Freedonomix

Link to IWP's June 2026 Update (PDF)  https://tinyurl.com/muzzukne Global markets have remained remarkably resilient over the past month, with strong AI-driven earnings continuing to support US markets despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and growing uncertainty surrounding Australia's economic outlook. In this month's discussion, Shane and Chris explore the key themes influe...

For most Australians approaching retirement, the family home is their biggest asset. The problem has always been that it's also the hardest one to access. But there's a strategy that changes that — and a surprising number of people over 55 have no idea it exists. In this episode of Freedonomix, Cameron sits down with Andrew Brown - Independent Financial Adviser at IWP who walks us through the down...

You see the fee. You do the mental maths. You think:  if I don't pay this, I keep that money. It's a completely rational thought — and it might be the most expensive decision you ever make. In this episode of Freedonomix, Cameron sits down with Chris Haggart - Partner and Independent Financial Adviser at IWP where we get honest about the real cost of financial advice — and more importantly, the hi...

We've been wired for survival for 300,000 years. The problem? Those same instincts that kept our ancestors alive are the ones quietly sabotaging your investment decisions today. In this episode of Freedonomix, Cameron sits down with Shane Nicholas - Partner and Independent Financial Adviser at IWP as we dig into the human side of investing — the part that doesn't show up in a risk profile question...

Link to IWP's May 2026 Update (PDF) Market Update  Markets have rebounded sharply following April's volatility, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict, inflation pressures, and rising oil prices. While headlines remain concerning, market performance has again highlighted the importance of staying disciplined and focused on long-term investment outcomes. In this month's discussio...

Following the Budget last night, Cameron sits down with Shane Nicholas (Partner and Adviser) at IWP and Luke Axton (Partner and Chartered Accountant) at IWP to work through what the signficant changes mean for our clients.  Some of the proposed changes to tax rules around negative gearing, trust distributions and capital gains tax change in a lot of ways some of the long held strategies to growing...

In this episode of Freedonomix, Cameron speaks with IWP Senior Financial Adviser Lynn Zhao to unpack one of the most common questions investors ask: Is now the right time to invest? Rather than focusing on market predictions, this conversation explores what really matters — your goals, your time frame, your ability to tolerate volatility, and the importance of having a disciplined long-term plan....

In this episode of Freedomonix, Cameron speaks with Chris Haggart - Partner and Financial Adviser about the psychology of wealth and the search for meaning beyond a paycheck. Drawing on themes from Chris's articles, they explore why financial decisions are rarely just about money, how people often link self-worth to income and status, and why true wealth may be better measured by freedom, alignmen...

In the latest episode of our video podcast, Cameron and Shane unpack Shane's recent blog article, "Death Tax by Stealth." Unfortunately, in Australia if you die with money in your super and you want to pass this through to your adult children, then the taxable component of your super fund is taxed at 15% plus the medicare levy (2%).  In this episode, Cameron and Shane talk through the ways to redu...

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 speak...

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...