Our Team
Paul Ellenberg
Financial Planner / Managing Director
BCom, DFP, SPAA SMSF Specialist, Cert IV Mortgage Broking Authorised Representative Number 250966 , Credit Representative Number 479342, Certified Financial Strategist (CFS)
Paul has over 25 years’ experience in the financial planning industry, entering the industry in 1997 via a mentorship program. He has since developed and built a successful financial planning practice, known as Fortuna Financial Group.
Fortuna Financial’ s philosophy revolves around people and the relationship between clients and advisers. It is a philosophy that filters through to every aspect of our business. Paul has built strong and long-lasting relationships with his clients as he enjoys making the connection on not just a client / adviser relationship, which is purely commercial, but on a more personal and well human level. He approaches his clients with empathy and compassion, always willing to listen and understand their needs, wants and objectives. Paul’s personal integrity, his always expanding expertise and his ability to really listen to his clients means that he leads by example, maintains personal contact and builds relationships based on hard-earned trust. He is seen and respected as a trusted adviser assisting clients when and where required through all stages and aspects of their lives
The way and Paul and his team work together has reinvented and given real meaning to the somewhat clichéd adage “the client comes first”. Under his direction, it has become a phrase that really does describe the way the firm and team works.
Along with his broad-based competencies in investments, tax planning risk advice, superannuation, wealth creation and self-managed superannuation funds. Paul specialises in self-managed super funds and has obtained the SMSF Specialist Advisor™ with SMSF association, in 2013. The designation is only obtained once a three-year qualifying period is fulfilled giving advice within the SMSF industry, an exam is then required to taken and passed and continuing education to maintain the respected designation annually. This designation ensures a high standard of advice is maintained. These standards aim to ensure that Paul under the membership with the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) advisory profession exercises the highest level of professionalism; providing a quality of service that is credible, up to date and relevant. As an SMSF Association members we are required to conduct ourselves in a professional business-like manner at all times. These Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures are the expected minimum requirement for all SMSF Association members
Paul leads an active lifestyle one of travelling , martial arts, and the gym. He meditates and has a very optimistic view on life, enjoys his crystals, oils and well the spiritual side of life too.
Michael Michalczyk
Financial Planner
BCom, Banking and Finance Authorised Representative Number 1001588
Certified Financial Strategist (CFS)
Since joining the financial planning industry in 2011, Michael has developed a holistic skillset and prides himself in providing clear, unbiased and comprehensive advice in a range of different areas. These areas include Self-Managed Super Funds, Retirement Planning, Debt Reduction, Tax Minimisation, Investments, Superannuation, Insurances and Cash Flow Management. Michael is client focussed and will listen attentively to a client’s needs ensuring that the advice given is suitable and specific to each clients unique set of circumstances. He is approachable and will work with a client to set realistic expectations of advice given. He has proven himself to be trustworthy and reliable.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Banking) as well as an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys keeping fit, spending time with his young family, travelling, spending time outdoors and watching NBA basketball.
CARL RYAN
Client Services Officer
BCom, Banking and Finance
Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Since joining the financial planning industry in 2017, Carl has developed strengths in attention to detail, time management and communication.
Carl is one of the first point of contact via phone and email.
Carl will liaise with superannuation & insurance providers and both advisers to meet your financial needs and goals.
Carl holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) as well as a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Carl is aspiring to become an adviser in the future.
In his spare time, Carl enjoys keeping fit, travelling, spending time with his parents and watching all forms of cricket.
KIRSTY MUIR
Client Services Officer
BCom- Economics and Business Management
RE1 and RE5 Financial Planning Diploma
“I began my career in South Africa in financial services in 2012 as a Finance and Insurance Manager. In 2014, a Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer diagnosis resulted in a large personal trauma and income protection claim which added significant value to my family’s financial position at the time, and really reinforced the importance of seeking and receiving strong financial advice. Once in remission in 2016, I was invited to join a small Financial Planning practice as an intern before going on to practice as a Financial Planner for close to six years. My young family and I immigrated to Perth in 2022.
I’m excited to be working at Fortuna Financial as it’s a chance to develop my financial services knowledge and my understanding of the financial planning industry here in Australia.”