Why Budgeting Sucks (and What to Do Instead)
Why Traditional Budgeting Fails We’ve all been told that the key to managing money is to create a budget and stick to it. Track every dollar, set spending limits, and…
Numbers vs. Emotions: The Real Game of Investing
When people think about investing, they often focus on the numbers: analysing balance sheets, forecasting earnings growth, understanding sectors, and evaluating dividend yields and price-to-earnings ratios. While these elements are…
Helping Your Kids Financially: Why Timing Matters More Than Amount
As a financial adviser, one of the most common discussions I have with clients is about helping their children financially. For those with the means, the question isn’t if they…
The Regret of Over-Saving: How to Balance Financial Goals and Family Moments
A client once shared a poignant regret: “When I was working and the kids were young, I saved too much. It restricted what we did when the family was together.”…
Retirement Planning for Couples with an Age Gap: 5 Conversations You Need to Have
Planning for retirement can be challenging enough, but when there’s a significant age difference between partners, it adds another layer of complexity. Different life stages often mean differing priorities, timelines,…
The Big Money is in the Waiting: Lessons from Charlie Munger
As a financial adviser, I often find inspiration in the words of seasoned investors who have spent decades mastering their craft. While Warren Buffett tends to grab the spotlight, his…
Quarterly Economic Update: October-December 2024
The final quarter of 2024 reflected a mixed economic landscape. While consumer spending and equity markets showed resilience, persistent inflation, cost-of-living pressures and a cooling housing market have tempered optimism….
The Risks of Home Bias: Why You Need to Look Beyond the ASX
Australian investors have long been known for their strong bias toward local markets. It’s understandable—people invest in what they know and trust. However, relying solely on the Australian Stock Exchange…
Investing for income
Share markets are renowned for taking unexpected downturns and while history shows that markets eventually recover, this rebound in value can occasionally take time. Investors concerned about this risk might…
Why I Stop Retirement Projections in the Early to Mid-80s (and Why It Matters)
When I run retirement projections for clients, one thing I do differently is stop the projections in the early to mid-80s—despite knowing there’s a high probability that one partner in…
Dealing with Post-Christmas Blues
The days leading to Christmas, holidays and celebrations are exciting, frenetic times. They’re a whirl of parties and social engagements, gifts and food to be purchased and travel arranged. The…
Is Debt Consolidation Right for You? A Checklist for Homeowners
Struggling to keep track of multiple debt payments each month? For many Australian homeowners, juggling different debts—whether it’s credit card balances, personal loans, or mortgage repayments—can become overwhelming. Debt consolidation…
The Secret to a Regret-Free Retirement: Focus on Memories, Not Markets
As a financial adviser, I often see retirees who are far more stressed and anxious about money than they need to be. Ironically, money—something that should offer freedom and peace…
Stop resting on your (high income earner) laurels!
Achieving a high income is a significant accomplishment. You’ve put in the hard yards, climbed the ladder, and now you’re pulling in the big bucks! But don’t be mistaken; a…
Horror $47,000 cost blows up the owning vs. renting debate: ‘More expensive’
Financial advisor Robert Goudie has warned Aussies about the extra costs involved in owning a home and that renting isn’t always dead money. You might have heard the phrase that renting…
Inflation vs. Your Savings
Inflation is a slow force working against your financial goals. It can quietly erode the purchasing power of your money over time. While it’s tempting to see cash as a…
Understanding Short-Term Market Volatility: Causes and Solutions
Volatility is part and parcel of investing in share markets. It’s what makes them exciting when prices are climbing but equally nerve-wracking when they swing downward. As much as we’d…
Quarterly Economic Update: July-September 2024
The Australian economy is still growing, but things are moving slower than usual, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is being cautious with any changes to interest rates. They’re…
When debt collectors call, know your rights
Debt is a fact of life; some might say it’s a necessity. Rarely is a home or large-ticket item purchased without finance of some kind. Australians typically manage their financial…
Loud budgeting: Amplifying your financial awareness
Saving for a first home often requires a significant amount of discipline and sacrifice. The challenge of accumulating the necessary deposit can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain motivation….
The Truth About Superannuation: Separating Myths from Reality
“Superannuation is often misunderstood, with many people mistakenly seeing it as a standalone investment rather than what it truly is: a tax structure. This misconception frequently arises, especially during periods…
Is FORO ruining your retirement?
FORO – the fear of running out. I’d never heard the expression until I met Mark and Susan. Of course I’d heard of FOMO, the fear of missing out, but…
The impact of student loans when buying a home
For many Australians, particularly young Australians, the dream of home ownership is often accompanied by the reality of carrying student loans, known as HECS-HELP debt. Understanding the impact of HECS…
The Information Overload Trap: Why Too Much Financial Advice Can Leave You Stuck
There’s no shortage of financial advice out there. Everywhere you look—social media, news articles, investment forums—you’re bombarded with strategies, opinions, and predictions. And honestly? A lot of the information is…
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