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.
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.
Post-Divorce Financial Roadmap
Divorce can force a major financial reset. This roadmap walks through the key steps to rebuild after separation, from goals and housing to cash flow, estate planning and insurance.
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
The Biggest Financial Mistake People Make in Their 40s and 50s
Your 40s and 50s can be make-or-break years for your money. This article explains why coasting financially can be costly, and what to do instead while time is still on your side.
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.
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.
Home Deposit Help: Supporting Your Kids Without Risking Your Retirement
Helping your kids buy a home can be generous and risky. Here are the main ways to help with a deposit, from gifting to loans, guarantor support and co-buying, without putting your own retirement at risk.
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.
Australia vs France: Lessons in Debt, Taxes, and Retirement
A trip to France gave me a fresh appreciation for Australia’s economic position. From government debt to superannuation, here’s why we may be better placed than we realise.
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.
Is it Time to Use the Equity in your Home to Build Wealth?
Using home equity to invest can accelerate wealth creation, but it also increases risk. Here are four things to weigh up before borrowing against your home to build wealth.
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 4 Essentials When Receiving an Early Inheritance
Received an early inheritance and unsure what to do next? From paying down debt to investing wisely, here are four ways to make the money count for your future.
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.