Financial Autonomy

You were told an investment property was one of the safest ways to build wealth. But what happens when one of the key tax benefits that made the numbers work is taken away? 

In this episode, we look at the impact of the changes to negative gearing rules and what they could mean for Australians who have been relying on property as part of their wealth-building strategy. We also look at 5 different options investors have now, and what to consider before deciding where your money should go next. 

Because building wealth is still absolutely possible, but the best path forward may look different to the one many Australians expected. 

In this episode: 

Why some investment properties may be harder to justify under the new rules 


The 5 wealth-building options investors may need to look at next 


Hidden risks in simply swapping one strategy for another 


Why superannuation could become one of the biggest winners from the change 


What to understand before you make your next big investment decision 


WANT PERSONALISED FINANCIAL ADVICE: If the negative gearing changes have you rethinking investment property, super, shares or where to build wealth next, personalised advice can help you work out what makes sense for your situation. Book an appointment here.  WANT TO STAY ACROSS WHAT'S MOVING THE MARKETS?: Subscribe to GainingCHOICE, our weekly email unpacking the key headlines and what to pay attention to. 

GOT A FINANCE QUESTION FOR PAUL?: Send it to paul@financialautonomy.com.au, and it could be featured in his Ask an Expert column each Sunday in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 

General advice disclaimer

Think financial advice is something you get when you're older, wealthier, or closer to retirement? That mindset could be costing you far more than you realise. 

Because when it comes to building wealth, when you start can matter more than how much you start with. 

In this episode, Nick is joined by Paul Benson to unpack why your 30s and 40s can be such a powerful window for getting advice. It's the time to make decisions that can compound, course correct, and create more choice later.  But this is not just one for younger listeners. If you are in your 50s, 60s or beyond, there are still valuable takeaways here, especially if you are wondering whether your super, investments, insurance, structures or old money habits still make sense for where you are now.  Inside the episode: 

How to know whether your money is actually working hard enough Why "I'll sort it out later" can become one of your most expensive financial habits Why getting advice early could make a six-figure difference by retirement Why earning good money does not always mean you are building wealth One setting that could turbocharge your superannuation What to review now if you feel like you started too late  WANT PERSONALISED FINANCIAL ADVICE?: Book an appointment here.  WANT TO STAY ACROSS WHAT'S MOVING THE MARKETS?: Subscribe to GainingCHOICE, our weekly email unpacking the key headlines and what to pay attention to. 

GOT A FINANCE QUESTION FOR PAUL?: Send it to paul@financialautonomy.com.au, and it could be featured in his Ask an Expert column each Sunday in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 

General advice disclaimer

Retirement should feel like freedom, not a series of expensive surprises you wish you had seen coming. 

Before you finish work, you want to know the plan is ready for real life. Where will your income come from? Is your budget still enough? What happens if markets fall? And have your goals changed since you first started planning? 

In this episode, Paul walks through the final checks to make before you retire, so you can step into the next chapter with more confidence, less second-guessing, and a plan that is built for what life actually looks like after work 

In this episode: 

What needs to be clear before your pay cheque stops  


Why your retirement budget might not survive real life  


How to avoid selling investments when markets are down  


The plan you may need to update before it is too late  


What to organise before work stops structuring your week  


The retirement regret you want to catch while there is still time 


 

FOR PERSONALISED RETIREMENT PLANNING ADVICE: Book an appointment here.  WANT TO STAY ACROSS WHAT'S MOVING THE MARKETS?: Subscribe to GainingCHOICE, our weekly email unpacking the key headlines and what to pay attention to.  

GOT A FINANCE QUESTION FOR PAUL?: Send it to paul@financialautonomy.com.au, and it could be featured in his Ask an Expert column each Sunday in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 

General advice disclaimer

June 30 is one of those dates that creeps up, and suddenly everyone is asking the same thing. 

Have I missed something? 

Could I have done something smarter with my super? Is there a tax deduction I should know about? Did I leave it too late? And why does EOFY always make your money feel more complicated than it needs to be? 

In this episode, financial adviser Nick Donato is joined by Brendan from the Guidance team to talk through the EOFY checks that are actually worth your attention before the deadline hits. 

Because the only thing worse than dealing with EOFY admin is realising in July that there was something useful you could have done. So, this episode gives you a clear list of what to check, what to ask about, and what might still be worth looking at before June 30. 

Inside this episode: 

• The super rules people often misunderstand • The tax deduction opportunity that is not just salary sacrifice • Why June 30 can be too late if your fund does not receive the money in time • How catch up contributions may help if you have had a bigger tax year • The spouse contribution and co contribution rules worth knowing • The SMSF checks you do not want to leave too late • Why EOFY is a smart time to review your portfolio, insurance and beneficiaries • What family trust holders and business owners should be asking their accountant 

WANT ADVICE ON HOW THIS WILL AFFECT YOUR FINANCES? Book an appointment here.  WANT TO STAY ACROSS WHAT'S MOVING THE MARKETS?: Subscribe to GainingCHOICE, our weekly email unpacking the key headlines and what to pay attention to. 

GOT A FINANCE QUESTION FOR PAUL?: Send it to paul@financialautonomy.com.au, and it could be featured in his Ask an Expert column each Sunday in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 

General advice disclaimer

The retirement mistakes that cost people most are often made before they leave work, when there is still time to fix them, and have real consequences if they don't. 

Because this is not just about whether you can afford to retire. It is about whether you can afford the retirement you have been picturing; the travel, the flexibility, the choice to help your kids, stay in your home, or stop worrying every time markets fall. 

In this episode, Paul breaks down the five things to get clear on before you retire, so you can spot the gaps while there is still time to act, make the decisions that could strengthen your position, and avoid walking into retirement only to realise the plan was shakier than you thought 

In this episode: 

How to know whether your retirement plan actually stacks up, before it's too late  


The financial shock that can hit harder close to retirement 


Why the last few working years could be some of the most valuable of your life  


The super opportunity you might not want to waste 


How your home could shape your retirement income, whether you stay or downsize 


The big question to get clear on before you retire 


 

FOR PERSONALISED RETIREMENT PLANNING ADVICE: Book an appointment with Paul here.  WANT TO STAY ACROSS WHAT'S MOVING THE MARKETS?: Subscribe to GainingCHOICE, our weekly email unpacking the key headlines and what to pay attention to. 

GOT A FINANCE QUESTION FOR PAUL?: Send it to paul@financialautonomy.com.au, and it could be featured in his Ask an Expert column each Sunday in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 

General advice disclaimer