In an age where investing has evolved from an elite club to a widespread phenomenon, have you ever stopped to wonder what separates successful investors from the rest?

The answer lies in mastering the art of investing, a skill accessible to anyone willing to learn but that requires patience, consistency, and discipline… much like any art form.

I've never met my lawyer, accountant, or even some colleagues face-to-face.

Yet, we've built effective, trust-based working relationships. This experience has shaped my approach to providing financial advice, a virtual-first strategy that aligns with the realities of modern life.

Last week, something pretty awesome happened. I got to see a client, an incredibly ambitious professional, take a leap of faith into a new chapter of her life. She decided to step out of the corporate world and start her own practice. It was a big move, a calculated risk, and I was lucky enough to be part of her journey.

In the bustling lives of professionals, especially those balancing family life, the thought of delving into financial planning can often be put in the “I’ll get to later” pile.

It's a common for the pressing demands of today to overshadow the need to plan for the future.

But what if there was a way to integrate financial planning into your busy schedule without it feeling like an additional burden?

The word "Financial Plan" is an overused and confusing term.

In an era where the dream of homeownership seems increasingly out of reach, many of us find ourselves turning to our parents for that much-needed financial boost.

It's a trend that's become so prevalent that the 'Bank of Mum & Dad' ranks among the top lenders in the nation. But as we gratefully accept help with our home deposits, it's worth pausing to ask: at what cost does this assistance come?

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with someone who was in desperate need of financial guidance.  

They insisted that they could only meet on the weekend, which posed a bit of a challenge for me. You see, weekends are my sacred family time, and I'm a firm believer in safeguarding personal time. In the end, it became evident that I might not be the right fit for them. Here’s why.

If you're anything like my typical client, you've probably heard that age-old piece of wisdom countless times before: "Just repay the home loan, and all you’ll be right." But does it make sense nowadays?

Ah, the 30s and 40s—the age range that puts the "pro" in "professional."

It's an exciting but often chaotic era, filled with career advancements, budding relationships, and maybe even little ones running around the house.

Financially, though, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in a game of Whack-A-Mole, constantly hitting at emerging financial needs while never really getting ahead. If you can relate, then buckle up, because this blog post will spill the tea on financial planning tailored specifically for you!

When it comes to determining the value of a financial adviser, it comes down to more than dollars and cents.

Numerous studies have shown that money is a relationship stressor, 33% of Australians find dealing with money stressful or overwhelming, and 44% admit to arguing with their spouse about money at least occasionally.

If money alone spikes your blood pressure, just imagine what the more complicated concepts of investing and financial planning can do.

In the quest for financial stability and success, we often focus on tangible elements like earning more money, saving diligently, or investing wisely.

But have you ever stopped to consider the role your mind, or more specifically, your financial mindset, plays in achieving your financial goals?

A key financial priority for many of us is supporting the education of our children.

We are lucky in Australia to have a strong education system, and whether you choose public, private or independent schooling or are looking at supporting their tertiary education, the goal is the same: to set your children on the path to a bright and rewarding future.

Education costs are broader than school fees alone, with outside tuition, school camps, transport, uniforms, electronic devices, and sports equipment all adding up.

Parenthood marks a significant milestone in life, and like every crucial life event, it requires careful planning and preparation, especially when considering parental leave.

Follow our suggestions and prepare to make your transition to parental leave as easy as possible.

Life is a marathon not a sprint, there are times for saving, investing, and even times when growth takes a back seat.

It all hinges on your family's unique goals. No one family has the same goals so you can throw those comparisons out the window.

You may have heard that a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) can be a great vehicle for Superannuation. They can allow greater flexibility than industry or retail super funds for investments such as real property and alternative assets, and in structuring retirement income and estate planning.

There are some instances in which we recommend an SMSF as the best solution to satisfying a client’s needs, however that is a lot to unpack first.

There is an old saying that no investment is as safe as houses, but is that really the case? Recent interest rate rises after a long period of seemingly never-ending increases in property prices may prove otherwise.

While it’s easy to think investing in residential property is a fail-safe way to make money, there are endless traps for anyone hoping to get rich quick by buying into property. Most economists believe the price rises in Australian housing this century is due only to two factors.

Predicting the future has been a favourite source of conversation for thousands of years. This is especially the case in investment markets where ‘expert’ predictions earn enormous coverage through the media and online. Unfortunately, thanks to social media, there is also many non-expert opinions.

It doesn't matter if you are 10 years into a marriage or on the dating scene, it's important understand that managing joint finances can make or break a partnership.

Most couples have different perspectives on managing money to some degree or another. Each partner brings their own money mindset shaped by personal experiences, upbringing, and beliefs.

Legal professionals have an exceptional skill in asking incisive questions and delving deep into complexities.Having had the privilege of working with many legal professionals and their families, I have come to appreciate the value they place on engaging with a financial adviser who truly understands their needs.

Have you ever felt hesitant to seek financial advice, worried that your situation may not be "big enough" to warrant professional guidance?

You're not alone.

The financial planning industry revolves around managing significant wealth, and those that have accumulated this wealth already.

It's like visiting a doctor who tells you to come back when you're healthy - shouldn't they help you get there?