Background & Path into Advice

What drew you to financial advice, and why work with people at a similar life stage to you?
I’ve always gravitated towards advice roles through my work and hobbies, especially coaching. Moving into financial services felt like a natural next step in my own career, and a really meaningful way to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Working with people at a similar stage just makes sense. I understand the pressures, trade‑offs, and decisions they’re facing.

You’ve come into advice relatively early. What excites you most about helping people get their financial foundations right?
The earlier I can be involved, the bigger the long‑term impact for clients. I also really care about improving financial literacy and wellbeing in New Zealand. Helping people feel more confident about money from the start is incredibly rewarding!

What’s something that’s surprised you in your first few years as an adviser?
How many people don’t realise financial advice is even an option. People work hard year‑round in their careers or businesses, but often haven’t had advice that could genuinely improve their situation. There’s still a lot of opportunity for growth in the advice space here.

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Small Business & Entrepreneurial Clients

Running a business alongside your partner gives you a unique view. What do small business owners often underestimate financially?
Very simply, how expensive and time‑consuming it can be. Cash flow isn’t always predictable, and many people underestimate just how much time and energy the business will require, especially early on.

What challenges do you see with entrepreneurs who are juggling a lot at once?
Often it’s risk. When people are stretched, important things can get missed, like having the right insurance in place for themselves or their business.

How do you help business owners balance reinvesting in their business with personal financial security?
It really depends, but there are some basics that shouldn’t be compromised. Things like clear agreements, insurance, and cash flow need to be well understood before reinvesting too aggressively. It’s common for people to prioritise growth over security, but that can be a pretty stressful position to be in.

What advice would you give to someone turning a passion or side hustle into a business?
Expect the relationship with that passion to change. Once it becomes a business, there’s a whole new layer of responsibility—cash flow, time management, and making trade‑offs. One of the most valuable things you can do is build strong relationships with professionals and people who’ve been through those early growth stages before.

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The earlier I can be involved, the bigger the long‑term impact for clients.

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First‑Home Buyers & Younger Clients

What’s the biggest hurdle for first‑home buyers?
Feeling overwhelmed. It can feel like you’re learning everything at once. I try to clearly lay out the process from the beginning, talk through possible outcomes, and set expectations early so the experience feels less daunting.

What do you wish people in their 20s and early 30s understood about money?
That consistency matters more than perfection. Building good habits—and being able to save even when things are tight—will take you further than waiting for the “perfect” time.

How do you help younger clients feel confident making big decisions for the first time?
A lot of people worry about what’s “normal.” Talking things through clearly—why they’re making a decision and how it fits their goals—helps remove a lot of that uncertainty.

Philosophy & Approach

What does good financial advice look like when you’re just starting out?
It starts with relationships. The better I understand what motivates someone and where they want to go, the better and more tailored the advice will be.

How do you keep advice practical when people are juggling careers, businesses, and families?
Clear priorities, realistic expectations, and a plan that actually fits real life.

What do you do when clients feel overwhelmed by too many options?
Everyone’s different—some people focus on outcomes, others on process. When clients feel overwhelmed, I remind them that whatever path we take, it’s about moving them forward. Progress is still progress.

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Personal

You spend a lot of time supporting your partner’s business at weekend markets. What’s that taught you?
That showing up consistently matters. Running a business can be demanding, but week after week you build strong connections with customers and other vendors. That sense of community is hugely motivating, and it’s something I bring into my work as an adviser.

What do you enjoy about working with entrepreneurial people?
They’re driven, focused on growth, and often want to give back to their communities. There’s a lot of potential there.

How do you switch off outside of work?
I’m really into Olympic weightlifting and jiu‑jitsu, and I’ve previously done gymnastics and cheerleading. I also enjoy the usual things—hiking, games, and reading—but I’m always keen to try something new.

Your approach to money, summed up in one sentence?
“Get your money to work for you.”
Or, depending on the day: “Every dollar is a prisoner.”

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Jared is part of the Velocity Bay of Plenty Team

You can contact him here

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This article was written by Shona and Jared.

Disclaimer: Shona is not a financial adviser. The above is generalised information that has been peer-reviewed by the Velocity Financial Advisory team. As always, before you make any financial decisions, discuss your situation with an adviser from Velocity Financial, and seek advice from professionals, such as a lawyer and accountant, to find the best solution for your unique situation.

Always get professional advice

The information shared in this post is meant to be general guide to support you on your journey. When making important decisions about your finances, we encourage you to seek independent financial advice first, tailored to your unique situation.  As well as talking with a financial adviser, make sure you talk to your lawyer and accountant too – together they'll help you find the best solution for your specific situation. Our knowledgeable financial advisers are here to help. Check out our website for the details about our financial advisory services in our disclosures  https://www.velocityfinancial.co.nz/disclosure-statement.