Venetia Ridge
Senior Adviser
M. Com, GDFP, B.Bus
My family’s experience showed me how tough life can feel when you don’t have a financial plan or the right protection in place. It's when I realised how powerful good advice can be. Now, I help clients avoid those gaps, simplify their decisions, and build financial strategies that make life feel lighter and more secure.
After starting my career in corporate banking, I realised something was missing: the human connection. I didn’t just want to work with numbers; I wanted to work with people. What truly energises me is helping individuals and families shape their life journey into something meaningful, purposeful, and enjoyable.
Our relationship with money often determines whether we move toward success or stay stuck in stress. Seeing this so clearly is what led me into financial planning. I wanted to make a real difference: helping people understand their money, make confident decisions, and build a future that feels genuinely fulfilling. This is the work that matters to me.
As a kid, I’d look at people who had their lives together – the early retirees, the world travellers, the dream-home owners – and wonder, What’s their secret? That curiosity turned into a passion… and eventually my career.
Question time
What’s a moment or experience that shaped who you are today?
Growing up in an international environment had a massive influence on how I view the world. I lived 12 years of my childhood in Indonesia, interacting with different cultures, perspectives and experiences. I draw on this upbringing regularly to empathise and connect with my clients – we all have such different backgrounds, and being able to relate to anyone is one of my core strengths.
If your life right now had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it and why?
- “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
- Mood-changer. Heart-warmer. Pure sunshine.
- “The Happy Song” – Imogen Heap
- For those who know, know you have a little one at home or trying to drive from A to B
- “All I want for Christmas” – Mariah Carey
- Sometimes you just need to sing like you think you have talent
What’s a hot take you’ll defend forever, even if everyone else disagrees?
The godfather is the greatest film ever made.
What’s one small habit or decision that’s quietly helped your financial life (even if it wasn’t intentional)?
Being curious about money instead of scared of it. Curiosity grows confidence fast. Even simple things – like actually opening my bank statements or sorting my spending into categories – changed everything. Understanding your spending genuinely shapes your life.
What’s something you’re completely obsessed with at the moment: a show, hobby, book, podcast, or random niche interest?
I’m currently unhinged-level obsessed with The Real Housewives. Any city, any season – if there’s a table to flip or a friendship to implode, I’m there.
If your younger self asked you for one piece of money advice that isn’t boring or preachy, what would you tell them?
Compound interest is the one relationship that will treat you right if you give it time.
~ Malcolm X
