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.
Can You Afford to Take a Career Break? How to Work Out What You'd Actually Need
You want to take six months off… maybe a year. But can you actually afford it? Here's what a career break actually costs, how to prepare for one, and the timing decision that can leave you better off after tax.
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.
Mortgage, Super or Investing: Where Should Your Extra Money Go in Your 30s and 40s?
You've got a bit of money left over this month. Not a windfall, just enough to wonder whether you're doing the right thing with it. The tricky part is that by your late 30s and 40s you don't have one good option any more. You have several.
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.
Which Debt Should You Pay Off First?
Should you attack your mortgage, car loan or investment debt first? Paul Benson explains how to compare your debts, where the snowball and avalanche methods fit, and why paying everything off as fast as possible isn’t always the best strategy.
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.
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.
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.
7 Smart Ways to Help You Build Wealth Without Spending Hours Managing Your Money
Building wealth should not feel like another job. Here are seven ways to automate your finances, reduce investment admin and turn more of your income into long-term wealth.
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.
Financial Advice in Your 30s and 40s: Are You Making the Most of Your Best Earning Years?
Your 30s and 40s can be your strongest wealth-building years, but they can also disappear fast without a clear plan. Nick Donato explains why getting advice earlier can help you make the most of your income, super, mortgage and future goals.
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.
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.
The 10 Year Wealth test: Are You on Track for 2036?
A lot can change in 10 years, especially with the right plan. This article shows how to check where you stand now, define what you want next, and turn your money goals into a clear 10-year roadmap.
When Do We Sell Our Investment Properties — Retirement Edition
An investment property that worked during your wealth-building years may not be the right fit in retirement. This article looks at when selling could improve cash flow, reduce stress and support your retirement lifestyle