Andrew Baxter

  Money and psychology are closely linked, affecting how we handle spending, investing, and saving. Many of our financial decisions are shaped by emotions like fear, greed, and our past experiences—often referred to as “money stories.” These emotional connections can either drive us forward or hold us back. To take control of your financial future, it’s crucial to recognise these biases and learn how to manage them effectively. The Power of Money Stories Your beliefs about money, formed during childhood or through life events, play a huge role in how you manage your finances today. For many, money symbolises freedom, security, or choice—emotional concepts that can lead to both positive and negative behaviours. Consider this question: “Money is…?” Your immediate answer can reveal a lot about your mindset. Whether you associate money with freedom, security, or something else, understanding this emotional link is the first step towards financial growth. Fear and Greed: Common Emot

  Managing a portfolio effectively requires balancing diversification while ensuring your risk exposure aligns with your investment objectives. One essential strategy investors use is portfolio rebalancing. This process plays a significant role in managing both risk and emotions, helping you stick to a structured plan rather than being swayed by market movements.   What is Portfolio Rebalancing? Portfolio rebalancing involves adjusting your investments to maintain a desired allocation across various assets. For instance, if you begin with a balanced portfolio where each asset has equal weighting, some investments may outperform others over time, causing your allocation to shift. Rebalancing helps realign those weightings by selling over performing assets and reinvesting in underperforming ones. Consider a portfolio worth $100,000, with ten assets, each valued at $10,000. If one asset grows to $30,000 while others lag behind, your portfolio becomes unbalanced. This increases y

  Superannuation, commonly referred to as “super,” is an integral part of financial planning in Australia. However, many people tend to overlook it, thinking it’s not urgent or too complicated. The truth is, managing your super early can significantly impact the quality of your retirement. Whether you’re just beginning your career or approaching retirement, it’s essential to take action now to ensure financial stability later in life. Why People Neglect Superannuation Many people delay dealing with their superannuation because retirement feels distant, or the topic just doesn’t seem exciting. It’s easy to think, “I’ll sort it out later,” especially when you’re focused on other financial priorities like mortgages, rent, or running a business. However, this mentality often pushes retirement planning down the list until it becomes a more pressing issue. The sooner you start contributing to your super, the more you benefit from compounding returns. Compounding is the process where your ea

  In investing, balancing risk and reward is essential for long-term success. It’s not just about what you earn, but also what you manage to keep. Many investors underestimate the importance of   managing risk , believing they won’t face significant setbacks, but being prepared and managing risk effectively is crucial. It’s natural for investors to be more concerned about losing money than they are about making gains. This aversion to loss is deeply rooted in human psychology. However, risk is an inherent part of investing, and how you handle it determines your overall success. The key is to assess risk before considering potential rewards. Types of Risk There are three main types of risk to consider when investing: market risk, sector risk, and stock-specific risk. Market Risk:  This refers to the overall risk that affects the entire market. Events like economic downturns or global crises can lead to a broad market sell-off, where stocks across all sectors decline simultaneously. Exam

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to plan effectively is more crucial than ever, especially when it comes to personal finance and investing . Planning is not just a tool; it is a foundational strategy that empowers individuals to take control of their financial futures. By dedicating time to thoughtful planning, you position yourself to respond to opportunities and challenges with confidence, rather than merely reacting to circumstances as they arise. The Importance of Planning Clarity of Goals One of the primary benefits of planning is the clarity it brings. Setting clear, achievable financial goals is the first step toward realizing your dreams. Whether it’s saving for a home, funding a child’s education, or preparing for retirement, a well-defined plan acts as a roadmap. It outlines where you want to go and how you intend to get there, helping you stay focused and motivated. Budgeting: The Cornerstone of Financial Health A robust financial plan includes a detailed budget. Bu

When you think about wealth, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For most, it’s probably money, how much you have, how much you want, and how you plan to get more of it. But here’s the thing: wealth isn’t just about having a fat bank account. It’s about how you measure success across different areas of your life, whether it’s your health, your time, or the values that drive your decisions. Redefining Wealth: Beyond the Dollar Signs Let’s get one thing straight. Wealth is more than just a number. Sure, having money is great, but true wealth is about balance. Think about your health. You could be sitting on millions, but if you’re not in good shape, what’s the point? The same goes for time. It’s the one resource you can never get back. No matter how much money you make, you can’t buy back time you’ve lost. That’s why how you choose to spend your time is a key indicator of your wealth. The Wealth Mindset: Abundance Over Scarcity Now, let’s talk mindset. A wealth mindset is about s

  Planning is a fundamental aspect of both personal and financial success. By creating time and space to respond rather than react, you can make informed and controlled decisions. This article explores the significance of planning, especially in financial and investing contexts.   Why Planning Matter Effective planning allows you to manage your time and resources better. It reduces stress and gives you a clear path to follow. In financial terms, planning helps you save money and avoid last-minute, costly decisions. Example: Travel Planning Consider a simple example of planning a trip. If you book your flight and hotel well in advance, you save money and ensure availability. Last-minute planning often results in higher costs and limited options. The same principle applies to investing and financial planning. Financial Planning and Investing End of Financial Year One key event in financial planning is the end of the financial year. Planning for this well in advance is c