Financial Autonomy

Guidance Financial Services: Investing & Retirement Planning Experts
  • 4.7 (169)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Plenty of podcasts 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.

  1. 23 hrs ago

    Why Doing Less with Your Investments Could Make You Richer

    Think the secret to getting rich is finding the next Nvidia, picking the perfect fund manager, or making clever moves before everyone else?  Well, this episode is here to change that.  Today we're looking at the investment strategy that was once labelled as boring, uninspiring and almost impossible to sell, but went on to reshape the way millions of people invest.  Index investing started with a simple idea: stop trying to beat the market, and own it instead.  It sounds almost too basic to work. But when you take a closer look, simple can become seriously powerful.  In this episode, we unpack why "average" market returns may be better than they sound, why more activity does not always mean better results, and why the hardest part of investing is often leaving a good plan alone.  In this episode:  Why trying to beat the market is harder than it looks  The hidden cost of constantly tinkering with your investments  Why "boring" can be a serious advantage  The behaviour trap that catches even confident investors  How a simpler strategy can help keep more of your money working for longer  What to think about before making your next investment move  This one is for anyone who has ever looked at their portfolio and thought, should I be doing more? Because by the end, you may realise the better question is: am I doing too much?    FURTHER LISTENING:  Find our playlist full of episodes about investing in the share market here.    WANT HELP WITH YOUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY?:  At Guidance Financial Services, we use an index-at-the-core strategy. Book your 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.  You can also find all our links here.  General advice disclaimer

  2. 3 days ago

    Offset Account vs Investing in Shares: Which Will Make You Richer?

    When interest rates are high, putting extra money into your offset account can feel like the obvious decision. It reduces the interest on your home loan, keeps your money accessible, and gives you a return that is hard to ignore.  But if you are trying to build wealth over the long term, is the offset always the best place for your money?  In the first episode of our Essentials Series, we revisit one of the most common questions homeowners ask: should extra savings stay in the offset, or could that money be working harder elsewhere?  In this episode, we look at how to weigh up the trade-off between reducing mortgage interest today and investing for growth over time. We also explain why tax, inflation and timeframe can all change the way this decision looks.  In this episode:  Why offset accounts have become more attractive as rates have risen  The simple mistake people make when comparing offset accounts with shares  How to think about short-term money versus long-term wealth  The tax detail that can completely change how this decision looks   Why inflation still matters, even when your money is sitting safely in offset  What to weigh up to make the right decision for you  If you have extra money available and are unsure whether to leave it in offset or invest it, this episode will help you think through the decision with more clarity and confidence.    Please note: This episode was originally recorded in 2023, so any interest rates or market return figures mentioned reflect the environment at the time of recording. WANT PERSONALISED ADVICE ON WHAT OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?:  At Guidance Financial Services, we use sophisticated modelling software to test different options for your personal situation and provide advice on investment strategy, based on your goals and circumstances. Book your 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.  You can also find all our links here.  General advice disclaimer

    Offset Account vs Investing in Shares: Which Will Make You Richer?

  3. 8 July

    Everyone Says Pay Off the Mortgage with an Inheritance. But What Should You Really Do?

    Everyone says that when you receive an inheritance, the smartest thing to do is pay off the mortgage. And sure, for some people, that might be exactly the right move.  But what if it isn't the whole answer?  Receiving an inheritance can be one of the most emotional financial moments of your life. There's grief, gratitude, guilt, pressure, and suddenly a long list of decisions you may not feel ready to make. Should you pay down debt? Invest? help your kids? keep some aside? take the trip your loved one always wanted you to take?  In this episode of the Wealth Builder Podcast, Nick Donato is joined by Paul Benson to unpack what to think about before making any big moves with inherited money. They talk through why pausing can be powerful, what tax and timing issues can catch people out, and how to make decisions that honour the legacy you've been left while still supporting the life you want to build.  In this episode:  How to avoid rushing into a decision while emotions are high  Why paying off the mortgage may feel obvious, but still needs to be tested  What to understand before mentally spending an inheritance  The tax and timing issues that can change what you actually receive  How to weigh up debt, investing, kids, travel, renovations and future goals  Why your own estate planning may need a review after receiving an inheritance  How to use inherited money thoughtfully, without guilt or regret  If you've received an inheritance, expect to receive one, or simply want to understand how to make better decisions around a major financial windfall, this episode will help you slow down, think clearly, and make a plan before the money starts making decisions for you.    WANT PERSONALISED ADVICE FOR YOUR INHERITANCE?:  Book an appointment with Guidance Financial Services here.     READY TO SORT YOUR FINANCES AND BUILD WEALTH WITH A CLEAR PLAN?:  Wealth Builder is our specialised 12-month financial advice program for people in their 30s and 40s. You can learn more about it here.     FOLLOW NICK ON LINKEDIN 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.  You can also find all our links here.

  4. 1 July

    Self-Managed Super: Do the Tax Changes Make SMSFs Worth a Rethink?

    Self-managed super funds have been out of favour for a while. With low-cost industry funds, better online platforms and more compliance to deal with, plenty of Australians decided SMSFs were not worth the effort.  So why is everyone talking about them again?    In this episode, Paul looks at why recent tax changes could make superannuation even more important in Australia's wealth-building landscape, and why that has some people taking a fresh look at self-managed super. Not because SMSFs are suddenly right for everyone, but because when the rules around other wealth-building structures change, the way you hold and manage your retirement savings starts to matter more.    In this episode:  Why SMSFs are back on the radar  What the tax changes could mean for wealth builders  Why super may matter more than ever  When control over your super starts to become more appealing  The hidden trade-off that comes with running your own fund  Why an SMSF is not the right move for everyone  What to think about before deciding your current setup is no longer enough  If you've dismissed self-managed super in the past, this episode gives you a reaason to revisit the question.  FURTHER LISTENING:  Find our playlist full of episodes about SMSFs and Superannuation here.    WANT TO KNOW IF AN SMSF IS RIGHT FOR YOU?:  At Guidance Financial Services, we can provide personalised advice on self-managed super, superannuation and investment strategy, based on your goals and circumstances. Book your 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.  You can also find all our links here.  General advice disclaimer

  5. 23 June

    How to Fund Your Child's Future Without Financial Stress

    Every parent wants to give their child the best possible start, but between school fees, uniforms, laptops, camps, sport, music, tutoring and uni, the cost of "giving them options" can add up fast and cause financial stress.   In this episode of Wealth Builder, Nick is joined by Marie Lazar from Futurity Investment Group to unpack how families can plan for education costs before they become a major cash flow stress. Because choosing the school is only part of the decision, the bigger question is how you are going to fund it in a way that still works for the rest of your financial life.  They talk through the real cost of education in Australia, why the extras are often what catch families off guard, and how different funding options compare, from savings accounts and offset accounts to share portfolios, family gifts and education bonds. You'll also hear how education bonds work, who they may suit, and why they can be worth considering as part of a broader wealth-building plan.  In this episode:  How much education could really cost from primary school through to year 12  The hidden extras many families forget to plan for  Why planning early can give parents and grandparents more options later  How education bonds work and what makes them different  The key trade-offs between savings, offsets, investments and education bonds  What to think about before choosing the right strategy for your family  This episode is for parents and grandparents who want to help fund a child's future without the last-minute scramble to make it work financially  READY TO SORT YOUR FINANCES AND BUILD WEALTH WITH A CLEAR PLAN?  Wealth Builder is our specialised 12-month financial advice program for people in their 30s and 40s. You can learn more about it 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.  You can also find all our links here.

  6. 16 June

    5 Ways to Build Wealth with the changes to Negative Gearing

    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

  7. 8 June

    Why Waiting to Get Financial Advice Could Cost You Hundreds of Thousands

    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

  8. 1 June

    Get Retirement Ready: How to Avoid Costly Surprises After You Retire

    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

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4.7
out of 5
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About

Plenty of podcasts 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Guidance Financial Services: Investing & Retirement Planning Experts
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    438
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Benson
  • Show Website
    Financial Autonomy

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