The Grass is Greener

In this episode, Tim breaks down the major proposed measures from the latest Federal Budget and explains what they could mean for everyday Australians, investors, business owners and families — while reinforcing one critical point: these are proposals only and not yet law.The discussion covers immediate wins for employees, including the proposed $1,000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses from 2026–27 and changes to the Low Income Super Tax Offset, potentially increasing support for lower-income earners from July 2027.Tim also unpacks the bigger structural proposals, including:-Changes to negative gearing from July 2027 for newly purchased established properties-A major overhaul to Capital Gains Tax, including the removal of the traditional 50% CGT discount and introduction of a new minimum 30% tax methodology on future gains-Potential discretionary (family) trust tax reforms from July 2028-What remains unchanged, including superannuation and the family home CGT exemptionImportantly, this episode focuses on practical perspective over panic — highlighting grandfathering provisions, implementation timelines, and why Australians should avoid rushing into financial decisions before legislation is confirmed.

In this episode of The Grass is Greener, Tim welcomes Evguenia Rutkowski, a passionate financial adviser specialising in retirement and pre-retirement planning. Evguenia shares her insights on superannuation strategies, especially for women navigating financial transitions like divorce or late-career planning.Key Topics Covered:- Why superannuation matters—especially for women- Salary sacrifice vs. personal deductible contributions- Catch-up contributions and how MyGov helps track them- Transition to retirement strategies: reducing hours, paying off debt, and boosting super- Non-concessional contributions and in-specie transfers- The importance of personalised projections and holistic financial adviceConnect with Evguenia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evguenia-rutkowski-aba419a3/Park Lane Advice Group:https://parklaneadvicegroup.com.au/

In this heartfelt episode, Helen Nolan (CEO) shares the origin and impact of the Shane Warne Legacy, a foundation launched in honour of the late cricket legend. Helen recounts how the foundation began with a dream and quickly grew into Australia’s largest health screening event.We discussed:- How Shane’s passing inspired a movement for free health checks across Australia.- The foundation’s partnerships with SiSU Health, La Trobe Health Services, and Diabetes Australia.- The surprising statistics around men’s health and the rise in screenings since the initiative began.- Real stories of lives changed—including one saved on the very day the foundation launched.- The importance of recognising subtle symptoms of heart disease, especially in women.- How the foundation is expanding into regional areas and major events like Boxing Day and Gather Round.Visit https://shanewarnelegacy.com to find your nearest health station and take four minutes that could change your life.Connect with Helen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-nolan-5679b4/

In this episode, Vanguard's Senior Investment Specialist, Libby Newman returns to share her deep expertise in investments, index funds, and Vanguard’s long-term philosophy. She explains how index funds offer broad market exposure and why they’re a smart starting point for investors. Libby also breaks down the difference between ETFs and managed funds, emphasising that (Within Vanguard Funds) both are simply structures for accessing the same underlying investments.The conversation explores market cycles, emotional investing, and the importance of staying the course—especially during downturns. Libby highlights Vanguard’s mission to make investing accessible and cost-effective, including their unique structure that returns profits to investors through lower fees.

In this episode, we sit down with Suzanne Alexander, founder of Mindful Finances, to explore the deep connection between money, emotions, and personal values. Suzanne shares her journey from farm life to financial advisor and how her passion for understanding the psychology of money led her to redefine wealth. We unpack how true wealth is more than just numbers — it’s about alignment, choice, and emotional well-being. From the power of self-awareness to the importance of community and contribution, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to craft a more intentional and fulfilling financial life. Key Topics:• The emotional and psychological side of money• Why wealth is an inner journey• How to align money with your values• The myth of money as the sole path to happiness• Creating your own definition of success and abundanceMindful Finances Websitehttps://mindfulfinances.com.au/Suzanne Alexander Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-alexander-mindful-finances/Vision and Values Exercisehttps://bit.ly/3BdXe36

The process of divorce can be a challenging one, of course this differs for everyone. What are the specific things that confront people (especially women) when they start to divorce? How do you move forward positively and with more confidence despite undertaking this sometimes time arduous process. Heidi Schwegler from AFS Financial and Jordan Vaka from Planning Solo discuss these challenges and provide valuable insights for people at any point in the divorce process. Connect with Heidihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-schwegler-9a8a7233/ Connect with Jordanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-vaka/AHS Financialhttps://www.ahsfinancial.com.au/Planning Solohttps://www.planningsolo.com.au/TGIG Live Event:⁠⁠⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

As we watch our parents age, it becomes clear that ageing is a natural part of life, bringing inevitable changes. While we can’t control every aspect, we can take proactive steps to support them with a well-structured plan that aligns with their vision for ageing gracefully. Embracing this proactive approach provides an increased confidence and a sense of assurance. Moreover, it provides peace of mind for the whole family, knowing that thoughtful and considerate choices have been made to safeguard their well-being and independence.Jo Newman from Care & Living with Mercer joins us to discuss the ageing journey. Care & Living with Mercer is a unique service helping ageing Australians and their carers understand and more easily access care and living options. Jo provides valuable obesrvations and insights on how a practive approach can be so beneficial for families.Website - Care and Living with Mercerhttps://careandliving.mercer.com.au/homeWebsite Aspire Planning - Supporting Ageing Parentshttps://www.aspireplanning.com.au/supporting-ageing-parentsTGIG Live Event:⁠Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement⁠

We all have many life & family goals. Some of these are out on the mid-to-long term horizon.Have you considered how you will fund these goals? Refinancing via your mortgage is a very solid option.Michael Lawes from Circle Finance Group talks us through the opportunities presented by Refinancing and the importance of being proactive with your planning! Circle Finance Grouphttps://circlefg.com.au/TGIG Live Event:Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement

What changes are you wanting to make in your life in 2025? Need some inspiration to get started? At this time of year, many of us reflect on our own fitness or levels of physical activity and set intentions for the year ahead. Jack Geddes from Linked Training and Nutrition discusses the importance of getting those new small habits to stick as a key element to making big changes. Linked Training & Nutritionhttps://thelinkedstudio.com.au/

Do you have a Gen Z child (or adult)? It is likely that Superannuation will be a vital and large component of their wealth in 30,40,50 years' time. However, there is a very large segment of Gen Z that haven't engaged with their Super at all. Financial adviser Dawn Thomas is currently undertaking a PhD on this topic. Specifically, the critical role that parents play in shaping their children's perspective on Super. Dawn discusses the key decisions that you can easily make to assist your Gen Z to start starts well on their Superannuation journey. Moneysmart - Choosing Super https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-super-works/choosing-a-super-fund https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-d-thomas/

What does retirement look like, once you are on the other side of your working life? Australia's market leading Annuity provider - Challenger Limited wanted to better understand what makes a happy retirement. In 2024, it undertook consumer research amongst its own customers and also the wider public and has summarised these findings in the "Challenger Retirement Happiness Index" Carly O'Keefe (GM of Marketing at Challenger) joins us to discuss these valuable insights into the retirement years and that various elements that contribute to happiness. Retirement Happiness Index⁠https://bit.ly/3C4OmQl⁠ Challenger Limited⁠https://www.challenger.com.au/

Inspiration comes via everyday moments. Its what we do with it that counts! This week we chat to Lisa Cotton, founder of HEADLOKT - the first helmet that is a lock! Lisa Cotton takes us on her inspiring journey from pandemic lockdown in Melbourne - via her lightbulb moment - onto this current day where she has launched an award winning product. Lisa and Tim discuss the moments that led up to the birth of Headlokt and how the process of bring her Vision to life is providing Lisa with a true purpose and excitement. Headlokt https://www.headlokt.com/