Don’t Be Distracted by Rates
Over my 23 years in the industry, working with thousands of Australians and analysing their financial positions, I’ve seen the same mistake happen over and over again—chasing the lowest interest rate. It’s the easiest thing for banks to sell because it’s the easiest thing to understand: “Lower rate = better loan.” But that’s not the […]
Teaching Kids Smart Money Habits for a Secure Future
Building Financial Foundations: Why Early Education Matters In today’s fast-paced world, financial literacy is a critical life skill that can greatly influence a child’s future. Early education in money management sets the stage for successful financial habits later in life. As parents, instilling these skills early on is a gift that keeps giving, equipping children […]
Avoid Common Mortgage Traps Before Retirement
Understanding the Impact of Retiring with a Mortgage In the journey towards retirement, maintaining financial independence is crucial. However, a growing concern among Australians is the increasing number of individuals retiring with a mortgage. Recent data indicates that more than 60% of Australians are entering retirement still carrying this financial burden. This scenario often leads […]
Teaching Kids About Money: Making Pocket Money Count
Sometimes, talking to kids about money can leave them feeling confused, overwhelmed, and, well, quite frankly, quite bored. But here’s the thing: pocket money is one of the best tools to teach your kids the financial skills they’ll need to thrive. With a little creativity (and a lot of patience), you can make learning about […]
Thinking Beyond the 9-to-5
The rising cost of living has driven many Australians to seek additional income sources. We all dream of that little extra financial breathing room, and a side hustle can be just the thing to get us there. But it’s not just about earning more; it’s an opportunity to explore your potential, turn passions into opportunities, […]
Why Interest Rates Don’t Matter but Loan Term does!
When it comes to refinancing, banks often promote the appeal of lower monthly repayments. But beware—this is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it’s designed to keep you paying the bank for as long as possible because they always try and reset your loan term back to 30 years each and every […]
How to Get Investment Ready Sooner
Thinking of buying an investment property but concerned about your borrowing capacity? You’re not the only one. According to the ATO, over 2.2 million Australians own investment properties, but so many more of us are held back by serviceability issues. Around 60% of would-be investors say their biggest hurdle is securing finance or having enough […]
The Money Lessons We Wish We’d Learned in School
Most Australians feel unprepared for real-world financial challenges. In fact, 50% wish they had been taught more at school about managing money, while 45% regret not learning how to invest sooner. And with 35% believing lessons on starting a business would have been invaluable, it’s clear that practical financial education is lacking. While schools may […]
Holiday Bliss Without the Financial Hangover: Your Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Travel
Escaping the daily grind, soaking up new experiences, and maybe some sun—what’s not to love about a holiday? But let’s be honest, the excitement of planning can sometimes lead to a bit of… shall we say… ‘creative’ budgeting? You know what I mean—the ‘YOLO’ mentality that whispers, ‘go on, you deserve it!’ Well, yes, you […]
The $1 Rule: A Smart Spending Strategy for Home Ownership
Many financial experts suggest limiting purchases to essentials on your journey toward home ownership. However, this often means sacrificing the joy of spending. As a financial coach, I recognize that this approach may not address the underlying issue. The $1 RuleThis strategy has shifted my perspective on spending, allowing me to reduce expenses without giving […]
