Money and Health: The Not So Surprising Connection
When we think about health, we often picture diet, exercise, or regular check-ups. What we do not always think about is money. Yet financial wellbeing and overall wellbeing are closely linked.
The Value of Simplicity – why simplifying your finances can reduce stress and improve outcomes.
When it comes to money, more is not always better. Multiple super funds, a handful of bank accounts, different investment platforms, and stacks of paperwork can make it hard to see the bigger picture. Simplifying your finances can reduce stress and often leads to better results.
The Hidden Cost of Lifestyle Creep – why upgrading your lifestyle too quickly can slow down long-term goals.
It is natural to want to enjoy the rewards of hard work. A new job, a pay rise, or a bonus can make it tempting to upgrade your car, move to a bigger house, or start spending more on dining and holidays. This is called lifestyle creep, and while it feels good in the short term, it can quietly slow down your long-term financial goals.
Steps that lead to a successful employee to entrepreneur move
If you’ve ever dreamed of setting up your own business you’re not alone.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, (ABS), in the financial year 2023 – 2024 over 400,000 Aussies did just that!
Over the same period, almost 363,000 small businesses called it quits.
Estate planning for blended families – proceed with care
Despite a slowdown in Australian economic and productivity growth in the last five years, Australia’s economy is usually considered strong and resilient when compared with other developed nations. Given our economic strength, why would anyone want to invest anywhere else?
To answer this question, let’s consider what stocks might be included in a share portfolio with an international focus.
For simplicity purposes, we will look into the portfolios of a leading provider of index managed funds and their top 10 holdings. These funds tend to be passively rather than actively traded, and seek to reflect their chosen share index over the medium-to-long term.
Super contributions explained . . . easily
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.”
This simple reflection struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about the delicate balance between saving for the future and living fully in the present. While we all know the importance of financial security, is it possible to save too much—at the expense of the moments that matter most?
Helping Your Kids Buy Their First Home Without Stealing Their Dreams
Buying a home in Australia has become a monumental challenge. With skyrocketing property prices and average mortgage debts exceeding $600,000, many young Australians feel homeownership is out of reach. As…
Understanding Managed Funds
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.”
This simple reflection struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about the delicate balance between saving for the future and living fully in the present. While we all know the importance of financial security, is it possible to save too much—at the expense of the moments that matter most?
“Equity Mate”: Why Borrowing Against Your Home Isn’t Always a Smart Move
Remember that old ad with the guy proudly polishing his boat while his neighbor asks, “How do you afford all this?” His response—“Equity, mate”—has stuck in the Australian psyche for…
Wait! Before you buy that…
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.”
This simple reflection struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about the delicate balance between saving for the future and living fully in the present. While we all know the importance of financial security, is it possible to save too much—at the expense of the moments that matter most?
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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….
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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