ABOUT US
At VFA, we combine expert financial guidance with advanced technology to help you achieve your financial goals efficiently and effectively. Our commitment to transparency and personalized service ensures you have the tools and knowledge needed to navigate your financial future with confidence.
MEET OUR EXPERTS
Meet our dedicated team of financial experts at Virtual Financial Adviser, each with a unique blend of experience, insight, and a passion for financial excellence. Together, we are committed to delivering personalized strategies and trusted advice that empower you to achieve your financial ambitions.
DEAN HOLMES
Founder
I'm immensely proud of the streamlined business model we've created here at Absolute Wealth, which is all about the details, doing what's right, constant improvement, teamwork and compliance. And I love sharing what we've learned with other financial advisers to help them improve their services and reach more Australians who need advice. What I enjoy about what I do is helping clients feel confident about making the right decisions and seeing them make real progress over time. Investment portfolios and returns are the last thing I discuss with a client. I first understand a client's 'why' before we get into the 'what' and the 'how'. Investments need context, which is what you want to achieve, your values and how you want to live your life. It's personally rewarding to make a meaningful difference in the life of my clients and the broader financial planning community. I'm a keen runner, crossing the finish line in seven marathons to date. I love tinkering with technology and keeping up with the latest trends. There's never a dull moment juggling business and life with a young family, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Since co-founding Absolute Wealth with Paul in 2008, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients and mentoring some of the most talented young professionals in the financial advice industry. Credentials Honours in Economics Diploma in Financial Planning. Held several positions on family boards of high net wealth family clients Directed teams of accountants and lawyers in managing family affair Business Coach
PAUL BARRETT
Business Partner
I love untangling a clients financial life and helping them understand how everything fits together. The "ah-ha" moments, when clients finally understand their financial strategies, and the sense of relief they feel when they know what they need to do to achieve their goals, is deeply rewarding. With a background in banking and experience overseeing complex finance deals, I've learned that money can often be over-engineered. Instead of chasing exciting ideas and big returns, I believe in a simple approach that achieves far better results. I offer a cool head in times of turmoil and believe in explaining financial strategies in a way you can understand, even when the structures and transactions are complex. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active with gym workouts, swimming, and hockey. I also value downtime with leisurely walks, coffee dates with my partner and friends, and binging my favourite shows. Giving back to the community is important to me. Before the pandemic, I volunteered at a homeless shelter once a week for four years. I'm also a director of a charity that raises funds to send architects to India to build small preschools for disadvantaged children. It's deeply fulfilling to know that our work matters and makes a difference in the lives of our staff and over 200 clients. Credentials Bachelor of Economics Masters in Business – Finance and a Diploma of Financial Planning Fellow Chartered Financial Planner with the Association of Financial Advisors Registered Tax (Financial) Adviser.