Financial Autonomy

Your superannuation is likely to grow to be either your largest, or second largest asset, so it's worth making sure you understand how it works. In this week's episode I explore the different contribution types you can make into super, and they benefit you in the long run.   [Disclaimer]

This week, we're talking with accountant Shaun Farrugia about Family Trusts - who are they most useful for, what do they cost, how can they be used, when should they be closed, and plenty more. [Disclaimer] Optimised Accounting    

Why do people worry about their financial future, and what simple ideas can you implement to alleviate at least some of that worry? That's our focus for today's episode, where we look at how to de-stress your personal finances.   [Disclaimer]

This week I chat with Glen James from My Millennial Money. He's just wrapping up an Australian roadshow travelling right across our wide brown expanse. So I'm keen to learn what he's hearing, what is on people's minds right now? From interest rates to investment timing and long-term goals, it's always fun to chat with Glen. [Disclaimer] My Millennial Money    

Whether it's packing up the family and doing a road trip around Australia, taking some time off to focus on your postgraduate studies, or just recharging the batteries with a few months on the Greek Islands, some sort of mid-career sabbatical is on the agenda for many of the people that we work with. In this week's episode, I want to explore some of the planning actions you can take to help make this goal achievable.   [Disclaimer]

We're all so caught up in being financially responsible and planning for a successful financial future, however, sometimes this can get in the way of living our lives. In this episode, we explore how we can strike a balance between being responsible with our money while also enjoying life throughout the process.   [Disclaimer]

It's easy to think about progress in terms of technological progress, but in this episode, I want to talk about the social progress we have made and how that has allowed us to go after our Financial Autonomy dreams.   [Disclaimer]

We didn't have a new episode this week, but, we thought you may enjoy this one from the vault which covers some of the steps you can take to help you move to self-employment. We are joined today by Shaun Farrugia from Optimised Accounting and Finance to talk about the essential things you need when you move to self-employment. In this episode we cover the challenges and knowledge Shaun shares about being self-employed: Getting the clarity of knowing why you need to move to self-employment. Keeping the proper financial record and the challenges encountered with record keeping. The capital and survival strategies whilst building your new business. Tax and accounting tips. Putting aside enough money for tax. Understanding your own break-even point.   [Disclaimer]

In this episode, Paul talks about how financial advice is regulated in Australia and what this means for Guidance in terms of the advice he provides.   [Disclaimer]

Today I'm chatting with David Foster who's a member of the Financial Autonomy community. He reached out to me after a podcast episode a little while back - 50% more weekend for 20% less pay. David emailed me to say he'd done exactly that and I asked if he'd be prepared to share his experience. Luckily for us, he said yes.   [Disclaimer]

In this episode, Paul delves into various strategies he uses with clients to enable them to afford private education for their children as well as offer how he and his wife achieved this goal.   [Disclaimer]

This week, Paul talks with David Scollon, author of the book Mission Possible. (Available here)   [Disclaimer]

You're likely paying for some life insurance in your super fund. Why have insurance, optimal ownership, and how you might reduce the costs? All that and more in this week's episode.   [Disclaimer]

This week it's our 5th birthday! I have a bit of a reflection on how the show has developed through the years and answer some listener questions.   [Disclaimer]

As the working world returns to normality one change I'm hearing about from several different clients is a decision to accept less pay in exchange for working four days a week. One client who made this change recently was telling me how wonderful it is to have about 6 hours in the middle of the day completely to herself. The house is quiet, nobody needs you, you just get peace. It’s had such a positive benefit on her mental health that she has now convinced her husband to make the same change. Perhaps cutting back your working hours is something you've contemplated. In this week’s episode, I wanted to explore that a little, dig into some numbers, as best we can in an audio piece, and consider strategies to address the longer-term impacts of making this change.   [Disclaimer]

In this episode, I talk with buyer's agent Arjun Paliwal from the Property Nerds Podcast about all things property. What is the data telling us, what impact will rising interest rates have, and how will the change of government impact the market?   [Disclaimer]

Interest rates are on the rise. NZ, Canada, the UK, and the United States, have all started bringing rates back to more normal levels, whilst our Reserve Bank followed suit earlier this month. For those with debt, we've all enjoyed the incredibly low interest rates of the past few years. But all good things must come to an end. And for those with savings, they are quite likely looking forward to getting more reasonable returns on their money.   [Disclaimer]

Most of us recognise that interest rates were unusually low for a time, to counter the economic effect of the COVID pandemic. We recognised that at some point they would return to normal. But what is normal, why are they going up now, and why has this got share and property markets so rattled? One word - inflation. Inflation is all over the news at the moment. In financial markets, inflation has been the driving force for at least the past 6 months. So this week I thought we do a quick inflation 101 session to ensure you understand why it matters and perhaps consider whether there's anything you should be doing to stay ahead.   [Disclaimer]

This week I chat with Matt from the Aussie Firebug blog and podcast. We talk about financial independence, travel, lifestyle planning, and retirement. Check out Matt's blog here:  Aussie Firebug | Financial Independence Retire Early   [Disclaimer]

Should I be putting my savings in an offset account, or paying it straight off the loan and accessing via a redraw if I need it? This is a question I get asked pretty regularly, so perhaps it’s on your mind too.   [Disclaimer]