Our Team

Our Team

Stuart Bates

CFP®, Senior Financial Planner

Kent Thomas

CFP®, Senior Financial Planner

Ryan Cooper

Senior Financial Planner

Jared Nicholas

Financial Planner

Emily Chamberlain

Client Relationships Manager

Michanne Fien

Office Manager

Melissa Kyte

Client Services Manager

Tara Warren-McCarthy

Client Services Manager

Shreya Desai

Client Services Manager

Sam Matugas

Client Support

Stuart Bates

CFP®, Senior Financial Planner

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I am a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a partner of Lifelong Wealth.

I have been helping clients with their financial planning needs for 18 years and am continually expanding my valuable financial advice through academic studies and experience on the job across all aspects of Financial Planning. I feel empowered that my clients allow me to understand their needs, goals and objectives. I am passionate about holding strong relationships with my clients with open and honest communication.

In 2008, I obtained the Certificate Financial Planner (CFP), which is the highest level of education standard in my profession and is recognised internationally.

Financial advice is much broader than its traditional perception and that is why I thoroughly enjoy guiding my clients through each stage of their lives which encompasses a difference element of advice. My role is to effectively establish the appropriate strategy for clients.

I pride myself on enjoying life with my family and being an active member in the communities my children are involved in. As a family, we love sport whether participating, supporting or being a spectator. Travel is a significant interest we share as a family with the experiences it brings and being able to immerse ourselves in other cultures.

Kent Thomas

CFP®, SENIOR FINANCIAL PLANNER

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I am proud to be a partner of Lifelong Wealth and hold extensive tertiary studies for my financial profession including a Bachelor of Business, Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA), and Certified Financial Planner.

My solid experience of working within the finance industry extends over 27 years where I have worked in various roles in the money markets and financial planning, which has extensively built my valuable skills and knowledge. The satisfaction of being able to provide clients with practical and strategical advice expanding across the diverse aspects of financial planning including wealth accumulation, asset management and retirement planning.

I pride myself on my friendly approachable nature which is paramount with working closely together with clients to achieve their goals and objectives. The foundation for a trustworthy relationship is taking the time to listen carefully to clients and I am committed to supporting clients make good financial decisions.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Aside from being dedicated to my clients, you will find that I am a devoted supporter of North Queensland Cowboys NRL team. I am also a music enthusiast and am known to appreciate many a tune.

Ryan Cooper

SENIOR FINANCIAL PLANNER

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With a career spanning 16 years in the finance industry, I create tailored solutions unique to each client’s personal circumstances. By establishing and building long standing relationships, I provide peace of mind to my clients who know I am only a phone call away when they require advice or even just for a friendly chat. I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and being able to share my knowledge and experience with them to provide the financial advice suitable for both their present situation and future goals.

I have gained 16 years’ experience within one of Australia’s big four banks, eleven of which were in the Financial Planning sector and the other five within Retail and Business banking. Having already completed a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, I am now undertaking my Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning to further my credentials within the Financial Planning industry.

As the father of a young family I love nothing more than to spend my weekends adventuring with our caravan and creating life-long memories with my wife and children. When it gets too cold for caravanning, we take our love of travelling overseas to explore a wide range of different places, cultures and foods.

Jared Nicholas

Financial Planner

I started with Lifelong Wealth in January 2022, previously having spent 8 years in the army as a tank commander.

I have completed my bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning and really enjoy helping clients reach their financial goals and giving them peace of mind. With experience in the army, I can assist specifically with DVA/Military payouts as well.

When I am not working, I enjoy watching the footy, going for hikes and travelling around the world.

Emily Chamberlain

Client Relationships Manager

 I work with both Melissa and the financial planners to help organize file documents, research data, and support our clients to achieve their financial goals.

Michanne Fien

Office Manager

I have completed my Graduate Diploma in Business (Financial Planning) and assist the advisers with the advice preparation process, along with other management tasks to ensure the business runs smoothly.

Melissa Kyte

Client Services Manager

I’m Mel, the Client Services Manager & resident barista at Lifelong Wealth. I joined the team in April 2019 after 22 years at ANZ working along side Kent, Stuart & Ryan.

I believe if you want to make a difference in someone’s life you need to be committed, trustworthy, compassionate & adapt to every situation.

My role has such a positive impact in the lives of our clients & I am passionate about supporting them wherever their journey make take them.

Tara Warren-McCarthy

Client Services Manager

I am usually the first face you see when you enter through the doors!

I love to meet and greet clients, support the advisers with administrative tasks and file preparation to help clients achieve their goals.

Shreya Desai

Client Services Manager

I have joined the Lifelong Wealth team after being in the finance industry for the last 6 years.  My main duties are to assist the financial planners in the end to end process of ensuring we get the best outcome for our clients.

I love spending my free time with my family. Friday nights are spent playing board games or watching movies.

Sam Matugas

CLIENT SUPPORT

I work alongside Mel and the team to provide administrative and client support.

I am based in the Philippines and liaise with the team on a daily basis. I and am passionate about supporting our clients.