All Posts

Feeling Financial FOMO and that you should be ”doing more"? Before doing more, define your destination, model your current path, and test whether extra risk is needed. ?Doing more - especially when it involves borrowing to invest - doesn't just cost money - but time, and heapspace too.Be intentional, ignore comparison, and value patient, boring compounding. Use a simple checklist to decide: goals, baseline, risk-vs-need, why, and trade-offs. Often, you’re already on track and

Downsizing in retirement isn’t just about money — it’s about motivation. This episode explores the emotional and financial sides of selling the family home, from freeing up time and reducing maintenance to understanding the hidden costs and Centrelink impacts. Learn how to decide whether downsizing is right for your lifestyle and peace of mind.

We've seen prominent examples recently of Australian's losing money due to bad financial advice. This blog explains how to spot the warning signs of a bad adviser—like superannuation scare tactics and exclusive “solutions”—and highlights what good advisers really do: explore your goals, values, and priorities before making recommendations. Learn how to ask the right questions, protect yourself, and find advice you can trust.

When markets feel uncertain, “too good to be true” investments tend to appear. In this episode, we break down why high-return promises often hide real risk, how oversold investments are structured, what red flags to watch for, and why simple, diversified strategies usually outperform flashy alternatives over the long term.

Aged care invoices can be wrong. Learn what each line item means, why errors occur, and how to fix them. Hold off on direct debit until fees are correct. Update Services Australia promptly to avoid default maximum charges. Reconcile invoices by matching facility statements to Services Australia letters and your own calculations. Appoint a correspondence nominee or adviser to handle paperwork so you can focus on your family.

Buying a car after divorce is both an emotional milestone and a financial decision. Nathan and Jordan explore using cash, taking a car loan, or a novated lease, weighing the benefits, costs, and opportunity trade-offs. Learn how to match your choice with your priorities, avoid hidden dealership traps, and plan for the future without compromising your independence.

Not every divorce is defined by conflict. In this episode of Weaving Gold, we explore how an amicable separation can still involve complex financial decisions — from property settlements to superannuation splits. Using a real listener question, we unpack what “fair” really looks like, why super matters more than most people expect, and how formal agreements protect both parties even when things remain respectful.

Annuities are re-emerging as a key retirement option in Australia, offering lifetime income and Centrelink concessions that can boost the age pension. In this episode, we explore how annuities compare to account-based pensions, their pros and cons, and the trade-offs around flexibility, inflation, and estate planning. Learn if an annuity could provide the security you need—or whether another retirement income strategy might better suit your goals.

Family trusts often surface during divorce, leaving many unsure about what they’re signing. This blog explains why trusts are used, the risks of blindly signing documents, and practical steps to take if you’re uncertain. Learn about asset protection, tax minimisation, and how to approach trust documents with confidence.

When ageing parents refuse aged care, families face an emotional and practical struggle. This blog explores how to balance respect for independence with ensuring safety, the burden it places on adult children, and steps like assessments, home modifications, documentation, and family meetings that can help. A compassionate guide for the “sandwich generation” navigating one of life’s hardest conversations.

What happens when separation doesn’t fit neatly into legal boxes? In this episode of Weaving Gold, Nathan and Jordan unpack how Centrelink decides if you’re a spouse, the five key tests of separation, and how aged care’s “protected person” rules affect the family home. They explore what this means for defined benefit pensions, Centrelink payments, and aged care fees—showing just how intertwined retirement, estate planning, and separation can be.

Separation and super don’t always mix neatly—especially with defined benefit pensions. Independent financial advisers Nathan Fradley and Jordan Vaka explore how reversionary pensions work, what counts as a “spouse” under super law, and why trustees play a crucial role in determining payments after death. A must-listen for anyone navigating separation, retirement, and financial uncertainty.

Self-Managed Super Funds offer control, but trustees face strict obligations. In this episode, Nathan and Jordan explain SMSF trustee duties, from honesty and diligence to the sole purpose test, audits, record-keeping, and investment strategy reviews. Learn the risks, responsibilities, and what it really takes to run an SMSF properly—and why for many, the compliance burden outweighs the benefits.

Divorce is more than a legal process—it's an emotional and financial journey. In this episode of Weaving Gold, independent financial advisers Nathan Fradley and Jordan Vaka explore the emerging role of financial advisers in supporting women before, during, and after separation. From confidential first calls to post-settlement planning, learn how advice can reduce stress, bring clarity, and speed up recovery.

When can you access your super and still be eligible for the age pension? In this episode, Nathan and Jordan answer a listener's question about using super to pay off a mortgage. They explain conditions of release, clarify the Centrelink income and asset tests, and explore how to balance working, accessing super, and qualifying for the pension. It’s not just about rules—it’s about planning retirement to suit your lifestyle.

Understanding aged care in Australia can feel overwhelming. This blog breaks down the basics—from the difference between home care and residential care, to how assessments work, and why retirement villages aren’t part of the aged care system. If you’re starting to think about care for a parent or preparing for your own future, this guide will help you ask the right questions and avoid costly misconceptions.

Divorce can feel like being lost in a dark tunnel with no clear end. In this blog, we explore how to navigate the emotional and financial fog of separation with clarity, direction, and purpose. From slowing down decision-making to imagining life five years from now, this piece offers practical insight and compassion for those rebuilding after divorce—especially women facing the unknown alone for the first time.

When one partner handles all the money, it can lead to stress, disconnect, and even resentment. In this episode, we explore how sharing finances isn’t just good for your bank account—it’s good for your relationship. We talk about “The No Person,” money stories from childhood, and how better conversations can bring clarity, confidence, and connection.