James (Jim) Mills — Financial Adviser
This FSG Part 2 contains information specific to your adviser and should be read together with the FSG Part 1. Paragem Pty Ltd has authorised your adviser to distribute this FSG.
Your Financial Adviser is James Mills (Jim). I am an Authorised Representative of Paragem Pty Ltd ABN 16 108 571 875, AFSL 297276, and am authorised by Paragem Pty Ltd to provide the financial services described in this FSG.
My Authorised Representative number is 416822.
Jim Mills is the Principal Adviser and Co-Founder of Merit Financial Services, a firm he established in 2010 with the objective of delivering high-quality, strategy-led financial advice to Australians seeking clarity, structure, and long-term financial stability.
With more than 25 years of experience across financial planning, investment strategy, taxation structures, and SMSF advisory, Jim is widely regarded as a trusted strategist within the Australian financial services profession. His expertise spans high-net-worth wealth management, business-owner financial strategy, SMSF and LRBA structuring, Centrelink optimisation, intergenerational planning, and compliance-aligned, tax-effective investment strategies.
Merit Financial Services operates as a strategy-first advisory firm, purpose-built around deep partnerships with the accountancy profession. These relationships ensure clients benefit from truly coordinated advice — uniting financial planning, tax outcomes, business strategy, and wealth optimisation across every stage of their financial journey.
The Merit Financial Services team supports everyday Australians and SME owners, delivering carefully engineered strategies that connect operational efficiency, profit maximisation, and tax-effective income extraction with each client's broader financial goals. Jim is passionate about ensuring Australians translate their hard work into meaningful and measurable wealth creation.
In an environment characterised by economic volatility, legislative change, and increasing complexity, Jim's approach centres on active, evidence-based strategies designed to support each client's evolving business and personal objectives. His long-standing reputation, technical depth, and strategic insight — combined with the strength of the Merit team — provide clients with confidence that their financial future is being managed with experience, diligence, and genuine care.
I am authorised to advise on and deal in the following products and services:
These fees should be used as a guide only. We will discuss your individual needs and agree our fees with you before we provide advice. The actual agreed fees will depend on the complexity of your circumstances, goals, needs, and the scope of advice we provide.
| Service | Fee Range (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Plan preparation and implementation (Statement of Advice) | $5,500 – $12,100 |
| Annual ongoing service fees | $6,700 – $32,000 p.a. |
Our ongoing services will be agreed with you in an ongoing services arrangement.
All fees and commissions disclosed in this FSG which are attributed to the services provided to you by your adviser are paid to Paragem Pty Ltd. Paragem Pty Ltd will pay up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Merit Financial Services. Merit Financial Services may pass on up to 100% of those fees and commissions to James Mills.
I am a Director of Merit Financial Services and am remunerated through the payment of salary.
Merit Financial Services may have referral arrangements with other professional service providers. If a client is referred to us, we may pay the referrer a fee or other benefit. We will record the details of any referral fees in the Statement of Advice we prepare for you. If we refer a client to another service provider they may pay us a referral fee. We will only refer you to third-party professionals where we believe it is in your best interests to do so. All fees and commissions are paid to Merit Financial Services.
| Referral Partner | Description | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Insurance Pty Ltd | Insurance Services | 50% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee or insurance commissions is $1,000, they receive $550 (incl GST). |
| Wards Accounting Pty Ltd | Accounting and taxation services | 20% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee is $1,000, they receive $220 (incl GST). |
Who we may share your information with
To deliver our services, we may need to share your information with:
James Mills may engage the services of external services providers both here and overseas who supply administrative, financial or other services to assist us to provide financial and services to you.
A copy of our Privacy Policy is on Count's website www.count.au. We can also send you a copy if you contact us.
Sarah Mills — Financial Adviser
This FSG Part 2 contains information specific to your adviser and should be read together with the FSG Part 1. Paragem Pty Ltd has authorised your adviser to distribute this FSG.
Your Financial Adviser is Sarah Mills. I am an Authorised Representative of Paragem Pty Ltd ABN 16 108 571 875, AFSL 297276, and am authorised by Paragem Pty Ltd to provide the financial services described in this FSG.
My Authorised Representative number is 378390.
With 23 years of experience in financial services, Sarah is not just a financial planner—she is a trusted adviser dedicated to guiding clients toward financial success. As the founder of Merit Financial Services, established in 2010, Sarah has built a practice that stands apart from the rest. Unlike many financial firms, we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we work closely with a select group of clients, offering highly tailored strategies designed to create real financial impact.
Sarah's expertise spans investment, insurance, and wealth management, shaped by years in both corporate finance and private practice.
Our strong partnerships with prestigious accountancy firms mean our advice is always considered in the broader context of our clients' financial well-being.
At Merit Financial Services, we believe financial advice should go beyond numbers; it should be a lifelong partnership. We are strategists who take a proactive approach, mapping out clear pathways to help clients achieve their financial goals. Through careful planning and ongoing guidance, we provide the structure, confidence, and direction needed to turn aspirations into reality.
I am authorised to advise on and deal in the following products and services:
These fees should be used as a guide only. We will discuss your individual needs and agree our fees with you before we provide advice. The actual agreed fees will depend on the complexity of your circumstances, goals, needs, and the scope of advice we provide.
| Service | Fee Range (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Plan preparation and implementation (Statement of Advice) | $5,500 – $12,100 |
| Annual ongoing service fees | $6,700 – $32,000 p.a. |
Our ongoing services will be agreed with you in an ongoing services arrangement.
All fees and commissions disclosed in this FSG which are attributed to the services provided to you by your adviser are paid to Paragem Pty Ltd. Paragem Pty Ltd will pay up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Merit Financial Services. Merit Financial Services may pass on up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Sarah Mills.
I am a Director of Merit Financial Services and am remunerated through the payment of salary.
Merit Financial Services may have referral arrangements with other professional service providers. If a client is referred to us, we may pay the referrer a fee or other benefit. We will record the details of any referral fees in the Statement of Advice we prepare for you. If we refer a client to another service provider they may pay us a referral fee. We will only refer you to third-party professionals where we believe it is in your best interests to do so. All fees and commissions are paid to Merit Financial Services.
| Referral Partner | Description | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Insurance Pty Ltd | Insurance Services | 50% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee or insurance commissions is $1,000, they receive $550 (incl GST). |
| Wards Accounting Pty Ltd | Accounting and taxation services | 20% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee is $1,000, they receive $220 (incl GST). |
Who we may share your information with
To deliver our services, we may need to share your information with:
Sarah Mills may engage the services of external services providers both here and overseas who supply administrative, financial or other services to assist us to provide financial and services to you.
A copy of our Privacy Policy is on Count's website www.count.au. We can also send you a copy if you contact us.
Tyron Mitchell — Financial Adviser
This FSG Part 2 contains information specific to your adviser and should be read together with the FSG Part 1. Paragem Pty Ltd has authorised your adviser to distribute this FSG.
Your Financial Adviser is Tyron Mitchell. I am an Authorised Representative of Paragem Pty Ltd ABN 16 108 571 875, AFSL 297276, and am authorised by Paragem Pty Ltd to provide the financial services described in this FSG.
My Authorised Representative number is 1237143.
Tyron Mitchell is a Financial Adviser and Aged Care Specialist at Merit Financial Services, bringing a decade of experience in helping Australians navigate the complexities of financial planning — with a particular focus on aged care, retirement transitions, and self-managed superannuation.
Having provided financial advice since 2015 across a range of advisory environments, Tyron has developed a deep understanding of the challenges Australians face as they approach and move through retirement. His specialist expertise in aged care financial planning sets him apart, enabling him to guide families through one of the most complex and emotionally significant financial decisions they will face.
As an Accredited Aged Care Professional and member of the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA), Tyron is committed to the highest professional standards. His qualifications in SMSF advisory and margin lending further expand the strategic depth he brings to every client engagement.
At Merit Financial Services, Tyron works alongside a dedicated team of strategists, leveraging the firm's strong partnerships with the accountancy profession to deliver coordinated advice that unites financial planning, tax outcomes, estate considerations, and wealth optimisation. His technical knowledge, empathetic approach, and genuine dedication to his clients make him a valued member of the Merit team.
I am authorised to advise on and deal in the following products and services:
These fees should be used as a guide only. We will discuss your individual needs and agree our fees with you before we provide advice. The actual agreed fees will depend on the complexity of your circumstances, goals, needs, and the scope of advice we provide.
| Service | Fee Range (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Plan preparation and implementation (Statement of Advice) | $5,500 – $12,100 |
| Annual ongoing service fees | $6,700 – $32,000 p.a. |
Our ongoing services will be agreed with you in an ongoing services arrangement.
All fees and commissions disclosed in this FSG which are attributed to the services provided to you by your adviser are paid to Paragem Pty Ltd. Paragem Pty Ltd will pay up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Merit Financial Services. Merit Financial Services may pass on up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Tyron Mitchell.
Tyron Mitchell is a Financial Adviser at Merit Financial Services and is remunerated through the payment of salary.
Merit Financial Services may have referral arrangements with other professional service providers. If a client is referred to us, we may pay the referrer a fee or other benefit. We will record the details of any referral fees in the Statement of Advice we prepare for you. If we refer a client to another service provider they may pay us a referral fee. We will only refer you to third-party professionals where we believe it is in your best interests to do so. All fees and commissions are paid to Merit Financial Services.
| Referral Partner | Description | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Insurance Pty Ltd | Insurance Services | 50% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee or insurance commissions is $1,000, they receive $550 (incl GST). |
| Wards Accounting Pty Ltd | Accounting and taxation services | 20% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee is $1,000, they receive $220 (incl GST). |
Who we may share your information with
To deliver our services, we may need to share your information with:
Tyron Mitchell may engage the services of external services providers both here and overseas who supply administrative, financial or other services to assist us to provide financial services to you.
A copy of our Privacy Policy is on Count's website www.count.au. We can also send you a copy if you contact us.
Wayne Collis — Financial Adviser
This FSG Part 2 contains information specific to your adviser and should be read together with the FSG Part 1. Paragem Pty Ltd has authorised your adviser to distribute this FSG.
Your Financial Adviser is Wayne Collis. I am an Authorised Representative of Paragem Pty Ltd ABN 16 108 571 875, AFSL 297276, and am authorised by Paragem Pty Ltd to provide the financial services described in this FSG.
My Authorised Representative number is 403083.
Wayne Collis is a Senior Financial Adviser at Merit Financial Services, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the financial planning industry. His career spans roles across large banking institutions, boutique advisory firms, and private practice — giving him a diverse and deeply practical understanding of the financial challenges Australians face at every stage of life.
Wayne's strength lies in building strong, lasting relationships with his clients. He takes a personalised approach, drawing on decades of experience to tailor strategies that are practical, effective, and aligned with each client's unique goals and circumstances.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Wayne is recognised as meeting the highest professional standards in financial planning. He provides comprehensive financial advice and ongoing support, helping clients navigate life's challenges as goals and objectives evolve.
At Merit Financial Services, Wayne works alongside a dedicated team of strategists, leveraging the firm's strong partnerships with the accountancy profession to deliver coordinated advice that unites financial planning, tax outcomes, and wealth optimisation. His knowledge, experience, and genuine care for his clients make him a trusted adviser you can rely on.
I am authorised to advise on and deal in the following products and services:
These fees should be used as a guide only. We will discuss your individual needs and agree our fees with you before we provide advice. The actual agreed fees will depend on the complexity of your circumstances, goals, needs, and the scope of advice we provide.
| Service | Fee Range (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Plan preparation and implementation (Statement of Advice) | $5,500 – $12,100 |
| Annual ongoing service fees | $6,700 – $32,000 p.a. |
Our ongoing services will be agreed with you in an ongoing services arrangement.
Wayne Collis is a Director of Newstart Financial.
All fees and commissions disclosed in this FSG which are attributed to the services provided to you by your adviser are paid to Paragem Pty Ltd. Paragem Pty Ltd will pay up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Merit Financial Services. Merit Financial Services may pass on up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Newstart Financial Pty Ltd, a company of which Wayne Collis is a Director.
Wayne Collis is a Financial Adviser and Corporate Authorised Representative operating through Merit Financial Services. He is remunerated through payments made to Newstart Financial Pty Ltd.
Merit Financial Services may have referral arrangements with other professional service providers. If a client is referred to us, we may pay the referrer a fee or other benefit. We will record the details of any referral fees in the Statement of Advice we prepare for you. If we refer a client to another service provider they may pay us a referral fee. We will only refer you to third-party professionals where we believe it is in your best interests to do so. All fees and commissions are paid to Merit Financial Services.
| Referral Partner | Description | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Insurance Pty Ltd | Insurance Services | 50% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee or insurance commissions is $1,000, they receive $550 (incl GST). |
| Wards Accounting Pty Ltd | Accounting and taxation services | 20% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee is $1,000, they receive $220 (incl GST). |
Who we may share your information with
To deliver our services, we may need to share your information with:
Wayne Collis may engage the services of external services providers both here and overseas who supply administrative, financial or other services to assist us to provide financial services to you.
A copy of our Privacy Policy is on Count's website www.count.au. We can also send you a copy if you contact us.
James (Jim) Mills — Merit Insurance
Version number 25.0, 21 January 2026
This FSG Part 2 contains information specific to your Adviser and their firm and should be read together with the FSG Part 1, Version Number 25.0, which contains information about the AFS licensee and their general obligations and arrangements. Paragem Pty Ltd (Paragem) has authorised your adviser to distribute this FSG.
Your Adviser is authorised to provide financial services as an authorised representative of Paragem AFS licence no. 297276, ABN 16 108 571 875, authorised to provide the financial services described in this FSG through Merit Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 691654823, ASIC ID number 1319144.
Merit Insurance may have referral arrangements with other professional service providers. If a client is referred to us, we may pay the referrer a fee or other benefit. We will record the details of any referral fees in the Statement of Advice we prepare for you. If we refer a client to another service provider they may pay us a referrer fee. We will only refer you to third-party professionals where we believe it is in your best interests to do so. All fees and commissions are paid to Merit Insurance.
| Referral Partner | Description | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Financial Services Pty Ltd | Adviser Services | 50% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee or insurance commissions is $1,000, they receive $550 (incl GST). |
| Wards Accounting Pty Ltd | Accounting and taxation services | 20% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee is $1,000, they receive $220 (incl GST). |
These fees should be considered a guide only. We will discuss your individual needs and agree our fees with you before we provide advice. The actual agreed fees will depend on the complexity of your circumstances, goals, needs, and the scope of advice we provide. Please note that fees may be higher than those outlined here if mutually agreed upon. Insurance only advice does not apply to the below.
| Service | Fee Range (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Advice Preparation and Implementation | $2,200 – $30,000 |
| Supplementary Services (research/admin) | $350 per hour |
| Ongoing & Fixed Term Service Fees (per Client Service Arrangement) | $4,620 – $20,000 p.a. |
| Non-advised Transaction Fees (execution only) | $350 per hour |
All fees are inclusive of GST.
The Authorised Representative number for James Mills is 416822 and their details are available on the Financial Advisers Register.
With more than 25 years of experience in financial services, Jim is not just a financial planner — he is a trusted adviser dedicated to guiding clients toward financial success. As the Co-Founder of Merit Financial Services, established in 2010, Jim has built a practice that stands apart from the rest. Unlike many financial firms, we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we work closely with a select group of clients, offering highly tailored strategies designed to create real financial impact.
Jim's expertise spans investment, insurance, wealth management, SMSF advisory, and business-owner financial strategy, shaped by years in both corporate finance and private practice.
Our strong partnerships with prestigious accountancy firms mean our advice is always considered in the broader context of our clients' financial well-being.
At Merit, we believe financial advice should go beyond numbers; it should be a lifelong partnership. We are strategists who take a proactive approach, mapping out clear pathways to help clients achieve their financial goals. Through careful planning and ongoing guidance, we provide the structure, confidence, and direction needed to turn aspirations into reality.
James Mills is authorised to provide the following products and services:
James Mills is a Director of Merit Financial Services Pty Ltd.
All fees and commissions disclosed in the FSG which are attributed to the services provided to you by your adviser are paid to Paragem who will pay up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Merit Insurance. Merit Insurance may pass on up to 50% of those fees and commission to Merit Financial Services.
James Mills is a Director of Merit Financial Services Pty Ltd and is remunerated through payment of salary and dividends.
We collect personal information about you (and, if applicable, anyone acting on your behalf) to help us provide financial services that are suited to your needs, to manage our relationship with you, and to meet our legal obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Corporations Act 2001.
This statement forms part of our broader Privacy Policy, and together they make up our formal notice under Australian Privacy Principle 5.
Why we collect your information: We need certain information to understand your financial situation and provide appropriate advice or services. If you choose not to share some details, or if the information is incomplete or inaccurate, it may limit our ability to provide advice or services to you.
Who we may share your information with: Product and platform providers; external service providers (e.g. paraplanners, IT providers); other professionals you've authorised us to work with (e.g. your accountant or tax adviser). James Mills may engage the services of external service providers both here and overseas who supply administrative, financial or other services to assist us. Papilio Financial providing administrative services is located in Fiji.
Accessing or correcting your information: You can ask to access or correct your personal information at any time by contacting us. A copy of our Privacy Policy is on Count's website www.count.au.
Sarah Mills — Merit Insurance
Version number 25.0, 21 January 2026
This FSG Part 2 contains information specific to your Adviser and their firm and should be read together with the FSG Part 1, Version Number 25.0, which contains information about the AFS licensee and their general obligations and arrangements. Paragem Pty Ltd (Paragem) has authorised your adviser to distribute this FSG.
Your Adviser is authorised to provide financial services as an authorised representative of Paragem AFS licence no. 297276, ABN 16 108 571 875, authorised to provide the financial services described in this FSG through Merit Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 691654823, ASIC ID number 1319144.
Merit Insurance may have referral arrangements with other professional service providers. If a client is referred to us, we may pay the referrer a fee or other benefit. We will record the details of any referral fees in the Statement of Advice we prepare for you. If we refer a client to another service provider they may pay us a referrer fee. We will only refer you to third-party professionals where we believe it is in your best interests to do so. All fees and commissions are paid to Merit Insurance.
| Referral Partner | Description | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Financial Services Pty Ltd | Adviser Services | 50% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee or insurance commissions is $1,000, they receive $550 (incl GST). |
| Wards Accounting Pty Ltd | Accounting and taxation services | 20% plus GST of all initial work referred. E.g. if initial fee is $1,000, they receive $220 (incl GST). |
These fees should be considered a guide only. We will discuss your individual needs and agree our fees with you before we provide advice. The actual agreed fees will depend on the complexity of your circumstances, goals, needs, and the scope of advice we provide. Please note that fees may be higher than those outlined here if mutually agreed upon. Insurance only advice does not apply to the below.
| Service | Fee Range (inc. GST) |
|---|---|
| Advice Preparation and Implementation | $2,200 – $30,000 |
| Supplementary Services (research/admin) | $350 per hour |
| Ongoing & Fixed Term Service Fees (per Client Service Arrangement) | $4,620 – $20,000 p.a. |
| Non-advised Transaction Fees (execution only) | $350 per hour |
All fees are inclusive of GST.
The Authorised Representative number for Sarah Mills is 378390 and their details are available on the Financial Advisers Register.
With 23 years of experience in financial services, Sarah is not just a financial planner — she is a trusted adviser dedicated to guiding clients toward financial success. As the Co-Founder of Merit Financial Services, established in 2010, Sarah has built a practice that stands apart from the rest. Unlike many financial firms, we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we work closely with a select group of clients, offering highly tailored strategies designed to create real financial impact.
Sarah's expertise spans investment, insurance, and wealth management, shaped by years in both corporate finance and private practice.
Our strong partnerships with prestigious accountancy firms mean our advice is always considered in the broader context of our clients' financial well-being.
At Merit, we believe financial advice should go beyond numbers; it should be a lifelong partnership. We are strategists who take a proactive approach, mapping out clear pathways to help clients achieve their financial goals. Through careful planning and ongoing guidance, we provide the structure, confidence, and direction needed to turn aspirations into reality.
Sarah Mills is authorised to provide the following products and services:
Sarah Mills is a Director of Merit Financial Services Pty Ltd.
All fees and commissions disclosed in the FSG which are attributed to the services provided to you by your adviser are paid to Paragem who will pay up to 100% of those fees and commissions to Merit Insurance. Merit Insurance may pass on up to 50% of those fees and commission to Merit Financial Services.
Sarah Mills is a Director of Merit Financial Services Pty Ltd and is remunerated through payment of salary and dividends.
We collect personal information about you (and, if applicable, anyone acting on your behalf) to help us provide financial services that are suited to your needs, to manage our relationship with you, and to meet our legal obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Corporations Act 2001.
This statement forms part of our broader Privacy Policy, and together they make up our formal notice under Australian Privacy Principle 5.
Why we collect your information: We need certain information to understand your financial situation and provide appropriate advice or services. If you choose not to share some details, or if the information is incomplete or inaccurate, it may limit our ability to provide advice or services to you.
Who we may share your information with: Product and platform providers; external service providers (e.g. paraplanners, IT providers); other professionals you've authorised us to work with (e.g. your accountant or tax adviser). Sarah Mills may engage the services of external service providers both here and overseas who supply administrative, financial or other services to assist us. Papilio Financial providing administrative services is located in Fiji.
Accessing or correcting your information: You can ask to access or correct your personal information at any time by contacting us. A copy of our Privacy Policy is on Count's website www.count.au.