EJM Financial Services

Meet the team behind EJM…

With over 160 years’ of combined financial planning experience, our dedicated team has the knowledge to help you succeed.

Creating Happiness

We have a dedicated, experienced team who put our client at the centre of everything we do. We are passionate about delivering personalised, financial solutions that benefit our clients to achieve success.

MEET OUR FINANCIAL ADVISERS:
MEET OUR BACK OFFICE TEAM:
Peter Monahan

General Manager

Jonida Haidar

Services Manager

Marcella Zappulla

Compliance & Paraplanning Manager

Safa Hassan

Paraplanner

Manuela Bruzzese

Finance Manager

Stephanie Bowyer

Client Services Manager

Georgia Reid

Financial Planning Assistant

William Nakos

Financial Planning Assistant

Rocco Liuzzi

Client Services Officer

Jason Calderon

Client Services Officer

Kaye Navales

Client Services Officer

Venus Daugdaug

Paraplanner

Alyssa Mae Salvador

Financial Planner Assistant About

Efhraim Riego

Compliance Facilitator

Gellene Anne Roldan

Paraplanner

Maria Vianca Granada

Paraplanner

Lalyn Mae Baylosis

Paraplanner

Lizanie Racaza

Paraplanner

Creating Happiness

Here at EJM Financial Services, we pride ourselves on ensuring that you, our client, achieve your life goals. They may be small or big, they may be short term or long term, and our only objective is to Create Happiness for you and your family.

"Thank you Manny and all the team at EJM. I feel like I’m part of your family"

Me and my husband, Walter, were introduced to Manny in 2015 by our previous financial adviser who was retiring and recommended Manny and the EJM team. How lucky were we, and especially myself, as my darling husband passed away in 2017. I worked as a radiographer until my retirement three years ago.

Manny’s advice and guidance have been outstanding. I refer to it as the “Exceptional Journey to Managing” (EJM) our financial destiny.

In short, I have a comfortable and tranquil life. I’ve got a big smile on my face. Thank you Manny and all the team at EJM. I feel like I’m part of your family more than a customer.

Trish Zicari
"We look forward to our continuing guidance and have absolute confidence in all the advice."

I am writing this as a happy retiree. I have known Manny for many years now and all of his advice, care, and planning has helped me achieve a personal goal of retiring with the knowledge that I can continue a lifestyle where I can still enjoy doing things and going places with my wife Gina, and still live happily and comfortably week to week.

I have only been in retirement now for six months but I can honestly say I feel very comfortable. Knowing that you have the financial backing to help you continue until well into your nineties is most important.

Manny’s personal care and guidance in our financial matters have been an absolute winner. The continual home visits and catch-ups with our finances and just letting us know where we are at with our superannuation funds is most gratifying.

Manny has helped us with forward planning. We look forward to our continuing guidance and have absolute confidence in all the advice given by Manny and his courteous staff at EJM.

Charlie & Gina Fenech
"I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM."

With the exception of reading the odd "Finance for Dummies” book, I had no idea what getting financial advice would be like. I assumed that my consultation with Brendan would involve looking at my asset to liability ratio, and then a whole heap of judgement about my past financial decisions. Boy, was I wrong, (thankfully).

The best part of working with EJM was taking the time to reflect on what REALLY makes me happy. When you take a step back and you look at happiness more holistically (and stop treating your bank balance as the only indicator), it's amazing what you can achieve.

I knew that if I wanted to reach my end goal of being able to take 6-12 months off work to drive around Australia, then I would need to make some changes. Now, two years into my journey, I'm credit card free (for the first time in 15 years) and I have savings starting to grow in preparation for my adventure. The best bit is that I've not had to sacrifice my love of travel in the meantime.

What happiness looks like is different for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM. They have been wonderful to work with and make me feel confident that my future is bright (and very HAPPY).

Melissa Gundrill
"Manny has helped and advised us on many things over the years and his advice has always been right."

We met Manny in the late 80s. He used to come to our house back then, and it was like having a friend drop in. He was so easy to talk to and we could follow his instructions easily.

He filled us in on what Mick was to do to have a comfortable retirement. It is such a relief to know that we will be able to spend our retirement years doing what we love, travelling around Australia in our caravan enjoying our beautiful country.

Manny has helped and advised us on many things over the years and his advice has always been right. We thank him for that.

We look forward to continuing our friendship with the team at EJM for many years to come.

Mick & Patsy Andrews
"We would have been lost in planning our retirement on our own."

Several years, ago we were referred to EJM by my daughter who was very happy with the advice they had provided her and her partner. We met with Manny and he explained the advice process and we were immediately relieved as it seemed simple enough.

Over the years Manny and the EJM team have helped us plan for our retirement and several years ago, we retired successfully and we have a secure income and peace of mind knowing that the team at EJM keep an eye on things and are always there for us to answer questions and help.

We would have been lost in planning our retirement on our own and this played heavy on our mind. With the EJM team, this stress has been removed and we are thoroughly enjoying our retirement. We look forward to working with Manny and his team over the coming years as his entire team is friendly and courteous.

Geoffrey & Robyn Golightly
"We will be forever grateful for the help and support that is available through EJM."

We first met Brendan through recommendation from my best friend Hanna. When we met with Brendan, we were not in a very good spot financially. We had just become close to losing our first home and two cars that we had together. Paul losing his job and having a 6-month old baby girl - it was a very stressful time.

After working through our financials with Brendan, we were on the road to recovery. Now 6 years later, we are in such an amazing spot financially. It is wonderful. If we hadn’t met Brendan, I honestly don’t know where we would be.

We will be forever grateful for the help and support that is available through EJM. Now we are excited to see the next chapter in our life begin.

Paul & Jayne Pozzan

Contact Us To Request a Meeting.

AT EJM, your initial meeting is complimentary. Our experienced team will take the time to understand your situation and create a tailored plan for financial success.

MANNY MEZZASALMA

CEO
Experience
    I have been in the financial Services industry for 37 years. I believe that each one  of us have dreams and goals we wish to achieve. I have spent my entire working life developing strategies to help people achieve these life long dreams. I am committed to making sure that the entire team at EJM also delivers on this promise.
    Our Happiness book is a testament to the work we have done over the years and I urge you to review the stories that unfold. I believe that personalized service is essential when matching clients with the right financial products and services. I am dedicated to learning about your personal goals and taking that to build a financial security plan focused on achieving your specific needs.
I can provide a range of services to meet your needs including
  • Superannuation & Self
  • Managed Super Funds
  • Insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink & Aged Care advice
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
  • Succession Planning
Qualifications
  • Certified Financial Planner
  • Diploma of Financial Services
More about Manny
  • Loves to travel and spend time with family.
  • Watching any type of Motorsport
  • Competes in Production Sports cars on a national basis
  • National Sports CarEndurance Champion 2013, 2014

BRENDAN CAIRNS

DIRECTOR
Experience
    I have been providing financial advice for 12 years and believe that everyone gets out of bed for a reason; everyone has dreams and goals they wish to achieve. I have spent my entire working life developing strategies to help people achieve these lifelong goals. Our Happiness book is a testament to the work we have done over the years and I urge you to review the true stories that unfold.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation & Self-Managed Super Funds
  • Personal Insurance
  • Investment strategies including gearing, shares and property
  • Centrelink & Aged Care advice
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
  • Estate planning
Qualifications
  • Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
  • Fellow, Chartered Financial Practitioner, FChFP
  • Aged Care Accredited Specialist
More about Brendan
  • Director of EJM Financial Services Wangaratta
  • Married to Nicole and have three young daughters.
  • I enjoy football, gardening, history, camping and travel

CHARLENE HAIDAR

CREDIT ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the financial services industry for 9 years and joined the EJM team in 2010. I originally started with EJM in their back office team supporting the financial advisers with implementing their strategies for their clients. In 2012 I completed additional study to obtain my credit license to assist people in obtaining credit and managing their debt.
    I’ve helped people achieve their goals of purchasing their first home, assisting them to create wealth with utilizing debt and assisted with forming a strategy to become debt free. It’s been fulfilling to educate and assist my clients to better understand their debt and help them to achieve their goals when at times they haven’t believed their dreams could become a reality. I really believe that helping a client obtain finance is a small part of what I can offer and is more around the education of how debt can be used and the most efficient ways in order to extinguish it.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Residential mortgages and home loans
  • Personal loans
  • Car leases
  • Rural loans
  • Commercial loans
  • Reverse mortgages
  • Self Managed Super Fund loans
  • Debt reduction strategies
Qualifications
  • Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management
More about Charlene
  • I’m a mum to two energetic little boys, Matias and Dante.
  • I’ve competed at a National and State level in Volleyball, Netball and Athletics.
  • After meeting my husband I’ve been converted into a soccer fan and spend my weekends watching my husband play soccer as a Goal Keeper and being kept up to date with the English Premier League.
  • Love to travel and experience other cultures especially coming from a mixed background and exposing our children to other walks of life.
Lending
    As an Accredited Mortgage Consultant, I can also help you find a suitable loan to fit your needs from a range of lenders.

KOSTA ATANASOV

ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the financial planning industry for over 12 years and have joined the EJM team in 2018. The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing the happiness and relief clients experience when they know their financial needs are being looked after so that they can focus of living their lives. I see myself as my clients’ financial problem solver, I take a holistic approach to putting in place a plan for my clients and most importantly their families.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation & Self Managed Super Funds (inc LRBAs)
  • insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink & Aged Care advice
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
  • Margin Lending and Geared Investments
  Qualifications
  • Diploma of Financial Planning
  • Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
  • Bachelor of Business (E-Commerce) from VUT
  • Bachelor of Arts (Multimedia) from VUT
  More about Kosta
  • I’m passionate about soccer, so much so that in my other life I am Soccer coach to a bunch of teenagers at a local club.
  • I enjoy getting out in to the great outdoors, from hiking in the Grampians to paddle boarding in the river system behind Anglesea.
  • Love to travel and discover new places.

PETER SMIRNOV

ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the Financial Services Industry for 12 years and joined the EJM Financial Services team in early 2019. I am passionate in helping my clients reach their financial and lifestyle goals. It is rewarding knowing that what I do can achieve goals and create happiness.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation & Self Managed Super Funds
  • Insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
  • Estate Planning
  Qualifications
  • Diploma of Financial Planning
  More about Peter
  • Spending time outdoors exploring new places.
  • Love to travel and experience different cultures.
  • Enjoy sports with a keen interest in cycling.

TERRY MASTERS

CREDIT ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the financial services industry for over 40 years and joined the EJM team in 2018 I’ve helped people achieve their goals of purchasing their first home, assisting them to create wealth and with forming a strategy to reduce their debt . Its rewarding to see people achieve their goals and to be a part of their journey.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Residential mortgages and home loans
  • Personal loans
  • Asset finance
  • Rural loans
  • Commercial loans
  • Reverse mortgages
  • Self Managed Super Fund loans
  • Debt reduction strategies
  Qualifications
  • Certificate IV Finance & Mortgage Broking Management
  • Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking
  • MFAA accredited broker
  More about Terry
  • Married to Lynn with two children.
  • Enjoy watching Josh and Ella play Basketball, Netball and Football (soccer) and have been involved as a Football coach at NPL level.
  • Love to travel and try different cuisines.
Lending
    As an Accredited Mortgage Consultant. With access to over 40 lenders I am sure I can find the right loan to suit your needs and help to achieve your goals quicker.

LUCY THOMPSON

ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the Financial Service Industry for more than 20 years. I started off working in Funds Management in client services and then moved to Technical Management where I helped Financial Advisers navigate legislation and find strategies and solutions to their clients’ complex circumstances. In 2003 I made the switch from Technical Manager to Financial Planner when  I moved to regional NSW. I love helping people understand the importance of their financial journey and understanding all that it involves. I find it rewarding that I can provide peace of mind to clients about their circumstances and taking the time to educate them so that they walk away with a little bit more knowledge every time.
    As a mother of 3 girls, I am passionate about educating women regarding financial issues and want to encourage women to be in control of their own financial future. I have a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and a Diploma of Financial Planning.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation & Self-Managed Super Funds
  • Personal Insurance
  • Investment strategies
  • Centrelink
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cashflow Analysis
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Business (Finance)
  • Diploma of Financial Planning
  More about Lucy
  • I’m a mum to 3 gorgeous girls Matilda, Harriet, and Arabella.
  • I love spending time with family and friends.
  • I enjoy all things interiors and real estate, gardening, and travel.

ANTONY FERNANDO

ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the Financial Services Industry for more than 20 years and joined with EJM Financial Services team in June 2020. I am passionate about creating happiness for my clients by helping them to realize their financial and lifestyle goals.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation
  • Insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink advice
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction
  • Cash Flow Analysis
  • Estate planning
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Accounting
  • Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
  • Diploma in Financial Planning
  • Diploma in Management
More about Antony
  • I am married to Bernadette and have a daughter. I love spending my free time traveling with my family.
  • Enjoy sports with a keen interest in cricket.

SIMON EREAUT

ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the financial planning industry for over 15 years and have joined the EJM team in 2021. In those years, I have been able to gather vast experience from roles in administration, paraplanning, operations management and most importantly delivering on a high level of advice. I am passionate about being the calm voice in amongst a client’s busy life to help them achieve their personal goals and objectives. I will be here to understand the “Why?” you’re seeking advice and then provide the “How” that advice will help you create your happiness.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation & Self Managed Super Funds
  • Insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink & Aged Care<l/i>
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
  • Estate Planning
  Qualifications
  • Certified Financial Planner
  • Bachelor of Finance from LaTrobe University
  More about Simon
  • I’m a sports nut but am most passionate about Essendon in the AFL and West Ham in the EPL.
  • I study Spanish and have been attending classes since 2015.
  • I have a love of Single Malt Whisky from around the world.

PETER MONAHAN

GENERAL MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here are a few things so you can get to know me:
  • Over 20 years leadership experience across hospitality, sport, small business and finance.
  • I have been a member of the Melbourne Football club for 27 years (and still waiting for my 1st premiership)
  • I am a father of 2 very energetic kids, Isabel & Paddy.

JONIDA HAIDAR

SERVICES MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I have been with EJM Financial Services for over 7 years as part of the back office support team.
  • I am a mum of two little boys Oliver and Charlie.
  • I enjoy travelling, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

MARCELLA ZAPPULLA

COMPLIANCE & PARAPLANNING MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • I have happily been in financial services industry for over a decade.
  • I enjoy reading, listening to music & going to concerts.

MARCELLA ZAPPULLA

PARAPLANNER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Bachelor Business Financial Planning.
  • I love coffee! Previously worked as a Barista for 5 years.
  • Enjoy hiking, traveling and eating ice-cream in the cold weather.

MANUELA BRUZZESE

FINANCE MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I have been with EJM Financial Services for over 10 Year and have over 30 years’ experience in client services.
  • I enjoy listening to music and dancing.
  • I have a teenage boy and love spending quality time with my family.

STEPHANIE BOWYER

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I have happily worked in financial services for over 10 years.
  • I enjoy being in the outdoors especially with my partner and dog or friends.
  • I am an avid traveler & hiker.

GEORGIA REID

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I love travelling.
  • I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
  • I love animals, especially dogs!

WILLIAM NAKOS

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT
About
    My role is to facilitate the creation of happiness through many core responsibilities including documentation and research. Some more information about myself so that you can get to know me better:
Formal qualifications
  • Bachelor of Business – Financial Planning (with distinction).
  • Bachelor of Business – Accounting (with distinction).
  • Associate Degree in Business.
Relevant experience(s)
  • 1st place AMP University Financial Planning Challenge 2018 (Strategy).
  • 5th place AMP University Financial Planning Challenge 2018 (Presentation).
  • Elected on to the Business Board of RMIT (one-year term).
  • Elected on to the Academic Development Committee of RMIT (one-year term).
  • Golden Key International Honours Society lifetime member.
More about William
  • Lifelong Essendon supporter.

ROCCO LIUZZI

CLIENT SERVICES OFFICER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, I take pride in getting to know our clients and do my best in making sure I help in any way possible. Here are a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I have been at EJM Financial Services for over a year as part of the back office team.
  • I am currently studying a Bachelor of Business (Majoring in Accounting & Finance) at La Trobe University.
  • I enjoy football, outdoor actives and spending time with family & friends.

JASON CALDERON

CLIENT SERVICES OFFICER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I love reading non-fiction books and watching documentary films.
  • I played chess for 11 years.
  • I enjoy drinking beer with friends.

KAYE NAVALES

CLIENT SERVICES OFFICER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I worked for the Hospitality Industry for almost 8 years prior to working in Financial Services Industry.
  • I enjoy reading mystery and suspense novels.
  • I love traveling and taking pictures of landscapes, sunrise, and sunsets.
  • I love going to the beach as I enjoy swimming.

VENUS DAUGDAUG

PARAPLANNER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • Finished two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting & Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
  • I love traveling and get to experience other cultures.
  • I love dogs and I’m a dog mom of 4 furbabies.

ALYSSA MAE SALVADOR

FINANCIAL PLANNER ASSISTANT
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I finished a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
  • I had a 4-year work experience in formal dining set up.
  • I am a mum to a very energetic baby girl, Bea.
  • My hobbies are cooking, singing and watching movies.

EFHRAIM RIEGO

COMPLIANCE FACILITATOR
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
  • I love swimming, hiking and playing board games.
  • I always try to get out of my comfort zone to get new experiences.

GELLENE ANNE ROLDAN

PARAPLANNER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • Finished two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting & Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
  • I function better when I have iced coffee.
  • I love to read and watch random TV shows and clips when I have free time.

MARIA VIANCA GRANADA

PARAPLANNER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
  • I enjoy watching movies and listening to music.

LALYN MAE BAYLOSIS

PARAPLANNER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Graduated Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
  • Completed Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • Loves going to the beach.
  • Enjoys reading history books or watching documentary show.
  • Loves stargazing and watching sunsets.

LIZANIE RACAZA

PARAPLANNER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • I love doing road trips with family and friends.
  • I love traveling and engaging in sports.