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…
Is your money mindset holding you back?
Does your Money Mindset have your back? Or… Is it holding you back? If you’ve never really thought about it, you’d be forgiven. When it comes to our financial success,…
Your super: A scammer’s new target
In a recent media release, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) warned about a new scam doing the rounds. Scammers attempt, through cold calls to superannuation savers, to extract…
Why You Don’t Need Debt to Build Wealth for Retirement
The question I’m often asked is whether it’s still possible to accumulate enough wealth for retirement without taking on debt. And the answer is simple: yes, it is. While leveraging…
6 steps to a Happy New Financial Year
The new financial year provides an opportunity for a fresh start for your finances. Make this the financial year you get on top of yours… for good! We’ve broken it…
Quarterly Economic Update: April – June 2024
The economy continues to slow, with inflation remaining sticky, the new federal budget making waves, and global events that may have a significant impact. Uncertainty at home and abroad The…
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