All Articles
November 29, 2023
Is Super Worth the Risk?
This week’s post is inspired by a question I got for my Ask an Expert column in the Fairfax press. A reader asked whether it was worth adding extra money to super given the balance goes up and down. She can put $5000 in one day, only to see the balance drop by that amount … Continued
Superannuation
October 11, 2023
What are Annuities and what role do they play in Retirement?
Annuities are a product most people have heard of, but don’t know exactly what they are, or when to use them. With interest rates returning to more normal levels, annuities are coming out of the deep freeze. So this week I thought I’d take you through the basics of annuities so you have an appreciation … Continued
Superannuation
June 14, 2023
Should I Top-Up My Super?
This week’s episode is another one inspired by a recent client question, one that we get asked multiple times each year. Should I be topping up my super? The primary motivation in seeking out an answer to this question is to determine whether you’re on track to have enough retirement savings for a comfortable and … Continued
Superannuation
April 26, 2023
Should I Top-Up My Super?
This week’s post is another one inspired by a recent client question, one that we get asked multiple times each year. Should I be topping up my super? The primary motivation in seeking out an answer to this question is to determine whether you’re on track to have enough retirement savings for a comfortable and … Continued
Superannuation
February 22, 2023
Solving the Asset Rich, Cash Poor Problem at Retirement
Given the large increases seen in property values in recent decades, combined with more and more of us living well into our 90s, the problem of being asset rich and cash poor is becoming increasingly common. Another way to frame this problem is something an old neighbour said to me once, “Paul, you can’t eat … Continued
Superannuation
November 9, 2022
3 Tips to Rapidly Accelerate Your Wealth Creation
Let’s talk about wealth creation. Specifically what can we do to accelerate it, hit the fast forward button. Of course there’s all the standard and perfectly prudent advice that we’ve covered many times before, spend less and save more, chase a new higher paying job, and ensure any surplus cash is invested and working rather … Continued
Investment
Property
Superannuation
August 31, 2022
Understanding Superannuation Contributions
Australia’s superannuation system is complex. Yet it’s an area that we all need to interact with given the compulsory nature of contributions and the policy end game of having the age pension serve only as a baseline, basic living provision, rather than something that can support the comfortable retirement that we would all hope to … Continued
Superannuation
May 25, 2022
Are You Paying Too Much for Your Insurance?
This week I wanted to take a look at insurance. Specifically, we’ll be taking a look at personal insurance, as that’s the space that we offer advice in as financial planners. There are primarily four types of personal insurance: Life insurance Total and Permanent Disability insurance Income protection Trauma insurance We’ll get into an explanation … Continued
Superannuation
May 18, 2022
50% more weekend for 20% less pay
For many of us, our working lives have been put through a bit of a blender over the past couple of years. Teachers taking classes from their kitchen table, Team meetings whilst still in our pyjamas, exercise replacing the commute, and trying to find what works for each of us both professionally and as part … Continued
Saving Strategy
Superannuation
April 20, 2022
How to Manage Uneven Super Balances Between a Couple
This week’s piece arises from a question I received from Daniel. He wrote: Quick question that might be good to discuss – there is a significant difference between my Super Balance and my partner (self employed) which will only get bigger over time. I’m 39 and based on the current situation I will be … Continued
Superannuation
March 23, 2022
How to Build your Financial IQ
We’re fortunate to live in an age where information is at our fingertips. If you’ve gotten more interested in investing and financial markets in recent years you’re not alone. It seems the combination of anaemic interest rates on bank savings, a proliferation in apps that make low cost investing easy, and reduced spending during COVID … Continued
Investment
Saving Strategy
Superannuation
February 12, 2022
How to Convert Great Income into Financial Security
One of the most common reasons clients engage us through the Financial Autonomy programme is a realisation that all their hard work is not translating into financial wealth and security. It generally seems to be that people in this predicament have put all their energy and focus into developing their careers and therefore just haven’t … Continued
Investment
Superannuation