I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count.

It usually starts with something like:
“Mum’s had a fall. She can’t live at home anymore.”

From that moment on, everything changes. Suddenly, the adult child becomes the carer, the coordinator, the decision-maker. You’re managing doctors, hospital discharge plans, care assessments, legal paperwork, all while trying to hold together your own family, job and sanity.

I’ve walked alongside many clients through this exact scenario. And I know just how overwhelming it is when you’re not prepared.

So here’s what I’ve learned, both professionally and personally, about how to support ageing parents through a transition to care, without losing control of your own life in the process.

This week, ASIC once again stepped in to clamp down on a dodgy financial investment scheme. Unfortunately, as is so often the case, the action came too late for many investors with around $500 million set to be lost collectively.

If you're thinking, “How does this keep happening?”, you're not alone.

These aren’t shady backroom operators. Many of these schemes are advertised in reputable newspapers, are registered with ASIC, and come with well-designed brochures and a promise of 8–10% returns. On the surface, they seem completely legitimate.

Earlier this week, I was chatting with a client about the holiday my wife and I had recently in the Whitsundays. I made an offhand comment about how expensive it was, which, to be fair, it absolutely was.

Without missing a beat, he laughed and told me I was just being a tight arse and should sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. And you know what? He was spot on. As the younger crowd would say, he was 100% right.

But it did get me thinking.

If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, there’s a fair chance you’re juggling two big financial goals: paying down your HECS debt while also trying to scrape together a decent deposit for your first home.

It’s a common dilemma, the one I talk through with young Australians almost every week. The good news is, with a bit of strategy, you can make progress on both without feeling like you’re treading water until 40.

Here’s how I help clients in your shoes think about it.

If you’re in your 20s, 30s or 40s and raising a family, there’s a fair chance 2025 feels financially exhausting. Nearly every conversation I have lately comes back to the cost of living, high interest rates, or uncertainty about the future.

The usual advice such as budget better, pay down debt, save a buffer is still important. But most people I work with already know that. What they don’t often see are the overlooked opportunities sitting right under their nose.

So here are some fresh ideas, based on what I’m seeing with clients right now, that could help you take back some control.

One of the most common things I hear in our first session is:
“I feel like I should be further ahead by now.”

Whether they’re in their 30s or late 40s, earning $80K or $280K, that feeling doesn’t discriminate.

The truth is, it’s not about how much you earn. It’s about what you do with it. And when people feel behind, I don’t give them a lecture or a complicated spreadsheet. I give them a clear starting point.

If that’s where you’re at right now, unsure how to get ahead financially, here are the practical foundations I walk through with every client.

Forget the headlines. In my experience, real wealth isn’t about timing the market, it’s about time in the market.

I’ve worked with so many people over the years such as clients, colleagues, friends, and one thing has remained true no matter the interest rates or property cycle: slow and steady still wins the race. Especially when you’re building financial resilience that needs to last.

The reality of housing affordability has shifted, are you adjusting your strategy?

The average house price in Sydney has hovered around the $1.1 million mark for the past year, with CoreLogic data showing an annual increase of 8.7% to April 2025. This makes it incredibly difficult for first-home buyers and young professionals to enter the property market unless they are willing to compromise somewhere else, like on lifestyle or debt levels.

So what are your options if you're sitting on some savings and ready to invest?

Many Australians see property investment as a pathway to wealth. But why do some investors seem to build wealth more efficiently than others?

One of the key habits shared by successful property investors is this: they make regular contributions to superannuation, and they do so strategically.

Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone, filled with excitement and anticipation. However, many first-time buyers focus solely on the purchase price, overlooking additional costs that can substantially impact their budget. Understanding these expenses is crucial to avoid unexpected financial strain.

Here's a detailed guide to the true costs associated with buying your first home in Australia in 2025.

As we approach the end of the financial year, now’s the perfect time to pause and take a closer look at your personal finances. Whether you're running a household, managing a mortgage, or building toward retirement, a mid-year review can help you finish the year stronger, take advantage of tax opportunities, and reset for what’s ahead.

And the good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of structure, and 30 to 60 minutes of your time, you can make meaningful progress.

You’ve worked hard to build a business you’re proud of. But what if your children don’t want to take over? Whether they’re following different careers or just aren’t interested, you still have options to protect what you’ve built and secure your future.

Here’s how small business owners can plan ahead when the next generation isn’t stepping in.

For many Australians aged 25 to 45, skyrocketing property prices have made traditional home ownership feel out of reach. Enter co-buying, teaming up with friends, siblings, or even parents to pool resources and get a foothold on the property ladder.

It’s a growing trend, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Before you sign on the dotted line together, here’s what you need to know to make co-buying smart, not risky.

Buying your first home in your early to mid-30s is a major milestone. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between saving for a deposit, navigating the mortgage process, and dealing with all the hidden costs, it’s easy to get caught up in just getting it done and miss the small moves that can set you up for long-term success.

For many Australians, the home loan is their biggest financial commitment and it often spans three decades. But what if a 30-year mortgage doesn’t actually align with your life goals?

Let’s explore what that means, and why adjusting your loan term might be one of the smartest financial moves you can make this year.

Building wealth might sound like something for "future you," but the best time to start is now, especially in your 20s or 30s. Whether you're juggling student debt, just starting a career, or trying to save for your first home, it’s not about how much you earn but how smart you are with what you have. Here are real-world strategies young Australians can use to grow wealth from the ground up.

Debt can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, young adults in Australia can take control, pay it off faster, and build a strong financial future. Whether it's student loans, credit cards, or personal loans, these practical and lesser-known tips will help you tackle debt smarter.

Life is unpredictable, and financial emergencies can strike at any time. Whether it’s a sudden medical bill, a car repair, or an unexpected job loss, having an emergency fund can be the difference between financial stability and debt. Yet, many Australians are unprepared for unexpected expenses. If you don’t have a solid financial cushion, now is the time to start building one, fast.

Financial literacy is one of the most valuable life skills a child can learn, yet many Australian families overlook its importance. Teaching kids about money from a young age helps them develop healthy financial habits, setting them up for a secure and successful future. The good news? You don’t need to be a finance expert to teach your children about money. You just need a few simple strategies to make learning fun and practical.

Ever walked into Kmart for a $10 household item and walked out with a trolley full of things you never planned to buy? You’re not alone. Impulse spending is a common challenge, and retailers know exactly how to trigger it. Understanding the psychology behind spending can help you take control of your finances and make smarter choices.