Financial Autonomy

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.

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

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 2026 Federal Budget could change the way many Australians invest, buy property and reduce tax. The big headline isn't the $250 tax offset. It's the proposed reforms to capital gains tax, negative gearing and family trusts. If they become law, they could mean a higher tax bill when you sell an investment, fewer tax benefits for future property investors, and a major shake up for people using trusts to manage family wealth. In this episode, Nick breaks down the biggest tax changes announced in the Budget, explains who they could affect, and walks through the details that matter before the commentary and political noise take over. Inside this episode: The tax break for workers, and when you'd actually see it The proposed capital gains tax change that could affect property, shares and ETFs Why selling an investment in a low income year may no longer work the same way What the Budget could mean for negative gearing and future property purchases The family trust change that some households and business owners need to pay attention to The key dates, grey areas and unanswered questions still hanging over these proposals If you invest, own property, use a trust, or are planning your next money move, you need to listen to this episode. 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

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

This week on the Wealth Builder podcast Nick talks to James Brannan from BlockByte Capital to explain the basics of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Need help? - Learn about our Wealth Builder program Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

This week on the Wealth Builder podcast Nick talks to Financial Autonomy host and financial planner Paul Benson about 9 new year's resolutions to kickstart your 2026 financial journey. Tune in to make this your year! Need help? - Learn about our Wealth Builder program Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer

This week on the Wealth Builder podcast Nick talks to expert marketer and international speaker Ethan Donati about his journey and the strategies and tips he would give for building confidence, personal branding, and a strong mindset. Need help? - Learn about our Wealth Builder program Subscribe to our weekly GainingCHOICE email General advice disclaimer