Freedonomix

In the next few episodes of Freedonomix we are sitting down with our clients to chat through their personal lived experience of Retirement. We have thoroughly enjoyed these genuine conversations about our clients journey's through both the financial and lifestyle experience of their retirements and we think there are a number of pieces of gold throughout.  In this episode of  Freedonomix , we sit...

In the next few episodes of Freedonomix we are sitting down with our clients to chat through their personal lived experience of Retirement. We have thoroughly enjoyed these genuine conversations about our clients journey's through both the financial and lifestyle experience of their retirements and we think there are a number of pieces of gold throughout.  In this episode of  Freedonomix , we sit...

Link to IWP's April 2026 Update (PDF) Monthly Market and Economic Chart Pack  Markets have experienced a volatile and challenging period over the past month, with both equity and bond markets declining as geopolitical developments—particularly escalating conflict involving Iran—drive renewed uncertainty, rising oil prices, and inflation concerns. In this month's discussion, Shane and Chris unpack...

In this episode of  Freedonomix , Cameron Howlett sits down with Tim Dawe, our newest partner at IWP to unpack the growing conversation around potential capital gains tax changes and what they could mean for the Australian property market. Together, they explore how the current CGT discount works, why governments may be tempted to change it, and whether any reform would genuinely improve housing a...

In this episode of Freedonomix , Cameron and Shane sit down with physiotherapist, business leader and former Kieser Australia director Tim Dettmann . Tim shares the story behind his journey from a young physio to helping grow Kieser Australia from a single clinic into a national network of more than 26 clinics and hundreds of staff. But this conversation goes far deeper than business success. We t...

Link to IWP's Global Investment Outlook (PDF) Global markets have delivered strong returns over the past year, supported by resilient economic growth and continued momentum in AI-driven investment, while policy uncertainty and inflation risks remain key watchpoints heading into 2026. In this month's update, Cam and Naasha from Willis Towers Watson review portfolio performance and outline the globa...

Link to IWP's January 2026 Update (PDF) Market Update   Markets have started the year on a steadier footing, with equity markets rebounding after a softer end to last year, while geopolitical developments add a layer of uncertainty without materially disrupting markets so far. In this month's discussion, Andrew and Chris unpack the key issues influencing markets and portfolio positioning:  Equity...

Link to IWP's October 2025 Update (PDF) Monthly Market Update   Markets have experienced a modest pullback this month as uncertainty rises across global economies, though underlying fundamentals remain resilient.  In this month's discussion, Chris and Brigitta explore the key themes shaping markets and investor sentiment: • After a strong six-month run, equity markets have softened slightly, refle...

In this episode of Freedonomix , we sit down with Andrew Brown — Senior Financial Adviser at Independent Wealth Partners, CPA, CFP®, and someone whose career has been shaped by a simple idea: numbers matter, but people matter more. Andrew shares the story behind his journey — from his early life and career foundations, to discovering that financial advice wasn't just a profession, but a pathway to...

In this episode, Luke Axton - Partner and Chartered Accountant at IWP breaks down the key moments when SME owners should bring in a business consultant and why timing matters. We dive into how to plan for sustainable growth, the foundations of preparing a business for eventual sale, and how defining your personal purpose shapes the kind of business you're actually trying to build. A practical, gro...

In this episode, Cameron and Lynn talk about gold — its history, volatility, and the role it plays in diversified portfolios. They explore why gold continues to capture investor attention, how it performs over the long term, and whether it truly offers protection in uncertain times. It's a practical, plain-English discussion that cuts through the hype and looks at gold through the lens of evidence...

Link to IWP's October 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/3njbkdx2   Markets remain steady as both Australian and U.S. economies show resilience amid cautious central bank policy and ongoing global uncertainty. In this month's discussion, Andrew and Lynn explore the latest economic data and what it means for investors:  • The RBA pauses rate cuts after three earlier reductions this year, taking...

In this episode, we unpack the collapse of the First Guardian and Shield Master Trust funds — two high-profile failures that left more than twelve thousand Australians and over $1.2 billion of retirement savings in jeopardy. We break down what went wrong — from poor governance and related-party investments to inadequate oversight and regulatory failings — and explore the lessons investors can lear...

In this episode, we dive into the major revisions recently announced for the proposed Division 296 tax — the government's plan to impose extra tax on earnings from very large superannuation balances. Under the revamped proposal: Unrealised gains are out: only realised earnings (interest, dividends, rent, and capital gains when sold) will be taxed — removing a thorny compliance issue.  It introduce...

Aged Care update - Helping You Stay at Home for Longer: The New Support at Home Program Explained Big changes are coming to in-home aged care. The Support at Home program aims to simplify funding, improve flexibility, and put your rights first. Our Aged Care and Retirement Planning Specialist - Williza Demirel breaks down what this means for you, your family, and how to plan confidently for care t...

Steve Kelly, Managing Director of MBL Maintenance is the guest on this episode of Freeedonomix.  We explore Steve's journey from a rural childhood in Central Victoria to leading a fast-growing civil construction business in the rail industry.  Stephen shares candid reflections on early influences, the challenges of school, building work ethic, and the pivotal role of mentors. The conversation cove...

Chris Haggart, one of the partners at IWP is the guest on this episode of Freeedonomix.  The conversation explores Chris's upbringing in the Macedon Ranges and the fear of being "average" that shaped his early life. He shares a pivotal, life-changing moment: pushing through a severe Achilles tendon injury to finish the Melbourne marathon, a decision that helped him break a lifelong pattern of quit...

Link to IWP's September 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/2nxfa5d3 Markets remain resilient, with inflation moderating and interest rate cuts beginning to shape the outlook — despite ongoing global uncertainty. In this month's discussion, Andrew and Shane explore what's driving performance and the key issues investors are watching: - Signs of a gradual global economic slowdown, with resilience...

Link to IWP's August 2025 Update (PDF) Market Update Markets remain at record highs, despite negative media headlines.  In this month's discussion, Chris and Williza explore what's driving performance and the key issues investors are watching: US–China trade tensions and Trump's tariff truce The RBA's interest rate cut and its impact on homeowners, savers, and property markets  Ongoing tax reform...

Link to IWP's July 2025 Update (PDF) https://tinyurl.run/PHjq3Z With geopolitical tensions easing, where are the markets turning their attention now? Our July Market and Economic Update breaks down the key shifts we're seeing.   This month's key points:   A Calmer Global Outlook: Easing geopolitical tensions and a stable ceasefire between Israel and Iran have provided a supportive backdrop for mar...

IWP Strategic Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/22qgo83x The proposed Division 296 tax introduces a significant change for superannuation balances over $3 million. With a proposed start date of 1 July 2025, this legislation will apply an additional 15% tax on earnings related to balances above the threshold. Crucially, this tax is calculated on both realised and unrealised gains, creating potenti...

Link to IWP's May 2025 Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/24r9ga3a This month Cam and Chris revisited the full economic data pack for the first time in 6 months. Globally, the US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, core PCE, slowed to 2.6% annually, with a minimal 0.1% monthly increase in May. US GDP growth is expected to be weak but avoid recession, though policy uncertainty could slow...

Link to IWP's May 2025 Update (PDF) - IWP Market Update Cameron and Lynn recently discussed several key economic and market developments in our latest YouTube video, and we have highlighted the main points for you: US Trade and Policy Uncertainty: Ongoing trade tensions and political developments continue to create a degree of uncertainty in the global economic outlook.   Market Volatility and Eco...

Link to IWP's April 2025 Update (PDF) - https://tinyurl.com/26j66dkp This month Andrew and Chris walk through the continued volatility that the markets have been seeing during March. Outcomes continue to be driven by US trade policy, expectations of inflation (primarily in the US) and potential future tariffs. The Australian Federal Election has also been called - which may mean some action here o...

Welcome to the first IWP Market update for 2025. This month Shane and Chris walk through what has been a turbulent start to the year after the inauguration of Donald Trump. We spoke through his policy platform to date, and why it has been so impactful on markets to date.