Education

Have you ever looked at your bank account and thought, Where did all my money go? Or promised yourself, Next month, I’ll start saving—only to watch the cycle repeat over and over again?

If so, you’re not alone. But here’s the hard truth: financial success isn’t just about how much you earn.

The good news? You can break free from self-sabotaging money behaviors. But first, you need to understand why they happen in the first place.

When it comes to relationships, financial compatibility often plays a bigger role than we realise. Money is one of the most common sources of stress and conflict in relationships, but it doesn't have to be that way. The key to a healthy relationship when it comes to finances is being on the same page—sharing similar financial goals, values, and a clear vision for your financial future.

Over the coming decades, Australia will experience one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history. With an estimated $3.5 trillion set to change hands by 2050. While receiving an inheritance can provide financial security, it also comes with important decisions and responsibilities.

Owning property has long been seen as the great Australian dream. But in recent years, that dream has come with an eye-watering price tag. Many Australians are now sitting on million-dollar mortgages that they simply can't afford, drowning in debt and struggling to make their repayments. The question is: are we chasing a dream that is turning into a financial nightmare?

Life is unpredictable, and while we can't foresee every curveball, we can prepare for them financially. Unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, job losses, or natural disasters are all too common, and having a robust financial plan is essential. As financial advisers, we’ve seen firsthand how preparation can make the difference between financial stress and security.

As we step into 2025, many high-income earners find themselves in a familiar cycle: making more money but still feeling financially stuck. You earn a solid income, yet the financial freedom you envisioned seems out of reach. The truth is, without a clear strategy, more money often leads to the same financial struggles—just with bigger numbers attached.

When you’ve got a young family, financial planning can feel like balancing a dozen priorities at once, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Many families share these concerns, and when it comes to investing, having the right asset allocation can help safeguard your family’s future and achieve your long-term goals.

As we enter the new year, it’s natural to reflect on where we are and where we want to be. For many young families, the financial journey can feel overwhelming—dealing with mortgage payments, bills, daycare fees, and the pressure to build a secure future for your children. It’s time for a change, and these five financial resolutions will help you break free from the cycle of stress and uncertainty.

When you think about financial planning, you might picture complex strategies, superannuation, insurance, and investments. But there’s one critical component often overlooked by many financial advisers: your behaviour. Research shows that investor behaviour, not market performance, is one of the biggest determinants of financial success.

The wealthy don’t just have more money—they think differently. It’s not about how much money you have, but what you do with it. By adopting a wealth-oriented mindset, you can position yourself for greater financial freedom and success.

Do you ever feel like you’re working harder than ever but aren’t seeing the results in your bank account? Another year passes, and while life keeps moving forward, your financial situation stays stuck. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to stay in this cycle. Breaking free is possible, and the start of a new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and make a fresh start with your finances.

As your life evolves, so do your responsibilities. You’ve likely invested in a home, started a family, and created a life filled with love, memories, and aspirations. But have you paused to consider whether your insurance coverage is evolving with you?

In the journey of financial planning, one critical and often overlooked component is the concept of money mindset. Understanding your money mindset can lead to greater clarity, better financial decisions, healthier relationships with your finances, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life. 

The stock market can be a powerful way to build wealth, offering the potential for significant returns over time. Unlike earning a salary, investing in stocks allows you to grow your money without trading your time for it. However, it’s important to approach investing in stocks with a clear understanding of how it works, the risks involved, and the strategies that can help you make informed decisions.

When planning to secure your family’s financial future, two popular long-term investment options in Australia are property and the ASX 200 index. To better understand which investment strategy would have been more effective over the last 10 years, let's reflect on the past decade to review how each has actually performed across the country.

When it comes to building wealth, many investors are always on the lookout for tax-efficient strategies that allow their money to grow without the constant hassle of tax management. One strategy is the investment bond — an often overlooked yet powerful tool for long-term wealth accumulation.

In his recent appearance on Moonee Valley Voices, John Cachia of Thriving Wealth shared how financial planning is more than managing money—it’s about aligning finances with life goals. Growing up in East Keilor, John’s mission is to empower his community through financial literacy for all ages. “Financial freedom isn’t just about wealth; it’s about living a life that reflects your values,” he says. From workshops for kids to personalized advice, John’s approach combines strategic planning with values-driven coaching to help Australians thrive. Listen to the episode to learn more about his vision for true financial independence.

Investing in property remains one of Australia’s most popular ways to build wealth. While property can be an effective strategy for building wealth, it’s essential to be aware of the realities before diving in. 

In today's economic climate, financial uncertainty has become a source of stress for many Australians. Rising costs of living, coupled with increasing interest rates, have left two-thirds of Australians feeling some level of financial stress, according to the 2024 AMP Financial Wellness Report. This stress affects more than just bank accounts—it significantly impacts mental well-being.

Planning for retirement can seem like a daunting task, but starting early can make all the difference. Whether you're dreaming of tranquil beach holidays, pursuing hobbies you've always loved, or spending quality time with your family, living a retirement on your terms requires early planning.

Do you often wonder where your money went by the end of the month? Is it tough to put aside savings, or do unexpected expenses keep throwing your budget off track? Many people face this challenge, and without a solid grip on your cash flow—knowing where your money comes from and where it goes—you risk losing control of your financial future.

Debt can feel overwhelming, weighing you down with constant stress and anxiety. When left unmanaged it can feel like there’s no way out, especially when you’re juggling high-interest payments and struggling to make ends meet. Without an effective plan and strategy in place, the pressure only mounts, holding you back from achieving financial freedom.

Navigating the complexities of home buying and mortgage management can be daunting, but one strategy that can give us a significant financial advantage is the use of an offset account. This financial tool is a practical way to reduce the amount of interest you pay on your mortgage, potentially saving thousands of dollars and shaving years off your loan term.

If you’re new to wealth management, you might have some misconceptions about what working with a financial adviser involves. Many people think of traditional financial planning as being all about investing, superannuation, and insurance. 

Let’s clear up some common myths about financial advisers.

Navigating taxes can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing the demands of work, family, and everything in between. But with the right strategies, we can legally reduce our tax burden and make sure more of our hard-earned money stays where it belongs—supporting our families and future goals.

When it comes to managing our finances, one thing we often overlook is the importance of cash flow. If you find yourself needing surplus money, whether it’s to pay down debt, save for a family holiday, or invest in your future, it’s natural to start by looking at where you can cut back on expenses. But what if there’s nothing left to trim? What if you’ve already scaled back your lifestyle, and there’s still a gap in your budget? The good news is, you have another option—earning more.

Discover how to effectively balance superannuation contributions with other investments in your 30s and 40s to retire by 50. Learn strategies to manage tax implications, eliminate non-deductible debts, and ensure financial security before and after accessing your super.

In recent years, the concept of budgeting has evolved beyond spreadsheets and personal finance apps. Enter loud budgeting, a trend that has taken TikTok by storm. In this approach, individuals share their financial goals, spending habits, and budgeting strategies with their followers to increase accountability and motivate others to do the same. But like any trend, loud budgeting comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here's what you should consider before jumping on the bandwagon.

Teaching kids about money is one of the most valuable life skills we can impart as parents. By introducing financial concepts early on, we help our children build a strong foundation for their future. Financial literacy is not just about understanding dollars and cents; it’s about cultivating a mindset that emphasises saving, responsible spending, and long-term thinking.

When it comes to building wealth, there’s a common misconception that achieving financial freedom requires complex strategies. In reality, the path to financial success can be simpler than it seems. At its core, wealth creation relies on implementing principles and strategies that you can understand and, most importantly, stay accountable and stick to.