In 2019, James and Rebecca were both working for major financial institutions. Good jobs. Respectable positions. But something kept bothering them.
Every time they advised a client to stay in a high-fee managed fund because "it performed well last quarter," they knew they were really protecting the company's revenue stream.
Every time they pushed insurance products clients didn't need, they felt the commission hit their account and the guilt hit their conscience.
So they walked away.
The Sharp Nails Philosophy
We built this firm on one principle: charge for advice, not for products.
That means when we tell you to consolidate your super, we don't make money from the fund you choose. When we suggest you don't need income protection insurance, we lose nothing by saying it.
Our only incentive is to give you advice that actually works.
No Commissions
We don't take kickbacks from funds, insurers, or anyone else. You pay us for our time. That's it.
Plain Language
If we can't explain it in a sentence, we won't recommend it. Financial jargon exists to confuse you.
Real Math
We show you the actual numbers. What you'll pay, what you'll save, what you'll end up with. No vague promises.
Who We Work With
Most of our clients are between 50 and 70. They've worked hard, saved what they could, and now they're realizing retirement is closer than they thought.
They're not wealthy. They're not poor. They're just normal Australians who want to make sure they don't mess this up.
If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.
The Team
James Cartwright
Principal Adviser
15 years in financial planning. Former senior adviser at AMP. Left to start Sharp Nails when he got tired of selling products instead of giving advice.
Rebecca Zhao
Retirement Strategist
Specialized in transition to retirement planning. Previously with Macquarie. Knows every Centrelink loophole and super contribution strategy in the book.
Martin Fletcher
Super Specialist
Consolidation expert. Has personally recovered over $12 million in lost super for clients. Finds accounts people forgot they had.
Want to see if we're a good fit?
Book a free 20-minute call. No pitch, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about where you are and where you want to be.
Get In Touch