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Meet Your Advisor Manela
Empowering clients with clarity, confidence, and strategies that transform lives.
Manela Gunawardena
Financial Adviser
BSc (Acc & Fin), MMgt (Acc & Fin), SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA®)
Manela is a thoughtful and detail-oriented adviser who empowers clients with clarity and confidence, guiding them through complex financial decisions with care and precision.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
BSc (Accounting & Finance) – London School of Economics and Political Science
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MMgt (Accounting & Finance) – University of Melbourne
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Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning – Kaplan Professional
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SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA®) – SMSF Association​
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Member, Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA)
ASIC ​No. 001289366
“Every qualification has been a step toward helping others make confident financial decisions.”
Services
I support young professionals, families, and individuals navigating life transitions with financial strategies that build clarity, protect what matters, and prepare for what’s next, whether that’s education planning, career change, or retirement.
Retirement Planning
Strategic Wealth Creation
Investment Management
Personal Insurance
Superannuation Strategies
Cash Flow Modelling & Scenario Analysis
Who I Work With
If you’re navigating a life transition or simply want to feel more in control of your financial future, I’m here to help.
Young professionals building financial confidence and clarity early in their careers
Families planning for education, protection, and long-term wealth creation
Pre-retirees and retirees navigating the complexities of retirement planning
Clients experiencing life transitions, such as separation, divorce, career change, or loss
“Advice should empower not just inform. When clients understand their choices, they own their future.”
My Advice Philosophy
I believe financial advice is most powerful when it empowers.
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My approach centres on equipping clients with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions - decisions that reflect their values, goals, and aspirations. Financial advice isn’t just about superannuation, investments, or insurance in isolation. It’s about understanding how each element fits together to form a cohesive, personalised strategy.
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Every client is different, and so is every financial journey. I take the time to understand each person’s unique circumstances and work collaboratively to build a plan that creates real, lasting value. My goal is to demystify financial concepts and help clients feel confident in their choices. When people understand the “why” behind their decisions, they’re not just following advice, they’re owning it.
My Career Journey
My journey into financial advice began during my Master’s in Accounting and Finance at the University of Melbourne. As part of a winter unit in 2017, I was assigned to Discover Financial Partners for a short internship, my first real exposure to the world of financial planning.
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Growing up in Sri Lanka, where financial advice was virtually unheard of, this experience was eye-opening. It introduced me to a profession I hadn’t considered, and one that quickly captured my interest. After the internship, I joined Discover part-time as a Client Services Officer while completing my studies, and transitioned into a full-time role in 2018.
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The longer I stayed, the more passionate I became. I saw firsthand how quality financial advice could change lives. It struck a personal chord, my own family lacked access to this kind of guidance, and I could see how different things might have been with the right tools and education. That realization became my motivation. I wanted to help others access the kind of support that empowers them to achieve goals they may have thought were out of reach.
Adviser with Personality
I’m a photo lover, foodie adventurer, and long black sipper who’s always capturing the moment. As a new mum, life is full of joyful chaos, heartfelt milestones, and plenty of coffee. Whether I’m deep in conversation with a client or sharing laughs with the team, I bring energy, curiosity, and a genuine love for connection into everything I do. My journey from Sri Lanka to Melbourne has shaped not just my career, but my perspective, fueling a passion for helping others find clarity and confidence in their financial lives.
What Manela's Clients Say About Her
Geoff H, Montrose
"Manela and the team at Discover Financial has guided me through the transition to retirement period with a great deal of professionalism and understanding, explaining all aspects of my investment strategies at every step. Their investments have worked well for me, giving a good return and hopefully a comfy retirement!
Would certainly recommend."
Peter T, Warrandyte
“We can't express enough how grateful we are to have worked with Manela. She took the time to understand our situation truly and ensured every step was smooth, timely, and stress-free. Her attention to detail and organisational skills gave us confidence. What impressed us the most was Manela's genuine care for our well-being.”
Jane C, Ripponlea
"My advisor, Manela, is courteous and professional and knows finance well. I have found her very thorough in looking into various scenarios and options for me as I transition towards retirement. When I have needed advice, Manela has come back to me quickly and her advice has given me the confidence to make sound financial decisions."
Insights from Manela Gunawardena
