Be Finspired.
Independent Financial Advisers Helping Australians Make Confident Financial Decisions
At Finspire Advisers, we provide independent financial planning and financial advice to individuals, families, professionals, business owners and retirees across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast, Maitland, Port Stephens, the Hunter Region and throughout Australia.
Finspire was founded by Rick Latimore and Chris Keating after seeing too many Australians miss out on quality financial planning. Some believed advice was only for the wealthy. Others received investment management without the broader strategic guidance needed to make informed financial decisions and achieve their long-term goals.
We believed there was a better way.
We wanted to build the type of financial planning business we would be comfortable recommending to our own family and friends. A business built on trust, transparency and genuine long-term relationships. A business our families could be proud of.
Today, that commitment continues to guide everything we do.
Whether our clients are building wealth, planning for retirement, managing a defined benefit scheme, running a business or enjoying retirement, our focus remains the same: helping them make confident financial decisions through independent, strategy-first advice.
Strategy Before Products
We believe financial products are simply tools.
The real value of financial advice comes from having a well-considered strategy that aligns with your goals, values and circumstances.
As Independent Financial Advisers, our role is not to sell products. Our role is to help you make better financial decisions.
Whether we're discussing retirement planning, superannuation, investments, insurance, debt reduction, wealth creation or estate planning, we start with the strategy and then identify the most appropriate solutions to support it.
Where possible, we'll work with the products and structures you already have in place. We only recommend changes when we believe they will genuinely improve your position.
Our investment philosophy is intentionally straightforward. We believe in focusing on quality investments, reducing unnecessary complexity and maintaining discipline through changing market conditions.
Because a great financial plan should bring clarity and confidence, not confusion.
Why Independence Matters
Independence is more than a label. It's a commitment to transparency and putting our clients' interests first.
Throughout our careers, we've seen many Australians unsure of what they were paying for, how their adviser was remunerated or whether recommendations were influenced by product providers.
We wanted to create something different.
That's why we operate on a fee-for-service basis and focus on delivering strategic advice rather than product distribution.
Our clients know exactly what they are paying for and the value they receive in return.
No commissions.
No product push.
No hidden agendas.
Just clear, personalised advice designed to help you achieve your goals.
Who We Help
Many of our clients are approaching retirement or have recently become empty nesters.
Their children have become financially independent, cash flow is improving, and the focus begins to shift from simply building wealth to making the most of what they have worked hard to achieve.
Questions naturally arise:
Can we afford to travel more?
Are we making the most of our superannuation?
Should we focus on reducing debt or building wealth?
Do we still need the same level of life insurance?
When can we retire with confidence?
Others come to us with more complex financial circumstances, including significant investment portfolios, substantial superannuation balances, business interests, inheritance planning needs and defined benefit entitlements.
Whether you're seeking retirement planning in Newcastle, financial planning in Lake Macquarie, advice regarding defined benefit schemes, or an independent financial adviser on the Central Coast, our goal is the same: helping you understand your options and make informed financial decisions with confidence.
What Financial Success Means
We don't believe financial success is measured solely by investment returns or account balances.
Financial success means having the freedom to make choices with confidence.
It's knowing you can retire when you're ready.
It's feeling comfortable spending money on the experiences and people that matter most.
It's understanding your options and making decisions with clarity.
It's having a plan that supports the life you want to live.
Our role is to provide the experience, knowledge and guidance that helps our clients make those decisions with confidence.
More Than Just Rick and Chris
While Rick and Chris founded Finspire, great client outcomes are made possible by the talented and experienced team behind them.
Our advisers, paraplanners and client service professionals bring decades of collective experience across financial planning, superannuation, retirement planning and defined benefit schemes.
Together, we share a commitment to professionalism, integrity and exceptional client service.
The experience, care and dedication of our entire team are a big part of what makes Finspire different.
Our Promise
Every recommendation we make begins with one simple question:
"What is in our client's best interests?"
We are committed to providing independent, fee-for-service financial advice that is clear, transparent and tailored to your circumstances.
No commissions.
No product push.
No hidden agendas.
Just thoughtful advice, practical strategies and a team dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Because financial planning isn't just about money.
It's about creating the freedom, confidence and peace of mind to live life on your terms.
Why Finspire?
The name Finspire combines Finance and Inspire.
We believe financial advice should do more than help manage money. It should inspire confidence, create opportunities and empower people to make better decisions about their future.
That's what drives us every day.
Helping Australians build, protect and enjoy their wealth with confidence.
Meet our team
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Born and raised in Lake Macquarie, Chris is a trusted financial planner with over 14 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve financial freedom. He specialises in retirement planning, defined benefit schemes, and wealth creation strategies tailored to clients in Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, and surrounding areas.
Chris began his career in financial services in 2008 and has since held key roles at Aware Super, StatePlus Financial Services and JSA Group, where he developed deep expertise in pre-retirement and retirement planning. He is a leading adviser on defined benefit schemes, including SSS, SASS, CSS, PSS, Local Government Super (Active Super) and Military Super including MSBS and DFRDB.
With a background in asset consulting and strategic financial roles, Chris brings a holistic approach to financial planning. He believes that great financial advice starts with empathy, trust, and understanding, and he takes pride in helping clients turn their goals into achievable plans.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Finance from the University of Newcastle, an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning), and a Certificate IV in Mortgage and Finance. He is an Associate Financial Planner and proud member of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA).
Outside of work, Chris enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife and three daughters in Lake Macquarie. Whether it’s travel, camping, bushwalking, or cheering at Netball and Athletics, family time is always a priority, often joined by their adventurous family dog.
If you're looking for a financial planner in Lake Macquarie or Newcastle who combines deep technical knowledge with genuine care, Chris is here to help you plan with confidence.
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Rickie Latimore & Chris Keating founded Finspire Advisers because they recognized the value of a transparent advice model and its benefits for clients. We realised that Independent Financial Planning was not accessible to everyday Australians.
Since starting Finspire, Rickie has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Independent Financial Planning on clients’ financial well-being and happiness. Clients know exactly what they are paying for and what they are receiving, which fosters trust and clarity.
Unlike many financial planners, Rickie is paid solely by his clients for the services he provides. There is no hidden fees or commissions. What you see is what you get.
Rickie is a proud Independent Financial Planner with over 10 years of experience in helping clients achieve their financial goals. He has developed a passion for guiding clients through their financial journeys at any stage of life, from buying their first home to preparing for retirement. Rickie provides the expertise to make informed decisions, ensuring clients have the confidence to spend wisely and sustain their future plans.
Rickie is committed to delivering unbiased, Independent Financial Planning to the people of the Hunter region and throughout Australia. He sets a new standard for transparency and integrity in financial planning.
Rickie’s investment philosophy is simple: keep it straightforward, focus on high-quality investments, and reduce complexities. He believes life is too complicated to be worrying about your investments every day. This approach helps clients achieve their financial goals without unnecessary stress.
Rickie is a family man. Growing up on a Farm in Taree, building his career in Newcastle, Rickie now resides in Valentine, Lake Macquarie with his loving family. On weekends, you can find him spending quality time with his wife and kids and driving his four boys to and from their sporting events.
Rickie holds a Graduate Diploma in Finance, a Graduate Certificate in Finance, a Graduate Certificate in Finance, and a Diploma of Financial Planning.
I would love to have a chat with you over the phone to discuss your financial goals.
Please contact me today for a complimentary appointment.
Email rick@finspire.com.au or call us on 02 4072 4450.
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Rachel has been working in the financial planning industry since 2016. Before joining the team, she worked mainly as a Paraplanner, but also assisting in all aspects of the advice process. Now, her current role as Practice Manager sees her working with our advisers to broadly oversee the advice process from start to finish as well as providing support to Rick and Chris to manage the day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to this, she also works as our senior Paraplanner, assisting in the preparation of client strategies and writing advice documents for our advisers to present to their clients.
Rachel is passionate about working for Independent Financial Planners. She finds seeing the way in which we can genuinely change a client’s life by providing advice that is free of any conflicts and focuses on strategy rather than selling a product truly gratifying.
Rachel grew up in Western Sydney and moved to the Hunter Valley at the end of 2013 to be with her then partner, and now husband. Together, they have two beautiful daughters with whom they love spending time outdoors and travelling in their caravan.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce and an Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning.
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Judit has worked in various roles from client service officer to financial planner in a public sector super for over a decade. She has gained a wealth of knowledge working with clients, assisting them achieving their retirement goals.
Currently working with Rick and Chris as a Client Service Officer, which she particularly enjoys and finds refreshing being involved in their clients’ implementation and most of the back-office tasks. Judit lives in Lake Macquarie Bonnells Bay with her daughter and husband and has a Hungarian background. Enjoys boating and camping, has a passion for anything travel. Holds a Bachelor in Business and Economics, Diploma in Financial Services, Advance Diploma in Financial Planning and Masters in Financial Planning, she is a member of the Financial Advice Association Australia.
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Having called the Central Coast home for more than 40 years, I have a deep connection to the local community, and a strong understanding of the financial goals and challenges faced by individuals and families at every stage of life.
With over seven years of experience in advising and a Master of Financial Planning qualification, I specialise in retirement planning, wealth creation, tax-effective strategies, superannuation, and defined benefit schemes. I am passionate about helping clients make informed financial decisions and develop tailored strategies that support their long-term goals and aspirations.
I believe effective financial advice is about much more than managing investments or preparing for retirement. It starts with understanding what is important to each client and building a clear pathway towards financial confidence, security, and peace of mind. Whether you are accumulating wealth, planning for retirement, or navigating complex superannuation arrangements, I am committed to providing personalised advice and ongoing support every step of the way.
Family and community are central to my life. I have been married for more than 25 years and am proud to have two grown-up children. Outside of work, I am an enthusiastic sports fan who enjoys playing football (soccer) with a local over-45s team and following Rugby League.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is helping people turn their financial ambitions into achievable outcomes. Seeing clients gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial future is what drives me every day and reinforces my commitment to delivering advice that makes a meaningful difference.
If you are looking for an experienced financial planner on the Central Coast who is committed to understanding your unique circumstances and helping you achieve your financial goals, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please feel free to contact me at luke@finspire.com.au or call 02 4072 4450 to arrange a conversation about your financial future.
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Angela has worked in the superannuation industry for over 20 years. She has worked in various roles from an administrator to business analyst and project manager. Angela has an extensive knowledge of superannuation, retirement pensions and defined benefits.
Angela is currently working as a Client Service Officer and Paraplanner and loves working for Independent Financial Planners who have their clients’ best interests as their sole focus. Angela enjoys seeing clients’ goals become a reality, whilst working with an amazing team of people.
Angela grew up on a dairy farm in Gloucester and now lives in Valentine with her family. She loves spending time relaxing back on the family farm in the fresh country air, letting her children experience a love of animals, adventure and wide-open spaces.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Commerce and an Advanced Diploma of Business Administration.
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Kyrrie Welsh
Kyrrie brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, administration and client support, along with a genuine passion for helping people. Known for her friendly nature and attention to detail, she takes pride in making every client feel welcomed, supported and valued.
Before joining Finspire, Kyrrie spent over two decades with Aware Super, where she built extensive experience supporting members, coordinating client services and ensuring high standards of service delivery. Her career has also included roles in accounting, bookkeeping, healthcare administration and business operations, giving her a broad range of skills and a practical approach to problem-solving.
Outside of work, Kyrrie is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies to further her knowledge and support her love of animals. She enjoys spending time with her pets, cycling, reading, and catching up with family and friends.
Kyrrie is valued by clients and colleagues alike for her warmth, reliability and genuine desire to help others.