Meet Our Team
In addition to our own services, our network of like-minded professionals gives you access to a huge reservoir of technical expertise and practical experience in a wide range of areas. These include investments, risk insurance, superannuation (including self-managed superannuation), estate planning and other legal matters, retirement and aged care planning, business advice and inter-generational financial planning.
The Team
Nick Shanley
Financial Adviser / Director
Born and bred in Newcastle, Nick is passionate about helping people achieve their financial goals.
Having completed a Bachelor of Finance degree and the FPA’s internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner® course, Nick is well versed on the technical aspects of providing financial advice. With over 10 years’ experience in the financial advice industry, he understands the value of reputation in the hunter and focuses on establishing long term relationships with the people he assists.
Throughout his career, Nick has provided advice to people from all walks of life including high net worth individuals and successful business leaders. The scope of this advice has been wide ranging from simple savings plans to sophisticated Centrelink, pre-retirement and investment strategies.
It is Nick's goal to always display the highest level of integrity and ethical behaviour in all circumstances. This is evidenced by his membership of the Financial Planning Association and the Hunter Young Professionals.
The vast majority of people Nick assists come from word of mouth and appreciate his no pressure methods of simplifying and improving their financial situations through continuous communication and support.
Nick is always interested in sharing his knowledge so feel free to contact him on 0425 345 128 or nick@shanleyfinancial.com.au
Nick Shanley is an authorised representative (338220) of Sensibly Pty Ltd (AFSL 533923)
Luke Styles
Financial Adviser
Luke began his career in financial services in early 2011, bringing a wealth of experience across various aspects of financial planning. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with clients, who appreciate his genuine, personal approach and deep commitment to helping them achieve their financial goals.
As a shareholder of Shanley Financial Planning, Luke is dedicated to supporting outstanding outcomes for the business’ clients.
Luke’s passion lies in helping Australians find peace around their finances. He finds immense fulfillment in seeing long-term strategies play out and watching clients reach their objectives over time. He recognises that the role he plays in his clients’ lives is a great privilege, built on integrity, trust, and a commitment that often extends beyond just financial matters.
Luke has lived in the Hunter region since 1999 and cannot think of a better place to live, work, and play. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his partner, Courtney, their son, Isaac, and their daughter, Bronte. He also relishes the challenge of improving his golf score whenever he gets the chance.
Steve May
Financial Adviser
Steve May has been looking after the financial planning needs of his clients for over 20 years. He’s passionate about educating and helping people achieve their goals and dreams and believes that financial advice shouldn’t be too complex and costly. Steve is married to Julie and has a son, Michael, and a daughter, Kit.
He’s lived and worked in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle since moving to the area in 1996, so knows the region well. He’s also a past President and player for the Warners Bay Bulldogs Australian Football Club. Steve also enjoys playing squash and golf in his spare time and freely admits he’s not talented at either pursuit.
Kim Dickson
Client Service Officer
Kim keeps the wheels in the office turning and we’d be lost without her.
She had a career with a major retailer spanning some 20 plus years and has now been with Steve May Financial Services for over 4 years. Kim has extensive administrative, HR and payroll knowledge.
Kim has a daughter Emily and a son Jamie.
She moved to Lake Macquarie as a five year old and has called the region home ever since. As well as spending time with family and friends Kim also enjoys keeping fit, reading, having an active involvement in her children’s school community and also the broader community, volunteering her time to support Reach Homeless Services.
Chris Miller
Paraplanner
With a robust background in taxation having come to us from a 6-year career in assisting individuals in preparing tax returns, Chris is now progressing into the finance world by assisting in the preparation of advice documents for our clients.
Chris has a keen thirst for knowledge, having completed a Bachelor of Science from The University of Newcastle and currently studying a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. He brings a strong focus on attention to detail and customer care.
In his spare time Chris enjoys everything to do with nature and has taken it upon himself to ensure the healthy maintenance of plants in our East Maitland office.
Narelle Winley
Client Service Officer
Narelle worked in the financial services and planning industry for 16 years before joining Steve May Financial Services. She has extensive experience in administration and compliance.
Narelle is married to Luke (not the Luke at Steve May Financial Services!) and they have three daughters, April, Olivia and Faith, who keep her very busy. They moved to Lake Macquarie in 2014 from Sydney and have never looked back.
In her spare time Narelle enjoys paddle boarding on the lake, reading, cooking and camping.
Melissa Kirby
Paraplanner
Melissa has worked in financial services for several years in Financial Planning and Investment Banking. She has extensive experience in developing financial strategies and financial modelling for clients.
Melissa grew up in Lake Macquarie before moving to Sydney, then to Auckland, and returned to the Hunter in 2009 with her Kiwi husband Mark. Their children, Jackson and Eliza are now studying at university.
Melissa likes to spend time with her extended family and friends. She also likes to help out at the local sailing club in Toronto where she is learning sail.
Linda Matuszny
Client Service Officer
Linda comes to us having worked across several business sectors including accounting, finance and human resources supported by her Business degree and further studies in these interest areas.
Having moved from the Manning Valley to Newcastle in 2021, Linda continues to explore our region and values the fabulous physical attributes our area offers which nicely complements her interests in mountain biking, hiking and walking.
Linda is married to Peter and has four children; Matt studying at the University of Newcastle and Katelyn, Benjamin and Lucia all in high school and loving the diversity and opportunities living in Newcastle offer together with the close proximity of all things sport and leisure.
Any downtime is made good use of by enjoying reading a book between club volunteer stints with the childrens’ many and varied sporting interests.
Grace Broom
Trainee Paraplanner
Grace recently completed her Higher School Certificate and has commenced a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Newcastle, with plans to move on to a Master in Financial Planning. She aspires to become a Financial Planner at the end of her studies and is thrilled at the knowledge she has gained in her time with us so far.
Grace moved to Lake Macquarie when she was 12 and has been exploring all it has to offer since, including spending time with her friends and family. Grace also enjoys cooking and reading as well as a good cuddle with her two dachshunds, Lizzie and Pumpkin.