Stratus Financial Group

03/09/2026

We are proud to share that Stratus Financial Group has been named a finalist in the Fortnum Private Wealth Awards, in the Practice of the Year (3+ Advisers) category.

Congratulations to our advisers, Brett Cribb, James Marshall and Steve Nicholas, and to the entire Stratus team. This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism and care they bring to our clients every day.

We are honoured to be recognised as a finalist and proud to be part of the Fortnum community, a network of professionals committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for clients.

Congratulations to our fellow finalists, and we wish everyone the very best.

25/08/2026

Most people can estimate the value of their estate. Far fewer know how much their beneficiaries may actually receive.

While Australia does not have an inheritance tax, superannuation rules, tax legislation and asset ownership structures can all influence the wealth that ultimately reaches the next generation.

Our latest article explores why there is often a gap between the wealth people expect to leave behind and the legacy their family ultimately receives.

Read more below.

Most people spend decades building wealth. They establish careers, grow businesses, purchase homes, accumulate investments and contribute to superannuation with the intention of creating greater financial security for themselves and their families. What is discussed far less often is whether those a...

11/08/2026

We recently had the pleasure of hosting John, a QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Business student for a day at Stratus Financial Group as he explored financial planning as a career.

Supporting and mentoring the next generation of advisers is something we genuinely enjoy, and it was wonderful for our team to share insights into the profession. We wish John all the very best for the future.

03/08/2026

Helping adult children into the property market is becoming increasingly common, but how that support is structured can be just as important as the support itself.

More families are considering formal loan arrangements rather than outright gifts, particularly when assisting with a home deposit. A documented approach can provide clarity, support fairness between family members, align with broader estate planning objectives, and offer greater flexibility in the future.

It is a practical conversation that can have long-term implications for both generations.

More here in our latest article: https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/supporting-the-next-generation-property-gifting-and-family-wealth-planning

27/07/2026

Recovery mode is well and truly underway at Stratus today after an incredible weekend at the Australian Outback Marathon.

A huge congratulations to James, Angela, Tran and friends of Stratus:

🏅James Marshall completed the full marathon, finishing an extraordinary 5th male overall and 7th overall competitor across the field. Angela conquered the half marathon and Tran took on the 11km event.

While the feet may be a little sore today, the memories of running through the heart of Australia will last much longer.

The event takes place on the traditional lands of the Aṉangu people, the Traditional Owners and custodians of Uluru-Kata Tjuta. The stunning landscape, rich cultural heritage and deep connection to Country make this one of the most unique running experiences in the world.

Congratulations to all on their determination, resilience and commitment. We are incredibly proud of your achievements. 👏

21/07/2026

ScamWatch and the Australian Taxation Office are reminding Australians to remain alert to scams impersonating the ATO and myGov. Criminals are increasingly using emails, text messages, phone calls and fake websites designed to look legitimate in an attempt to steal personal information and account details.

Understanding the warning signs and knowing how to verify communications can help protect you and your family from becoming a victim of fraud. Read more here from ScamWatch: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/about-us/news-and-alerts/australian-taxation-office-ato-and-mygov-impersonation-scams

16/07/2026

For many families, one of the most common questions we hear is simple: How can we help our children get ahead, without compromising our own financial position?

With rising living costs, increasing property prices and more complex financial decisions, many parents are looking for ways to support their children. At the same time, the way Australian families are living and supporting each other is changing.

Read our latest article: Supporting the Next Generation: Property, Gifting and Family Wealth Planning to explore the opportunities and considerations before making a move.

https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/supporting-the-next-generation-property-gifting-and-family-wealth-planning/

Learn how family wealth planning can help support the next generation through property assistance, gifting strategies, family loans and long-term planning.

07/07/2026

We are delighted to share that James Marshall, Director and Financial Adviser at Stratus Financial Group, has been named a finalist in the Adviser of the Year – High Net Worth category at the 2026 Australian Wealth Management Awards.

The Australian Wealth Management Awards celebrate the individuals and businesses helping shape Australia's wealth management profession through excellence, innovation and client service. Winners will be announced at the gala awards evening in Sydney on 13 August 2026.

This recognition reflects James' commitment to helping executives, professionals, business owners and high-net-worth families navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

Congratulations to all finalists. We look forward to celebrating with our peers and colleagues across the industry next month.

To learn more about James and his approach to advice, click below.
https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/team/james-marshall/

Read more about the awards here:
https://www.australianwealthmanagementawards.com.au/

Investor Daily

01/07/2026

💛 Yesterday, the Stratus team swapped our desks for aprons and spent the morning at OzHarvest Brisbane's Cooking for a Cause program.

Alongside the wonderful Chef Marissa, dedicated volunteers, and the OzHarvest Queensland team, we transformed rescued ingredients into nourishing meals for charities supporting people in need.

🥕 Beyond the cooking, we learned more about food waste in Australia and OzHarvest's Use It Up initiative. Developed with BehaviourWorks Australia, the program helped participating households reduce food waste by 40%.

We also learned about the incredible impact OzHarvest Brisbane has had since 2011, supporting 145 charities, delivering more than 30 million meals, rescuing 25,000kg of food every week, and providing around 75,000 meals each week to people in need across Brisbane.

🥦 A morning filled with learning, teamwork, laughter, and purpose. It was a memorable way to wrap up the financial year, and we left with a greater appreciation for the "odd bunch" of vegetables that can be transformed into something extraordinary.

Want to get involved? Book a Cooking for a Cause session, grab a Use It Up Tape (for FREE), or visit the OzHarvest Shop to support this incredible organisation. https://www.ozharvest.org/

24/06/2026

🏡 What happens to the family home in retirement?

It is one of the biggest and most personal decisions you will make.

Whether you choose to downsize, stay put, or use your home to support your retirement income, each option comes with its own financial and lifestyle considerations.

There is no one size fits all approach. The right decision depends on what matters most to you and how you want to live in the years ahead.

If you are starting to think about retirement, we are here to help you plan. Give us a call today to start the conversation.