Blog
The blog for people who want to understand their finances better and feel more in control of their money.
This blog is for educational purposes only and contains general information. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. If you would like advice tailored to your situation, you can book an appointment with one of our financial advisers here.
Should You Sell Your Investments Before the Capital Gains Tax Changes on 1 July 2027?
From 1 July 2027, the 50% CGT discount is replaced by inflation indexation, with a minimum 30% tax rate on affected gains. The change is prospective, so the gain you've already built up keeps the old rules whenever you sell. Which is exactly why selling before the deadline may not help. Here's what's actually worth reviewing.
Are Investment Bonds Worth It in Australia? Why the 2027 Tax Changes Could Change the Answer
Investment bonds have been easy to overlook for years. But with major tax changes coming from July 2027, they could become a much more interesting option for Australians building wealth outside super. Paul Benson explains how they work, the rules that matter and when they may be worth another look.
Should Australians Invest Directly in the US Stock Market When Buying US Shares? (And What Changes Are Coming to Wall Street)
Buying US shares directly is becoming easier for Australian investors. But does that make it a better option than investing through the ASX? Nick Donato looks at the fees, currency risk, diversification and other factors worth weighing up.
Are You Investing Too Much in Australian Shares?
Australian investors have long had good reasons to favour local shares. But with international investing easier than ever and many of the world’s fastest-growing industries sitting outside the ASX, does that home bias still make sense? Paul Benson looks at what has changed and what investors should consider.
How Much Investment Risk Should You Take?
How much investment risk should you actually take? I look at how your goals, timeframe and tolerance for market falls can help determine whether your portfolio is too conservative, too aggressive or about right.
Are Family Trusts Still Worth It After the Proposed 2028 Tax Changes?
Family trusts have long been a common choice for Australians building wealth. But proposed tax changes could make private investment companies more attractive for families focused on long-term growth, retaining profits and passing wealth to the next generation.
How to Build Passive Income So You Can Retire Earlier
Passive income is not really about earning money while you sleep. It is about building enough wealth to reduce your hours, change careers or retire earlier. Here is how to work out what you may need and the best ways to build it.
Index Investing: The Simple Investment Strategy That Could Make You Richer by Doing Less
Think investing success means picking the next big stock or finding the perfect fund manager? Index investing flips that idea on its head. This episode unpacks why a simple, low-cost strategy that owns the market, instead of trying to beat it, could help investors keep more of their money working for longer.
Offset Account vs Investing in Shares: Which One Could Make You Richer?
When interest rates are high, the offset account can feel like the obvious place for extra savings. But if you’re trying to build long-term wealth, is keeping your money in offset always the smartest move?
SMSFs Explained: Why Australians Are Considering Self-Managed Super Again
Self-managed super funds fell out of favour for good reason. Industry funds became easier, cheaper and more sophisticated, while SMSFs kept the admin, costs and trustee responsibilities. But as the tax landscape changes, some Australians are starting to ask whether self-managed super deserves another look.
Negative Gearing Changes: Is Property Still the Best Way to Build Wealth?
If negative gearing changes make existing residential property less attractive, investors may need to rethink the old property playbook. Here’s what to consider before making your next move.
What Inflation Is Really Doing to Your Wealth
Inflation does more than push up prices. It changes what your savings can buy, what your investment returns are really worth and whether your retirement plan is keeping pace. Paul Benson explains what inflation is doing to your wealth and how to check whether your strategy is built for rising costs.
The Link Between Interest Rates and the Stock Market
Interest rates do more than change your mortgage repayments or savings returns. They can also shape business profits, investor behaviour, and what happens in the stock market.
What is a “Good” Return for my Super and Investments?
A good investment return depends on your risk level, time frame and expectations. This article explains what realistic returns can look like for super and investments, and why chasing more can backfire.
What is a Wrap and When do they Make Sense?
Wrap accounts can be useful, but they are not automatically better than a mainstream super fund. Here’s what a wrap is, when it may make sense, and when you should ask more questions.
The Comparison Challenge – Super, Shares, Property
Super, shares or property. Where should your money go? Comparing returns alone can be misleading. The better answer depends on tax, access, risk, and what you need the money to do.
Recency Bias – could it derail your plans?
Recency bias can quietly derail your investment decisions by making recent market returns feel more important than the long-term plan. Here’s how to spot it and stay on track.
The 8 types of Investment Risk
Investment risk is not just about markets going up and down. This article explains eight risks investors should understand, from liquidity and concentration risk to inflation, time horizon and longevity risk.
What are annuities and what role do they play in retirement?
Annuities can provide regular, predictable income in retirement. This article explains how they work, when they may be useful, and why they can help reduce the risk of outliving your savings.
The reality of negative returns – knowledge is power
Negative returns are a normal part of investing. This article explains how often markets fall, why trying to time them rarely works, and why staying invested matters.