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Can you actually afford to have kids, or does it just feel impossible right now? Vision's Ashleigh Dodt, a working mum of two, and Tyler Clarke, who's still weighing it up with his partner, talk with Alex McBain about the money side of starting a family: the emergency buffer, parental leave, daycare costs, renting versus owning, and whether one income can stretch. A Professional Perspectives conversation that won't hand you a magic number, but shows why there isn't one, and how couples can work out their own.
Key Takeaways:
* The Emergency Buffer: Both specialists describe a savings buffer as the foundation of planning for children, because it absorbs lost income, lease changes and the surprises that keep coming.
* The Leave Gap: Government paid parental leave generally replaces only part of a usual wage and runs for a limited period, so couples often plan for the gap it leaves.
* Choosing the Trade-offs: Deciding how much to put towards a home and how much to keep aside for leave is an active choice, and the right balance varies between couples.
* One Income or Two: Whether a household can manage on one income for a while, or needs two, shapes how much flexibility a couple has around leave and childcare.
* No Universal Number: There is no single savings figure that makes a couple ready, though running their own numbers can give a useful estimate of how long savings might last.
Notable Quotes
Reach out to us at: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Host: Alex McBain from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au/our-team/alex-mcbain/
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Vision Wealth Strategies: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/money-rules-or-money-rules/id1650489113
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mqGk8FqvoCo6c8ZLAVrzB?si=807fe54e52364275
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwsdMvfyPHpdXp1mSOFyFw
Find Us On:
General Advice Warning
The information in this podcast is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances.
Financial Services Disclosure
Vision Wealth Strategies operates through FNP Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 87 156 409 531, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 428286 of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049, AFSL No. 236523.
Is property still the investment Australians should reach for first? Two Vision advisers disagree. Luke Kaprilian is against property at today's prices, while Hamish Ferguson still sees a place for it. Alex McBain draws out both cases, from housing supply and bank lending to what the negative gearing and capital gains tax changes could mean for investors. A Current Conversations episode that won't tell you what to do, but shows what's worth weighing up: cash flow, time frame, flexibility, and how much sits in one asset.
Key Takeaways:
* Gearing Explained: Luke argues that much of property's strong track record comes from how much banks will lend against it, not from the asset itself outperforming.
Notable Quotes:
Reach out to us at: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Host: Alex McBain from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au/our-team/alex-mcbain/
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Vision Wealth Strategies: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/money-rules-or-money-rules/id1650489113
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mqGk8FqvoCo6c8ZLAVrzB?si=807fe54e52364275
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwsdMvfyPHpdXp1mSOFyFw
Find Us On:
General Advice Warning
The information in this podcast is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances.
Financial Services Disclosure
Vision Wealth Strategies operates through FNP Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 87 156 409 531, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 428286 of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049, AFSL No. 236523.
A pay rise feels like a reward. It is also a decision, and the one you make early tends to set the pattern. Alex McBain sits down with Vision's Ashleigh Dodt and Tyler Clarke to unpack what happens when your income goes up: where an extra dollar can do the most work, why superannuation gets overlooked, and how lifestyle creep quietly absorbs the lot. An educational conversation about giving every dollar a job, and why your pay lifts your bank balance while your decisions lift your wealth.
Key Takeaways:
Notable Quotes:
Reach out to us at: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Host: Alex McBain from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au/our-team/alex-mcbain/
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Vision Wealth Strategies: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/money-rules-or-money-rules/id1650489113
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mqGk8FqvoCo6c8ZLAVrzB?si=807fe54e52364275
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwsdMvfyPHpdXp1mSOFyFw
Find Us On:
General Advice Warning
The information in this podcast is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances.
Financial Services Disclosure
Vision Wealth Strategies operates through FNP Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 87 156 409 531, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 428286 of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049, AFSL No. 236523.
Most Australians were told to save. Nobody ever said when to stop. Alex McBain sits down with Vision Wealth Strategies advisers Ashleigh Dodt and Luke Kaprilian to work through what saving actually does, the cost it quietly carries, and why investing brings risks of its own worth understanding. Emergency buffers, diversification, risk profiles, crypto, ETFs, and the difference between a loss on paper and a real one. An educational conversation about the point where saving alone stops doing the job, and what people weigh up when they get there.
Follow Luke Kaprilian Insta/Facebook: @adviserlk
Reach out to us at: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Host: Alex McBain from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au/our-team/alex-mcbain/
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Vision Wealth Strategies: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/money-rules-or-money-rules/id1650489113
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mqGk8FqvoCo6c8ZLAVrzB?si=807fe54e52364275
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwsdMvfyPHpdXp1mSOFyFw
Find Us On:
General Advice Warning
The information in this podcast is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances.
Financial Services Disclosure
Vision Wealth Strategies operates through FNP Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 87 156 409 531, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 428286 of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049, AFSL No. 236523.
Owning a home has long been the marker of getting ahead in Australia. But is it still? Alex McBain sits down with two voices from Vision on opposite sides of the question: one who bought in 2001, one renting now. They work through what the numbers look like week to week, why stability matters more than most people admit, and what the gap between rent and repayments could be doing instead. A current conversation about a decision most Australians are weighing, and the question underneath it: are you actually behind?
Reach out to us at: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Host: Alex McBain from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au/our-team/alex-mcbain/
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Vision Wealth Strategies: https://visionws.com.au/podcast/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/money-rules-or-money-rules/id1650489113
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mqGk8FqvoCo6c8ZLAVrzB?si=807fe54e52364275
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwsdMvfyPHpdXp1mSOFyFw
Find Us On:
General Advice Warning
The information in this podcast is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances.
Financial Services Disclosure
Vision Wealth Strategies operates through FNP Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 87 156 409 531, Corporate Authorised Representative No. 428286 of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049, AFSL No. 236523.
Welcome back to the Money Rules or Money Rules podcast!
In this episode, our host Stephen Logan and co-host Hamish Ferguson chat with Newcastle local and driven entrepreneur, James Thompson,
James—a dedicated husband, father of two, and marketing professional with a passion for community engagement—opens up about the discipline of balancing people, politics, and priorities across both his personal and professional life. Alongside his marketing career, James is actively involved in politics as a member of a major political party.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on navigating multiple roles and making an impact in the community.
*This material has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.*
Reach out to us at: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Host: Stephen Logan from Logan Property Group: https://www.loganpropertygroup.com.au
Co-host: Hamish Ferguson from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Help My Wealth: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/helpmywealth
Find Us On:
Welcome back to the Money Rules or Money Rules podcast!
Join our hosts Hamish Ferguson and Stephen Logan for their insightful talk with this week's guest, Murray Guest - and no, that's not a pun. Murray is a certified Gallup Coach from CliftonStrengths, which involves strength-based development in individuals and teams.
This unique spin on coaching focuses on what you're naturally good at and how to make that skillset brilliant - as opposed to trying to fix your weaknesses. Murray advocates that this style of improvement is a fantastic tool to knowing oneself better; learning your capabilities and motivations in life go a long way to helping your productivity, results and overall wellbeing!
This episode follows significant topics such as self value, life experiences, natural talent and a funny discussion over first jobs.
*This material has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.*
Reach out to us at: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Host: Stephen Logan from Logan Property Group: https://www.loganpropertygroup.com.au
Co-host: Hamish Ferguson from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Help My Wealth: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/helpmywealth
Find Us On:
Welcome back to the Money Rules or Money Rules podcast!
On today’s episode, we dive into the uncertainty surrounding making big financial decisions. Should you, or shouldn’t you? If you ask our guest, Greg Edwards, he’d tell you to just do it! Greg was a mentor to our co-host Hamish, when even he was just a fledgling entrepreneur navigating the world of self-employment! Greg believes that life doesn't give free hand outs, and that people get what they work hard to achieve. Follow Stephen Logan, Hamish Ferguson and Greg Edwards to learn about an insightful mindset developed through multiple generations and transform it to shape your own success.
*This material has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.*
Reach out to us at: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Host: Stephen Logan from Logan Property Group: https://www.loganpropertygroup.com.au
Co-host: Hamish Ferguson from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Help My Wealth: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/helpmywealth
Find Us On:
Today, we meet with John Gilbert, Lake Macquarie Mayoral Candidate, to dive deep into the importance of Local Council. John has been on council from 2016 to 2021. After having a break, he's found the desire to get back into it and is now running for Mayor in 2024.
Why do we need so many layers of Government and what goes on from a local council point of view? Get ready to unpack this and more in today's episode.
Who is John Gilbert? John has been married for 35 years, has 5 children and has lived in Lake Macquarie all his life. "It's too good to leave and its a great place to raise your kids". John describes himself as a creature of habit.
*This material has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.*
Reach out to us at: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Host: Stephen Logan from Logan Property Group: https://www.loganpropertygroup.com.au
Co-host: Hamish Ferguson from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au
Want to reach out to today's guest speaker or have any questions? Contact Help My Wealth: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Find our podcast on your podcast platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/helpmywealth
Find Us On:
Welcome back to the Money Rules or Money Rules podcast!
Today, Dr Jonathan Mansfield, a UON graduate and family man, with an extensive background in the finance industry. Dr Mansfield and Hamish will be diving deep into a credit score, and how it can impact your ability to obtain a bank loan. In this information rich episode, we will cover:
- The evolution of Credit Profiling legislation
- How financers at credit reporting
- What an optimal credit file should look like.
- The difference between poor "finance" and "good" finance
Tune in now for this unmissable episode!
*This material has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.*
Reach out to us at: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Host: Stephen Logan from Logan Property Group: https://www.loganpropertygroup.com.au
Co-host: Hamish Ferguson from Vision Property and Finance: https://visionpf.com.au
Contact Help My Wealth to reach out to this episode's guest speaker or if you have any questions for us: https://helpmywealth.com.au/contact/
Watch the podcast video: https://youtu.be/tPX83QlJ8Lg
OR
Find our podcast on your podcast platform: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/helpmywealth
Find Us On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HMWealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/help_my_wealth/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/help-my-wealth/
Website: https://helpmywealth.com.au/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAal5emLA8g4KlCpS3HcMmA
From the publisher's feed
MONEY rules or money RULES?
Money affects almost every stage of life, but understanding the decisions, strategies and rules around it isn’t always straightforward.
The Money Rules or Money Rules Podcast is an Australian finance podcast bringing financial professionals, specialists and guests together to cut through the complexity, challenge common assumptions and make sense of the financial decisions we face throughout life.
Each episode explores financial topics, strategies and questions from a general Australian perspective, helping make complex financial decisions easier to understand.
Whether you’re building wealth, planning for the future or simply trying to make better sense of your money, tune in for practical perspectives that help you ask better questions, understand what matters and approach financial decisions with greater confidence.
The information in this podcast is general in nature only. It neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter, and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything discussed, consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek appropriate professional advice. FNP Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 87 156 409 531) trading as Vision Wealth Strategies is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049), AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523.