TWD – Women’s Edition: Dana Gibbs (GradDipFinPlan)

About Me
With over 20 years in the financial services industry, Dana brings experience, empathy and strategic clarity to every client relationship. She believes exceptional advice starts with genuine listening – understanding what matters most and building tailored strategies that turn goals into achievable outcomes.
Dana is passionate about helping people live well – not just in the future, but now. She thrives on the strategic side of advice: mapping clear pathways, tracking progress, and confidently adjusting course when life throws the unexpected. Whether building wealth, navigating major transitions, or managing complexity, she provides calm, practical guidance every step of the way.
Working with clients from all walks of life and at every stage of their journey, Dana understands that no two financial stories are the same. She is deeply committed to education, ensuring clients feel informed, empowered and in control of their financial decisions.
Dana began her career in Melbourne as a Financial Planning Assistant while completing her studies. After returning to her hometown of Perth, she joined a boutique advisory firm that recognised her natural ability to connect with clients and her passion for advice. She went on to become a licensed Adviser and part-owner of the business within just a few years.
When the firm merged with The Wealth Designers in 2023, Dana joined one of Australia’s leading boutique advisory firms as a Senior Wealth Adviser. Her ground-up knowledge of financial planning gives her a unique edge – understanding the process from inception to implementation and ensuring every piece of advice meets the highest professional standard.
Dana’s clients value her strategic mindset, steady guidance and unwavering support – through both life’s wins and its curveballs.
Get to know more about me
What does “Live Well” look like for you on an ordinary Tuesday, not a highlight-reel day?
A day spent doing work I love – helping clients make confident decisions and move closer to their goals. Then it’s a quick switch to school pick-up, a bench covered in “snacks, snacks and more snacks,” and time with my two little humans (4 and 7) and my husband. Dinner prep with background chaos, after-school activities, backyard play and bedtime stories – being fully present at home. The day ends with a well-deserved glass of wine and a quiet reset. Not glamorous – but my version of living well.
What’s your biggest goal at the moment?
This year it’s all about renovating our home and creating a space that works beautifully for family life. On the horizon? A big Africa adventure in 2029 – equal parts planning, dreaming and saving.
What money habit do you have now that your younger self would be quietly impressed by?
Delayed gratification! I used to believe a new outfit was always a good idea. Now I get far more satisfaction from investing, saving and watching long-term plans come together. Turns out future freedom is better than fast fashion.
What’s a belief about money, success, or “having it all” that you’ve consciously let go of?
I’ve let go of the pressure (and the FOMO) of trying to do everything immediately. Small, consistent steps beat rushed, exhausting leaps every time.
When life feels full, noisy, or financially overwhelming, what helps you come back to centre?
A “financial spring clean.” My husband and I sit down, revisit our goals, talk about what really matters and reset the budget. Clarity replaces noise pretty quickly when you zoom out and refocus.

Qualifications
- Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
- Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
- Diploma of Financial Planning
Services Offered
STRATEGIES
- Investment strategies including gearing and savings plans
- Budget and cash flow planning
- Debt management
- Superannuation advice, including salary sacrifice and consolidation strategies
- Personal insurance strategies
- Centrelink / DVA advice
- Retirement planning advice
- Estate planning advice
- Portfolio review services
- Ongoing advisory services
- Referrals to specialists e.g. accountants, solicitors, mortgage and general insurance brokers
PRODUCTS
- Basic and non-basic deposit products
- Government debentures, stocks or bonds
- Investment life insurance products or life risk insurance products
- Interests in managed investment schemes, including investor directed portfolio services (IDPS) and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs)
- Retirement savings accounts
- Securities
- Superannuation