Financial Autonomy

Guidance Financial Services: Investing & Retirement Planning Experts
  • 4.7 (3)
  • 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. 11H AGO

    The Property Buying Playbook That Could Save You Thousands

    Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make… and most people are just kind of winging it.  You're going to inspections, watching prices, trying to read between the lines on listings, and still not sure if something's actually good value or if you're about to overpay.  So this week, Nick sits down with buyer's advocate Mel Dennis to break down what actually matters when you're buying property. They unpack how to work out what a property is really worth, the mistakes buyers don't realise they're making until it's too late, and how to handle the negotiation so you don't end up paying more than you needed to.  If you're in the market, or even just starting to think about it, this gives you a clear approach so you can make the call and buy with confidence.  Inside this episode:  Why doing your research still doesn't guarantee you won't overpay   The three things you're always balancing when you buy, and how to prioritise them   How to actually work out what a property is worth (not just what it's listed for)   The due diligence most buyers think they've done… but haven't   What experienced buyers look at that others don't   How negotiations really work (and where people end up paying more)   Why some properties grow in value... and others don't    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

    28 min

  2. MAR 24

    Should You Be Worried About Your Investments and Retirement as War Escalates and Oil Prices Rise?

    War is escalating, oil prices are rising and markets are reacting. So what does that actually mean for your investments and retirement? In this episode, we go beyond the headlines to unpack what's really happening, and answer the big question investors are asking right now: do I need to act? Inside this episode: • What war and rising oil prices are actually doing to markets • Why volatility makes even experienced investors second-guess themselves • The common mistake people make when reacting to headlines • How to think about your investments when things feel uncertain • The one question to ask before making any move 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

    9 min

  3. MAR 17

    Franking Credits: Don't Miss Out on Free Money

    This week on the Wealth Builder podcast Nick talks to accountant David Markovski about franking credits and how to get the most out of them. Need help? - Learn about our Wealth Builder program Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

    25 min

  4. MAR 10

    Post-Divorce Financial Roadmap

    Divorce often requires a major financial reset, and knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we outline a practical roadmap to help rebuild financial stability after separation. We cover redefining your goals, understanding your remaining working years, and making smart housing decisions. We also discuss rebuilding cashflow clarity, updating estate planning, and reviewing insurance needs. If you're navigating life after divorce, this episode offers a clear framework to help you move forward with confidence.   Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

    10 min

  5. MAR 3

    Crypto & Digital Assets: Boom, Bust & What's in Between

    This week on the Wealth Builder podcast Nick talks to James Brannan from BlockByte Capital about mitigating risks when investing in cryptocurrencies in an ever-evolving market. Need help? - Learn about our Wealth Builder program Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

    30 min

  6. FEB 24

    Investing when your time frame is beyond your lifespan

    In this episode, we explore what it means to invest with a time frame that stretches beyond your own lifespan. When personal financial security is already assured, the conversation can evolve from lifestyle funding to building capital designed to support generations to come. We unpack why inflation becomes the greatest risk, why growth assets like shares and property take priority, and how approaches such as index investing align with ultra-long horizons. Beyond strategy, we discuss the human side of legacy — financial literacy, shared purpose, and open conversations — and the deeper question of why building wealth for future generations truly matters.   Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

    10 min

  7. FEB 17

    Can You Really Retire Early? Let's Find Out

    This week on the Wealth Builder podcast Nick talks to Financial Autonomy host Paul Benson about what to consider before retiring early Need help? - Learn about our Wealth Builder program Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

    35 min

  8. FEB 10

    Should You Be Buying Precious Metals?

    Gold rose 74% last year and silver surged 185%, but do those eye-catching returns actually justify investing in precious metals? In this episode, we explore what's driving current market anxiety, the case for and against gold as a safe haven, and whether it truly protects against inflation. We break down diversification benefits, long-term return realities, behavioural risks, and the pros and cons of physical gold, ETFs, and mining shares—before answering the real question: do precious metals belong in a disciplined investment portfolio, and if so, how much?   Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

    15 min
See All (422)

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    422
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Benson
  • Show Website
    Financial Autonomy

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