Someone’s on a solid income. Sometimes very solid. Yet they feel like they’re treading water. Payday comes, bills go out, and there’s this quiet anxiety sitting in the background. If that’s you, I want to say this clearly. You’re not bad with money. You’re just playing a game you didn’t design.

When money feels tight for long stretches, it can quietly wear you down. Even small decisions start to feel heavy. You think twice about things you used to do without a second thought. You replay decisions in your head. You worry about the future more than you used to.

Our vision is simple. Money should be a force for good. Not just for you and your family, although that matters. Money can also do something beyond your household. It can support your community. It can protect people who are vulnerable. It can contribute to a healthier planet.

Given the state of the world, the cost of living is likely to rise before it falls. This may lead to higher inflation and of course, higher interest rates. Not fun for most. We are already seeing the flow on effects of the war in Iran at the petrol station with fuel pushing up to and beyond $3 a litre. This will flow through to the supply chain and costs will rise, including food. All of this, is out of our hands, so what can we do? The Australian government is already encour

Global tensions can unsettle markets and investors alike, but history shows that short term volatility is a normal part of investing. In this update, Smart Happy Money explains why staying diversified, disciplined and focused on long term goals remains the most effective strategy during uncertain times.

Pre covid, I loved to travel. In 2020 I had a wonderful trip to Europe planned that got thrown out the window, just like everyone else’s...

Have you ever thought about getting your finances in order, saving and investing but it all seemed so overwhelming that you gave up before you even got started? It’s very common. After living paycheque to paycheque and not worrying too much about where your money has gone, it can be hard to suddenly have these things on your mind. So, I’m going to take you on some baby steps. I’m going to help get you started on what I hope is a successful financial journey. Let’s have a look

Finances can be complex. We have found, through years of working with clients to achieve their goals, that simplicity is the best way to ensure that someone commits to and implements their plan to the fullest extent. At Smart Happy Money we have put together 3 steps that we believe may help you, depending on your circumstances, to set up a successful financial plan. Let’s get into them. 1: Protect Protecting what you have is the cornerstone of a solid financial plan. This m

As the father of three wonderful kids I think that father’s day is the most important day of the year, at least, that’s what I tell my kids so they take it seriously. Waking up on Sunday morning with breaky in bed is wonderful, but this year will be a little different. Lockdown and restrictions across the country will mean that many of us will not be able to partake in the usual visits to relatives or lunches and dinners out at restaurants. My father’s day, in Melbourne, wil

In 2006 I decided to strike out on my own and begin a financial planning practice. My desire at that time was to help people save for...