Freedonomix

Hosted by Independent Wealth Partners

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Freedonomix is a podcast about more than just money—it's about people, purpose, and the stories that shape our lives. Powered by Independent Wealth Partners, this show is for anyone who believes that true financial freedom is about living the life you want, not just the returns you get. At Freedonomix, we dive into two key areas, Practical Financial Wisdom (tax, investing, wealth strategies etc.) as well as Inspiring Life Stories from friends and clients . Whether you're here for the financial insights, the personal stories, or a bit of both, we're glad you've joined us. Lets get started.

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47 recent

June 11, 202622 min

IWP - Market Update - June 2026

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 influencing markets and portfolio positioning: • AI-related companies continue to deliver exceptional earnings growth, helping drive US markets higher and supporting broader market performance • Ongoing tensions in Iran and elevated oil prices continue to create inflationary risks and weigh on consumer confidence • Australia's recent Federal Budget and proposed tax changes have raised concerns around inflation, productivity, and incentives for business investment and innovation • Sentiment towards both major political parties has deteriorated, contributing to increased political uncertainty • Australian equities continue to face headwinds, while US markets have reached new highs • Portfolio positioning remains unchanged, with decisions continuing to be driven by evidence, diversification, and long-term fundamentals rather than short-term events • Despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty, long-term portfolio returns have remained strong, reinforcing the importance of maintaining discipline and avoiding emotional reactions to market noise Overall, the message remains consistent: stay focused on long-term fundamentals, trust the evidence, and maintain a diversified portfolio through periods of uncertainty. Should you prefer this in video form, please head to https://youtu.be/6kfKn8FYbhQ DISCLAIMER: This Podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL #512433.

June 2, 202621 min

Selling your home after 55? How downsizer contributions can supercharge your retirement!

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 downsizer contribution — a rule that allows Australians aged 55 and over to contribute up to $300,000 each (that's $600,000 for a couple) directly into superannuation from the sale of a qualifying property. Crucially, it sits completely outside the normal contribution caps, so it doesn't eat into what you can contribute through other means. But this isn't just a simple form you fill in at settlement. Andrew unpacks the details that actually matter — the 90-day window to act, the 10-year ownership requirement, how it can be layered with other contribution strategies, the re-contribution opportunities that could reduce the tax hit on your super for the people you leave it to, and how it might even be used to optimise an Age Pension outcome. If you're thinking about downsizing, selling an investment property that was once your home, or simply looking for ways to get more into super before you retire — this episode is worth your time. The rules are technical and the timing is critical. This is exactly the kind of strategy that's easy to miss and hard to undo. For a link to the written article click below. Selling your home after 55? How downsizer contributions can supercharge your retirement! - Independent Wealth Partners (Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ASIC # 1286417 ABN 66 647 667 249) is an independent professional financial advice practice which operates under the Australian Financial Services Licence (Independent Wealth Services AFSL # 512433). This podcast is general advice only and it does not take into account any person's individual objectives, financial situation or needs. IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

May 29, 202627 min

The most expensive invoice you will never pay

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 hidden cost of walking away from it. We share the story of a client who passed on a $16,000 advice fee and, by staying in cash and waiting for the "right moment," missed $350,000 in market growth. We talk about what happened on a single day during the COVID crash when 50 families called wanting to sell everything — and why the most valuable thing an adviser does in that moment has nothing to do with spreadsheets. We also go beyond the investment story. For families navigating complex situations — disability support, legal trust structures, Centrelink — we explore the invisible cost that never shows up on any invoice: the 2am panic, the second-guessing, the emotional weight of carrying it all yourself. The fee is a visible line item. The cost of inaction is invisible, infinite, and often irreversible. This one is for anyone who has ever hesitated at the number on a statement of advice — and wondered whether it was really worth it. Click on the link below for the written article The most expensive invoice you never pay - Independent Wealth Partners (Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ASIC # 1286417 ABN 66 647 667 249) is an independent professional financial advice practice which operates under the Australian Financial Services Licence (Independent Wealth Services AFSL # 512433). This podcast is general advice only and it does not take into account any person's individual objectives, financial situation or needs. IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

May 25, 202633 min

300,000 years of behaviour traits - the Human side of Investing

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 questionnaire but shows up loud and clear the moment markets drop. We unpack why losing money feels twice as painful as gaining it feels good, why your brain treats a falling share market the same way it treats a physical threat, and why doing something — even the wrong thing — feels better than staying the course. We explore the difference between the risk you can tolerate and the risk you actually need to take, and why getting that distinction wrong costs people more than bad stock picks ever will. And we talk about how to build portfolios that account for the emotional reality of being human — not just the spreadsheet version of it. Because the best investment strategy in the world is worthless if you can't stick to it when things get uncomfortable. For a link to the article click below. 300,000 years of behaviour traits - The Human side of Investing. - Independent Wealth Partners (Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ASIC # 1286417 ABN 66 647 667 249) is an independent professional financial advice practice which operates under the Australian Financial Services Licence (Independent Wealth Services AFSL # 512433). This document is general advice only and it does not take into account any person's individual objectives, financial situation or needs. IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results.

May 13, 202628 min

IWP - Market Update - May 2026

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 discussion, Shane and Chris unpack the key issues currently influencing markets and portfolio positioning: • Equity markets recovered strongly over the past month, with many major indices returning close to previous highs despite continued geopolitical uncertainty • The Iran conflict and fragile ceasefire remain key risks for inflation, oil prices, and broader market confidence, with concerns that energy costs may keep inflation elevated for longer • In Australia, inflation has reaccelerated and business confidence has weakened as higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh on households and businesses • AI-driven growth and productivity expectations continue to support U.S. markets, particularly large technology companies, contributing to the strong performance of global equities • The discussion reinforces the importance of diversification across regions and asset classes, particularly as Australian and U.S. market performance continues to diverge • Portfolio strategy remains focused on discipline, rebalancing, and long-term evidence-based investing, rather than reacting emotionally to short-term market movements • Historical market behaviour continues to demonstrate that staying invested through periods of uncertainty generally leads to better long-term outcomes than attempting to time markets Overall, the message remains consistent: maintain perspective, stay diversified, and avoid making emotional investment decisions during periods of heightened uncertainty. Should you prefer this in video form, please head to YouTube DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433.

May 13, 202645 min

2026 Budget Update - The Budget that punishes getting ahead

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 your wealth over time. We sit down and give you are initial understanding, our first take on what to do and similarly where to from here. As always, the devil is in the detail. If you prefer to read through some of the proposed changes, please see this link on our website for our written summary. Happy listening DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433.

April 19, 202621 min

Is now the right time to invest?

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. Cam and Lynn discuss why trying to pick the perfect time to invest can be unhelpful, how fear and hesitation can keep people stuck in cash, and why evidence-based investing is often less about timing the market and more about spending meaningful time in it. It's a thoughtful discussion about behaviour, perspective, and making investment decisions with clarity and confidence. For the articles that Lynn wrote click here https://www.independentwealthpartners.com.au/insights/is-now-the-right-time-to-invest/ DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433.

April 15, 202623 min

The Psychology of Money with Cameron and Chris

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, alignment and peace of mind. They also discuss the importance of understanding the "why behind the why" in financial advice, and how a life-first approach can help people make better decisions with the resources they already have. It is a reflective conversation about money, identity, contentment and what really matters over the long term. For the articles that Chris wrote click here https://www.independentwealthpartners.com.au/insights/are-you-rich-or-wealthy-there-is-a-difference/ https://www.independentwealthpartners.com.au/insights/the-psychology-of-wealth-is-there-purpose-beyond-your-paycheck/ DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433.

April 14, 202619 min

Death Tax by Stealth

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 reduce this tax to ensure that your children receive more of your estate rather than the ATO. Read the full article here: Death Tax by Stealth Access the videocast here: IWP - Death Tax by Stealth April 2026 DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433

April 9, 202639 min

Retirement Planning Series - John Hurley - My experience of the retirement transition

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 with John Hurley about his experience of moving into retirement and what the transition has really looked like in practice. John shares some of his career background, what he valued most about his working life, and what he was looking forward to as retirement drew closer. We also discuss the uncertainty that can come with such a major life change — the things he felt nervous about, what surprised him once retirement began, and what turned out differently to what he expected. A key part of the conversation is also the role of health in retirement, and how important it becomes in shaping lifestyle, freedom and enjoyment in this next phase of life. It's an honest and thoughtful discussion about the realities of retirement, with practical insights for those starting to think about what life after work might really involve. DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general advice which does not consider your particular circumstances. You should seek advice from Independent Wealth Partners who can consider if the general advice is right for you. Independent Wealth Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 66 647 667 249) – (AR 1286417) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Wealth Services (IWS) AFSL # 512433