Oct232025
Financial PlannersInsurance ProtectionNews Self-Employed

A Business Survival Checklist for the Self-Employed

Financial Planners, Insurance Protection, News

Being self-employed offers independence, flexibility, and control. But with that comes extra financial responsibility and risk. Unlike employees who have regular pay, tax withholding, employer superannuation, leave, etc., you must manage much of that yourself. If you don’t plan, it’s easy for unexpected shocks, cash shortfalls, or misfortune to derail both business and personal finances.

Below, I lay out the key challenges, backed by recent Australian statistics, and then practical actions to stay financially healthy over the short and long term.

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Oct142025
Financial Planners Active Asset Allocation Must Be Done Correctl

Why Active Asset Allocation Must Be Done Correctly

Financial Planners

For Australians building wealth, the single most important decision is not whether to buy a particular share or bond, but how to allocate their money between asset classes. Active Asset Allocation—the balance between growth assets such as shares and property, and defensive assets such as bonds and cash—is the foundation of any investment strategy. It determines both the long-term growth potential and the stability of a portfolio.

This article explains why Active Asset Allocation is so critical, explores the long-term benefits of growth assets like shares, outlines the risks of emotional investing, compares long-term holding with dynamic asset mix adjustments, and highlights historical data on compounding. We’ll also look at market cycles, why investors often harm themselves by switching during downturns, and how a disciplined, balanced approach guided by a professional financial planner can make all the difference.

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Oct142025
Financial PlannersNews How to Teach Children Good Financial Habits

How to Teach Children Good Financial Habits

Financial Planners, News

Money shapes almost every aspect of adult life—from managing household budgets to saving for retirement to teaching children good financial habits. Yet many Australians enter adulthood without the financial literacy needed to make sound decisions. A 2022 survey by the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey showed that around 35% of Australians struggle with basic financial concepts like interest and inflation【1】.

This knowledge gap highlights why teaching children good financial habits from a young age is crucial. When kids learn how to budget, spend wisely, and save early, they carry these behaviours into adulthood. Parents, schools, and financial advisors all play an important role in fostering this literacy.

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Oct112025
Financial PlannersInvestment Planning Tips for Handling a Volatile Investment Market

10 Tips for Handling a Volatile Investment Market

Financial Planners, Investment Planning

Market volatility is an unavoidable part of investing. Prices of shares, property, and other assets rise and fall based on economic conditions, investor sentiment, company earnings, and global events. For Australians, the last decade has seen several shocks—from the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis to COVID-19 and ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty. Each period has reminded investors of the importance of preparation, discipline, and clear strategies.

This article explains practical tips for navigating a volatile investment market: understanding what volatility means, maintaining a long-term perspective, diversifying, reviewing your portfolio, avoiding emotional mistakes, applying dollar-cost averaging, ensuring you have an emergency fund, staying informed, consulting professionals, and resisting the urge to time the market.

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Oct82025
Financial PlannersNewsWealth Protection How Large is Your Emergency Fund Buffer?

How Large is Your Emergency Fund Buffer?

Financial Planners, News, Wealth Protection

Life has a way of surprising us. Redundancies, health issues, rising interest rates, and unexpected bills can quickly destabilise even households that appear financially comfortable. Without an emergency fund buffer, these events can lead to spiralling debt, stress, and long-term setbacks. That is why building a financial safety net is one of the most important steps Australians can take toward financial security.

A financial safety net has two main components:

  1. An emergency buffer fund—readily accessible savings set aside for sudden expenses or income disruptions.

  2. Wealth protection products—insurance policies that provide income and financial stability in the face of illness, disability, or death.

This article explores both pillars in detail, explaining why they are essential, how much Australians should aim to set aside, the factors that influence the right level of savings, and the role professional financial planners play in tailoring strategies to individual households.

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Oct52025
Financial PlannersNews Pitfalls of DIY Financial Planning

The Pitfalls of DIY Financial Planning

Financial Planners, News

DIY financial planning can work for some, especially if finances are simple, you have good knowledge and discipline. But for many people, the downsides are significant. Here are key pitfalls, backed by evidence, to be aware of.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going DIY

If you're considering managing your finances independently, here are some essential questions to ask. Honest answers will help you see if DIY is viable, and where you need to bring in external help.

  1. What are my financial and life goals — short term and long term?
  2. How much of my financial situation is simple, and how much is complex?
  3. What is my knowledge base around investment, risk, tax, estate law, regulations?
  4. What is my tolerance for risk (loss, volatility, illiquidity)?
  5. How will I handle ongoing monitoring, reviews, and adjustments?
  6. Have I considered all costs — fees, taxes, time opportunity cost?
  7. Do I understand estate planning well enough to protect my heirs and my wishes?
  8. Am I aware of regulatory / legal environment and future changes?
  9. Do I know when I should / must seek professional help?
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