the area. Rather than defaulting to virtual meetings, he regularly visits clients in their homes. It’s an approach that suits James and his clients.
“I really enjoy meeting clients face-to-face. It gives you the opportunity to build a stronger relationship, understand what’s important to them and provide advice that genuinely suits their circumstances.”
James recently worked with a couple who had more than $1 million in superannuation, including a self-managed super fund in pension phase. Through restructuring and implementing appropriate strategies, James helped improve their position to the point where the husband became eligible for the full age pension.
For the client, it was a meaningful financial outcome. For James, it demonstrated something even more important: the value an adviser can continue to add as circumstances change.
Financial advice evolves alongside a client’s life
Unlike many professional services that solve a particular problem and end there, financial advice evolves alongside a client’s life. Retirement approaches. Legislation changes. Families grow. Careers end. Priorities shift. New opportunities and challenges emerge. Each change creates a reason to revisit the plan.
That’s why James sees the ongoing relationship as such an important part of financial advice. An adviser who understands a client’s history, goals and priorities can continue to identify strategies and make adjustments that keep them moving in the right direction.
Unlike many professional services that solve a particular problem and end there, financial advice evolves alongside a client’s life.
Golf mirrors life
When he’s not working, James loves his golf. He’s a member of Devil Bend Golf Club, a hilly and challenging course that requires its fair share of imagination. Any golfer will tell you that the game is a mirror of life itself. Good breaks from bad shots, and bad breaks from good shots. It is what keeps his life in check. I hope to have a game with him in the near future.
First Financial expert advice – expert people
The team at First Financial comprises financial experts who help hundreds of Australians retire well and make informed, intelligent financial decisions. We cover everything from retirement and financial advice, investment and wealth management, superannuation and SMSF, insurance, tax, aged care, legal and lending services.
Contact us for holistic, well-rounded financial management strategies.
Key Takeaways
Personal advice delivers better outcomes: Understanding each client’s individual situation allows James to develop strategies tailored to their needs, from wealth creation through to retirement.
Face-to-face relationships matter: Based on the Mornington Peninsula, James values meeting clients personally and building the trust and understanding that underpin strong adviser-client relationships.
Good advice can make a measurable difference: From superannuation strategies to age pension eligibility, thoughtful financial planning can uncover opportunities and improve a client’s overall financial position.
YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY
Building your financial future
Every client journey begins with a conversation. We look closely at where you are now, what matters to you, and what’s possible. Then we structure our advice to match.
Financial
Roadmap
A clear, personalised path to your financial goals.
Tax
Efficiency
Proactive strategies to maximise your tax savings.
Personalised
Investing
Tailored plans aligned with your goals and risk profile.
Ongoing
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Regular guidance to keep your plan on track.
CLIENT STORY
Graeme and Craig
Life Stage:
Retired and semi-retired
Background:
Referred by friends who were helped through aged care, Craig sought secure financial guidance after inheriting funds.
- Invest inheritance securely without high risk
- Maintain a modest lifestyle with confidence
- Building trust for someone new to advice
- Accessible, personalised advice
- Provided a low-risk strategy with regular income
- Reassured with steady, market-aware updates
- Established trust through responsiveness and warmth
- Delivered calm, expert support through all transitions
“We feel very secure with First Financial, the income just comes in, and we know everything is being looked after. It’s not just safe, it’s smart. We’ve recommended them to others because we genuinely believe in the team.”
CLIENT STORY
Jan
Life Stage:
Retired
Background:
Jan's husband managed the finances until entering aged care. Jan gradually stepped into the financial picture with First Financial’s support.
- Needed financial guidance after business sale
- Lacked experience managing complex finances
- Sought consistent income and long-term structure
- Wanted a familiar, reliable relationship
- Provided long-term support through several transitions
- Helped structure income reliably for retirement
- Empowered Jan through education and reassurance
- Delivered calm advice through both grief and growth
“The money just comes in. I don’t have to think about it. And I know they’re always there. They’ve always been there in the background, just quietly making things work.”
CLIENT STORY
Larry and Virginia
Life Stage:
Newly retired
Background:
As retirement neared, Larry and Virginia were ready to enjoy travel, family, and freedom, without uncertainty. A friend recommended First Financial, and from the first meeting, they had a clear plan, a safety net, and people they trusted.
- Wanted to travel and enjoy retirement without second-guessing finances
- Needed a structured income plan with buffers for the unexpected
- Valued guidance that felt honest and human, not overcomplicated
- Needed people they could call and count on
- Created a reliable income stream with a set-aside safety net for the unexpected
- Gave them the freedom to travel and spend meaningfully with family
- Kept advice simple, thoughtful, and tailored to what mattered to them
- Built a lasting partnership based on trust
“We’ve travelled the world, Europe, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, without once stressing about the money. They made everything feel simple and gave us the confidence to live well. We feel secure because we know exactly where we stand, and that peace of mind means everything.”
CLIENT STORY
John
Life Stage:
Retired business owner
Background:
After decades of running a successful pharmacy, John sought financial guidance to simplify decision-making and support long-term planning.
- Navigated the sale of a long-held business
- Wanted simple, honest advice after burnout
- Needed a hands-on adviser he could talk to
- Desired financial guidance aligned with lifestyle goals
- Crafted a strategy that supports relaxed, post-work life
- Offered approachable, plain-English advice
- Maintained an ongoing, trustworthy relationship
- Provided flexibility with investments and cash flow
“I feel genuinely supported by First Financial. I can ask anything, and there’s no pressure, just clear advice and real care. The money’s growing, I’m not stressed about it, and I feel completely at ease for the first time. I don’t miss work, but I’d miss the support I get from First Financial.”
CLIENT STORY
Lyn
Life Stage:
Retired widow
Background:
Lyn stepped into financial management for the first time after her husband's passing. With patience and care, First Financial supported her through grief, learning, and empowerment.
- Had never managed finances before
- Was overwhelmed after her husband’s passing
- Needed plain-English explanations and patience
- Sought emotional support and practical clarity
- Offered caring, respectful advice at her pace
- Rebuilt confidence with diagrams, stories, and reassurance
- Supported gradual decision-making around retirement
- Remained a trusted constant through major transitions
“After my husband passed, I was completely unsure where to start. First Financial gave me the space to learn, to ask questions, to grow confident. They drew a diagram that I still have. And now, I sleep well at night knowing I’ve got someone in my corner.”
CLIENT STORY
Tim and Adam
Life Stage:
Early retirement and working professional
Background:
When Tim received an overseas medical settlement, he and Adam had just 14 days left in a 90-day window. They needed clear guidance, fast. A referral led them to First Financial.
- Only two weeks left to meet urgent legal and financial deadlines
- Wanted to preserve capital while setting up income for the future
- Needed a plan that supported both retirement and ongoing work
- Hoped to find advice that felt personal, not transactional
- Managed every moving piece, from legal documents to super rollovers
- Designed a strategy that supported both Tim’s retirement and Adam’s career
- Offered clear guidance with steady follow-through, with no stress or pressure
- Built in ethical investing and flexibility, without sacrificing performance
“We’re in totally different life stages, but First Financial built a strategy that supports us both. From urgent legal steps to ethical investing, they handled every detail with calm, care, and real expertise. It’s financial freedom without compromise, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Meet our advisers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is James Grixti?
James Grixti is a qualified financial adviser at First Financial who has been with the firm since 2017. He began in client services before progressing through an associate adviser role and completing his professional year.
What does James enjoy most about being a financial adviser?
James enjoys combining his interest in investment markets with financial strategies that help solve real problems for clients. He particularly values building long-term relationships and adapting advice as clients’ lives and circumstances change.
Who does James provide financial advice to?
James works with a diverse range of clients, from people in their 30s through to retirees in their 80s. His clients include senior executives with significant assets as well as Australians receiving the age pension.
Why is ongoing financial advice important?
Financial circumstances rarely remain the same throughout life, with retirement, career changes, family events and legislative changes all potentially affecting a financial plan. Ongoing advice allows strategies to be reviewed and adjusted as circumstances and priorities evolve.
Can financial advice help with superannuation and retirement planning?
Financial advice can help people understand how their superannuation, investments and other assets can be structured to support their retirement goals. James recently helped a couple restructure their financial position, resulting in the husband becoming eligible for the full age pension.
What should you look for in a financial adviser?
A good financial adviser should take the time to understand your circumstances, priorities and long-term goals before recommending a strategy. For James, building a strong adviser-client relationship is key to providing advice that remains relevant as life changes.