Leigh Smith

• MBus — Masters of Business (Personal Financial Planning), University of Southern Qld
• Tax Financial Adviser—Taxation Practitioner Board Registered
• CPA — Member of the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia
• B. Com — Bachelor of Commerce, Griffith University
• SMSF Specialisation — Cavendish Superannuation via Adelaide University
• Cert. IV Finance & Mortgage Broking

I grew up learning how to adapt to change quickly. My father’s career led us from Newcastle to Perth, and then to Brisbane several years later.

While at school I did want some career path that involved sport, having played multiple sports growing up. My true passion was rugby league and I dreamed of playing in the NRL. However, as I got older, I realised the commitment required to compete at an elite level left little room to invest in other career options, should I become seriously injured or simply not make the cut.

Without knowing specifically which career path to take, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce at Griffith University where I studied finance and accounting. I began my accounting career at the Queensland State Government in various roles until my partner Karlie and I moved to London for a lifestyle change. There, I worked as an accountant for the London Overground Rail and got to experience other cultures.

My love of investing and wealth creation started early. I bought my first lot of shares at 23 and my first investment property at 24. Seeing the benefits of wealth creation in my personal life; I realised I wanted to create positive change for other people through financial freedom. I enrolled in a Masters of Financial Planning and studied part-time while still working as an accountant. 

When Karlie and I returned home from London to marry, I began my career as a Financial Advisor, working at various banks and stockbroking firms. This eventually led me to Aspiri Financial Services. Here I work to take away the burden of making decisions regarding our clients’ financial affairs, so they can focus on the things that you enjoy and matter to them.

While I’m still able to draw upon my accounting experience, I particularly enjoy helping my clients attain their life goals and feel I am more of a personal finance and life coach to them than anything else.

In my career, there is nothing more personally rewarding and fulfilling than seeing my clients improve their lifestyle and achieve their goals on the back of the guidance and help I have provided over many years.

Over the years, I’ve managed to continue my passion for footy – but these days as a spectator, not a player. Now my greatest passion is being a father to my three beautiful girls Mia, Ivy and Zara, plus our family dog, Locky (named after the famous Queensland footballer, of course!).