James Weyler
SENIOR FINANCIAL PLANNER
BRISBANE
Finance is often stressful and overwhelming, which is why I love helping people feel confident about their money and seeing the relief on their faces when they realise things can be simpler.
I've been working in financial services since finishing uni in 2010. I joined Abundant because I want to offer clients both genuine care and thoughtful advice, with a hands-on approach that makes a true impact.
I spent ten years in the Army Reserves before finishing up in 2020. In my final year, I helped out with Operation Bushfire Assist and Operation Covid Assist. Through these eye-opening experiences, I saw firsthand the power of people coming together in tough times.
Outside of work, I'm big on running, travelling, and diving - both scuba and free-diving. You might also find me watching F1, PGA golf, or English Premier League.
I'm trying to learn Spanish too, though I'm not very good yet!
My partner is a marine biologist who recently took me swimming with sharks in the Caribbean. She insists sharks are friends. I'm starting to believe her, but I still get a bit nervous when they swim close by!
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of International Relations (Business)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Accredited Listed Securities Advisor
Self Managed Super Fund Accredited
Advanced Diploma Financial Services (Financial Planning)
Up close and personal with James
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive who would it be? Why?
Bob Hawke, because he is a man of the people but also a respected leader
What's your favourite quote?
The man in the arena
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt
The one book you recommend everyone needs to read?
The Alchemist, Paolo Coehlo
What’s your go to karaoke song?
In the air tonight, By Phil Collins
If you could live in any city in the world for a year, where would it be and why?
Barcelona. Because I love Spain, Spanish culture, history and language and it is a gateway to get to the rest of Europe.
That ONE client moment that made you think "THIS is why I do what I do.
I recently worked with a client who had built impressive wealth through property but hadn't paid much attention to their super or other investments. While their property strategy had worked well, they were ready to shift focus toward creating retirement income that would let them travel and enjoy life.
Their timing was perfect. Because their super balance was under the threshold, we could use something called 'catch-up contributions' to significantly reduce their tax bill. Essentially, we could use contribution amounts they hadn't used in previous years.
When I looked at their history, I found they had substantial unused capacity. By using this strategy, we cut their tax rate by more than half - saving them thousands of dollars that would have otherwise gone to the tax office.
The stars really aligned. Not only did we help them keep more of their money, but they now feel more confident about their retirement plans.