Debbie French

Debbie French is an experienced financial planner known for her strategic thinking and deep technical expertise. As a specialist financial adviser, Debbie is passionate about empowering women and their families to take control of their financial futures. She understands the unique challenges women face in financial planning, particularly when balancing career, caregiving, and long-term financial security. She is committed to closing the gap in financial advice, ensuring women receive the guidance and support they need to achieve their goals and build lasting financial wellbeing.

Debbie’s expertise extends to working with mining and resources executives, professionals, and business owners – sectors known for their demanding schedules, fluctuating income structures, and complex remuneration packages that include executive share schemes. Debbie provides tailored advice that helps her clients navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence, ensuring their wealth is structured to support both immediate goals and long-term financial security. Her experience in this space has made her a trusted adviser, particularly to those seeking to align their financial strategies with career transitions, family priorities, and legacy planning.

Born on the edge of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, Debbie’s journey has taken her from the wilds of Africa to the rolling hills of the UK, and on to the vibrant shores of New Zealand and Australia. This global perspective is at the heart of her approach to financial advice: open-minded, adventurous, and always ready to embrace new challenges.

Since beginning her financial planning career in 2008, Debbie has become the go-to person for software solutions, paraplanning, and project management. Debbie’s technical expertise is matched by her commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance, a Post Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, and is an accredited Steps Aged Care adviser. Debbie has delivered masterclasses on practice technology, helping financial planning teams harness the power of digital tools for better client outcomes. Her advanced skills in financial technology make her a trusted resource for colleagues seeking tech-driven solutions.

What truly sets Debbie apart is her holistic approach to financial planning, retirement, and aged care. Drawing on her experience working with an Aged Care leadership team during a period of significant funding reform, she brings empathy and practical insight to her advice. This real-world understanding, combined with her professional qualifications, enables Debbie to guide clients through every stage of their financial journey with compassion and clarity.

Debbie’s client-centric approach means she takes the time to understand each client’s individual needs and goals.  Her goal is to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers her clients to make informed decisions and secure their financial well-being. Debbie is known for her empathetic and approachable manner, making her a trusted adviser to those seeking to build and protect their wealth – particularly women navigating key life stages and financial decisions. She is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships with her clients, built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

Debbie’s strong compliance knowledge has directly contributed to her team’s success in passing rigorous licensee audits. She is known for her collaborative approach, regularly contributing to team projects, marketing initiatives, and new client processes. Her colleagues value her experience and expertise as a problem-solver and a driving force for positive change.

Personally

Today, Debbie calls the Sunshine Coast home, sharing life with her husband, two boys, and their much-loved dog, Frankie. Outside the office, you’ll find Debbie in a hot Pilates class, climbing Mt Coolum, travelling with her family, wining and dining with friends, or simply enjoying the vibrant community around her. She believes that life is about embracing new experiences, staying curious, and always looking for ways to make a positive impact – values that shine through both her work and her everyday life.

Debbie is a Principal Adviser and Director of Stratus Financial Group and an Authorised Representative of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd (ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306).