We Understand How Hard It Is Being a Teacher. We Make Money Easy to Understand so That You Can Focus on Our Next Generation
We Know How Busy Tradies Are. We Make Your Finances Simple To Ensure That Your Money Works As Hard As You Do
We Understand How Stressful It Is Being a Nurse. We Ensure You’re Taking Full Advantage Of The Perks Available To You
Our online financial advice offering is designed to help our clients who are looking for a financial advisor online to take advantage of the cost and lifestyle convenience. Using the latest technology we’re able to still provide you with a personalised face to face service, from the comfort of your home.
As a Geelong local, Chris Carlin understands the needs of his local clients and the service they require. With meeting facilities in Geelong, take advantage of the experience and convenience of working with Chris to listen to your goals and develop a financial plan based on your needs.
Based in Geelong, Master Your Money Now is a people-first financial planning and education company with over 10 years of experience. We specialise in helping millennial nurses and teachers build wealth, understand super, protect their loved ones and invest so they can retire earlier and with more in their pocket.
Our team is different from other financial planners because we not only want you to have a tailored solution, but also educate you about your finances. We regularly speak to everyday Australians both individually and in group settings, teaching and empowering people with practical financial skills we should have been taught in school.
In short, we make money easy to understand and we want to help everyday Australians like yourself.
Australians love pets. Except me. I’m the only one in my house (*or zoo) who doesn’t like pets so please don’t judge me. It makes no financial sense to a financial nerd like me to have pets. If you ever take out your spreadsheet and...
Owning your own home is the ultimate Australian dream. Whilst we all want to achieve this, it is somewhat disheartening to see how property prices skyrocketing before our eyes as we chip away huge chunks of our pay to save for THE deposit. I have...
New data from the lending watchdog reveals almost one in four new mortgages are risky. How are they deemed risky? Well, it’s got something to do with your debt-to-income ratio, which we’ll explain in this week’s article. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio might sound complicated, but...
Think property prices have gone a little bonkers? You’re not the only one. Which is why a report with 16 recommendations to tackle housing affordability has just been plonked on pollies’ desks in Canberra. Today we’ll run through them for you (succinctly, we promise). You...
It’s the hope that kills you. Just ask Carlton fans, NSW Blues supporters, Wallabies sufferers, and hopeful homebuyers who have fallen victim to underquoting. Obviously, you can’t change your footy team, but you can follow these tips to avoid the sketchy real estate practice. If...
Australian small businesses are investing in their recovery through a surge in machinery purchases, IT and office technologies, and sustainable business assets, according to Commonwealth Bank (CBA) data. The CBA research shows small business financing for equipment and machinery is up 17% so far this financial year...
Some of Australia’s biggest banks have tightened their mortgage lending criteria, meaning you might not be able to borrow as much from them. How might this affect your next purchase? This week ANZ lowered a key lending cap, indicating it will no longer lend to...
Rising interest rates got you feeling a little vulnerable? It might be time to take some control back by refinancing or asking for a rate review. Here’s why we’re seeing refinancing numbers surge across the country. In just two months we’ve seen the Reserve Bank...
Tax time is just around the corner and the ATO has sent out a warning to businesses around the country that owe it money: the COVID-19 moratorium on debt collection has come to an end. Rest assured though, you’ve got some options. During the early...
After a bumpy 2020, 2021 is already rewriting the record books. From property prices to interest rates, to refinancing – no matter which way you look records are being broken. Today we’ll look at why property market sentiment is riding so high. How quickly things can...
Did you know that according to the 2016 Census there are 8.3 million households in Australia? That is a lot of homes to choose from! I find that most first home buyers get so overwhelmed by the options they take it makes them even...
Every working environment has the potential to create stress but when you’re running a business, the pressure can be intense. It is not uncommon that with this added pressure, as a business owner, you experience more stress. We sat down with Rachel Clements, Director of...
Move over debit and credit cards; consumers are flocking to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. Financial technology companies such as Afterpay, ZipPay and several others allow shoppers to take home their purchases now while paying them off through weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments. There’s...
Retirement is something we should plan for both financially and logistically, after all we want to be able to have the best retirement possible. If you’re nearing retirement age but don’t want to stop work entirely, there are many options available. One of those options...
Herd behaviour is pretty self-explanatory; it is where you follow others rather than make your own decisions and it is quite common to experience when investing. Herd behaviour is driven by emotions rather than rational behaviour. Often little attention is paid to investment fundamentals as...
There are a number of measures in place designed to support pensioners and retirees through the COVID-19 crisis. Here is a blog that can help you understand some of those measures, but if your require further assistance it is a great time to book your...
Six years ago at the end of every year, I have been assigning a word to describe the year just gone. 2014 – Reset 2015 – Preparation 2016 – Confidence 2017 – My Turn (ok I cheated with two words) 2018 – Perfect 2019 –...
You’ve changed jobs and you’re busy focusing on settling in and succeeding in your new role. However, when you change jobs you should also consider your financial plan and how this job change will affect your goals. Will it help you achieve your goals faster?...
Debt is an almost unavoidable part of modern-day life. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as your debts are kept at an appropriate level. In fact, when managed properly, debt can be used to your advantage especially if you have deductible debt. A...
Mention the terms ‘estate planning’, ‘will’ or ‘inheritance’ and thoughts of lengthy documents and complex legal terms often come to mind. But it’s not as complex as you might think. When you do begin planning your will, your financial planner should ask two key questions: ...
When you set the new month or new year resolutions to get fit and stay healthy, do you consider reviewing the fitness of your finance? Why not? After all getting fit and staying healthy can sometimes be a costly experiment. If you don’t have a...
Whenever the term financial advice is mentioned it is commonly associated with an individual’s financial goals. Whether you have a ‘list’ as long as your arm of things that you’d like to buy, or perhaps you’ve never really thought about it and just buy what...
One could be forgiven for thinking that most news reporting on the currency market ups and downs are predictable. We are bombarded in the financial media with so many convincing arguments about where the Australian dollar is headed in the year ahead. These forecasts we...
Life insurance may seem like a wasted expense within your financial plan, however, it can provide financial security for any of your life challenges. If you are still unsure why you need life insurance, here are six good reasons why life insurance is a necessity:...
With so many people concerned about their investments and wondering what they should be doing, we’ve put together some responses to your most frequently asked questions. What should I be doing with my investments? If your risk profile is correct then at this point a...
Quality education is one of the best gifts you can give your children. But these days it doesn’t always come cheap — especially if you have more than one child. That’s why it pays to plan ahead. Considering a financial planner before big life changes...
Paid off your mortgage? Woo-hoo! Break out the champagne and celebrate the freedom you must now feel! But once the dizzy excitement has passed, what will you do next? Discharge or not? The first question is should you discharge your mortgage? You might be able...
Australians are ready to spend up big on food, drink, gifts and charity this Christmas season. 1. Australians are set to spend over $7.6 billion on gifts It’s the season for shopping, and Australians are ready to spend up big on food, drink, gifts and charity this...
We all look forward to creating a financially secure future. But how do you build security for tomorrow without sacrificing your lifestyle today – especially if you have a family to raise or a mortgage to manage? There are many pathways to a prosperous future...
Investing beyond short-termism Behavioural finance has uncovered a wealth of explanations for why individuals make poor investment decisions. One such theory is Framing: If the same facts were presented with a different approach the decision reached by the investor would likely be different. We were...
Within your financial strategy, you may consider borrowing money so you can invest. Borrowing to invest, or gearing as it is otherwise known can be an effective way of growing your wealth. However, it’s not for everyone. If you are considering whether or not a...
When you earn enough money to pay for everything you need there’s no reason to save regularly, right? Wrong. There’s far more to becoming wealthy than earning a high income. As suggested in the well-known proverb, ‘The art is not in making money, but in...
Have you ever caught yourself thinking “if only I earned more I would be able to buy that new car, take that dream holiday, or send my kids to a private school.” Well, allow me to let you in on a little secret. Becoming wealthy...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Family Fortunes If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master...
In this special report, our Head of Professional Standards & Technical Services, Craig Meldrum, looks at the key take outs from the federal budget and what it means for individuals and businesses. It will include a summary of the tax, superannuation and social security changes...
If you have been made redundant it is important to first remember it is your position that became redundant, not you. Most of the time, employers would love to keep you on. For some, redundancy can be a complete shock and leave you feeling uncertain...
Being a Confident Investor In recent years, with the global economy going through a relatively chaotic phase, we have seen plenty of screaming headlines like “$40 billion wiped off Australian share market in one day!” and “Markets brace as the crisis in Europe flares up...
Buying a property is possibly one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, and with an overwhelming amount of often conflicting information, it helps to understand how to make the right decision for your circumstances. Here is a list of 10 important factors to...
When it comes to investing, market volatility is to be expected. Despite common perceptions, money can be and is still made in the share market despite its volatile nature you might just need the right financial planner. Often in a volatile market, people panic and...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about New Ways To Pay Off Your Mortgage If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this...
Elizabeth Diacos interviews Chris Carlin, Financial Planner and Mortgage Broker from Master Your Money Now. This conversation is focused on income protection, and Chris has some really helpful insights for teachers who may be out on sick leave or stress leave, as well as pearls...
This podcast is all about understanding what is involved in starting a financial planning business, and how to push yourself to take that leap of faith. Chris Carlin is a shining example of what dreaming big can do, and how important it is to look...
From trade wars to Brexit, North Korean tensions to Italian political turmoil, we’ve had plenty of noise to deal with. So, what do we mean by “staying the course”? Focusing on the financial goal you set in the first place and ensuring your behaviour aligns...
On this episode, Chris Carlin shared that he loves working with millennials because what you do with your finances in your 20s and 30s is going to make far more of a difference in what you do in your 50s and 60. Apple: Podcast My...
MYMN Note: This is an email I received from James Pollard from The Advisor Coach (he is a coach for financial planners because financial planners need coaches and advice too!) and I loved it so much I wanted to share it here which James has given me permission to...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about What I would say to myself If I Was Back At Uni If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues...
Many Australians are feeling the uncertainty of the current situation and are looking for ways to shore up their financial position, regardless of whether they have been directly affected or not. Managing your costs and expenses can be an effective way to help you through...
Firstly, what is a recession? Economists generally agree a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), i.e. declining economic output. Currently, Australia has not yet recorded two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction, so the technical answer is ‘no! However,...
The Government has announced a number of changes to income support, predominantly JobSeeker arrangements and the Coronavirus supplement. Previously announced and implemented changes to JobSeeker and the payment of the Coronavirus supplement were scheduled to come to an end on 25 September 2020. The changes...
How important is a financial planner for nurses? Such a great question and recently I had the privledge to be interviewed by Sue Walker, host of the Nursing and Midwifery Emporium podcast to discuss this question in more detail. To find out more go to...
The HomeBuilder is a program initiated by the Federal Government to help stimulate the residential construction sector as it contends with the economic impacts of COVID-19. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for Homebuilder, you need to be an owner-occupier who is building or renovating homes...
Celebrating another 30 June with delicious treats from our good friends at Moo Mouth Coffee in Geelong June is always the busiest month for financial planners and this was no exception. 30 June is always like the finishing line for financial planners and many will...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about life lessons from the game of monopoly If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Splashing Out If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master...
So good to catchup with Gen Frost, host of the brand new podcast The Reality Cheque to discuss “What is Financial Advice?” If you have never received financial advice before and don’t know what it involves, this is the podcast for you! Links are below:...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Using Your Finances To Make More Time Time In Life If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about How couples can talk about finances without arguing If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from...
I have been reading a fantastic book called The One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen (you may have heard of him with the Chicken Soup For The Soul series) and saw this fantastic little excerpt calls The Lessons of The Cliff. I wanted to...
I have been reading a fantastic book called The One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen (you may have heard of him with the Chicken Soup For The Soul series). I read the text below and I had to share it with you as I...
30 June is not exactly a big day of celebration for those outside of the finance world. But for those in the finance world, it is bigger than Christmas! And like Christmas you either feel incredibly excited or an impending sense of doom. For financial...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Jobkeeper or Jobseeker If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At...
I have been just reading “The Cashflow Quadrant: The Rich Dad’s Guide to Financial Freedom” by Robert Kiyosaki, author of the well known, must read, financial classic, “Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class...
Six Things You Must Do To Financially Survive Coronavirus I know for a lot of you this has been a very challenging week. It breaks my heart to hear and see people losing their jobs, their small business and their life’s work during these unprecedented...
There has been a great tide going out in the last four to six weeks across the world due to the Coronavirus Epidemic. In a time like this, what do you do to overcome the financial storm that comes with it, without being hit to...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Corona Virus and the Economy If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
As you are no doubt aware the Coronavirus or as it is now called Covid 19, has seen a significant rise in infection rates outside China. Over the weekend the sudden increase in infections reported in Northern Italy clearly highlighted that the virus has not been contained...
Elizabeth Diacos interviews Chris Carlin, expert Australian financial advisor for teachers, whose parents were teachers. Chris helps everyday people – teachers and nurses, who need strategies to grow their worth. He addresses buying your first home, managing personal debt, cashflow and budgeting. Links to listen...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Money and Relationships If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At...
For many Australians, entering the property market and purchasing their first home is often challenging due to the large deposit required. The Australian Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) is designed to assist eligible first home buyers purchase a home sooner by allowing them...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Side Business – Do What You Love If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this...
Trauma Cover 101 Trauma cover is all about supporting your recovery from a serious illness – helping you afford the treatment of your choice and allowing you to make necessary changes to your lifestyle. When you’re looking at trauma cover, there are 3 key things...
TPD cover 101 A permanent disability will change what the rest of your life looks like. It can also make life much more expensive in terms of medical care and home modifications – which is why TPD cover is so valuable. When you’re looking at...
Life cover 101 It may be the simplest form of life insurance, but life cover is undoubtedly one of the most important as it helps you provide for your debts and dependants. When you’re looking at life cover, there are 3 key things you need...
Income protection 101 There’s not much you can do without an income. In monetary terms, your ability to earn an income is your biggest asset by far – which is why income protection is so important. When you’re protecting your biggest asset, there are 3...
Your life insurance is flexible and can be adapted to your changing needs. Make sure you have a cover review with your adviser every 12-18 months to ensure you’re covered for just the right amount, paying the right amount, and getting the best value from...
Do life insurers really pay claims? There’s a common perception that life insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying claims. In fact, 92% of all life insurance claims are paid in the first instance¹. As long as you fulfill your duty of...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Treading Water Is Delayed Drowning. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about The Best Financial Podcasts. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well....
Indexation is an optional benefit on life insurance policies designed to ensure you’ll always have the same financial freedom in the event of a claim. Not all insurance policies offer indexation. But for those that do, it works by offering you an increase to the...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about The Power Of Leverage. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well....
There is plenty of talk at the moment that we should be teaching financial literacy in schools. It sounds great in theory, but let’s take a moment and think of the teachers. Teachers are under so much pressure at the moment. Paperwork, lesson plans, regulation,...
I have worked with plenty of nurses and midwives over eight years in the financial planning industry. There are plenty of things nurses do financially well, but there is one thing in particular which they can do better. There is a big gap which is...
Insurance policies can be bought in one of 3 ways: Through a financial adviser Direct from an insurance company, or Held inside your superannuation, which is the case for most Australians No matter where you purchase it from, the core idea is the same: if...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Spending At Christmas. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At...
4 key factors impact your premium Ever wondered how insurers work out the cost of your life insurance? There are many factors that can impact the premium you pay, but there are 4 factors in particular you need to be aware of. Your personal...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about The Comparison Trap If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At...
Do you find it really hard to save money? Have you ever thought why this is the case? Watch as 2019 AFA Rising Star of the Year Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker, explores this topic in more detail. If you like this...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Superannuation And Estate Planning If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well....
So you’ve made the decision to meet with a financial adviser. The next step is to get ready to make the most of your first meeting. The better prepared you are, the better quality conversation you can have. Your First Appointment with a Financial Adviser...
Is Afterpay evil? Afterpay enables you to “buy now and pay later” and it is not technically debt – or is it? Watch as 2019 AFA Rising Star of the Year Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker, explores this topic in more detail....
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Interest Rate Cuts And What They Mean For You. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about The App To Keep You Accountable If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio...
How do you transition to retirement and how can a financial planner help? Listen to Greg as he speaks to Chris Carlin at Master Your Money Now talk about the importance and benefits of retirement planning. If you like this video, make sure you share...
Here we dispel some common myths about life insurance to help you make informed decisions about your cover. Myth # 1 – Life insurance companies don’t pay claims There’s a common perception that life insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying claims....
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Current Oil And Petrol Rises. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Starting out a small business can be really tough to make ends meet. And sadly we see plenty of small businesses get so caught up in the “here and now” they neglect their retirement. Listen to Levi and Emma’s story and how they benefit from...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about What To Do When You Hit The Jackpot. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from...
You are not too young for financial advice! Listen to our youngest member Yakubu (22 years old) talk about why he sought out a financial planner and how it benefited him. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family...
The application process is your chance to get certainty from your insurance. That’s because the information you provide in your application will help dictate what you’re covered for, and how much it will cost. Carry out your duty of disclosure correctly, and you can be...
Before you get life insurance, talk through these 6 questions with your financial adviser. That way you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re buying. 1. What types of cover do I need? Deciding what you need to be covered for is important. You can...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about his recent AFA Rising Star of the Year award and what impact mental health is having on the financial planning industry. If you like this podcast, make sure you...
I get really excited when clients implement the Master Your Money Now principles into their lives. And one of my favourite principles is the three levels of wealth (check out Episode 43 for more information on this). Listen to Nathan and Jodi’s story as they...
Still in complete shock that I am the 2019 AFA Rising Star of the Year! This prestigious award is so prominent for two reasons. Firstly for the high calibre of advisers that have previously won this award, including Rebecca Pritchard and Mia Taylor – it...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Good Debt V Bad Debt. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker, speaks with Duane and Mez, members of Master Your Money Now, to explain the benefits of financial advice to ensure their family is looked after as they run a small business. If you like this...
Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker, speaks with Damien and Anna, members of Master Your Money Now, to explain the benefits of financial advice. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues...
What is the best way to deal with Centrelink? In simple, don’t do it yourself! Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker speaks with Bob and Julie, members of Master Your Money Now, to explore this topic in more detail. If you...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris talk about the emotional rollercoaster of investing. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your Money...
What are the benefits of speaking with a financial planner when planning for your retirement? Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker, speaks with Jim, a member of Master Your Money Now, to explore this topic in more detail. If you like...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they talk budgeting and why you need more than one bank account. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they talk about your financial net worth. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your...
Have you been thinking and searching for new ways of generating extra income every month? Do you feel the best time to start is now? In this post, I will share with you the 5 seamless ways to generate the extra income you need to sustain...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss Interest Rates, Bank Rule Changes And What It All Means For You. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from...
Did you know there are three levels of wealth? What are they and why are they so important for you to know? Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explores this topic in more detail. If you...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris talk about what you should be doing with your tax return If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well....
When you are running a small business it is so complicated to get your cashflow under control. And cashflow is crucial for any small business. So how do we get this right? If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends,...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss end of financial year tips If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your...
Its the last Whiteboard Wednesday before the end of the financial year, so it is time to make sure you have your finances sorted before 30 June comes along! If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss sevens tips for you to Master Your Budget Now. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Should you ask your parents for help for your first home? It is a common question we get asked, but there are a few things you need to think about. Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now...
Did you know that you are in sales? Whether you think it or not, you are in sales! If you are teacher, nurse, tradie, or small business owner, you are in sales! It is important to recognise and acknowledge this, but what can you do...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss six ways you can enjoy your next overseas holiday without going broke If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from...
How do you build up a second income? And most importantly why? Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explores this topic in more detail. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss what does a mortgage broker actually do? If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At...
We have met so many people who have been crippled by debt. How do you Master Your Money Now if you are consumed by debt? Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explores this topic in more...
Why premiums go up (and what you can do about it) There are 3 key reasons why your life insurance premiums go up from year to year. While you can’t control all of them, you may be able to take steps to lower the cost...
For those who were glued to the TV on Saturday night watching the election coverage, it had more drama and excitement than the final instalment of Game of Thrones! The pollsters got it wrong, the betting agencies got it wrong (Sportsbet got it spectacularly wrong!)...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss the May 2019 interest rate drop and what it means to you If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from...
How does salary packaging work? How much money can it save you? Watch as Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explores this topic in more detail. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss why you need to think about your retirement now If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Should you live in a hotel room? It sounds preposterous, but the numbers may work out better for you. Either way, it will get you thinking! If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can...
You asked, we listened! We are excited to formally announce the launch of Master Your Mortgage Now, ensuring you are getting the best deals on your mortgage. This service will be complimentary to all members of Master Your Money Now. Did you know for example...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss Is It Best To Rent Or Buy A Home? If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Do you need a 20% deposit for your first home or not? Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explores this topic in more detail. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss Superannuation 101. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your Money Now we...
If you had a choice between a two million dollar house or two million dollars in super, which one will you choose and why? The answer may surprise you (and change the way you think and invest!) Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker...
Most parents have the intention of saving money for their children, but most parents are getting it wrong. What is the best way to set up a savings plan for your children? Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your...
There is a lot of talk (read panic) at the moment about falling house prices at the moment. Is it true and what should we do? Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explores this topic in more detail....
Something a bit different this week – Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explains his story and the symbolism of a simple greylead pencil. Check out this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday to find out more, presented by Chris Carlin,...
Unlike your car insurance, most life insurers offer what’s known as ‘guaranteed renewable’ policies – meaning that each year your policy is renewed, the insurer must continue to cover you under the same terms and conditions. So regardless of whether your health has declined or...
Check out our latest podcast where Danni chats with Chris Carlin at Master Your Money about Pinching Pennies And Missing Millions If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris talk about seven tips for beginner investors. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your Money...
When it comes to investing there are two prominent strategies. Which one works best for you and makes you the most amount of money depends on a few factors. Chris Carlin, founder, financial planner and mortgage broker at Master Your Money Now explains the difference....
Life insurance premiums are predominantly based on the risk of certain events happening to you. Because health risks increase with age, life insurance premiums will generally increase over time. That’s why most insurers offer two common ways of paying for, and managing, the costs of...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris discuss four ways to retain your sanity while dealing with Centrelink. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well....
Do you know the difference between Agreed Value and Indemnity Income Protection insurance? This is a technical video, but can make a huge difference to your ability to claim especially if you are self-employed. Check out this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday to find out more, presented...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris talk about Rentvesting 101. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your Money Now we help...
Nurses and midwives, is 2019 the year you get serious about buying your first home? If so, I got great news and bad news for you… Bad news first… The “Great Australian Dream” of owning your own home is further away than ever. According to...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris talk about five ways to increase your income. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your...
Many times, I get questions such as, ‘why do I need to think about my super now? After all, I am not going to retire for another 30 years at least!’ Interestingly, this question was what my (future) wife told me on one of our...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss what is in your flowerpot? If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as well. At Master Your...
Are you coachable? If you are not coachable then you will not succeed in any area of your life. You have to be able to listen to the wisdom and expertise of those who have gone before you. Check out this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday to...
If by chance, you get to know me for more than five minutes, there is a high possibility that you will notice that I am a big sports nut! Ranging from soccer, cricket, AFL, formula one, you name it, I will probably know a bit...
Do you find it odd that in wealthy countries such as Australia there are people who are still poor? Several experts have come up with different research results and reasons for such disparity between the poor and the rich. Some people would argue that this...
Check out our latest chat between Danni and Chris as they discuss the release of the Royal Commission into Financial Services. If you like this podcast, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this audio as...
Are you ready to retire? Most people think of retirement from a financial concept, but there is far more to it than that. Chris Carlin, financial planner and founder of Master Your Money Now has helped hundreds of people understand retirement and shares his thoughts...
Young adults often have the ‘travel bug’ and want to see the world (and get as far away from parents as possible!). But there is the perception that the money spent on that ‘travel bug’ can stop you from owning your own home. Young adults...
Diversification is one of those fancy words that is used in the financial planning industry. What is it and why is it so important? Chris Carlin, founder and financial planner of Master Your Money Now, explains this concept in more detail. If you like this...
Albert Einstein was one smart cookie. I know nothing about science but I know enough that Albert Einstein’s research and discoveries had a major impact on science today. Just don’t ask me to explain how – something about E = MC2? But one thing I...
Why have you not been taught to increase your income? This is a great question – it is one that I have been grappling with for years. Has it ever crossed your mind too why you were never taught about income – not in school, society...
Earning $100,000 seems very hard for a lot of people. But for others it is very simple. Chris Carlin, founder and financial planner of Master Your Money Now gives you some ideas as to how you can increase your income to over $100,000 per annum....
Please sir, can I have some more? What? Please sir, can I have some more? More? You get the idea. Oliver Twist became famous for these movie lines in his search for more food. But what about your finances? What is the one thing that...
Who doesn’t like free stuff? Especially if the free stuff can help you save, manage or make money? Chris Carlin, founder and financial planner of Master Your Money Now gives you his favourite money master tools you can use to help you take control of...
What does a financial planner do? If you have never met with a financial planner before, here are four key things that every good financial planner will do when working with you, presented by Chris Carlin founder and director of Master Your Money Now. If...
Happy New Year! I hope you were able to spend some quality time with your family and watching the Boxing Day test! I always love this time of year as I get excited about the opportunities that the new year will bring, but it is...
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to sharing more ideas with you to take control of your finances in 2019! If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues...
Who doesn’t love Christmas? I am writing this between Christmas Carol shows my church runs every year. It is a fantastic production we put on as a way to give back to the community and celebrate Christmas. There are carols, dancers, LED lights, smoke machines...
Your cover is designed to be flexible As your life changes and your responsibilities expand, your life insurance should expand with it. And if you’re thinking that sounds like a lot of effort, think again. Most policies allow you to increase your cover without any...
Personal insurance is not a one-size-fits-all thing – there are different packages for you and your family that will match different situations in your life. It is likely that you have once checked some insurance policies and providers when you want to get life insurance....
Your Policy Schedule shows you the amount of money you’d be eligible to receive if you make a claim. But what it doesn’t show you is the extra support that may be available to you at claim time. For example, some policies may give additional...
I strongly believe being self-employed is the second hardest occupation in the world (parenting is definitely the hardest). When you are employed you have the luxury of only doing what you are good at doing and not having to worry about the rest. If you...
Hands up if you like dealing with Centrelink? Neither do we! Centrelink can be a frustrating and confusing experience for anyone. Chris Carlin, founder and financial planner at Master Your Money Now, gives us some valuable tips on how to retain your sanity while dealing...
If I asked you, ‘what is a Money Master, what or who do you see?’ Someone living in a waterfront mansion with a Ferrari in the garage and taking regular holidays to the Maldives? Possibly, but in my experience that is rarely the case. In...
I firmly believe that regardless if you want to master your body, health, relationships, finances or any area of your life, you need to start with why. Why do you want to Master Your Money? Why now? Let me share with you two stories about...
Don’t understand how the Age Pension works? Chris Carlin, founder and financial planner at Master Your Money Now, gives a brief overview as to how the Centrelink Age Pension works. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and...
Someone asked us whether they should pay off their HELP/HECS debt early or not? In this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday, director and financial planner Chris Carlin discusses the advantages and disadvantages of paying down your HELP/HECS debt. If you like this video, make sure you share...
Do you have money sitting in your bank account earning diddy squat? Want to make your money work harder and you work smarter, not the other way around? How do you decide the best investment plan that will grow your money into wealth for you?...
Here are more ideas for you to have a great experience travelling while still reaching your financial goals. Make sure you read Part One Of Six Ideas To Enjoy Your Next Overseas Holiday Without Going Broke here. Use Groupon Have you heard of groupon or...
What is the Transition To Retirement Strategy and how does it work? In this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday, director and financial planner Chris Carlin gives you a brief overview on how this strategy works. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your...
It is finally official, I have now caught the travel bug! I am just coming home from an amazing honeymoon with my wife where we went to Los Angeles, Mexico and New York. There were so many highlights I could write another article telling you...
As I write this, I am currently 35,000 feet in the air somewhere above central USA, flying between New York and Los Angeles. While most people are enjoying a movie or sleep (especially my wife beside me), I write articles about Mastering Your Money. My...
You can save $300,000! Chris Carlin, director and financial planner at Master Your Money Now, shows you how! If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can benefit from this video as well! Whiteboard Wednesday is...
Write this down – “never EVER get investment tips around a barbeque.’ Generally speaking, I am happy to talk about money and investments. I love talking about financial planning because it is what I am passionate about. I speak about it in the office, at...
You can use your super to buy your first home! In this weeks video, Chris Carlin, director and financial planner at Master Your Money Now, discusses the benefits of this strategy and the importance to discuss this further with a financial planner. If you like...
Should you pay down your mortgage first or put more money into super? There is an emotional argument and a financial argument to this discussion and Chris Carlin, director and Financial Planner at Master Your Money Now, discusses both. If you like this video, make...
When you are investing we talk about the difference between Growth and Defensive assets. Knowing the difference between the two is vital to building your wealth. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family and work colleagues who can...
Everyone has insurance for their car. Everyone has insurance for their home. But not many people insure their income. In this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday, we discuss why you need to protect your income. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your...
One of the key things to consider to Master Your Money is how much income you are bringing in. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is they become asset rich and income poor, simply by building their asset base and neglecting the...
You got to love conspiracy theorists! It seems like nothing is ever what it seems and the government is lying to us about everything. If you are part of this group of people that believes every square is actually a circle, then this article is...
Do you struggle to save? Saving is the cornerstone to taking control of your finances, but there is a secret to help you to save for the things you want. Find out the secret to saving in this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday! If you like this...
If I had a dollar for everyone, who told me I am too expensive I would be a millionaire (and probably a retired one at that). Financial planners can be expensive. There is no point spending $5,500 for a financial plan if you are on...
The concept of having an Online Financial Planner is a relatively new concept. It is a model that is successful in the United States, but in Australia, we still prefer the face to face contact. Gen X and Gen Y are used to dealing with...
Did you know there is a perfect time in your life to start investing and taking control of your finances? I have been studying and working in financial planning for over ten years and I have figured out the perfect time to start to Master...
Recently, I have joined 2,066,523 small business owners (according to the ASBFEO) take the step from the comfort and security of paid employment to start my own business. A significant percentage of members of Master Your Money Now are small business owners. It is a great privilege...
I want to talk about your Plan B. It is a bit odd to talk about Plan B’s with people as unfortunately, most people don’t have a Plan A! For those who don’t understand what Plan A and Plan B mean, to put it simply:...
“Give me a home among the gumtrees With lots of plum trees A sheep or two, and a kangaroo A clothesline out the back Verandah out the front And an old rocking chair” Home Among The Gum Trees – John Williamson The Australian mindset has...
All of us personal insurance cover. But did you know you can pay your personal insurance premiums with either stepped or level premiums? If you are in your 20s and 30s this may save you hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you like this video,...
Do you know any Chicken Littles? You know the ones who are continually looking at the glass half empty telling everyone that the “The Sky Is Falling In!” We are seeing a lot of people predicting that the Australian property market will collapse. They will spout statistics...
If I told you I could increase your returns by 1%, would you be impressed? No? Truth be told neither would I! But as shown in this weeks Whiteboard Wednesday, a 1% difference can make a massive difference over the long term. How much? There...
Kids are complicated. Money is complicated. Put both of together and you have a problem so complex it will rival the complex science equations sprouted by Sheldon Cooper on the Big Bang Theory. A recent study by the Financial Planning Association (FPA) stated that 68%...
5 Ways To Increase Your Income When Your Boss Doesn’t Promote You It is not exactly a surprise that those who earn a higher income are more likely to be able to build their wealth and Master Their Money than those who are on a...
How much super do I actually need in retirement? What is enough to meet my needs? Chris Carlin, Financial Planner and Director of Master Your Money Now answers this question for you in this short video. If you like this video, make sure you share...
I used to be a member of MENSA. I don’t say this to brag (as you will see from this article I don’t think it is anything to brag about) but to point out that I am qualified to talk about this topic both from...
As a financial planner, I am used to saying things which some might construe as being offensive. We are talking about people’s money which I appreciate is a very emotional topic. And we also live in a society which is very easily outraged. But here...
Everyone has this thing called superannuation, but not many people know what it is. In this video, Financial Planner and Director Chris Carlin gives an overview on what super is and why it is so important. If you like this video, make sure you share...
If you could use one word to describe today’s culture, what would it be? I would use the word ‘More.’ Think Oliver Twist, where he is asking for more food (I prefer the Family Guy version of this scene). It seems everyone has become like...
What is your hourly rate? And why is it so important? If you want to Master Your Money Now, you need to stop thinking about your income as an annual salary and start thinking about your income as an hourly rate. You will appreciate your...
I am going to confess here. I am lazy! Like super lazy! I spent at least twenty hours a week on the couch staring at my phone, much to the disgust of my fiance I will usually choose fast food over a home cooked meal...
It seems ideal to hold your insurance cover in super. If we can pay our insurance cover in super (in the background), that is one less bill we have to pay out of pocket. However, there are some significant issues that you need to consider...
What is the LEAP graph? If you get this simple often misunderstood concept, you will be able to truly focus on what is important when it comes to managing your money. If you like this video, make sure you share it with your friends, family...
Before I start talking about this very important topic, I want to ask you a very honest question. Word of warning there is only one correct answer, and you may not like the result. What is the one thing that is holding you back from...
I want you to picture a friend who has just purchased a brand new sports car. Not a cheap sports car like a Porsche Boxster but a proper sports car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. What would be the first thought that comes into your...
Have you ever heard your colleagues and work friends talk about salary sacrificing into super and wonder “Should I be doing that too?” Listen to Chris Carlin as he explains how super salary sacrifice works and how it can benefit your retirement savings. If you...
Before I get into this article, I want to highlight that this article is undoubtedly one of the hardest I have found to write. Usually, when I write, I can get into a “flow” and get a blog post done in an hour in one...
Whenever I meet with a new client I always ask them the question, What Is In Your Flowerpot? Huh? What do you mean what is in my flowerpot? Find out more in this video below: If this is a topic that you would like to...
The Power Of 30 How $30 P/W Can Change Your Life It puzzles me how people in their 20s and 30s don’t make superannuation a priority. Even small adjustments, at this time, can help them make literally hundreds of thousands in additional savings...
If you have spoken to anyone about superannuation one of the things that will always be discussed is fees. Over the last twenty years, there has been such a focus on super fees and what is being charged in your super. There has been a...
To the utmost shame of my fiance, I am a terrible gardener! She has tried many times to get me to take an interest in gardening, but it is not for me. I have a habit of taking any healthy, living plant and turning into...
My fiancé figured out pretty early that the way to my heart is through my stomach. And I figured out pretty quickly she was a damn good cook as well. Anyone who can make healthy salads appealing to my taste buds gets my vote of...
People are quitting their jobs in droves. And it is not because they are retiring. It is because they want to join the gig economy. The gig economy as defined by Wikipedia is as follows: “The gig economy is a labor market that is distinguished...
Most people start off their careers in one of three ways: 1. Checkout chick 2. Burger flipper 3. Dishpig I started at option one. I spent five years at Woolworths working in various roles, beginning as a shelf stacker then moving to the coveted back...
Baby boomers, this one is for you! I’ve been in financial planning for over seven years. I’ve helped hundreds of your fellow baby boomers make the transition from full-time employment into retirement. Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with you. You are open to learning, appreciate...
Isn’t the internet a wonderful thing? The internet provides us with an avalanche of information and it is quite easily to suffer from information overload. One one hand it makes us the smartest generation ever, but it also makes us one of the most indecisive...
How A Box Of Graylead Pencils Started My Career I often get asked why I am so passionate about financial planning and how I got started in this industry. When asked I simply point to the graylead pencil that is crudely sticky-taped to the top...
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