This article uses a case study to highlight the risks of lending money to family without proper financial planning. It explores how a lack of formal agreements and professional advice led to significant financial loss and family conflict, and outlines steps that could have prevented these issues.

Pete and I were thrilled when our son Josh announced that he and Robin had found their dream home.

We were all so caught up in the excitement that when they asked if we could help them with a deposit we readily agreed.

They needed $98,000, and having recently retired, we withdrew the lump sum from our pension fund. It was a large amount, and of course we were a bit anxious, but Josh was so happy that we pushed our doubts aside.

In this article, we provide a roadmap for preparing for parental leave so that your transition into parenthood is a smooth one… Are you ready, get set, PARENT!

Parenthood marks a significant milestone in life, and like every crucial life event, it requires careful planning and preparation, especially when considering parental leave.

You wouldn't venture into a dense forest without a map, so why embark on the journey to parenthood without a plan?

Follow our roadmap for preparing for parental leave to make your transition as easy as possible… Are you ready, get set, PARENT!

Starting a hobby business can be a fun and rewarding way for kids to learn important life skills like creativity, responsibility, and entrepreneurship. This article explores the benefits of encouraging children to turn their hobbies into small businesses, and provides tips for getting started.

You’ve probably not heard of Ben Pasternak, but this Australian kidpreneur, at the ripe old age of 19, lives alone in his own New York high-rise apartment.

Kidpreneurs are everyday kids with an eye for an opportunity and the entrepreneurial drive to make it happen.

Ben’s fortune grew from the tech business he set up to develop social media apps for teens. After recently selling it, he’s now turning his attention to the burgeoning plant-based food industry.

This article highlights the importance of financial planning before and during your parenthood journey. A case study is utilised to detail how an adviser can help review your situation and tailor a plan to suit your needs both present and future. Other key aspects discussed include savings, superannuation and the gender pay gap.

Becoming a parent is an exciting time of adjustment and upheaval; how could such a little person create so many changes – and sleepless nights?

But lack of sleep shouldn’t be caused by financial worries and reduced household income.

When Judy a florist, and Gary an IT manager, decided to start a family, like everyone, they worried about the impact on their finances.

They tried to save as much money as they could while they still had Judy’s income, but there was so much to buy and prepare.

When cash rates are low, what is your best option to save for your child? Utilising a case study, we compare a traditional savings account with a share portfolio, including the tax and tax reporting implications. Trusts are also discussed as an additional option, and we close with a reminder to seek professional advice before making any decisions.

Did you have a savings account when you were young? It wasn’t uncommon and those old Passbook accounts funded many a first car.

Now you’re a parent, are you thinking of opening an account for your kids? Record low interest rates have taken some of the fun out of watching bank accounts grow, but there are alternatives.

For example, have you considered a share portfolio?

We all want to give our children a head start in life. This three-step article will help you to instil sound financial habits in your children by setting the foundations of good money management and savings now.

For many of us, our first experience of banking and savings was the school Savings Account Program.

But in 2019 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) raised concerns that these accounts had little lasting impact on children’s savings behaviour.

All parents want their children to be better-off than they were – more secure and financially independent, but the big question remains: where do you start?

This article highlights the staggering costs associated with raising children, in particular, their education costs. To demonstrate the benefits of planning early, the article uses an example of two couples who planned for this expense differently and discusses different options for building a Family Future Fund.

How much does it cost to raise a child? Obviously the answer is highly dependent on individual circumstances. However, as a guide, a 2013 national study  found that a typical middle income family would spend about $.....,000 on raising two children from birth to age 24. At that time child-raising costs were increasing at around 9% per annum, so it’s a reasonable estimate that these days the cost of getting two kids to the point where they’re ready to leave home (that’s not to say that they will) is closer to $..........! And that’s a middle of the road figure.

This article focuses on the next stage of teaching your kids about money – using language they understand. Smartphone apps have taken over the role of visiting the bank with a full piggy bank. This is a brief introduction to two alternatives.

We all want the best for our kids. Life throws many challenges at them as they grow up and one that is becoming more and more important is navigating the financial side of things – dealing with money in an ever-changing world.

Wireless-based technology allows children from alarmingly young ages to do everything online, usually via a mobile device. Having instant access to the world is an expectation for many youngsters nowadays. What child doesn’t know what an “app” is?

This article outlines some of the opportunities parents have when it comes to helping their children financially – including tax issues.

When it comes to helping your children or grandchildren get a financial headstart in life there are so many options available however your generosity could create tax issues down the track. Here we explore this topic from a few different angles, depending on how you wish to help them.