Gurney Financial Services

02/06/2026

Your Financial Plan is only as good as its cover

Most people agree that they are organised and have their family’s budget up to date. However, the process they use is generally simple and down-to-earth – it is unlikely to of a long-term financial solution.

What does financial planning look at -
• The best method to create wealth over the long term – for you and your family – is to look at different aspects. These include budgeting, superannuation, insurance and investments.
• To avoid confusion, we recommend the right place to start is with a licensed financial adviser.
• Your financial adviser can implement strategies for you and your family. These will create, protect and build a succession plan of the wealth. They are the building blocks of a plan that stands the test of time.

Why have wealth protection strategies?

Financial planning is more than just about saving money. It is also about managing future risks.

The common belief “It won’t happen to me” results in many people having a south plan for wealth creation – but not an adequate plan to protect the very things that generates the wealth – themselves!

It is worth remembering that no matter how much expert advice you receive or how astute the money management – your financial plan cannot prevent the risk of you suffering early death or extended time off work through serious illness or injury. In addition, where that leaves you and your loved ones in the future depends on the wealth protection strategy you have in place at the time.

At Gurney Financial Services, we believe that you should protect your wealth whether you are starting a new job next week or moving into a new family home next year. The underlying fundamentals are the same – protection plays the pivotal role between the creation and succession of your wealth.

Creation Of Wealth – is about making your money grow and keep your plan up-to-date. To make sure the pieces are skilfully put into place for your family, it is a good idea to link up with a professional financial adviser.

Your adviser will work with you to:
• Identify what type of lifestyle you want and when you want to achieve financial independence.
• Make a saving commitment the will help you reach your goals, yet is affordable enough to maintain your lifestyle.
• Develop a strategy to build your retirement nest egg.

• Create a portfolio of investments that reflects the risk level and potential returns you desire.
• Seek opportunities that are tax effective.
• Review your plan regularly. Updated annually or when your circumstances change. This way you will always be able to take advantage of your family’s changing situation and goals, as well as differing economic or legislative environments, and new products or services

Protection of Wealth is about protection you assets and making your financial plan secure for you and your family in the long term.

Your financial adviser should look at the whole picture – your needs, wants, and desires – to ensure your treasured plan is covered by a sound insurance strategy that:
• Protects you, your family or your business against a range of uncertainties.
• Supports you and your loved ones in the event of disability, illness or premature death, so that:
• Your mortgage or debts can be paid out
• Lost income is replaced
• Capital is available to continue funding your investments
• An income stream is provided so that your lifestyle, and your family’s, can be maintained.

Succession of Wealth is about picturing what is important, realising your goals and properly managing your future, as well as your families.

Your financial adviser will help you decide on the best way to structure your financial plan, to enable you and your family to:
• Control your accumulated wealth.
• Maximise income during your retirement years.
• Implement estate planning and business succession strategies.
• Provide efficient, tax-effective transfer of assets.
• Reinforce your family’s sense of security and certainty.
• So what level of cover do you need?
• Use this simple guide to weigh up how much life insurance you might need to adequately protect your wealth.

Naturally, it is best to discuss this fully with your financial adviser to get a professionally balanced assessment of your coverage requirement. As a basic guide, you need to take into account the rising cost of living and other miscellaneous expenses, which you may incur.

What are the risks? Is your financial position, enough for you to be able to stop working tomorrow? While most people are not in a position of such luxury, the death or disability of a breadwinner could have you pondering this very question.
If your income stops, it can have devastating results for your financial plan and can jeopardise your family’s future financial security.

The unfortunate aspect of death or disability is that it can happen at any time and has more far-reaching consequences than just the person involved has.

Finding the right cover

Your financial plan will be created especially for you and your family – to keep it working over time; you need a cover that fits perfectly.

To unlock the right combination of insurance products on offer, you should ask your financial adviser to explain their benefits, pricing and reliability…..and then consider the insurance provider’s reputation.

01/06/2026

Estate Planning – An Introduction

Estate planning protects your assets for generation to come and may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, life insurance and enduring guardianship.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is more than simply making a will. To ensure your assets are preserved and beneficiaries are protected, the estate planning process considers your:

• Wishes
• Personal relationships
• Financial and business structures
• Current taxation, superannuation, and other relevant laws.

In addition, the estate planning process takes into consideration assets such as:

• Joint tenancies (where the surviving owner inherits automatically)
• Superannuation and life insurance proceeds
• Assets held in discretionary trusts.
• Life interests, pension, and annuities.

The Estate Planning process

The Solicitor’s firm review your entire personal and business circumstances. A review could include:

• How you hold your assets
• Superannuation nominations, particularly binding nominations
• Life insurance policies
• Pensions and other entitlements
• Capital gains tax implications.
• Consideration of the financial and personal position of your beneficiaries
• Taxation effects on your beneficiaries.

It is important that we understand your full situation. If we are not fully aware of your circumstances, there is a risk that inadequate arrangements might be made for your beneficiaries.

Testamentary trust wills

A testamentary trust is a trust established by your will on your death. Some or all your assets may then be transferred to a nominated trustee of a trust. A testamentary trust can.

• Maximise net after-tax income.
• Protect estate entitlements from claims of creditors, bankruptcy, family law claims (in limited circumstances)
• Preserve capital gains tax exemptions.
• Preserve pension entitlements.

This option may be appropriate even if you do not have a complex family situation or significant assets.

Power of Attorney

We recommend all clients make an enduring power of attorney. This document appoints someone to act on your behalf to manage your assets. This is essential if you lose capacity, for example through dementia, a stroke or serious accident. If you have not appointed an attorney, a family member or friend may need to go to court to be appointed to manage your affairs, or your affairs may be managed by a government department – both of which can be very costly. You must make the power of attorney before you lose capacity.

This is general advice only. Please contact a solicitor for further information.

31/05/2026

Ignore Life’s Trigger Events at Your Peril

You may have a well-constructed estate plan delivering the outcomes that you want regarding your wealth after death. When established, your estate plan may pass the fundamental test which is: "Will this Plan ensure that the right amount will be paid to the right person at the right time?"

Can we now relax in the comfort that everything is under control? - Certainly not. Remember, life is dynamic, and we will encounter major milestones on our journey through life. These milestones can be positive and life affirming. For example, we meet and marry the partner of our dreams; or we bring children into the world and face the exciting prospect of watching them flourish and develop. The milestones can also be profoundly sad and traumatic, such as the death of a beloved family member. Sadly, these events are part of our existence as human beings.

However, in the joy and sadness accompanying these trigger events, we need to take time out to assess the impact of these events on our future wealth and risk profile.

In the case of a forthcoming marriage, we need to spend some time thinking about the distribution of our property in the event of untimely death or disability after marriage. Marriage, for example generally revokes prior wills. Everyone contemplating marriage should consider how their property should be distributed after marriage, and also discuss with their legal advisers whether or not a new will is necessary. If the marriage is a second marriage, the position is even more complex. In this situation, we need to think of a distribution of property which is fair to the children of the first marriage, and possibly our former spouse.

Many individuals fail to appreciate the limitations of a will. A will only operates on death of the testator. It does not operate where a testator survives a traumatic event, such as an accident or stroke, but loses mental capacity. It is preferable for individuals to execute an enduring power of attorney to cater for this contingency. In this document, you can appoint a trustworthy person of your choice to handle your affairs during your period of incapacity. This provides certainty and reduces the risk of state government interference should you lose the capacity to manage your affairs.

Do not forget in rejoicing over the birth of a child to review the impact of the new arrival. It may be necessary to review your insurance needs to provide a source of funding for education and living costs in the event of your untimely death. It is also important to consider whether or not your will and superannuation beneficiary nominations need updating. Avoid the tragedy of your untimely death with a binding death benefit nomination in favour of the older children only. There have been instances of newly arrived infants being excluded from death benefits simply because the deceased parent had neglected to update nominations to include the new arrival.

Other trigger events in your life which should prompt you to think of the future include:
• Buying a home
• Divorce
• An accident or traumatic event.
• Receiving an inheritance.
• Retirement or changing jobs.

There is no substitute for having a well -constructed estate plan. However, you need to do more. Major trigger events will occur as you go through life. When these events occur, it is time to review your risk profile in conjunction with your insurance and legal advisers. This will ensure that your estate plan after the trigger event continues to be robust and effective
David Glen

31/05/2026

“The Dangers and Deception of Money”

The Truth: Money Is not the Enemy.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from their faith in their greediness, and pierces themselves through with many sorrows.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10

Money is a tool. The danger lies in loving it, trusting it, or putting it before God.

The Evils That Can Come from Money

1. It Can Lead to Greed
Money can create a constant desire for more—never feeling satisfied.

“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver: Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This is also vanity/”
— Ecclesiastes 5:10

Greed is subtle—it often disguises itself as ambition or success.

2. It Can Replace God as Our Security
People can begin to trust money instead of God.
“No one can serve two masters: either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon (money).”
— Matthew 6:24

What we rely on most becomes what we worship.

3. It Can Corrupt Character
The pursuit of money can lead to dishonesty or compromise.
“Better a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice.”
— Proverbs 16:8

• Cutting ethical corners
• Exploiting others
• Prioritising profit over people

4. It Can Damage Relationships
Money is one of the biggest sources of conflict in families and communities.

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition”
— 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes the priority, people can become secondary.

5. It Can Create False Identity and Pride
We may start to measure our worth by what we have.
And he said to them “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
— Luke 12:15

Money can distort how we see ourselves and others.

6. It Can Distract from Eternal Purpose
We can become so focused on building wealth that we neglect what truly matters.

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal”
— Matthew 6:20

A Balanced Perspective

Money can also be used for good:
• Helping others
• Supporting ministry
• Providing for family
• Creating opportunities

The issue is not possession—it is priority.

Key Takeaways
• Do I control money, or does money control me?
• Where do I place my trust—God or financial security?
• Am I using money, or is money using me?

“Money is a powerful servant—but a dangerous master. When it takes God’s place in our hearts, it leads us away from truth, contentment, and purpose. But when it is placed in God’s hands, it becomes a tool for good.”

29/05/2026

Estate Planning – An Introduction

Estate planning protects your assets for generation to come and may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, life insurance and enduring guardianship.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is more than simply making a will. To ensure your assets are preserved and beneficiaries are protected, the estate planning process considers your:
• Wishes
• Personal relationships
• Financial and business structures
• Current taxation, superannuation, and other relevant laws.

In addition, the estate planning process takes into consideration assets such as:
• Joint tenancies (where the surviving owner inherits automatically)
• Superannuation and life insurance proceeds
• Assets held in discretionary trusts.
• Life interests, pension, and annuities.

The Estate Planning process

The Solicitor’s firm review your entire personal and business circumstances. A review could include:
• How you hold your assets
• Superannuation nominations, particularly binding nominations
• Life insurance policies
• Pensions and other entitlements
• Capital gains tax implications.
• Consideration of the financial and personal position of your beneficiaries
• Taxation effects on your beneficiaries.

It is important that we understand your full situation. If we are not fully aware of your circumstances, there is a risk that inadequate arrangements might be made for your beneficiaries.

Testamentary trust wills

A testamentary trust is a trust established by your will on your death. Some or all your assets may then be transferred to a nominated trustee of a trust. A testamentary trust can.
• Maximise net after-tax income.
• Protect estate entitlements from claims of creditors, bankruptcy, family law claims (in limited circumstances)
• Preserve capital gains tax exemptions.
• Preserve pension entitlements.

This option may be appropriate even if you do not have a complex family situation or significant assets.

Power of Attorney

We recommend all clients make an enduring power of attorney. This document appoints someone to act on your behalf to manage your assets. This is essential if you lose capacity, for example through dementia, a stroke or serious accident. If you have not appointed an attorney, a family member or friend may need to go to court to be appointed to manage your affairs, or your affairs may be managed by a government department – both of which can be very costly. You must make the power of attorney before you lose capacity.

This is general advice only. Please contact a solicitor for further information.

Send a message to learn more

29/05/2026

Federal Budget 2026 – Key Changes at a Glance
Simple client summary | Australia
What is this Budget about?
• Easing cost-of-living pressures
• Delivering tax cuts for workers
• Making the tax system fairer
• Reducing tax advantages for property investors and trusts
• Many measures are proposed and may change
1. Tax Cuts for Individuals
• Income tax rate reduces from 16% to 15% (1 July 2026), then 14% (2027)
• $1,000 instant tax deduction (no receipts required)
• $250 annual tax offset from 2027–28
• Most workers will pay slightly less tax
2. Property & Investment Changes
• Capital Gains Tax discount removed from 1 July 2027
• Replaced with inflation adjustment and minimum 30% tax on gains
• Negative gearing limited to new builds only
• Existing properties are grandfathered
3. Trust Tax Changes
• 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028
• Trust structures may become less tax effective
4. Superannuation Changes
• Super Guarantee increases to 12% from 1 July 2026
• Payday super – contributions paid with wages
• Higher taxes continue for super balances over $3 million
5. Small Business Support
• $20,000 instant asset write-off made permanent
• Immediate deduction for eligible purchases
Key Takeaway
• Provides modest tax relief for workers
• Reduces tax benefits for investors and trusts
• Encourages new housing supply and fairness
Next Steps for Clients
• Review investment and trust structures
• Consider timing of asset sales (pre/post July 2027)
• Monitor legislation changes
• Seek financial advice before acting

Send a message to learn more

28/05/2026

GURNEY FINANCIAL SERVICES.

Questions To Consider When Reviewing Your ESTATE PLANNING
AFFAIRS.

There are many events which lead people to consider or reconsider their estate planning requirements. This can include needing to provide for minor children; changes to beneficiaries under and existing Will; taking our life insurance and superannuation policies.
This checklist details some of the more important events which should trigger a review of your existing estate plan or (if you have not previously made a Will) give you some ideas about what you will need to consider. If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions then it is probably time to reconsider your estate plan.
Please tick the
appropriate box
Since your last Will: YES NO
1 Have you married, separated or divorced or been widowed?  
2 Have you had children (including adopted or fostered children)?  
3 Has a proposed Will beneficiary died?  
4 Has a proposed Will beneficiary ceased to be, or become, a resident of Australia?  
5 Have there been major events affecting your assets or liabilities?  
6 Have you already given significant gifts to proposed beneficiaries which you want to be deducted from their share of their future inheritance?  
7 Are there outstanding loans to proposed beneficiaries?  
8 Are there physically or intellectually disabled beneficiaries for whom you think special provisions should be made?  
9 Have you taken out or assigned the ownership of life insurance policies?  
10 Has a proposed beneficiary of a superannuation policy ceased to be a dependant for superannuation purposes?  
11 Have you taken out or assigned the ownership of life insurance policies?  
12 Has a proposed executor died or is now unavailable or unwilling to act?  
13 Do you want to add value to your estate by enabling children or grandchildren to qualify for special income tax concessions?  
14 Are you concerned about a beneficiary being a spendthrift and your assets being wasted on your death, and would you like to both provide for the beneficiary and protect your estate?  
15 Are you concerned about a beneficiary becoming bankrupt and losing their inheritance (i.e.: your assets) to their creditors?  
16 Are you concerned about the Social Security pension entitlements of beneficiaries?  
17 Are you unclear about the way beneficiaries will benefit from “non – estate” sources? For example – joint tenancies, many superannuation and life insurance proceeds , life interests, annuities and family trusts are not covered by your Will. You may find that treating beneficiaries equally under your Will is frustrated by the way non-estate assets will be dealt with. Non-estate assets require separate attention as they fall outside your Will  
18 Are you concerned about how the tax laws may impact on your estate?
For example – making gifts to charities and granting life estates can have adverse tax consequences.  

Business and Associated entities:
If you have a business, family company, family trust, or self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) there are some further issues to consider:
Please tick the
appropriate box
Since your last Will: YES NO
1 Have you established a family trust, family company or SMSF?  
2 Are you concerned that control of your family trust is not adequate? For example – who should the trustee or the appointor be on your death?  
3 Could trust distributions which have been allocated but not yet paid to beneficiaries (e.g. children) frustrate your desire to treat them equally?  
4 Are the assets you consider “yours” actually owned by a family company, family trust or SMSF?  
5 Is the effect of your death on a family trust, family company or SMSF either not understood or not appropriate?  
6 If you are a business owner, what will happen to your business when you die? Do you have a proper business succession plan in place?  
7 Are you a registered person for GST purposes?  
8 Are you involved in transactions which incur GST where you are liable to lodge GST returns with the Taxation Office and pay GST or where you can receive the benefit of input tax credits?  

Testamentary Trusts:
If you answer “yes” to any of the following, then a fully discretionary testamentary trust within your Will (ie: a special Will trust where the trustee decides who receives the capital or income from your estate) may be greatly beneficial:

Send a message to learn more

27/05/2026

Your Financial Plan is only as good as its cover

Most people agree that they are organised and have their family’s budget up to date. However, the process they use is generally simple and down-to-earth – it is unlikely to of a long-term financial solution.

What does financial planning look at -
• The best method to create wealth over the long term – for you and your family – is to look at different aspects. These include budgeting, superannuation, insurance and investments.
• To avoid confusion, we recommend the right place to start is with a licensed financial adviser.
• Your financial adviser can implement strategies for you and your family. These will create, protect and build a succession plan of the wealth. They are the building blocks of a plan that stands the test of time.

Why have wealth protection strategies?

Financial planning is more than just about saving money. It is also about managing future risks.

The common belief “It won’t happen to me” results in many people having a south plan for wealth creation – but not an adequate plan to protect the very things that generates the wealth – themselves!

It is worth remembering that no matter how much expert advice you receive or how astute the money management – your financial plan cannot prevent the risk of you suffering early death or extended time off work through serious illness or injury. In addition, where that leaves you and your loved ones in the future depends on the wealth protection strategy you have in place at the time.

At Gurney Financial Services, we believe that you should protect your wealth whether you are starting a new job next week or moving into a new family home next year. The underlying fundamentals are the same – protection plays the pivotal role between the creation and succession of your wealth.

Creation Of Wealth – is about making your money grow and keep your plan up-to-date. To make sure the pieces are skilfully put into place for your family, it is a good idea to link up with a professional financial adviser.

Your adviser will work with you to:
• Identify what type of lifestyle you want and when you want to achieve financial independence.
• Make a saving commitment the will help you reach your goals, yet is affordable enough to maintain your lifestyle.
• Develop a strategy to build your retirement nest egg.

• Create a portfolio of investments that reflects the risk level and potential returns you desire.
• Seek opportunities that are tax effective.
• Review your plan regularly. Updated annually or when your circumstances change. This way you will always be able to take advantage of your family’s changing situation and goals, as well as differing economic or legislative environments, and new products or services

Protection of Wealth is about protection you assets and making your financial plan secure for you and your family in the long term.

Your financial adviser should look at the whole picture – your needs, wants, and desires – to ensure your treasured plan is covered by a sound insurance strategy that:
• Protects you, your family or your business against a range of uncertainties.
• Supports you and your loved ones in the event of disability, illness or premature death, so that:
• Your mortgage or debts can be paid out
• Lost income is replaced
• Capital is available to continue funding your investments
• An income stream is provided so that your lifestyle, and your family’s, can be maintained.

Succession of Wealth is about picturing what is important, realising your goals and properly managing your future, as well as your families.

Your financial adviser will help you decide on the best way to structure your financial plan, to enable you and your family to:
• Control your accumulated wealth.
• Maximise income during your retirement years.
• Implement estate planning and business succession strategies.
• Provide efficient, tax-effective transfer of assets.
• Reinforce your family’s sense of security and certainty.
• So what level of cover do you need?
• Use this simple guide to weigh up how much life insurance you might need to adequately protect your wealth.

Naturally, it is best to discuss this fully with your financial adviser to get a professionally balanced assessment of your coverage requirement. As a basic guide, you need to take into account the rising cost of living and other miscellaneous expenses, which you may incur.

What are the risks? Is your financial position, enough for you to be able to stop working tomorrow? While most people are not in a position of such luxury, the death or disability of a breadwinner could have you pondering this very question.
If your income stops, it can have devastating results for your financial plan and can jeopardise your family’s future financial security.

The unfortunate aspect of death or disability is that it can happen at any time and has more far-reaching consequences than just the person involved has.

Finding the right cover

Your financial plan will be created especially for you and your family – to keep it working over time; you need a cover that fits perfectly.

To unlock the right combination of insurance products on offer, you should ask your financial adviser to explain their benefits, pricing and reliability…..and then consider the insurance provider’s reputation.

Send a message to learn more

26/05/2026

Estate planning

What to consider

When - death
What - estate and assets
How - will intestate

Issues to consider
Will
Executor
Distribution of assets
In writing, signed and witnessed

Power of Attorney
Advanced care directive
Guardianship of children

Family law and challenges to estate
Pre gifting
Legally beneficiary agreement
Tax issues

People to consider - dying without a will. NSW
Spouse or partner
children
Step children
Parents
Grandparents
Siblings
Half siblings
Uncles and aunts
Half aunt and uncles
Cousins

Tax issues People to
$6K tax free threshold to beneficiaries
Estate tax return - no Medicare levy
CGT Assets - investments
Pre Death date - market value on death - 50% discount
Post death date - original purchase price - cost base of deceased. - 50% discount

Liquidity
Expenses
Liabilities
Fees
Tax
Estate equalisation
Legal fees
Searches
Organ donations

Send a message to learn more

25/05/2026

Financial Planning with Faith, Integrity, and Purpose

For many people, money is deeply connected to faith, values, and life purpose. Financial decisions are not just about numbers — they influence our families, our sense of responsibility, and the impact we hope to have on others.

As a financial planner, I am committed to serving clients with integrity, care, and respect, guided by values shaped by faith. My goal is to help individuals and families make wise financial decisions that support both practical needs and deeper personal convictions.

A Values Led Approach to Financial Planning
Faith encourages thoughtful stewardship — using resources wisely, planning responsibly, and acting with honesty and compassion. These principles shape how I approach financial planning and how I work alongside clients.

Rather than focusing only on wealth accumulation, I help clients clarify what truly matters to them, such as:
• Providing security for their family
• Living within their means with confidence
• Preparing for the future with peace of mind
• Being generous and supporting causes close to their heart

Financial planning works best when it aligns with personal values and long term purpose.

Ethical, Client First Advice You Can Trust
Trust is central to any relationship, particularly when finances are involved. I am committed to providing advice that is ethical, transparent, and always in the client’s best interests.

This means:
• Clear explanations without unnecessary jargon
• Honest conversations about options, risks, and expectations
• Recommendations designed for long term wellbeing, not quick results

My role is to inform, guide, and support — never to pressure.

Supporting the Whole Person
Life brings seasons of change, challenge, and growth. Financial stress can be overwhelming, and no two journeys are the same. I aim to provide a respectful and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and goals.

Whether you are planning for the future, navigating life transitions, or seeking clarity and direction, I offer practical guidance grounded in patience, understanding, and respect.

Helping Clients Build Confidence and Peace of Mind
When financial plans are aligned with values and informed by sound advice, clients gain more than financial structure — they gain confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

My purpose is to walk alongside clients as they make thoughtful financial decisions that support their lives, their families, and the impact they wish to have on the world.

If you are seeking financial guidance that honours your values and treats your financial journey with care and integrity, I would be honoured to assist.

Send a message to learn more