This month, we're pleased to profile Joanna Day, Financial Adviser at Milford Wealth Management, whose passion for helping people build confidence in their financial futures shines through in her approach to advice and education. Drawing on her own experiences and a strong belief in the power of long-term investing, Joanna shares insights on financial wellbeing and the value of backing yourself.
Joanna Day, Financial Adviser - Milford Wealth Management
Member of the FSC Empower Women Working Group
What drives me is helping people realise that investing doesn't have to be complicated. It shouldn't feel like rocket science, and it certainly shouldn't be something reserved for people who already have significant wealth. I've always been passionate about education and helping people build confidence in their financial decisions. Looking back, I wish I'd known in my twenties what I know now about investing and the power of starting early. I spent ten years living and working in London and another five years in Sydney, and while those years gave me incredible experiences, I was probably more focused on living in the moment than building long-term wealth.
Those experiences have shaped how I work today. I enjoy helping clients understand not just what they're doing with their money, but why. My goal is for people to leave a conversation feeling more informed, more confident, and better equipped to make decisions about their future.
2. In your current role, what challenges or opportunities are front of mind right now?
One of the biggest challenges is helping clients stay focused on their long-term goals during periods of market volatility. Geopolitical events, elections, economic uncertainty, and market headlines can create short-term noise, which sometimes makes people question their investment strategy. A large part of my role is reminding clients that investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Markets will always experience ups and downs, but successful investing is not about reacting to every headline. It's about having a well-considered plan, staying disciplined, and giving that plan time to work.
At the same time, I see a significant opportunity to continue educating people about investing and helping them understand the value of thinking long term. When clients understand the journey, they're often much more comfortable navigating the inevitable bumps along the way.
3. What are you most excited about in 2026 - personally, professionally, or for the financial services industry?
I'm excited about seeing more people engage with financial advice and investment planning earlier in life. The more time people have on their side, the greater the opportunity to build long-term financial security.
One quote that has always resonated with me comes from Warren Buffett:
"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."
I think that perfectly captures what investing is all about. The decisions we make today can have a significant impact many years into the future.
Whether I'm working with younger clients who are starting out on their investment journey, business owners who have recently sold a company, or people approaching retirement who want confidence that their wealth will support them throughout retirement, it's incredibly rewarding to help clients see the long-term benefits of planning ahead.
4. What advice would you share with women navigating their own growth in financial services and growing their own financial wellbeing?
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While long-term investing can help build financial security, it's important to remember that all investing involves risk, and returns can be negative as well as positive.
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Start sooner than you think you need to. Time is one of the most powerful tools available to investors, and even small amounts invested consistently can make a meaningful difference over the long term.
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Don't be afraid to ask questions. Financial concepts can sometimes feel intimidating, but understanding often starts with asking the questions everyone else is wondering about too.
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Back yourself. Your perspective, experiences and instincts have value. Confidence often comes from taking action rather than waiting until you feel completely ready.
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Focus on progress, not perfection. Building financial wellbeing isn't about making perfect decisions. It's about making good decisions consistently over time.
5. How do you stay balanced or refuel outside work?
Outside work, you'll often find me on the golf course. I enjoy the challenge of the game, the social side of it, and the opportunity to switch off for a few hours.
My eight-year-old son keeps me both busy and grounded. Between school, activities, and everything else that comes with parenting, there's never a dull moment. He provides a wonderful sense of perspective and a reminder that life isn't always about markets, investment portfolios, and financial plans.
Bonus: What does empowerment mean to you?
To me, empowerment is giving people the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future.
In financial advice, that doesn't mean having all the answers for someone. It means helping people understand their options, ask questions, and feel confident about the decisions they're making.
When people understand where they are today, where they want to get to, and the steps that can help them get there, they're in a much stronger position to take control of their future.