Financial Autonomy

Often when I ask new clients when they would like to be able to retire the answer is "tomorrow", with a smile and a chuckle. Retiring as early as possible is seen by many as the pinnacle of financial success. This is interesting, because if you had someone who had been made redundant and was finding it difficult to get back into the workforce - early retirement but not at a time of their choosing - they're unlikely to be in a happy state. This week I want to explore a few alternatives to retiring early, and some reasons why you might like to consider these as part of your plans. If early retirement is the choice in life that you're shooting for, go for it, by all means. But if your deeper goal is to live a happy and healthy life, perhaps these alternatives might provide a viable way forward for you. [Disclaimer] [Website]

This week we're talking career change. For many of the clients that we work with, the choice being pursued is a career change, usually because the job they're in is not making them happy. Sometimes it might be following a redundancy. Now our area of expertise is around the finances, so our focus is on how to make the career change possible financially. But there's a whole lot more to a successful career change than just the dollars. I'm joined this week by Kate Richardson. Kate is an Executive Career Coach, who orchestrated her very own career change 4 years ago. Today she helps people like you and me succeed in their very own career transition. Link: www.katerichardson.co [Disclaimer] [Website]

I came across a great story recently that got me thinking. A successful woman in her 50s observed that several of her younger colleagues at work, all in their 20s, were furnishing very expensive handbags. She realised that she'd never had a luxury item like that, and if these young folk could afford one, then surely after all these years of work, she could too. She mentioned this to a few friends, and they were all encouraging - splash out, enjoy yourself, you've earned it. She had a look around and found a Chanel bag that was to her liking. Apparently she even needed to make an appointment to buy the bag. But when the time came to hand over the credit card and make the purchase, she pulled back. She couldn't bring herself to do it. Spending thousands of dollars on a status symbol just wasn't something that she could do. In this week's episode I wanted to explore the idea of luxury, particularly as it pertains to financial autonomy. Once you've got yourself into a financially secure position, what use do you put that to? [Disclaimer] [Website]

The focus of our podcast is to help you gain choice through the achievement of what I've called Financial Autonomy. A very close cousin of the idea of financial autonomy is Financial Independence. Financial independence is the concept of owning assets that produce income such that it is not necessary for you to engage in paid employment to produce the money you and your family need to live. I'm sure most listeners are familiar with the FIRE acronym. As we've canvassed in past episodes, whilst this is a cool and catchy acronym, most advocates of this philosophy have come to the realisation that the RE portion, the retire early portion that is, is probably misguided. The financial independent piece though, the first half of the acronym is a valid pursuit, and that's certainly something that aligns well with us here at Financial Autonomy. The bulk of the people we work with are in their 40s and 50s, and so that's why this week I thought I'd share with you the key strategy elements we use to help people like you achieve financial independence. I hope you find it useful. [Disclaimer] [Website]

You'd have to have been living on a deserted island for the last 18 months to not know that interest rates have been on the rise. Central banks around the world are endeavouring to return rates to normal levels, following sharp cuts through the pandemic. Normalising rates is not without pain however, as many who bought homes two or three years ago are very well aware right now. But higher interest rates have impacts for investors too. So this week I wanted to dig into four ways in which today's higher interest rates are impacting your share portfolio. [Disclaimer] [Website]

If you've listened to a few of these podcasts, or read our weekly email, you will know that our core theme is helping you Gain Choice in life. Today's episode covers a few different systems which we can use to make better financial decisions. [Disclaimer] [Website]

This week we're going to look at 6 core personal finance concepts. These are concepts that it's easy for those of us working in the space to assume everyone understands. It might also be that your understanding of what these terms mean differs from the industry definition. So let's run through these core concepts together and make sure we're all on the same page. [Disclaimer] [Website]

Given the large increases seen in property values in recent decades, combined with more and more of us living well into our 90s, the problem of being asset rich and cash poor is becoming increasingly common. Another way to frame this problem is something an old neighbour said to me once, "Paul, you can't eat bricks". It's great to be financially secure and have significant assets behind you, but you need cash flow to pay the bills and put food on the table. That's easy enough whilst you are working, but once you retired you either need your assets to be throwing off income, or else liquidated to be available for spending. In this week's episode we're going to look at a few ways that you, or perhaps an older family member you care for, might be able to solve the problem of being asset rich but cash poor. [Disclaimer] [Website]

As a parent, providing your child with the best possible education is core business. This week I'm talking to Marie Van Asch of Futurity about education funding solutions. This was a great discussion, hope you enjoy it. [Website] [Disclaimer]

It's not uncommon for our clients to want to assist their children to get into the property market. Particularly in our major capital cities, we all know that prices are at levels that make it very difficult to accumulate an appropriate deposit and be able to service the level of debt required. Usually, parental assistance in the property market is achieved through a gift, or a lump sum of money to supercharge the deposit. Sometimes, parents might go guarantor on a loan, with all the risk this entails. Recently I've been working with some clients who have a slightly different take on how they would like to help their kids. In the medium term, they do want to be able to assist their children to get into the property market. But in the short term, their priority is about helping them transition from living in the family home to becoming independent adults. [Website] [Disclaimer]

This week to explore when you should be taking some time to look at your personal insurance. Appropriate insurance is an essential financial safety net, but we want to have the right levels of cover - not too much, and not too little - because insurance costs money, and that's money you can't use for other things like growing your wealth. [Disclaimer] [Website]

The Australian share market has gotten off to a great start this year. Indeed the last 12 months have been fantastic. If you've been following along via the gaining choice email you will know that over the last 12 months, investors in the Australian market have gained around 11% inclusive of dividends whilst those investing in the US market are down about 6.5%, again inclusive of dividends. The ASX's outperformance is a distinct break from what we've seen over the last decade or more. What's going on and will it continue? That's what we'll be discussing in today's episode. [Website] [Disclaimer]

This week joining me on the podcast is Shelley Johnson, who, in addition to hosting the My Millenial Career podcast, recently co-authored a book with a friend of the podcast, Glen James from My Millenial Money. Their new book is called Sort Your Career Out. This is a great fit with our goal of gaining choice, which very often relates to issues around our paid employment - a career change, going back to study, or perhaps taking a sabbatical and doing some travel. So I'm looking forward to having a great discussion with Shelly today. [Website] [Disclaimer]

How can you find the right balance between enjoying life today, and having that wonderful lifestyle, versus the delayed gratification of saving and investing to achieve bigger, long-term goals? That's what we'll explore in this week's Financial Autonomy podcast. [Website] [Disclaimer]

One of the most common reasons for a new client joining us here at Guidance is due to the receipt of an inheritance, whether a traditional one upon the passing of a close family member, or increasingly frequently, an early inheritance where the family member has determined that they have assets in excess of their needs and wish to see their loved ones enjoy the gift during their lifetime. [Disclaimer] [Website]

We're all familiar with traditional investments - stocks, property, term deposits. But there is a whole other universe of investments that get broadly bracketed together as "Alternative" investments. Alternatives could be classic cars, collectibles like guitars, stamps or coins, cryptos, futures funds, private equity, and precious metals. The rationale is diversification, but even more important than diversification is correlation of returns, the idea being that alternative investments operate on different cycles to your other investments. In this episode I chat with Maxwell Nee from UK based Oneo Group about investing in wine and whisky. Important to highlight that our guest represents a company that is not registered or licensed in Australia. The information shared in this podcast is not advice and in no way should it be interpreted that Paul recommends or endorses this company. Link to more details about Wine & Whisky Investing: https://lp.oenogroup.com/aus/

The new year has arrived, you're re-charged, it's time to release the hand brake and get moving! Welcome back to another episode of the Financial Autonomy podcast, where our goal is to help you gain choice in life – perhaps that's the choice to cut back to working 3 days per week, maybe it's making a career change, or being able to retire at 60 and travel around Australia. Whatever the choice it is that you are seeking, this week's episode should help ensure 2023 is a year where you make strong positive strides in the right direction. [Disclaimer] [Website]

Taylor Riley is a young business dynamo having established multiple businesses already, and he hasn't even hit his mid 20's. In this interview, we discuss content creation, the law of reciprocity, and control as a vehicle to gain choice. I'm sure you're going to love this one. [Disclaimer] [Website]

This week's episode is inspired by a real life conundrum that my wife and I are currently facing. With reports of property prices falling we've been wondering whether there might be an opportunity to pick up an investment property at an attractive point in the cycle. The title of this week's episode is precisely the issue we have been tossing around, namely what is a reasonable price to pay for an investment property? [Disclaimer] [Website]

This week I chat with long time listener to the podcast and reader of the GainingCHOICE email, Dan McCutcheon. Dan reached out to me recently sharing his wealth creation journey. I thought it would make a great case study and he kindly agreed to come on and share his experience. [Disclaimer] [Website]

Last week in one of our progress meetings I was asked by a client a very sensible question "why is record-low unemployment a bad thing?" His question arose from a news report that was attempting to explain the economic challenges currently faced and the concerns for 2023 and beyond. One of the explanations offered by the journalist was this "problem" of record low unemployment. But as my client observed, surely everyone having a job is a good thing. A totally reasonable assumption to make. So what's going on? [Disclaimer] [Website]

If we're asked what sort of return should be expected from an investment over the long run the tendency is to rely on the long term average, or perhaps lean on the conservative side and round down a percent or two. The reality however is that from one year to the next there is a high level of variability in returns. Sure, given long enough they may well deliver that long term average that you see published, but in any given year your actual outcome can be vastly different, both positive and negative. Sequencing risk recognises this natural variability in returns year by year. [Disclaimer] [Website]

This week, we cover 3 different ways you could rapidly accelerate your wealth creation to help you to achieve financial independence. For more from us, click here. [Disclaimer]

Every major financial event is also a major psychological event. When you buy a home, change job or career, receive an inheritance, or retire. So this week I'm very excited to welcome psychologist Parris Davenport from Everyday Psychology onto the podcast to explore that intersection between psychology and money a little deeper. [Website] [Disclaimer] Links referenced in the episode: Everyday Psychology National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) Black Dog Institute

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that investment markets around the world have been experiencing challenging times over the past year. Shares, bonds, and property, everything is down and there have been few places to hide. So this week I wanted to consider what we could learn from past market declines. What can we take away to help us not only get through this current period, but perhaps even take advantage of the opportunities that might present. [Disclaimer]

Today I'm speaking with Victor Huang Principal and Head of Investment Solutions with Milliman Australia. [Website] [Disclaimer]

In this episode, we discuss franking credits, their purpose, and how they benefit you. [Disclaimer]

I'm joined today by Evan Lucas. Evan has just released a beautifully written book Mind Over Money. It makes a great companion piece for our focus here at Financial Autonomy around gaining choice. In this episode we talk about the impact your personality has on the way that you interact with money, the role of expectations, cultural differences and their impact on money decisions, and plenty more. [Disclaimer]

With markets down at the moment due to interest rate increases, this week I explore how to keep calm when markets aren't doing what we'd like, and how to ensure you don't miss out on any potential opportunities. [Disclaimer]

We knew the rates of last year were temporary, but the speed with which they are snapping back has been surprising. Based on this, I wanted to talk this week about the different potential strategies and opportunities that will arise in a world with rising interest rates. [Disclaimer]

I'm joined today by author and buyers agent Steve Palise. Steve recently released his second book, Residential Property Investing Explained, to complement his first release Commercial Property Investing Explained. But today we're not just talking property, Steve splits his time between Australia and the UK. He's achieved this through two of the three Financial Autonomy pathways that we focus on here. So let's dive in and learn how he's done it. [Disclaimer]

For over 6 years now I've released weekly podcasts and emails exploring the idea of Financial Autonomy and gaining choice. The content is informed by the wonderful clients that we get to work with, many of whom are listeners. I'm constantly learning, and sometimes what you learn contradicts what you thought you knew. This week I wanted to share 3 things I got wrong. There's probably plenty more, but let's start here anyhow. [Disclaimer]

This week we're talking tax. Strategies to minimise tax are often high priorities for those seeking financial planning advice. In this episode, we'll take a look at some of the most common taxes that we as Australians face, pick apart some of the mechanics of how they work, and consider whether it's appropriate to change anything that you currently do to improve your tax outcome. [Disclaimer]

This week I chat with Financial Autonomy community member Mark Hutchins on his journey to financial independence. We discuss minimalism, the related idea of "enough', job share, running a small business, semi-retirement, and Mark's unique Ice Cream FI approach. [Disclaimer]

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]