Adapt Wealth

Author: Reuben Zelwer

  • Episode 31 – Brand me up. A guide to the world of on-line marketing

    Episode 31 – Brand me up. A guide to the world of on-line marketing

    Ever wondered about how businesses attract customers in the on-line world? Mystified by  SEO, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pay per click? Then today’s show is a must-hear.

    My guest is Joel Gerschman, managing director of the Change Coach. Joel cuts through the noise and guides his clients in harnessing digital marketing to attract potential customers. The result? A reliable funnel of new prospects eager to buy your product or services.

    So whether you’re contemplating a digital marketing strategy or you are a consumer wanting to get insight into the strategies companies use to attract your business, you are certain to benefit from listening to this week’s show.

    “If you are willing to be innovative and forward thinking as a business owner, there is always opportunity for growth” – Joel Gerschman

     “On-line marketing can enable you to get ahead despite some of the complexities and challenges of the current market.” – Joel Gerschman

     “Despite the amount of material out there on the web, personal financial advice will always have a role in applying this information  for a client’s personal circumstances ” – Reuben Zelwer

     Today on the Finance Hour Podcast:

    • In “Reuben’s Rant”, I give my take on Labor’s proposal to exempt pensioners from the bank on franking credit refund.
    • Joel discussed the key growth drivers for businesses.
    • How traditional and on-line marketing tools can work together.
    • The role of content marketing in generating
    • Why the digital marketing journey shouldn’t end once a customer buys your service or product.
    • How to stand out in a cluttered digital world.
    • A new way of asking for referrals.
    • Joel’s 3 tips for businesses embarking on a digital marketing strategy.

     

    And be sure to listen all the way to the end of the show for my “Propellerhead of the week” which is about why your Accountant and Financial Planner need to get on.

     

    Mentioned Resources:

     

    Thanks for tuning in!

    Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of the The Finance Hour podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes and leave us a rate and review to help us reach even more listeners. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook, or hang out with us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on what’s in store for you!

  • Episode 30 – Who moved my cheese? Labor and the franking credits rebate ban

    Episode 30 – Who moved my cheese? Labor and the franking credits rebate ban

    Episode 30– Who moved my cheese?

    Is Bill Shorten’s announcement about getting rid of franking credit refunds akin to a cat moving a mouse’s cheese? Is it necessary to repair the budget repair or thievery from retirees and self-managed superannuation funds?

    In this week’s episode we go straight to the top to get the answers.  I interview John Maroney who is the CEO of the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Association, which represents both Advisers and Trustees of SMSFs. Click here for a transcript of the interview

    So whether you will be directly affected by Labor’s proposed changes, or just want some insight into the political process, you are certain to benefit from listening to this week’s show.

    “There could be several adverse economic impacts if this policy is implemented.” – John Maroney

     “Franking credit refunds have been part of the tax framework for 18 years and a lot of people have made their long term investment plans around that system” – John Maroney

     The median income that a member of an SMSF is drawing is  around $50,000 and the franking credits are $5,000 so this would cut 10% off the income of people who are generally not getting the age pension at all” – John Maroney

     “People who are affected should write their local Member of Parliament. Traditional letter writing has become a lost art” – John Maroney

     Today on the Finance Hour Podcast:

    • The two groups that will be most affected if Labor’s proposal becomes law.
    • The unexpected backlash from the announcement.
    • Why John believes that the current system of refunding franking credits was good policy and was originally supported by both parties.
    • How the proposal could affect valuations of Australian shares.
    • What the Self Managed Superannuation Fund association is doing to influence Government.

    And don’t forget to listen all the way to the end for my “Propellerhead of the week” which  is about some strange entries on my credit card statement following from my return home from Israel.

    Mentioned Resources:

    SMSF Association

    John Maroney LinkedIn profile

    Labor proposal to ditch franking credit rebates

                                 Thanks for tuning in!

    Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of the The Finance Hour podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes and leave us a rate and review to help us reach even more listeners. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook, or hang out with us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on what’s in store for you!

  • Episode 29- Fitness and Finance with Fred Liberatore

    Episode 29- Fitness and Finance with Fred Liberatore

    Thought there was no link between physical and financial fitness? Well think again!  My guest this week is Fred Liberatore, who is a master coach, personal trainer, former amateur body builder and owner of Realfit Gym – a boutique gym and personal training studio with two locations in Melbourne.

    I talk to Fred about the surprising impact that a physical training program can have on financial decision making and overall wellbeing.  We also talk about Fred’s journey in starting and managing his business, which includes many lessons for all small business owners.

    In this episode I also introduce a brand new segment called “Reuben’s Rant” where I give my personal take on happenings in the world of business and finance.

    So whether you are in small business or contemplating a physical fitness regime, you are certain to benefit from listening to this week’s show.

    “You need to be uncomfortable in order to be successful” – Fred Liberatore

     “Jumping into a business and buying into businesses is no easy feat. You need to plan with your finances as well.” – Fred Liberatore

     “A business coach gets you accountable and it’s a really good way to put systems in place” – Fred Liberatore

     Today on the Finance Hour Podcast:

    • In “Reuben’s Rant”, I give my take on Bill Shorten’s announcement regarding tax on company dividends.
    • Fred shares his personal journey from a sport obsessed family, to amateur body builder and business owner.
    • The link between physical wellbeing and financial decision making.
    • Strategies to change unhealthy habits.
    • The intimate relationship between a personal trainer and their clients.
    • The business models for gyms and the advent of the burgeoning 24/7 gym.
    • How Fred approaches social media & email marketing in his business.
    • Fred’s 3 tips for people embarking on a personal fitness journey.

    And following my recent trip to Israel,  don’t forget to listen all the way to the end of the show for our “Propellerhead of the week” which is about accessing cash whilst travelling overseas.

    Mentioned Resources:

     

    Thanks for tuning in!

    Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of the The Finance Hour podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes and leave us a rate and review to help us reach even more listeners. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook, or hang out with us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on what’s in store for you!

  • Episode 28 – Managing conflict with Zandy and Tony Fell of the Zalt group

    Episode 28 – Managing conflict with Zandy and Tony Fell of the Zalt group


    Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. No matter how perfect a workplace may look from the outside, conflict is bound to happen one way or another. In this episode you’ll learn how to handle the inevitable complexities of workplace relationships and appreciate the importance of engaging in difficult conversations.

    Tony and Zandy Fell of the Zalt Group specialise in helping businesses resolve internal conflicts among staff. And when things are beyond repair, they assist in managing the fallout to  minimise the long term damage to the business

    Today they share with us some real-life stories of conflict and help us better understand the blurred lines between our  business and personal lives. We also hear their take on high profile cases in the media around workplace relationships and alleged inappropriate behaviours.

    “You need to be flexible in your approach, your approach is not the only way to do things.” – Tony Fell

    “Conflicts are more positive than people think.” – Zandy Fell

    “Effective workplace relationships are a strategic advantage. If you’ve got good relationships in the workplace, you will be able to achieve what you need to.” – Zandy Fell

    Today on the Finance Hour Podcast:

    • How big an issue conflict is in the workplace and its negative impact on the business.
    • How conflict affects business decisions.
    • Why conflicts usually take longer to resolve in large businesses.
    • How Zandy and Tony help businesses determine what is acceptable behavior in the workplace.
    • How the objectives of different business partners may change over time and what to do about it.
    • How to educate employees on the impact of their social media activity on the workplace.
    • Tony and Zandy’s top three tips for managing conflicts at work.

     

    And don’t forget to listen all the way to the end for our “Propellerhead of the week” which is about why investors should be looking more closely at principal and interest loans.

    Mentioned Resources:

     

    Thanks for tuning in!

    Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Finance Hour podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please head over to iTunes and leave us a rate and review to help us reach even more listeners. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook, or hang out with us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on what’s in store for you!

     

  • Why Investors should reconsider principal and interest loans

    Why Investors should reconsider principal and interest loans

    Interest only loans have been the most popular type of loans for people buying investment properties because you get a tax deduction for the interest, and you maintain your negative gearing.

    But in the last year or so the banks have increased the rates on interest only loans as compared to principal and interest. So interest only loans can cost between half a percent and one percent higher than principal and interest.

    I really think that it’s a time for people who have got investment loans on an interest only basis to look at changing them to principal and interest. It might mean that your repayments go up somewhat, but the component that you’ll be paying of interest will be significantly lower, and you’ll be paying off the debt quicker. And at the end of the day the objective of any borrowing to invest strategy is to build wealth. So building wealth by both paying off the debt and buying a good investment that goes up in value is a good idea.

  • Three financial lessons from my friend and business partner Lawrence

    Three financial lessons from my friend and business partner Lawrence

    I worked closely with Lawrence for 4 ½ years until his tragic passing in January 2016. During this time, I observed how he managed his own finances and advised our clients. Here are three lessons we can learn from Lawrence.

    1. Invest in yourself.

    Lawrence invested in his education. He completed a double major at university and then went straight into studying the Certified Financial Planning course which he was on track to finish before his 26th birthday. His commitment to education was a big reason for him achieving so much in his career including becoming a partner at Adapt at the age of 25.

    2. Different bank accounts for different purposes

    The second thing Lawrence did really well is he used to allocate the funds to different buckets. He was goal-oriented and had clear financial priorities which he  managed by using different bank accounts.  He had a day to day  spending accounts for him and his wife. He would have a longer term savings account for a house deposit. And he also had a holiday savings account. Due to his discipline and efficient set up of his banking,  he had  a great lifestyle without neglecting his  longer term goals.

    3. Put insurance in place

    Lawrence made sure to take out life and disability insurance policies so  that his family would be taken care of in case the worse was to happen. Many people put off taking out insurance but not Lawrence. He took out insurance when he started in the work force; topped it up when he got married and then increased it again when he found out that his wife was pregnant, to ensure his family would be provided for.

    Lawrence was fantastic at managing his finances and he loved educating his clients to manage their money as well as he did.