FPW Financial Advice

22/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we’d like to wish all our clients a joyful and healthy Christmas and a New Year filled with exciting and rewarding opportunities.

We sincerely thank you for your ongoing trust and support throughout the year — it’s been a pleasure helping you achieve your financial goals.

May 2026 bring peace, prosperity, and goodwill to all — humans, animals, and plants alike.

We look forward to continuing to support you in the year ahead and helping make your financial journey a successful one.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

22/05/2025

How Interest Rate Changes Affect You and the Economy

Interest rates play a key role in shaping Australia’s economy—and your finances. Set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the official cash rate is a tool used to manage inflation and economic growth. When inflation rises too quickly, the RBA may increase interest rates to slow down spending. Conversely, if economic growth is sluggish, rates may be lowered to encourage borrowing and investment.

The RBA meets monthly (except January) to review the cash rate, considering factors such as employment, consumer confidence, housing trends, and global market conditions. Their decisions influence everything from mortgage repayments to savings account returns.

For savers and term deposit investors, rate increases are generally welcome news, offering higher returns. However, borrowers may feel the pinch through higher loan and credit card repayments, reducing disposable income. On the flip side, falling interest rates can ease repayment pressures and support economic growth.

Interest rate changes also affect the value of the Australian dollar, impacting exports and global investment returns.

Click below to read more about all key points mentioned above and how they may relate to you if you find yourself in this situation.

To stay financially resilient, it’s wise to review your budget and investment portfolio regularly, and speak with FPW Financial Advice to ensure your strategy aligns with the changing rate environment. Diversification remains key in navigating economic ups and downs.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

Interest rates play a key role in shaping Australia’s economy—and your finances. Set by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

16/05/2025

Welcome to our Autumn Edition Market Wrap! As we navigate the seasonal changes, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments shaping the market landscape. In this edition we cover the following topics:

- Economic and market overview
- Australian, US, New Zealand, European and Asian markets
- Australian dollar
- Australian equities
- Global equities
- Property Securities
- Fixed income & credit
- Market Watch data sheet

Click below to read more about all key points mentioned above and how they may relate to you.

If you’d like to discuss anything mentioned in this article, speak to us. We can advise you on your options after taking into account your overall financial goals.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

Welcome to our Autumn 2025 Edition Market Wrap! If you'd like to discuss anything mentioned in this article, speak to us

09/05/2025

As cost-of-living pressures mount, many young Australians are turning to their grandparents for support — and it seems their grandparents are ready to help. According to McCrindle Research, one in three grandparents plan to gift 50% or more of their wealth to their grandchildren.

Baby Boomers hold nearly half of Australia’s private wealth, despite making up just 21% of the population — a trend dubbed the “grandparent economy.”

Already, 39% of Australians have received some form of help from their grandparents, whether through inheritance, subsidised rent, or help with bills or education.

If you’re a grandparent considering financial support, it’s wise to ask yourself four key questions first:

- Will this affect your financial security?
- What’s the best way to give?
- Is your gift fair?
- Is it responsible?

A thoughtful approach, guided by advice from a financial professional, can help you support your grandchildren meaningfully — without compromising your own future.

Click below to read more about the points mentioned above and how they may relate to your current or future situation.

If you’re thinking of helping your grandchildren out financially, talk to FPW Financial Advice about your options. We are able to advise you on how much you’ll need for your financial security and on the best approach for helping your grandchildren.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

Want to financially support your grandchildren? Ask this first

29/04/2025

No one wants their legacy to spark conflict — yet poor estate planning can do just that. With intergenerational wealth transfers growing rapidly, disputes over wills are becoming more common.

The Productivity Commission found annual inheritances in Australia doubled between 2002 and 2018, and $3.5 trillion is expected to change hands by 2037.

As families become more complex and blended, tensions can easily arise after a loved one passes. It’s estimated that up to 70% of wealth transfers fail due to family conflict or poorly executed plans.

To help avoid disputes, here are six key tips:

- Talk openly
- Be fair — and explain
- Keep it current
- Consider a testamentary trust
- Be specific
- Get expert advice

Click below to read an in depth discussion on how thoughtful estate planning can help preserve both your legacy and your family’s harmony.

Talk to us about how your will can be set up in a way that safeguards your assets and keeps the peace. With the right estate planning you can move towards your goals with confidence.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

Five ways to avoid disagreements over your will: talk to us about how your will can be set up in a way that safeguards your assets and keeps the peace.

10/03/2025

If you have been made redundant, it is important to understand the financial issues involved, your entitlements and hot to make the most of your redundancy payment with the help of your adviser.

In this fact sheet, we discuss the following key points:

- Components of a redundancy payment
- Genuine redundancy payments
- Unused annual leave and unused long service leave payments
- Employment Termination Payments
- Unpaid salary or wages
- Social security
- Your superannuation

Click the link below to read more about all key points mentioned above and how they may relate to you if you find yourself in this situation.

This time of change can also be a time of great opportunity. That’s why good financial advice is so important.

At FPW Financial Advice we can help you make the right decisions now about how you can deal with your redundancy to help you maximise your payment and minimise the amount of tax you pay.

If you have been made redundant, it is important to understand the financial issues involved. AT FPW Financial Advice we are here to help

24/02/2025

Welcome to our Summer Edition Market Wrap!

As we navigate the seasonal changes, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments shaping the market landscape. In this edition we cover the following topics:

- Economic and market overview
- Australian, US, New Zealand, European and Asian markets
- Australian dollar
- Australian equities
- Global equities
- Property Securities
- Fixed income & credit
- First investors data sheet

Click the link below to find out more about all key points mentioned above and how they may relate to you.

If you’d like to discuss anything mentioned in this article, speak to us. We can advise you on your options after taking into account your overall financial goals.

Welcome to our Summer Market Wrap! As we navigate the seasonal changes it's crucial to stay informed about latest developments shaping the market

11/02/2025

Transitioning into aged care is a significant milestone in the lives of older Australians. Its a positive step that ensures they receive the care and support they need to live comfortably and safely. It is also a difficult and often emotional conversation to have, and if handled improperly can make the process more painful than it needs to be.

When talking about aged care, we can experience mix of emotions – from apprehension and sadness to guilt. In this article we provide you with a guide to broaching this sensitive subject gently and productively, so your loved ones feel heard and respected rather than upset of overwhelmed. In this article we discuss the following:

- Three tips for productive conversations
- How to choose an aged care provider

Click the link in our bio to read an in depth discussion on how you can have conversations with your loved ones about aged care.

If you’re planning to transition to aged care or help a family member to do so, we are here to help. At FPW Financial Advice we can assist you with putting in place the right plans for you and your family.

Transitioning into aged care is a significant milestone in the lives of older Australians. At FPW Financial Advice we discuss how to b

28/01/2025

Rising living costs have made it tricky for many Australians to make ends meet. If you own your own home, you’ve benefitted from rising property prices – but only on paper. If you want more money to live on, we step you through five ways to boost your bank account:

- Borrow against your home (reverse mortgage)
- The Australian Government’s Home Equity Access Scheme
- Rent out a room
- Rent out your home for part of the year
- Earn an income from your spare space.

Click the link below to read more about the points mentioned above and how they may relate to your current or future situation.

If you need more money to live on, FPW Financial Advice is here to discuss your options with you so that you can move towards your goals with confidence.

What are my options if I'm asset rich and cash poor?Rising living costs have made it tricky for many Australians to make ends meet

19/11/2024

Superannuation can be one of the most tax effective ways to build your retirement nest egg. There are a range of strategies you can consider to boost your super savings.

In this fact sheet, we discuss the following key points:

- Consolidate your super
- Track down your super
- Initiating the transfer
- Salary sacrifice
- Personal tax-deductible contributions
- Take advantage of the government co-contribution
- Split super contributions with your spouse
- The benefits of spouse contribution tax offsets
- A word on contributions caps
- Concessional contributions
- Non-concessional contributions
- Contribution eligibility

Click the below to read more about all key points mentioned above and how they may relate to you.

At FPW Financial Advice we can help you complete a risk profile and advise on the best investment strategy for your needs to help you reach your goals faster. Contact us to arrange a time to go through your portfolio.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

Smart Super Strategies: Superannuation can be one of the most tax effective ways to build your retirement nest egg.

05/11/2024

Four ways to psychologically prepare for retirement – before you leave work.

Retirement can feel like a shockwave, particularly if life’s circumstances or a redundancy means that you don’t get to choose the timing. We outline below how to set up healthy habits and structures now and set out why having a financial adviser can help smooth your transition.

Getting psychologically ready for retirement means we must face up to what we lose: the steady pay cheque, status, collegiate relationships and a highly structured week. We need to proactively replace these losses with new gains, such as pleasurable activities and relationships that give us meaning and purpose. Here are four ways to prepare:

- Dial down your work hours
- Dial up your non-work activities
- Dial up your social life
- Plan your finances.

Click below to read more about the points mentioned above and how they may relate to your current or future situation.

If you’re planning to retire in the next five years, talk to us about how to put in place plans to set you up for financial, social and psychological success in retirement.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

We examine four ways for you to psychologically prepare for retirement – before you even consider leaving work.

22/10/2024

The important role technology and geopolitical forces will play in shaping the economic road ahead.

The global economy is being shaped by conflicting triggers. These include productivity-boosting technology innovations, geopolitical tensions and the strident efforts of central banks to bring inflation under control. We examine the economic outlook and discuss the implications for your retirement savings including these key points;

- Productivity-boosting technologies
- Heightened geopolitical temperature
- Central bank actions to rein in inflation

Click the link below to read more about the points mentioned above and how they may relate to your current or future situation.

If you have any questions about how technological innovation, geopolitical risks or interest rate changes are impacting your investment portfolio, please talk to us. We can advise you on whether any adjustments to your portfolio are warranted, taking into account your financial goals.

Until next time,

Regards Rodney.

The important role technology and geopolitical forces will play in shaping the economic road ahead.