At RetireInvest Ballarat, we have the expertise, experience and resources to help you get wealth, grow it and keep it safe.
You get the best of both worlds at RetireInvest Ballarat. There's the confidence of knowing you're with one of the most well-known financial planning groups in Australia, RI Advice Group, backed by the strength and resources of one of the country’s largest wealth management groups. And there's the comfort of dealing with our dedicated, local team, who pride themselves on quality service with a personal touch.
Our close connection with the community, combined with our access to leading research and technical teams, who work full-time to ensure the strategies we recommend are among the best in the field, means you can rest-assured your financial security is in good hands.
We would like to introduce you to our team.
Derek Seare
Director
M Fin Plan, CFP®, Dip FS, Adv Dip FS, B.Ed.
Derek joined RetireInvest Ballarat as a Financial Adviser early in 2007 and became a partner in 2015. Prior to this he taught for 16 years in Australia and England. Derek holds a Masters of Financial Planning, the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and a Bachelor of Education.
Derek is well qualified to provide financial advice across a broad range of areas such as investment, superannuation (including SMSFs), retirement planning, aged care, Centrelink and personal and business insurance.
Ben Maher
Financial Advisor
Grad Dip Fin Plan
Ben joined RetireInvest Ballarat as Office Manager/Client Services Officer in July 2018. Prior to this Ben worked at IBM for 2 years and has undertaken studies in Marketing and Tourism at Deakin University. Ben currently holds a Diploma of Financial Planning and a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.
He has been advising since July 2023. Ben’s happy disposition and very friendly attitude allow for a natural ease when providing support and assistance to our clients.
Pauline Lowson
Office Manager
Pauline joined RetireInvest Ballarat as the Office Manager in June 2022. Prior to her commencement with us, Pauline worked as the Practice Manager for a local Optometry Practice for 4 years and has also worked within the banking industry.
Pauline has a bright and bubbly personality and a very welcoming manner when greeting clients, answering the telephone or simply enjoying her workplace and colleagues. She believes in excellent Customer Services Skills and likes things to run smoothly and efficiently.
Sarah Armstrong
Client Services Manager
Sarah joined the RetireInvest Ballarat team in May 2022 as Client Services Manager. Sarah has extensive experience in administration and business management positions and obtained her Masters in Business Management in early 2018 while managing a chartered accounting firm in Canberra.
She believes that proving quality client-centric services is the most important part of her role. Sarah returned to Ballarat to be close to family and make it her forever home. It is one of Sarah’s ambitions to turn her office into an urban jungle.
Trish Hibberd
Client Information Manager
Trish joined our team at RetireInvest Ballarat in June 2023 as our Client Information Manager. Trish brings over 20 years of Client Management and Administrative Support expertise within the Financial Services and Insurance industry.
Holding a Certificate IV in Business Administration, Certificate IV in Community Services and ASIC 146 Compliance accreditations, Trish is well qualified to assist our clients. Trish's holistic approach to client satisfaction is energised by her calming scented work space and her colleagues.