Financial Autonomy podcast

#Trading #Business #Paul Benson #Self-Improvement #Financial Independence through an Australian lens #Personal Finances #Lifestyle #Podcasting Education #Case Studies

6:55

In this episode, we uncover the grim details of the Bag Murders, the systemic failures that allowed the killer to evade justice for years.

Financial Autonomy

Поширити

Головна серій•Feed

Plenty of books, podcasts and blogs focus on building wealth – and that’s great, as far as it goes. But focusing just on wealth misses the point. I believe what most of us actually want is to have choice. Choice in how much time we give to income-producing activities. Choice about what those income-producing activities are. Choice about where we live. Choice about when we retire. Choice about the ways we use our money to produce happiness. In the Financial Autonomy podcast, I explore the different ways you can gain choice - from investing in stocks to becoming self-employed, starting a side hustle, or buying an investment property. I share learnings I've gained working with clients for over 20 years as a Certified Financial Planner, and interview others with interesting insights or experiences in gaining choice in life.

382 епізодів

Financial Autonomy

54 subscribers

updated 10 днів тому

Поширити

Головна серій•Feed

382 епізодів

#Trading #Business #Paul Benson #Self-Improvement #Financial Independence through an Australian lens #Personal Finances #Lifestyle #Podcasting Education #Case Studies

Усі епізоди

1
Making a Difference: Smart Ways to Support Causes You Care About 6:21

10 днів тому6:21

6:21

A significant portion of the work that we do for clients entails financial modelling to help understand what is possible. Frequently, we arrive at the conclusion that the person’s long term outlook is very secure, and indeed they likely have wealth in excess of requirements. Most commonly in this circumstance, people start to think about early inheritances, and perhaps spending a little bit more on lifestyle. But another path to be pursued, particularly for those without children, is to think about how you might support causes that you are passionate about. Charitable giving not only has a profound impact on society but also brings a deep sense of personal fulfillment to those who give. Our role as financial planners is to ensure that your charitable giving is done in a way that maximises its impact, considering elements such as tax efficiency, and long term sustainability. Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Financial Autonomy podcast. Let's dive into this week's piece - Making a Difference, Smart Ways to Support Causes You Care About. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
The Downsizer Strategy 7:59

24 дні тому7:59

7:59

Your home isn’t just where you live — it can also be a powerful asset in your long-term financial plan. In this episode, we look at how shifting your housing as your life changes can open up smart strategies to build wealth and strengthen your retirement outlook. From understanding how property values tend to hold up in Australia, to making the most of tax-free gains and superannuation opportunities, you’ll learn how to turn a necessary life transition into a financial win. If you're thinking about your next move — whether it's upsizing, downsizing, or planning for the future — this one’s for you. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
What is a Wrap and When Do They Make Sense? 7:48

5 weeks тому7:48

7:48

This week, we're unpacking a real-world financial dilemma: one person's uneasy experience after being advised to move her super from a large industry fund into something she'd never heard of—a wrap account. So… what exactly is a wrap? And when (if ever) should you consider one for your superannuation or investments? Join me as I explain: What wrap accounts are and how they work The pros, cons, and costs compared to mainstream super funds When wraps make sense—and when they don’t How to spot potential conflicts of interest in financial advice Whether you're nearing retirement or just trying to make sense of your investment options, this episode will give you the clarity to navigate wrap facilities with confidence. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
How Much Super Do I Need? 9:42

7 weeks тому9:42

9:42

It’s one of the most common retirement questions—how much super is enough? In this episode, we explore how to estimate your retirement needs based on lifestyle, spending habits, and travel plans. You'll walk away with practical tips to start shaping a retirement plan that actually fits you. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
Is it Time to Use the Equity in your Home to Build Wealth? 8:23

9 weeks тому8:23

8:23

With interest rates starting to fall, is there an opportunity to utilise the equity in your home for investment purposes and accelerate your wealth creation? It's something we're certainly evaluating with several of our clients, so I thought I'd share with you today our current thinking. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
Goals are Essential, but Don't Miss this Next Step 5:55

11 weeks тому5:55

5:55

When we head off on vacation we don't barrel off down the highway, pull up at some random point hours or days down the road, and camp out for the next fortnight. When we depart for our holiday, we know our destination. Clarity on the location of our holiday is essential so that we know what to pack, whether it's affordable, and whether we're likely to be happy when we get there. In a financial planning context, clarity as to your goals is the essential element for success. There are plenty of potential investment pathways that could be followed. Selecting the one that's right for you very much depends on the destination that you are hoping to arrive at. A suitable financial planning strategy for someone whose goal is to have the option of retirement at age 60 would look quite different to someone whose goal was to be able to work two days per week whilst their children were in primary school. So, when it comes to financial planning, goals are essential. But goals alone are not enough. There is one extra step that is required for success. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
Will Active Managers Ever Come Back? 7:29

13 weeks тому7:29

7:29

In this episode, we dive into the debate between active vs. passive management, exploring the claims made by fund managers during a recent teleconference. Is 2025 the year active management finally outperforms passive investments? With decades of data suggesting otherwise, we break down why the odds of success for active managers may not be in their favor—and why sticking with passive investments could still be the smarter choice for most investors. Tune in for insights into market trends, risk management, and the truth behind the numbers. Subscribe to our weekly GainingChoice email General advice disclaimer…

1
How Does Tax Apply to Your Super? 8:00

15 weeks тому8:00

8:00

Wanting to get your head around tax within the superannuation system makes total sense. Our savings accumulate in this regime, however there are restrictions on how we can access the money, and for the vast majority of us, we are forced to save into this vehicle. How does a government manage to force people to save? Sure they can legislate, but in a democratic society, that won't produce a lasting impact. The population needs to be on side, and simply being told it's for your own good isn't going to cut it. The carrot then, is tax concessions. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
Redundancy 8:55

17 weeks тому8:55

8:55

Despite the current low rate of unemployment, there seems to be a mini wave of redundancies in the middle and senior ranks of many companies at present. Experiencing redundancy can be a significant blow to your confidence. However, it's crucial to recognise that redundancy is rarely a reflection of your performance, skills, or dedication. More often than not, it results from shifts in the industry, changes within the company, or simply the natural structure of the workforce. Organizations evolve, and roles that were once essential may no longer fit within the new direction. While redundancy can bring about financial and emotional stress, including concerns about maintaining your lifestyle and finding new employment, it also presents opportunities. This transition can be the perfect moment to re-evaluate your career path and explore new possibilities that may have been out of reach before. Whether it’s pursuing a different career, starting your own business, or finding greater work-life balance, redundancy can serve as a catalyst for positive change. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
The 4 Essentials When Receiving an Early Inheritance 7:12

19 weeks тому7:12

7:12

With an awareness of the challenges of high house prices and resultant large mortgages, intergenerational wealth transfers - in the form of early inheritances - are happening more and more. So if you find yourself in the fortunate position of receiving an early inhertance, what are the smart moves to put you and your family on the path to financial security, and appropriately honour the hard work that went into the generation of the wealth? Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
Is it Time to Own Bitcoin? 7:17

21 weeks тому7:17

7:17

Bitcoin has got a fresh wave of energy since Donald Trump's election win, and we've had quite a few questions from our clients. We are all susceptible to FOMO. Hopefully sharing these thoughts will help you decide what makes sense for you. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
Superannuation Contribution Master Class 13:30

23 weeks тому13:30

13:30

Australia's superannuation system is undeniably complex, yet it plays a pivotal role in our financial lives. With compulsory contributions mandated by law, the system is designed to ensure that the age pension serves as a safety net for basic living expenses, rather than the primary source of retirement income. To achieve a comfortable retirement, understanding the mechanics of superannuation contributions is essential. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer…

1
Recency Bias - Could it Derail Your Plans? 9:37

25 weeks тому9:37

9:37

Stock market returns were phenomenal in 2024. But strong returns can plant the seed for an unexpected risk. This risk is known as recency bias. Holding an awareness of recency bias is the best way of ensuring you don’t fall victim to its draw, so this week, let’s take a look at this often overlooked risk factor. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
What is the Transfer Balance Cap and How Does it Work? 8:21

27 weeks тому8:21

8:21

A few weeks back in the episode about the Superannuation Sweet Spot , I made reference to the transfer balance cap of $1.9 million. I've since had a few questions about how this operates, so this week I thought we'd dig into some extra detail on this particularly important piece of the superannuation rule book. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
Passive Income 101 9:54

29 weeks тому9:54

9:54

The desire for passive income frequently comes up as a goal when I speak with new clients. The idea of earning money before we even get out of bed holds obvious appeal. So this week in the podcast, I thought I'd cover all there is to know about passive income. Where it can be sourced, how you can create it, some of the challenges and misconceptions, tax considerations, and some tips for success. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
The Most Important Concept in Finance to Understand 9:10

31 weeks тому9:10

9:10

In this episode we take a look at the most important concept in finance to understand - compounding. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer

1
The Superannuation Sweet Spot - Making the Most of Superannuation Tax Concessions 8:05

33 weeks тому8:05

8:05

Consistent with most developed nations, Australia provides incentives for people to save for their retirement. Being self-sufficient in retirement reduces the need for Age pensions and other forms of Social Security. But saving for your retirement means sacrificing the here and now. Money socked away for your 70s and 80s, is money that you can't enjoy in your 20s and 30s. The opportunity cost is real, so the incentives need to be meaningful. Fortunately our superannuation system does indeed provide meaningful incentives in the form of tax concessions. There are tax concessions throughout the entire life of your superannuation journey. But I find that sometimes the biggest tax concession of all is overlooked or underappreciated. This week I want to ensure that you understand exactly where the greatest opportunity exists so that you are making the most of the superannuation tax concessions. Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General Advice Disclaimer…

1
Markets Have Had a Phenomenal Year. Where To From Here? 8:47

35 weeks тому8:47

8:47

It's been a wonderful time to be an investor recently. As regular readers of our GainingCHOICE e-mail will know, the current one year numbers for the trio markets we track are all in double digits, with the US index over 30% up on the year, and the Australian and Emerging markets both up around 20%. So where to from here? Do such large gains over the past year mean we're destined for a fall? Or is this the early days of a new boom? General Advice Disclaimer…

1
What is Longevity Risk and How Should I Avoid Getting Caught Out? 9:00

37 weeks тому9:00

9:00

There’s lots of risk when it comes to investing and building wealth. Inflation risk, market risk, timing risk, concentration risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, legislative risk, reinvestment risk, currency risk, leverage risk, and plenty more. Some risk we want to take – the ones that we can handle and will reward us with extra returns. Other risks provide no benefit to us and so should be avoided at all costs. Longevity risk, the topic of this week’s episode, falls into this second bucket, though it’s solution involves the deliberate undertaking of other risk. It’s an interesting one for sure, so let’s dive in. General Advice Disclaimer…

1
The Blueprint To Wealth Creation in 2024 12:13

39 weeks тому12:13

12:13

We all want to build wealth and have financial security, have choices in life. This week I wanted to explore the basic framework for how you can make that happen. Your home, your super, your investments, and the financial decisions that sit around those all play their part. General Advice warning Add yourself to the GainingCHOICE weekly email list…

1
Where to find new episodes of What's Possible? 0:35

40 weeks тому0:35

0:35

Looking for a new What's Possible episode? What's Possible has now moved to its own channel. Links are below for the most common players, or just search What's Possible in your podcast app. Find What's Possible on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7beUaLlKeg7zlq6RlIObTp Find What's Possible on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-possible/id1766412250 We're having a lot of fun with the What's Possible project. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the What's Possible channel so you never miss a new episode.…

1
Am I On Track To Retire? 8:18

41 weeks тому8:18

8:18

This week's episode is inspired by the number one question we get asked by new clients - am i on track to retire? This week I take you through how we go about answering this question. What are the inputs required, and the key things for you to consider? For help, visit our website: www.guidancefs.com.au Disclaimer…

1
What's Possible - 9 Month's in Antarctica 47:28

42 weeks тому47:28

47:28

Could you spend 9 months through winter down in Antarctica? This week I chatted with Matt Roberts who did exactly that with the Australian Antarctic division. He shares how he got this opportunity, the training required, and what life's like at the bottom of the world. What's Possible is moving to its own channel. Be sure to add it to your Follows/Subcriptions: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7beUaLlKeg7zlq6RlIObTp Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-possible/id1766412250…

1
When Does Debt Recycling Make Sense? 8:33

43 weeks тому8:33

8:33

Borrowing to invest he is unquestionably a frequent contributor to wealth accumulation. Few of us would buy a home without using a mortgage, and it is a rare business that is able to grow without some form of debt. Borrowing to invest in the stock market has many positive attributes. Shares can be sold quickly, enabling you to reduce or clear your debt at short notice were your circumstances to change. Transaction costs are low. And diversification is easily obtained. There are several ways in which you can borrow to invest in the stock market. Under a debt recycling approach, it is assumed you are using equity in your home. Borrowing to invest magnifies an the outcome. If you invest $1000 and it increases in value by 10%, you have gained $100 in wealth. If instead you matched that $1000 with an equal amount of debt, and your now $2000 investment grew by the same10%, your wealth has increased by $200, double that of the original example. Now of course you need to back out the cost of the debt, but this simple example illustrates the impact. Investments don't always go up however, so the magnification brought about through gearing works in both directions. If the value of your investment rises, gearing enhances your outcome. But if the value of your investment falls, gearing makes the situation worse. For this reason, there's a few key criteria that you should tick-off before embarking on this strategy. Disclaimer Get GainingCHOICE…

1
What's Possible - Hillary Clinton 44:37

44 weeks тому44:37

44:37

Welcome back to the What's Possible podcast where we explore people who've lived interesting lives and consider what lessons we can draw to have the fullest, most fun life possible. In this episode, we dive into Hillary Clinton's journey and what she's achieved alongside that. What's Possible has now moved to its own channel. Links are below for the most common players, or just search What's Possible in your podcast app. Find What's Possible on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7beUaLlKeg7zlq6RlIObTp Find What's Possible on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-possible/id1766412250 Subscribe to GainingCHOICE Disclaimer…

1
Why Industry Super Funds Have Underperformed, and Should You be Concerned? 7:48

45 weeks тому7:48

7:48

Having now rolled into a new financial year, you might have seen league tables floating around showing the best and worst super fund performers for the 2023/24 financial year. This year the large industry funds tended to lag their retail funds cousins. In this week's episode I wanted to explore why that had occurred, so you can determine whether you need to be taking any action. Subscribe to GainingCHOICE Disclaimer…

1
What's Possible - Mr Beast 57:16

46 weeks тому57:16

57:16

Welcome back to another episode of the What's Possible podcast where we examine the life of someone interesting and then discuss what we can learn from their story to help us live full and interesting lives. Subscribe to Crawford's new weekly email The Dash . Disclaimer What's Possible has now moved to its own channel. Links are below for the most common players, or just search What's Possible in your podcast app. Find What's Possible on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7beUaLlKeg7zlq6RlIObTp Find What's Possible on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-possible/id1766412250…

1
What's Happening with Interest Rates and What Does the Future Hold for Me? 9:02

47 weeks тому9:02

9:02

What's going on with interest rates? At the beginning of the year there was near unanimous agreement that interest rates would fall at some point in 2024, probably in the back half of the year. Yet here in Australia at least, talk is of the potential need to lift interest rates. As it stands, interest rates are already at their highest level in over a decade, and we need to go back to 2008 to see a time where they were at these levels for a sustained period. This week I wanted to take a look at the change in thinking that is underway globally with respect to interest rate policy, and what that means for those of us with mortgages, and also those with investments. Disclaimer Subscribe to our weekly email update .…

1
What's Possible - Charlie Munger 58:50

48 weeks тому58:50

58:50

Welcome to the What's Possible podcast, our dive into the people who inspire us, how they achieved what they did, and what lessons we can all draw so that we can live the most interesting and full lives possible. Let us know what you think by hitting "reply" to a GainingCHOICE email. Not receiving GainingCHOICE? Fix that here . What's Possible has now moved to its own channel. Links are below for the most common players, or just search What's Possible in your podcast app. Find What's Possible on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7beUaLlKeg7zlq6RlIObTp Find What's Possible on Apple here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-possible/id1766412250…

1
Have I Missed the Boat for US Shares? 12:40

49 weeks тому12:40