Financial planning should always start with the individual. Jo takes the time to understand each client’s goals, priorities and circumstances before recommending a strategy.
15 September, 2026
Jo Zhao – Financial advice with real care
First Financial Team
With a background in medicine, it is no surprise that Jo Zhao’s approach to financial planning begins with a thorough analysis, supported by a genuine care and focus on outcomes.
The relationship between her early studies in the medical field and the transfer to a Master’s in Finance, on the surface, appears to be an unconventional career shift: as Jo explained, medicine wasn’t her passion; helping people succeed was.
That change of direction reflects characteristics that remain important to Jo today: having a goal, understanding your options and being prepared to make decisions that move you towards the life you want.
"Jo’s approach to financial planning begins with a thorough analysis, supported by a genuine care and focus on outcomes."
Finding purpose in financial planning
Jo joined First Financial in 2019 and has progressed from an associate adviser to a Financial Adviser. This progression has given her experience throughout the entire advice process and a strong understanding of the technical and personal aspects of financial planning.
Her decision to specialise in financial planning was also shaped by personal experience. In her early twenties, Jo found herself managing her late mother’s estate without understanding areas such as superannuation, tax and entitlements. Advice from someone with financial expertise helped her discover options she hadn’t known were available and demonstrated the difference good advice could make.
Today, that experience influences how she works with her own clients.
Jo manages around 50 client relationships, with many already enjoying retirement. While retirees can share similar priorities, reliable income, financial security and less stress, Jo believes successful financial planning must start with the individual.
“There is rarely one technically ‘perfect’ strategy that suits everyone. One client might want to travel, another might want to help their children, while someone else might simply want the comfort of maintaining their lifestyle without worrying about money. It is essential that I understand the client’s goals and what is achievable. From there, the strategy I recommend needs to support those goals,” says Jo.
Turning financial goals into something tangible
Jo applies the same philosophy when working with clients in their 40s and 50s. Retirement can seem distant when people are balancing careers, mortgages and families. The benefits of making financial decisions today may not always feel immediate.
Jo sees education as an important part of overcoming that challenge. She helps clients understand the potential benefits of starting earlier, from compounding investment returns to tax-effective strategies. Financial modelling and visual projections can then demonstrate how decisions made today could influence their position in 10, 15 or 20 years. It turns financial planning from something abstract into a pathway towards tangible outcomes.
“When I present younger clients with a visual model, they find it much more relevant to their lives. Younger clients generally look for an instant benefit, and this is where tax efficiency comes into the equation. The opportunity to illustrate longer-term value does open up real possibilities for them”
The value of knowing someone is looking after you
A significant element of Jo’s philosophy is assurance. Clients often share deeply personal information with their adviser. Jo recognises the trust involved and the responsibility that comes with it. Her role is not only to recommend a strategy, but to remain alongside clients as circumstances change and help keep their financial plans aligned with what matters to them.
For retirees in particular, that can mean simplifying their financial affairs and removing some of the day-to-day worry around managing investments, superannuation and income.
As Jo explains, “I reassure clients that their financials will be taken care of; it gives them real peace of mind.”
Ultimately, that is what Jo wants financial planning to deliver. A good financial plan should provide direction and help clients achieve their goals. It should also give them the confidence to get on with enjoying their lives, knowing there is a professional in their corner helping to keep their financial future on track.
When not at work, Jo is has a full plate. With a toddler at home, she is bouncing between work and parenting and endeavouring to teach her husband the joys of cooking.
When you’re seeking financial advice, Jo Zhao has the qualifications, experience and genuine care to ensure the strategies she recommends put your best interests first.
"I reassure clients that their financials will be taken care of; it gives them real peace of mind."
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
Starting earlier creates more opportunities. For clients in their 40s and 50s, strategies involving superannuation, investments, tax efficiency and compounding can make a significant difference over time.
Good financial advice provides both assurance and strategy. Jo wants clients to feel confident that their finances are being professionally managed and their plans remain aligned with their goals.
Successful financial planning is about achieving tangible outcomes. Whether that means travelling, helping family, retiring comfortably or maintaining a desired lifestyle, the financial strategy should support the life the client wants to live.
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
Support
Regular guidance to keep your plan on track.
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
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
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
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
What is Jo Zhao’s approach to financial planning?
Jo believes financial planning should begin with understanding the individual, their circumstances and what they want to achieve. She combines detailed analysis with genuine care to develop strategies aligned with each client’s goals.
Why does Jo believe there is no single perfect financial strategy?
Every client has different priorities, whether that means travelling in retirement, helping family or maintaining their existing lifestyle. Jo focuses on finding a strategy that is technically sound while supporting what matters most to the individual.
How does Jo help clients prepare for retirement?
Jo helps clients understand how decisions around superannuation, investments, tax and other financial strategies can influence their future position. Financial modelling can also demonstrate how decisions made today may affect their lifestyle in retirement.
Why is starting financial planning earlier beneficial?
Starting earlier provides more time to benefit from strategies such as compounding investment returns and tax-effective wealth building. It can also give clients greater flexibility to make gradual adjustments rather than significant changes closer to retirement.
How does Jo help retirees feel more confident about their finances?
Jo works with retirees to simplify their financial affairs and provide greater clarity around investments, superannuation and retirement income. Knowing a professional is regularly reviewing their strategy can provide valuable assurance and peace of mind.
How can First Financial and Jo Zhao help with financial and retirement planning?
Jo and the First Financial team provide holistic advice covering retirement planning, investments, wealth management, superannuation, SMSFs, insurance, tax, aged care, legal and lending services.