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.
Private Equity vs Private Credit: What's the Difference, and Why Is It in Your Super?
Private equity buys ownership in companies that aren't listed on a stock exchange. Private credit lends to them. Most Australians hold some of both through their super without ever choosing to — and ASIC has been raising its voice about one of them all year. Here's the difference, and why it's there.
Can I Retire Before 60? How to Work Out If You Can Afford It
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.
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.
Get Retirement Ready: How to Avoid Costly Surprises After You Retire
One year from retirement, the focus shifts from planning in theory to making sure everything is ready. This article covers retirement income, cash buffers, goals and how to prepare for your first year after work.
Your EOFY Checklist: Smart Moves to Make Now That Could Reduce Your Tax and Boost Your Super
EOFY is not just about receipts and tax returns. This episode covers the key checks to make before June 30, from super contributions and tax deductions to SMSFs, investments, family trusts and business obligations.
Get Retirement Ready: The 5 Things to Get Right Before You Retire
Five years from retirement, the planning starts to get real. This article explains what to focus on now, from spending goals and sequencing risk to super contributions, housing decisions and life after work.
Get Retirement Ready: Should You Pay Off the Mortgage or Boost Your Super?
Around 10 years from retirement, the choices you make now can have a big impact. Here’s what to consider with super, mortgage debt, investments, insurance and the life you want next.
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.
How to Retire Earlier: The 5 Levers Australians Can Pull
Retiring earlier is not about hoping for a windfall. It comes down to the right levers, from super contributions and spending choices to investment risk, home equity and part-time work.
How To Get $100k Per Year In Retirement – Tax Free
A tax-free $100,000 retirement income sounds ambitious, but Australia’s super rules can make it possible with the right balance, pension phase strategy and planning.
Should I Convert My Super to a Pension?
Should you convert your super to a pension as soon as you retire or turn 65? Often, yes. But there are situations where leaving some or all of it in accumulation may make more sense.
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.
The Downsizer Strategy
Around 10 years from retirement, the choices you make now can have a big impact. Here’s what to consider with super, mortgage debt, investments, insurance and the life you want next.
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.
How Much Super Do I Need?
How much super you need depends on the retirement you actually want. Start with your spending, then factor in when you retire, how you invest, and whether you want to leave money behind.
How Does Tax Apply To Your Super?
Super can be a powerful tax environment, but the rules change depending on whether you’re building your balance or drawing it down. Here’s how tax applies in accumulation and pension phase.
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.
Superannuation Contribution Master Class
Super contributions can be powerful, but the rules are easy to trip over. This guide explains concessional, non-concessional, downsizer and other contribution strategies in plain English.
What is the Transfer Balance Cap and how does it work?
The transfer balance cap limits how much super can be moved into a tax-free retirement pension. This article explains how the cap works, when it is assessed, and why couples may need to plan ahead.
The Superannuation Sweet Spot – Making the most of superannuation tax concessions
Super is tax effective while you are working, but the biggest benefit often comes later. Here’s why the pension phase can be one of the most powerful tax opportunities in retirement planning.