What Documents to Bring to a Financial Advice Meeting

Personal Identification and Details

Your adviser will need to verify your identity. Bring your driver's licence or passport, Medicare card, and Tax File Number. If you are meeting as a couple, both partners should bring identification. Your adviser is required to collect this information under anti-money laundering laws and to ensure the advice is provided to the right person.

Superannuation Statements

Bring your most recent annual statements for all super accounts. If you have lost super, log into myGov to find any unclaimed accounts. Having a complete picture of your super position helps your adviser recommend consolidation, investment options, and contribution strategies. If you have a self-managed super fund, bring the most recent audit report and financial statements.

Income and Tax Documents

Bring recent payslips (at least 3 months), your most recent tax return and notice of assessment from the ATO, and details of any government benefits you receive. If you are self-employed, bring your business financial statements. This information helps your adviser understand your income, tax position, and cash flow.

Insurance Policies

Bring any insurance policies you hold — life insurance, income protection, TPD, trauma, and health insurance. Include policies held inside your super. Your adviser needs to see what cover you already have to avoid recommending duplicate insurance and to identify any gaps in your protection.

Existing Financial Plans and Statements

If you have a previous Statement of Advice, bring it with you. This helps your adviser understand what was previously recommended and whether those recommendations are still appropriate. Also bring recent bank statements, investment statements, mortgage statements, and any estate planning documents such as a will or power of attorney.

Essential Documents for Your First Meeting

For your first meeting, bring: identification (driver's licence, passport), recent payslips or proof of income, bank statements (last 3 months), superannuation statements (most recent), insurance policies, and details of existing investments (shares, managed funds, property).

Also bring: details of any debts (mortgage, credit cards, personal loans, HECS-HELP), your most recent tax return and notice of assessment, details of any Centrelink benefits, and a list of your financial goals. If you have a partner, both should attend.

Documents for Ongoing Review Meetings

For review meetings, bring: updated superannuation and investment statements, any new insurance policies, details of major life changes (marriage, divorce, children, inheritance, job change), and your previous SOA or ROA.

Also bring a list of questions or concerns. Prepare topics you want to discuss: whether your strategy remains appropriate, specific financial decisions you are considering, and changes in your goals.

Why Complete Information Matters

Advice quality depends on information quality. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to inappropriate advice. Your adviser relies on what you provide to comply with the best interests duty under section 961B of the Corporations Act. If your adviser does not have a complete picture, they cannot properly assess your needs or recommend suitable strategies.

If you are unsure what to bring, ask your adviser for a checklist before the meeting. Most advisers have a standard document request list they send when scheduling. Gathering your documents in advance saves valuable meeting time and ensures your adviser can focus on providing quality advice rather than chasing missing information. Even if your situation is straightforward, providing complete information gives you confidence that the advice you receive is based on your full financial reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have all requested documents?
Provide what you have and inform your adviser. They can proceed with available information but may qualify the advice. You can provide missing documents later.

Should I bring originals or copies?
Copies are generally sufficient. You may need to show original ID. Keep originals in a secure place.

Can I email documents before the meeting?
Most advisers accept electronic copies by email or secure client portal. This allows them to review your information in advance.

What if my situation is very simple?
At minimum, bring identification, your most recent super statement, bank statements, and a debt summary. Your adviser will advise if more is needed.