Freedonomix

Steve Kelly, Managing Director of MBL Maintenance is the guest on this episode of Freeedonomix.

We explore Steve's journey from a rural childhood in Central Victoria to leading a fast-growing civil construction business in the rail industry.

Stephen shares candid reflections on early influences, the challenges of school, building work ethic, and the pivotal role of mentors. The conversation covers lessons learned from sporting ambitions, navigating business setbacks, and the importance of resilience, risk-taking, and leadership.

Our listeners will gain fascinating insights into defining success, balancing personal and professional life, and the value of supporting others through opportunity and backing employees.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433.

Chris Haggart, one of the partners at IWP is the guest on this episode of Freeedonomix.

The conversation explores Chris's upbringing in the Macedon Ranges and the fear of being "average" that shaped his early life. He shares a pivotal, life-changing moment: pushing through a severe Achilles tendon injury to finish the Melbourne marathon, a decision that helped him break a lifelong pattern of quitting when things got difficult.

The exchange is about personal growth, finding purpose beyond professional metrics, and using your life to create a positive "ripple" in the world. Enjoy!

Link to IWP's September 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/2nxfa5d3

Markets remain resilient, with inflation moderating and interest rate cuts beginning to shape the outlook — despite ongoing global uncertainty.

In this month's discussion, Andrew and Shane explore what's driving performance and the key issues investors are watching:

- Signs of a gradual global economic slowdown, with resilience in the US and Australian economies

- Interest rate cuts taking time to flow through, with benefits expected from 2026 - Inflation moderating but household cost-of-living pressures remaining high

- Share markets staying strong despite economic and political uncertainty

- Donald Trump's tariff policies adding unpredictability to global trade

- Long-term investing discipline vs. short-term market reactions

As always, we highlight the importance of staying invested for the long term. Should you prefer this in video form, please head to https://youtu.be/QHbSFAh8Wmc

Link to IWP's August 2025 Update (PDF) Market Update

Markets remain at record highs, despite negative media headlines.

In this month's discussion, Chris and Williza explore what's driving performance and the key issues investors are watching:

• US–China trade tensions and Trump's tariff truce
• The RBA's interest rate cut and its impact on homeowners, savers, and property markets
• Ongoing tax reform debates in Australia, including negative gearing and capital gains
• Rising US inflation, Federal Reserve challenges, and uncertainty around future leadership
• Long-term investing vs. market timing, with insights on Warren Buffett's recent moves As always, we highlight the importance of staying invested for the long term.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to (1) IWP August update 2025 - YouTube

Link to IWP's July 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.run/PHjq3Z

With geopolitical tensions easing, where are the markets turning their attention now? Our July Market and Economic Update breaks down the key shifts we're seeing.

This month's key points:

A Calmer Global Outlook: Easing geopolitical tensions and a stable ceasefire between Israel and Iran have provided a supportive backdrop for markets. This sentiment has helped drive global equities higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 approaching their all-time highs.

Shift to Domestic Policy: As global risks subside, market focus is pivoting to US domestic policy. Federal Reserve Chair Powell's recent comments have reinforced expectations for interest rate cuts later this year.

Policy in Focus: In Washington, President Trump is advancing the US tax and spending bill, which is expected to remove or weaken the "revenge tax" on non-US investors—a welcome development for the market. Progress on trade negotiations ahead of a July 9 deadline has also improved sentiment.

Overall, the reduction in geopolitical risk premiums has led to lower oil prices and low market volatility. While the outlook is positive, rising US inflation remains a key factor that could potentially delay policy easing.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to https://youtu.be/CnpIMJnWqUI?si=wbnMXKP67xOfY9xZ

IWP Strategic Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/22qgo83x

The proposed Division 296 tax introduces a significant change for superannuation balances over $3 million. With a proposed start date of 1 July 2025, this legislation will apply an additional 15% tax on earnings related to balances above the threshold.

Crucially, this tax is calculated on both realised and unrealised gains, creating potential liquidity challenges for assets like property within an SMSF. Given the start date may be retrospective, it is vital to understand the implications now.

In this video, Cameron and Chris provide a detailed analysis of the proposed law. We walk through worked examples, discuss the impact on asset allocation, and outline key strategic considerations for clients.

Shoudl you wish to watch the full video - please head to YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRcEjegnwJk

#Division296 #Superannuation #TaxLaw #FinancialPlanning #SMSF #WealthManagement #AustralianTax

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Link to IWP's May 2025 Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/24r9ga3a

This month Cam and Chris revisited the full economic data pack for the first time in 6 months.

Globally, the US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, core PCE, slowed to 2.6% annually, with a minimal 0.1% monthly increase in May. US GDP growth is expected to be weak but avoid recession, though policy uncertainty could slow business investment. Tariffs are predicted to lead to weaker growth and higher prices in the US.

Cam and Chris then reviewed IWP's Flagship portfolio - Lifestyle Model 4 - showing a 1-year return of 11.88%, outperforming its index. As always we cautioned against market timing, noting that the best and worst trading days often occur close together.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio in light of these developments.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to - https://youtu.be/7gfigGwfJxA

Link to IWP's May 2025 Update (PDF) - IWP Market Update

Cameron and Lynn recently discussed several key economic and market developments in our latest YouTube video, and we have highlighted the main points for you:

• US Trade and Policy Uncertainty: Ongoing trade tensions and political developments continue to create a degree of uncertainty in the global economic outlook.

• Market Volatility and Economic Recovery: We observed significant market swings in April, influenced by a combination of mixed corporate earnings reports, evolving political concerns, and central bank policy announcements. Encouragingly, markets showed a notable rebound towards the end of the month.

• Australian Economic Resilience: Despite global headwinds, the Australian economy continues to demonstrate resilience, with inflation remaining under control and expectations of potential interest rate cuts in the future. Australia's relative insulation offers a degree of stability in the current environment.

• Long-Term Investing: As always, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective in your investment strategy. This includes staying invested through market fluctuations, avoiding attempts to time the market, ensuring adequate diversification across your portfolio, and regularly reassessing your risk tolerance in line with your financial goals.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio in light of these developments.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube

Link to IWP's April 2025 Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/26j66dkp

This month Andrew and Chris walk through the continued volatility that the markets have been seeing during March.

Outcomes continue to be driven by US trade policy, expectations of inflation (primarily in the US) and potential future tariffs.

The Australian Federal Election has also been called - which may mean some action here on Australian shores as we get closer to May 3rd.

Should you prefer this in video form, please head to https://youtu.be/sCVHIzFgEKg

Welcome to the first IWP Market update for 2025.

This month Shane and Chris walk through what has been a turbulent start to the year after the inauguration of Donald Trump.

We spoke through his policy platform to date, and why it has been so impactful on markets to date.