Robyn’s story may feel familiar to many of us. As our parents grow older, it’s natural to start wondering: Do they have everything in place? Are they okay financially? What would happen if they suddenly needed help? Having these conversations with our parents can feel awkward, even intrusive. Too often, families avoid talking about money until there’s a crisis. For many of our parents, money is personal. It carries emotions like pride, fear, uncertainty, or even guilt. But these are some of the most important conversations we’ll ever have. It’s not about taking control but gently...

It’s not uncommon for parents to put their own lives – and their retirement savings – on hold to prioritise their children’s education. It’s a choice made with love, but one that often leaves you playing catch-up later in life. What I admire so deeply about Lyndsay and Christian is how they faced this reality with courage and intention. Instead of panicking, they took action. They made intentional choices. And most of all, they shifted their mindset. What stands out most about their journey is the way they’ve embraced this chapter of life. Rather than seeing it as a...

The first step to taking control of your financial future is valuing yourself enough to honour your dreams and priorities. What puts us most at risk is not the support we offer others – it’s when we delay the hard decisions, avoid the real conversations, and continue giving at the cost of our own future. Lauren is an incredibly brave mother. Setting boundaries with those we love is never easy, especially when it’s our children. But it can be one of the kindest and most courageous choices we make – for them and for ourselves. If you’re navigating a similar path, consider...

When giving brings guilt and expectations I notice this often – how easy it is to feel guilty about spending money on ourselves when those we love are struggling. And it’s not just about who we feel we should help, but also when we choose to help. Do we step in only when someone asks, or do we offer because we see them struggling? And when we do help, do we let go, or do we quietly hold expectations about how that money should be used? I’ve seen this play out in many of my clients’ lives – and I’ve experienced it personally. For years, I felt compelled to help whenever I noticed...

Victoria shared an incredibly brave and honest story. Borrowing from Theodore Roosevelt’s Man in the Arena – the credit belongs to Victoria, who bravely stepped into the arena with the courage to pursue victory and the resilience to face the possibility of failure. When faced with an unexpected challenge, Victoria didn’t wait for circumstances to change, or get stuck in why is this happening to me? Instead, she stepped forward when life demanded it. It takes courage to shift from being a teacher and part-time artist to becoming the primary income earner, and Victoria did it with...

Keep building your skills The world is changing fast, and so are the skills needed to stay relevant. We often think we’ll keep doing the same work, but that’s not always the case. Upskilling or building parallel skills is crucial – it gives you options to explore a new career path. Keep asking yourself, “How can I add value in different ways?” Partner with a financial planner When retrenchment happens, emotions can run high. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty may cloud your thinking, and making financial decisions in that state isn’t easy. A financial planner can help you stay...