Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

We are thinking of investing for the kids, how should we do this?

This is undoubtedly one of the most frequently asked questions I get as an adviser to many ambitious families.

They have money sitting in a bank account and are thinking about doing something with it for their kids.

For most parents there is a lack of clarity on the purpose for investing.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

What’s the best option? Home Loan Vs Super

“You could have saved around $500,000”

I’ve sat across the table from many clients who come to me because they are looking to access some money later in life, for many reasons like helping them clear the home loan or helping the next generation get their first home.

I’ve had to break it to them that what they did 10 or 20 years ago has some massive consequences today.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Being on The Same Page with Money is Bloody Complicated

In the intricate dance of a relationship, few steps are as complex and potentially treacherous as the financial one.

It's a realm where love meets pragmatism, where dreams confront reality, and where the unsaid can become the undoing. The truth is, managing money as a couple isn't just complicated; it's a minefield of expectations, fears, and aspirations that, if not navigated carefully, can lead to the kind of misunderstandings that chip away at the very foundation of a partnership.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Taking a Career Time-Out? Here's How to Do It Right

In our whirlwind lives, where the pace never seems to slow down, more and more of us are hitting the pause button on our careers. It's a big move, a chance to breathe, to recalibrate.

But before you hang up your work hat, let's talk strategy. Because, let's face it, stepping away from your job is more than just a time-out; it's a decision that needs some smart planning.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

At the Crossroads: Partner Up or Go Solo in Your Career?

You know how it is in our world – we start off eager, learning every trick of the trade. 'We're soaking up skills, climbing that ladder, and before we know it, we're not just playing the game; we're leading the team.

But here's the kicker: there comes a time when you've got to make a big call.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Can we afford another kid?

One of the most profound questions I've encountered in my career as a financial adviser is, “Can we afford another kid?”

It's a question that resonates deeply, not just for its financial implications but for the emotional and life-changing decisions it represents. This question is a stark reminder that our financial life is often shaped by decisions that transcend mere numbers.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Mastering the Art of Investing   

In an age where investing has evolved from an elite club to a widespread phenomenon, have you ever stopped to wonder what separates successful investors from the rest?

The answer lies in mastering the art of investing, a skill accessible to anyone willing to learn but that requires patience, consistency, and discipline… much like any art form.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Redefining Financial Advice: the Virtual-First Approach

I've never met my lawyer, accountant, or even some colleagues face-to-face.

Yet, we've built effective, trust-based working relationships. This experience has shaped my approach to providing financial advice, a virtual-first strategy that aligns with the realities of modern life.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Don't Let the 'What-Ifs' Keep You from Your Next Big Move

Last week, something pretty awesome happened. I got to see a client, an incredibly ambitious professional, take a leap of faith into a new chapter of her life. She decided to step out of the corporate world and start her own practice. It was a big move, a calculated risk, and I was lucky enough to be part of her journey.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

The Power of Virtual Financial Advice and 15 Minutes a Week

In the bustling lives of professionals, especially those balancing family life, the thought of delving into financial planning can often be put in the “I’ll get to later” pile.

It's a common for the pressing demands of today to overshadow the need to plan for the future.

But what if there was a way to integrate financial planning into your busy schedule without it feeling like an additional burden?

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

A Delicate Balance, Navigating the 'Bank of Mum & Dad’

In an era where the dream of homeownership seems increasingly out of reach, many of us find ourselves turning to our parents for that much-needed financial boost.

It's a trend that's become so prevalent that the 'Bank of Mum & Dad' ranks among the top lenders in the nation. But as we gratefully accept help with our home deposits, it's worth pausing to ask: at what cost does this assistance come?

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

It's Okay to Have a Life Outside of Work

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with someone who was in desperate need of financial guidance.  

They insisted that they could only meet on the weekend, which posed a bit of a challenge for me. You see, weekends are my sacred family time, and I'm a firm believer in safeguarding personal time. In the end, it became evident that I might not be the right fit for them. Here’s why.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

The Three Pillars of Financial Planning for Busy Professionals in Their 30s and 40s

Ah, the 30s and 40s—the age range that puts the "pro" in "professional."

It's an exciting but often chaotic era, filled with career advancements, budding relationships, and maybe even little ones running around the house.

Financially, though, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in a game of Whack-A-Mole, constantly hitting at emerging financial needs while never really getting ahead. If you can relate, then buckle up, because this blog post will spill the tea on financial planning tailored specifically for you!

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

From Dollars to Sense: The Value of Financial Advice

When it comes to determining the value of a financial adviser, it comes down to more than dollars and cents.

Numerous studies have shown that money is a relationship stressor, 33% of Australians find dealing with money stressful or overwhelming, and 44% admit to arguing with their spouse about money at least occasionally.

If money alone spikes your blood pressure, just imagine what the more complicated concepts of investing and financial planning can do.

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Sam Woodhouse Sam Woodhouse

Mind Over Money: Your Secret Weapon for Financial Prosperity

In the quest for financial stability and success, we often focus on tangible elements like earning more money, saving diligently, or investing wisely.

But have you ever stopped to consider the role your mind, or more specifically, your financial mindset, plays in achieving your financial goals?

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