Financially planning to start a family in Australia [👶🏼 Family Finance]
Nov 27, 2024
auto_awesome
Siobhan Ashby, a seasoned financial advisor from Northeast Wealth, offers invaluable insights for families planning to start their journey in Australia. The discussion dives into the financial costs of parenthood, like maternity leave and choosing between public and private health options for childbirth. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional and financial challenges of budgeting for a family. Siobhan emphasizes early planning and seeking professional advice to navigate these complexities and ensure financial security.
Underestimating the financial implications of having a child can lead to unexpected costs, requiring careful budgeting for both upfront and ongoing expenses.
Strategic planning around government parental leave benefits and employer policies is essential for maximizing financial support during family expansion.
Deep dives
The Importance of Diversification in Investing
Staying invested is crucial for wealth growth, and maintaining a diverse investment portfolio can help achieve this goal. Focusing on low-cost, broad-based ETFs serves as foundational elements for building wealth effectively. Core ETFs such as those provided by BetaShares, including AAA for high-interest cash, A200 for Australia 200 exposure, and NDQ for access to the NASDAQ 100, are specifically designed for investors building a core portfolio. This diversification can reduce risk and create stable potential for long-term returns.
Financially Preparing for Parenthood
Many individuals underestimate the financial implications of having a child, often overlooking unexpected costs like transportation needs and healthcare. Real-life experiences shared in the discussion highlight the surprise expenses incurred while preparing for a baby, illustrating how budgeting for both upfront and ongoing costs, including those related to IVF and private health insurance, is crucial. Financial discussions between partners about parental leaves and income impact can lead to smarter decision-making regarding household finances as the family expands. Establishing a budget can help families adapt financially to changing circumstances while minimizing stress.
Government Support and Workplace Policies
Government parental leave benefits are structured based on minimum wage and require both financial and personal planning to maximize effectiveness. Individuals often need to strategically time their work and potential income changes to optimize their eligibility for these benefits, as significant earnings can disqualify them from receiving assistance. Employers may offer varying degrees of paid parental leave, so evaluating job options with favorable policies becomes essential when planning for a family. It is recommended to consult a financial advisor to explore and model potential financial scenarios related to childbirth and parental leave.
Are you financially planning to start a family in Australia?
In this episode of our Family Finance Mini-Series, Mitchell Sneddon, Phoebe Kohler, and financial adviser Siobhan Ashby discuss the financial costs involved in having a child, including the cost of maternity leave, public vs private for the birth and parental leave.
We want to hear what you think! Jump into the Rask Community to share your money savings tips.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser.