2025 was a highly successful year for First Financial, marked by new clients, new team members, and strong financial results for the individuals and families they support.
28 November, 2025
Holiday trading hours
First Financial Team
That’s a wrap and a fantastic year for our clients and our team. 2025 has yielded several notable highlights. Onboarding of new clients and team members, and excellent financial results for the individuals and families who put their trust in us.
We highlighted team members throughout the year and will continue to do so through 2026. We launched our updated website and have received excellent feedback on a large number of our financial articles throughout 2025.
Of course, we must mention James Wrigley and the launch of his book, “Retire Life Ready.”
Writing a book is a monumental undertaking, and to see it do so well in the market is a testament to James and the expertise and knowledge he has built up over his career. Retire Life Ready is a no-nonsense guide to maximising your money, designing your future and retiring on your own terms. Available to BIGW, Amazon, Angus & Robertson, Audible and quality retailers across Australia. Grab a copy; he could use the money, and it makes for a great read.
Our office will officially shut down on Friday afternoon, December 19th, and reopen refreshed on Monday, January 5th, 2026
As we wind up in 2025, we wish all our amazing clients and team a safe and happy holiday period. If you’re travelling, take care on the roads. You’re most likely a brilliant driver, but others aren’t. Enjoy your family, great food and great times together.
Our office will officially shut down on Friday afternoon, December 19th, and reopen refreshed on Monday, January 5th, 2026.
From the entire team, we wish you a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.
Talk to the financial planning experts
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 and rounded financial management strategies.
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Key Takeaways
First Financial strengthened its communication and brand presence by launching an updated website and achieving strong engagement with its financial articles throughout the year.
A major highlight was the release of James Wrigley’s book, Retire Life Ready, a practical guide to retirement planning that has been well-received across major retailers in Australia.
First Financial will close for the holiday period from December 19th, 2025, and reopen on January 5th, 2026, wishing clients a safe, enjoyable break and continued financial confidence into the new year.
YOUR FINANCIAL JOUNEY
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
Support
Regular guidance to keep your plan on track.
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
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
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
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.”
CLIENT STORY
Graeme and Craig
Life Stage:
Retired and semi-retired
Background:
Referred by friends 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
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.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What were some of the major highlights for First Financial in 2025?
2025 was a standout year, marked by the onboarding of new clients and team members, as well as delivering strong financial outcomes for the individuals and families who rely on First Financial. The firm also launched an updated website and saw significant engagement with its financial articles throughout the year.
Did First Financial celebrate any team achievements this year?
Yes. Team members were highlighted across the year, and this initiative will continue into 2026. A significant milestone was the release of James Wrigley’s book, Retire Life Ready, which has performed strongly in the market and showcases his depth of knowledge and expertise in financial planning.
What is James Wrigley’s book Retire Life Ready about?
Retire Life Ready is a practical, straightforward guide designed to help Australians maximise their savings, plan for the future, and retire on their own terms. It’s available through major retailers—including BIG W, Amazon, Angus & Robertson, and Audible—and is recommended as both an informative resource and an enjoyable read.
When will First Financial close for the holiday period?
The office will officially close on Friday, December 19, 2025, and reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026. The team wishes all clients a safe and happy holiday season, especially those travelling.
What services does First Financial provide?
First Financial offers comprehensive financial planning and advisory services, supporting Australians with retirement planning, wealth management, investment strategies, superannuation and SMSF advice, insurance, tax guidance, aged care considerations, legal services, and lending solutions. Their team delivers holistic, personalised financial strategies tailored to each client’s needs.