The popular rules of thumb were built for a different income, a different tax system, and often a different country. Here's what the numbers really look like for a high-earning Australian. If you've ever searched "how much should I save," you've met most of the rules of thumb. They're clean, memorable, and repeated everywhere. They're also, for most high earners in Australia, quietly wrong. Not because the math is bad, but because the assumptions underneath them don't match y

You did everything right. You earn well, you salary sacrifice into super, you let the system do its job. Then, sometime next year, a notice quietly appears in your myGov inbox: an extra tax bill of a few thousand dollars, for income you earned twelve months ago. Welcome to Division 293, the tax most high earners don't know exists until it sends them a bill. What Division 293 actually is Division 293 is an additional 15% tax on concessional (before-tax) super contributions, ap

Ask almost anyone in finance for a "default" portfolio and you'll get the same answer: 60% shares, 40% bonds. It's the most quoted rule of thumb in investing. But you'll also have noticed a steady drumbeat over the last few years declaring the 60/40 portfolio dead, broken, or hopelessly outdated. So what is a typical split, where did it come from, and has the rule actually fallen away? The honest answer is more interesting than either "it's gospel" or "it's finished" — and fo

The Australian Government has now passed one of the largest tax reform bills in recent times, overhauling how capital gains tax and negative gearing is handled, calculated, and even when they will terminate certain tax advantages. Let's cover these developments in a nutshell - they will have wide ranging ramifications and it is important to grasp them now. The 50% CGT discount is being replaced with inflation indexation. The legislation replaces the 50 per cent CGT discount f

Reading time: ~5 minutes Heard people say they can't wait to be "FIRE'd" and wondered why on earth they would want to lose their jobs? Well the truth is that they are not quite talking about their job - they are instead talking about their financial state, and an incredibly lucrative freedom. FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. It's a movement and a set of money habits built around one incredibly simple goal: accumulate enough invested wealth that you no lon

In today's fast-paced financial landscape, many individuals find themselves in a unique position known as HENRY—an acronym for "High Earners, Not Rich Yet." This group typically earns a substantial income but often struggles with effective financial planning. If you identify as a HENRY, you may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of managing your finances, from saving for retirement to investing wisely. This blog post aims to provide essential financial planning tips tailore

Building wealth is a goal that many young professionals aspire to achieve. However, with student loans, rising living costs, and the complexities of financial management, it can often feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are effective strategies that can help you navigate this journey successfully. In this post, we will explore practical steps that young professionals can take to build wealth over time. Personal finance can be overwhelming; but with the right suppor

In today's fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves earning high incomes, yet struggle to achieve lasting financial success. The reality is that a high salary does not automatically equate to financial stability or wealth. Understanding how to manage, invest, and grow your income is crucial for transforming that paycheck into a secure financial future. Understanding Financial Success Financial success is not just about accumulating wealth; it encompasses a broader s