Should I Focus on the Home Loan or Consider Other Options?
Focus is a good thing but it can limit opportunities in the money world.
Getting the home loan under control (or fully repaid) is an awesome feeling but it’s unlikely to give you everything you want.
What’s the best option? Home Loan Vs Super
“You could have saved around $500,000”
I’ve sat across the table from many clients who come to me because they are looking to access some money later in life, for many reasons like helping them clear the home loan or helping the next generation get their first home.
I’ve had to break it to them that what they did 10 or 20 years ago has some massive consequences today.
Being on The Same Page with Money is Bloody Complicated
In the intricate dance of a relationship, few steps are as complex and potentially treacherous as the financial one.
It's a realm where love meets pragmatism, where dreams confront reality, and where the unsaid can become the undoing. The truth is, managing money as a couple isn't just complicated; it's a minefield of expectations, fears, and aspirations that, if not navigated carefully, can lead to the kind of misunderstandings that chip away at the very foundation of a partnership.
Taking a Career Time-Out? Here's How to Do It Right
In our whirlwind lives, where the pace never seems to slow down, more and more of us are hitting the pause button on our careers. It's a big move, a chance to breathe, to recalibrate.
But before you hang up your work hat, let's talk strategy. Because, let's face it, stepping away from your job is more than just a time-out; it's a decision that needs some smart planning.
At the Crossroads: Partner Up or Go Solo in Your Career?
You know how it is in our world – we start off eager, learning every trick of the trade. 'We're soaking up skills, climbing that ladder, and before we know it, we're not just playing the game; we're leading the team.
But here's the kicker: there comes a time when you've got to make a big call.
Can we afford another kid?
One of the most profound questions I've encountered in my career as a financial adviser is, “Can we afford another kid?”
It's a question that resonates deeply, not just for its financial implications but for the emotional and life-changing decisions it represents. This question is a stark reminder that our financial life is often shaped by decisions that transcend mere numbers.
"'I Have X Investment Properties”: A Misguided Measure of Financial Success
Property can be a solid choice for growing your wealth but it's not the only way.
Mastering the Art of Investing
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.
Redefining Financial Advice: the Virtual-First Approach
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.
Don't Let the 'What-Ifs' Keep You from Your Next Big Move
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.
The Power of Virtual Financial Advice and 15 Minutes a Week
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?
Jargon buster - What is a Financial Plan?
The word "Financial Plan" is an overused and confusing term.
A Delicate Balance, Navigating the 'Bank of Mum & Dad’
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?
It's Okay to Have a Life Outside of Work
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.
Why "Just Repay the Home Loan" Isn't the Right Financial Advice for Everyone
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?
The Three Pillars of Financial Planning for Busy Professionals in Their 30s and 40s
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!
From Dollars to Sense: The Value of Financial Advice
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.
Mind Over Money: Your Secret Weapon for Financial Prosperity
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?
5 ways to save for your children’s education
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.
The Transition to Parental Leave: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.