About Me - Elle Ross
“I’m the founder of First Steps Financial, with over 18 years of experience in the financial planning industry. I hold a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, a Diploma of Stockbroking, and have recently completed my Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management. I also successfully completed the Financial Adviser Exam during my career in financial services.
Throughout my career, I’ve supported families, professionals, and business owners in building confidence around money, and was proud to be awarded the Women in Finance ‘Financial Adviser of the Year’ in 2017, as well as being recognised as a finalist in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
After selling my financial planning business to focus on raising my young family, I wanted to continue using my experience in a way that genuinely helps others feel more confident and informed about their financial future, without the pressure or complexity that can often come with the industry.
First Steps Financial combines financial education and mortgage broking support with a strong focus on clear communication, practical guidance, and long-term relationships. My goal is to help individuals and families feel empowered to better understand their finances, navigate lending decisions with confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their future.”
A little bit more.
During my career in financial planning, I developed strong expertise across strategic planning, superannuation, retirement preparation, estate planning, risk protection, cashflow management, and long-term wealth strategies. More recently, I expanded my services into mortgage broking after completing my Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, allowing me to further support clients through important lending and property decisions.
My passion has always been helping people feel more confident and informed when it comes to money. I believe financial concepts should be explained in a way that feels approachable, practical, and easy to understand, without unnecessary pressure or complexity.
Over the years, I have supported clients through many different stages of life, from young adults managing their first income, to growing families purchasing property or refinancing, through to individuals preparing for retirement and long-term financial security.
Alongside my client work, I also tutor the future financial professionals of tomorrow through Kaplan Professional, supporting students as they work toward careers within the financial services industry. I’m passionate about helping the next generation build both technical knowledge and confidence as they enter the profession.
I also partner with schools to deliver tailored financial education programs, helping younger generations build practical money skills early and develop healthy financial habits for the future.
Through First Steps Financial, my goal is to create a supportive environment where individuals and families feel educated, empowered, and confident taking the next step toward their financial goals, whether through financial education, mortgage broking support, or simply having clearer conversations around money.
“Knowledge is the stepping stone to confidence, and confidence is the pathway to freedom.”
— First Steps Financial —