5 Reviews

Ben Cole

Balance Wealth

Silver

3 Yrs Experience

Whitfield, QLD 4870

About Ben
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Hi, I'm Ben, Director and Senior Adviser at Balance Wealth.

I grew up in Cairns watching my parents run their own small business. What they lacked in sleep, they made up for in grit and integrity. That shaped me long before I ever studied tax or finance. They taught me that the value you give people matters more than anything you'll ever put on an invoice.

Before launching Balance Wealth, I spent six years as a tax accountant with KPMG and Grant Thornton. It taught me plenty about the technical side of money, but also something more useful: people aren't spreadsheets. They want clarity, reassurance, and someone who actually listens.

So I leaned into what made sense to me. I became a financial adviser, lectured in Financial Services Principles at James Cook University, and took on the role of Chair of the Cairns Young Chamber to make the path clearer for young professionals. I volunteered with OzHarvest, because giving back should be part of the equation, and started running my Money Masterclass sessions, helping local businesses understand their money in a way that feels empowering, not overwhelming.

Somewhere between all of that and the occasional gig, I realised this is who I am: someone who enjoys helping people make sense of something that often feels confusing.

That's the idea Balance Wealth is built on. I founded the practice so financial advice could be clear, personal, and grounded in real life. Not jargon. Not fear tactics. Not sales targets. Based in Cairns and servicing clients all over the country, I work mostly with small business owners, professionals, and families who want clear direction without the hype. They want to make smart decisions, reduce stress, and build progress that lasts.

My approach is simple and long-term:

> strong cashflow foundations

> habits and systems that reduce decision fatigue

> evidence-based investing

> superannuation, risk protection, and structure done properly

> advice that fits real life, not spreadsheets in isolation

I hold a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. Most people don't need more financial information. They need clearer thinking, better structure, and someone calm in their corner.

Outside the boardroom, I'm a singer and guitarist, I hosted The Betterment Project podcast, and you'll find me on Instagram @ben_money_method sharing bite-size money education and the odd tip or trick. Most recently, I was shortlisted for the Financial Standard Power50, the list of the 50 most influential financial advisers in Australia (2025).

My hope is simple: to build a practice that reflects the values I grew up with. Generosity, clarity, and genuinely caring about people. A place where clients feel seen and supported, and where the advice actually fits your life.

If you value clarity over complexity, systems over stress, and progress over perfection, let's chat whenever you're ready.

Superannuation
Insurance Protection
Managing Debt
Retirement & Pension
Cashflow & Income
Small Business Advice
Tax Strategies
Growing Assets
Wills & Estates
Budgeting

5.00 February 2026

I have been working with Ben for about a year. I first met with Ben because I wanted to sort my finances out and have my money work for me as best as it could. Ben was very good at describing in simple terms, what my current financial situation was and what needed to change in order to meet my future goals. Ben's communication is always very clear and he continually delivers on all aspects of what he states he will do. He goes above and beyond what you would expect even bringing my partner in for a meet and greet to introduce himself and discuss financial plans to the both of us. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Ben and I look forward to our continued growth.

5.00 October 2025

Ben is fantastic to deal with, he is very open and doesn't make you feel like you are asking any silly questions if you don't know something. He always goes above and beyond and takes the time to ensure we understand and comprehend what he is speaking about before any action is taken. His knowledge on all things finance is astounding, we have complete confidence in trusting him with our financial future. His communication is very good and he follows up regularly when working through any changes. In addition to the standard financial advice, planning, superannuation, investing and risk protection work, Ben has also been very open and listened to an additional business project I have been working on. His guidance through this process has and will be instrumental to the support and change in lifestyle for our family in the future. We are very pleased to have Ben helping us with our financial targets and future, and have full confidence if anything bad happens that our family will be supported accordingly and how we have planned. Thanks for everything

5.00 July 2025

I’m so grateful to have found Ben to help me navigate my ongoing financial planning journey.

Having worked solidly over many decades and paid more attention to my work than my financial future, thankfully I found Ben some years ago and he has given me valuable and considered advice about how to best manage my overall financial position to achieve positive outcomes to date and I’m sure into the future.

Previous experience in dealing with the banking sector and providers of financial advice services left me with a sense of just being a number and coming away with no wise or tailored guidance on future planning. I’ve found Ben to have the personal qualities and ability to discuss an array of financial planning concepts in a clear, concise and trustworthy manner – be it superannuation, personal tax or investment management related.

Now retired, I do not think being financially confident in retirement can be underestimated and Ben has helped me achieve that confidence.

Ben’s professional experience and wealth of knowledge in the financial advising space is truly impressive.

5.00 July 2025

Having been in one superannuation fund my whole career, and upon approaching retirement years, I thought it was time to get serious about understanding my potential financial needs ahead of when I actually did retire. Ben not only has incredible knowledge around all aspects of retirement planning but is endlessly patient with explaining a range of super and related concepts to someone who is not that financially literate. He does so enthusiastically, and in a plain-speaking and reassuring way. He is a big comfort when the world economy appears so tumultuous, and I am very happy with how my investments are being managed. I only wish I'd have known about Ben much earlier than I did.

5.00 July 2025

My wife and I have been working with Ben for just over a year now. At the time, we were feeling unsure about our finances and knew we needed someone to guide us through the process. Thankfully, we found Ben and he’s been a huge part of helping us get on the right track.

He’s assisted us across a range of areas including superannuation, insurance, investing, property investment, borrowing, and tax strategies. Looking back, we only wish we’d started working with him sooner!

Ben’s a genuine guy and very easy to work with. We’ve felt supported and well-informed throughout the entire journey. Highly recommended.