2026 Budget
Are Trusts Still Tax Effective After the 2026 Budget?
Are trusts still tax effective after the 2026 Budget? Learn how the new 30% trust tax affects investors, families, and wealth structures.
Insights
Notes on Planning Decisions
Straightforward explanations of the rules, fees, and trade-offs that come up most often — written for people making the decision, not for other advisers.
James’s Notes
Occasional, practical notes on superannuation, retirement and planning decisions. General information only, no product pitches, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Financial Planner Articles
- Financial Planner
The Importance of Financial Adviser Regulation and Licensing in Australia
Understand ASIC, AFSL, and professional standards in Australia, why they protect advice clients, how to verify an adviser, and what to expect from…
- Financial Planner
AFP and CFP Designations – Understanding Financial Adviser Qualifications
AFP® and CFP® explained for Australian clients. Who awards them, what each credential means, how the marks must appear, and how to verify an adviser’s…
- Financial Planner
Local Financial Services in Sutherland Shire
Financial advice close to home, grounded in Sutherland Shire realities – suburbs, commuting, property, retirement, and services – so your plan fits how you…
- Financial Planner
Financial Planner vs Financial Adviser – What’s The Difference?
Understand planning vs advice, titles, licensing, documents, costs, independence rules, and how to choose a licensed professional in NSW with the right…
- Financial Planner
Independent vs Institution‑Linked Financial Advisers in Australia: Definitions, Differences, and How to Choose
Legal definitions, product access, fees, conflicts, pros and cons, and a practical checklist to choose well between independent and institution-linked…
- Financial Planner
Online Financial Planning Services in Australia – How to Choose Safely
Learn when online advice makes sense, how security works, what to discuss on video vs in‑person, documents to prepare, and a decision checklist for NSW…
- Financial Planner
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Financial Adviser
The most obvious, less obvious, and least obvious red flags when picking a financial planner. Keep yourself aware of them to avoid scammers and poor fits.
- Financial Planner
How to Choose the Right Financial Adviser in Australia
Select a financial adviser using a rigorous 13-step buyer’s checklist: licensing, credentials, conflicts, fees in dollars, service standards, investment…
- Financial Planner
The Financial Planning Process Step by Step
View James Hayes’ financial planning process: triage, discovery, SoA, implementation, and reviews, with fees in dollars and identical standards online or…
- Financial Planner
What Does Financial Advice Cost in NSW? Fees, Models, Examples, and How to Budget
NSW financial advice fees explained with models, typical ranges, commissions, regulation, cost comparisons, numeric value scenarios, and a budgeting…
- Financial Planner
When to Get Financial Advice in Australia: Age, Stage, Triggers
Key moments to seek financial advice in Australia, plus a printable milestone roadmap with fillable fields covering life stages, event triggers, complexity…
- Financial Planner
What Areas Do Financial Planners Cover? The Full Financial Service Menu
Everything a planner can cover in NSW – super, SMSFs, TTR, investments, property, insurance, inheritance, age pension, aged care, estate alignment and…
