Daniel Harvey

I kicked things off studying economics and finance, thinking I’d end up in a purely numbers-driven role. But pretty quickly, I realised that wasn’t enough for me. I’ve always had a strong pull toward helping people, so I took some time off to figure out how I could combine that with my love for finance. That’s when I found financial planning. It’s the sweet spot where I get to use my technical skills while genuinely supporting people to make confident, life-changing decisions. That’s what lights me up.

I’m definitely a caller. I find phone calls way more personal and effective than long emails. I’ve got a pretty upbeat nature, and that doesn’t always come through in writing. I’d much rather spend ten minutes on the phone catching up and talking things through than spend hours drafting an email. I genuinely enjoy hearing how people are doing, and I think that connection matters. It’s all about keeping things real and building strong relationships.

I like to think of retirement planning like playing a full soccer match, not just the first half. A lot of people build up their wealth and then switch to a defensive mindset the moment they retire. But retirement can last 30 to 40 years. You’re still in the game. My job is to help clients stay balanced, manage risk, and keep growing where it makes sense. It’s about making smart plays, staying active, and keeping your eyes on the long-term goal.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, “We’ll have to work until we’re 70.” It’s something people say all the time, but once we dig into their financial position, many are surprised to learn they could retire earlier than they thought. Sometimes even at 65. Helping clients realise what’s actually possible is one of the best parts of my job. It gives them hope, clarity, and a sense of peace knowing their goals are achievable.

I’m a big believer that simple is better. Just because something’s complex doesn’t mean it’s valuable. In fact, the more straightforward the advice, the more empowered the client usually feels. When someone comes in with a financial situation that’s all over the place, my first step is to figure out whether that complexity is actually serving them. If not, we simplify. My goal is to help people feel in control, not overwhelmed, and to make sure they understand the “why” behind every recommendation.

At ACru Wealth, we’re not here to turn clients into tax or super experts. What matters is that they understand the logic behind the advice and how it helps them reach their goals. I always aim to explain things in a way that’s clear and relatable. If a client walks away knowing why we’re doing something and feels confident about it, that’s a win. It’s about cutting through the noise and making sure they feel informed, not just overwhelmed.

I’ve always found myself in leadership roles in team sport, whether it was captaining my soccer team or helping coordinate plays from the back. I love guiding people, keeping things organised, and making sure everyone’s working toward the same goal. In financial planning, I take on that same role. I help clients stay focused, make informed decisions, and feel supported throughout the journey. It’s about teamwork, trust, and making sure we’re all kicking toward the same goalposts.

I had a client who thought they could only afford to travel for three years in retirement. But after reviewing their finances, we found they could actually go on holidays every year if they wanted to. It wasn’t one of those “if you do this, you can’t do that” situations. It was more like, “You can do this and even more than you thought.” That moment was powerful. Sometimes the best advice is to spend your money, enjoy life, and make the most of the retirement you’ve worked so hard for.

As a father, I really connect with the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I’ve seen how important it is to have a strong, supportive community around you. Living on the Sunshine Coast, I feel lucky to be part of a place where connection and relationships matter. At ACru Wealth, we’re not just helping clients, we’re building long-term relationships. Often, one client’s journey brings others along with them, and that ripple effect is something I’m proud to be part of.

Something people are often surprised to learn is that while I was born in Australia, both of my parents are from Brazil. That mix has given me a real passion for football, or soccer as we call it here, and it’s played a big role in my life growing up. My favourite team is Chelsea FC in the English Premier League, and one of my guilty pleasures is switching off from dad mode for a while to catch up on the latest matches. It’s a fun way to unwind and stay connected to something I’ve always loved.