All Articles
September 29, 2021
Are SMSF’s still useful?
Self Managed Super Funds, commonly abbreviated to SMSF’s, have been around since the 1970’s. They were originally used by business owners who already had company and family trust structures, with the SMSF a structure dedicated to saving for retirement. SMSF adoption broadened in the early 2000’s as a result of the combination of expensive retail … Continued
Investment
Property
Superannuation
June 23, 2021
Artificial + ESG = Best Friends
This weeks piece spawned out of an item in the Brain Food section of our regular GainingCHOICE email that you are hopefully receiving (if not, go here). Ethical, sustainable, or ESG investing, it’s known by many terms, but this approach has been one that’s been a focus and embedded into my financial planning business for … Continued
Investment
Saving Strategy
Superannuation
May 5, 2021
The most impactful tax deduction that is often overlooked
The end of the financial year is just a few weeks away. If you’ve had a successful year financially, perhaps you’re looking for ways to shave a little off your tax bill. We all know that paying taxes is important. It’s our contribution to a functioning society. But where rules and incentives exist that encourage … Continued
Saving Strategy
Superannuation
March 9, 2021
Financial Planning, coaching, and counselling – what’s the difference and when to use each
Financial planning, money coaching, and financial counselling. These are all terms you’ve probably seen or come across, but the difference between the three roles and when they are applicable is often not obvious. So in this week’s episode I’ll clarify what each of these roles do, and where perhaps they might be applicable in your … Continued
Investment
Saving Strategy
Superannuation
December 23, 2020
The new couples dilemma – joint everything, or keep your finances separate?
If you’re in a relationship that’s been going for a little while, how do you manage your finances as a couple? Do you and your partner’s wages all go into a single joint account that you both then spend out of? Or do you keep your money separate, each paying for your own expenses and … Continued
Investment
Saving Strategy
Superannuation
August 26, 2020
Why (and how) I wrote Financial Autonomy – the money book that gives you choice
It was wonderful to be approached by a publisher to write a book. It felt like validation that the effort I’d been putting into the Financial Autonomy podcast, and the weekly Gaining CHOICE email were being recognised, and the ideas conveyed were interesting and valuable. I enjoy writing, and as much as putting together enough … Continued
Investment
Property
Saving Strategy
Self-Employment & Side Hustles
Superannuation
November 13, 2019
Re-thinking the traditional retirement – Episode 119
I read a great quote on the weekend attributed to Princess Elizabeth Charlotte of France in the 18th century. She was asked when sexual desire ended and she responded “How would I know, I’m only 80.” Between 1870 and 1970 our lifesplans more than doubled globally. For the thousands of years of human history prior … Continued
Investment
Superannuation
August 7, 2019
7 Essential Australian Resources for Investing in Shares as a Beginner
Warren Buffet started investing in shares when he was just 11 years old. Today he one of the richest people on the planet, with an estimated worth of US$84billion. Buying shares is becoming a part-owner of a business. Throughout history it has been business owners, whether founders or subsequent investors, who have been most successful … Continued
Investment
Superannuation
July 3, 2019
Listener Q & A – Episode 100
Thanks for joining us for another Financial Autonomy episode. We’ve got a bit of a change in the normal routine today, because today is Episode 100 and I don’t want to pass through that milestone without doing something a little bit special. I’ve asked our Gaining Choice subscribers for their top Financial Autonomy questions. I’ve … Continued
Investment
Property
Saving Strategy
Self-Employment & Side Hustles
Superannuation
June 26, 2019
Will retirement still be a thing in 2030? – Episode 99
Throughout most of human history, the only time you retired was when you died. Retirement as we now experience it is a reasonably recent phenomenon. It’s an invention of the 20th century and it’s worthwhile questioning whether it will continue through the 21st century, at least in the format we currently think of. When the … Continued
Investment
Superannuation
May 15, 2019
How to make sense of your superannuation statement (and other things you really should know about your most important financial asset). – Episode 93
For many people, thinking about superannuation is the go-to cure for insomnia. This isn’t all bad, in that so long as your superannuation foundations are set-up right, it is something that needs to be left alone to grow – too much fiddling around can be extremely costly. But ignoring your superannuation savings completely is a … Continued
Superannuation
March 27, 2019
The Grey Nomad Alternative – Episode 86
My parents, like many of their peers, bought a caravan shortly after retiring. Each winter they escape a cold Melbourne, and head north, to explore the vastness of our nation and enjoy the agreeable climate on offer. They’re onto their second caravan now, and whilst their preference has evolved to staying in the one spot for an extended period rather … Continued
Self-Employment & Side Hustles
Superannuation