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SMI Financial Solutions Pty Ltd We provide quality advice in the following areas: Financial Planning | Mortgage Broking | Investing | Personal Insurance

Were you previously just outside the Age Pension limits?One of the less obvious parts of the September update is that so...
24/09/2026

Were you previously just outside the Age Pension limits?

One of the less obvious parts of the September update is that some of the thresholds used in Age Pension assessment are changing too.

Services Australia applies both an income test and an assets test, with individual circumstances determining eligibility and payment amounts.

So if you checked previously and found yourself sitting just outside a relevant limit, it may be worth looking at your position again under the updated figures.

That doesn't automatically mean you're now eligible.

But “I checked before and didn't qualify” doesn't necessarily mean the answer will always be the same.

If it's been a while since you've reviewed your position, this could be a sensible time to take another look.

General information only. Services Australia determines Age Pension eligibility and payment amounts based on individual circumstances.

The Age Pension changes from 20 September — and the higher payment is only part of the update.From Sunday, the maximum p...
22/09/2026

The Age Pension changes from 20 September — and the higher payment is only part of the update.

From Sunday, the maximum payment increases by $36.80 per fortnight for singles and $55.60 combined for couples. Existing eligible recipients don't need to apply for the indexed increase — Services Australia will update payments automatically.

But there is another part of the update worth paying attention to.

Income and asset limits can also affect whether someone receives the Age Pension and how much they receive. So if you've previously looked into the Age Pension and found yourself close to the limits, the September changes may make your position worth checking again.

And if you're approaching retirement, it's a useful reminder that the Age Pension is only one part of the picture alongside superannuation, investments, cash flow and your broader retirement plans.

We'll unpack more of the changes over the coming days.

Disclaimer: General information only. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on individual circumstances and Services Australia's assessment.

12/09/2026

We’ve spent the past week hearing from the dads of SMI about the financial and life lessons that have shaped them — and the ones worth passing on.

To close out our Father’s Day series, Chris takes us back to 18 and one money lesson that only became clear in hindsight.

Having access to a significant amount of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to make significant financial decisions.

An inheritance, a lump sum or suddenly having plenty of disposable income can feel like financial freedom. But without the experience, habits or perspective to manage it well, having more money doesn’t automatically put you in a stronger financial position.

And perhaps that’s the bigger lesson.

Financial capability isn’t just about knowing how to earn money. It’s learning how to pause before spending it, understand the choices in front of you, think beyond today and recognise what that money could become over time.

Chris admits that at 18, he probably wouldn’t have listened to that advice anyway.

Now, as a dad, it’s a perspective he can pass on to the next generation — not simply “don’t spend the money,” but learn how to make good decisions with it before the big financial decisions arrive.

Because sometimes the most valuable thing we can pass on isn’t the money itself.

It’s knowing what to do with it.

And that feels like the right note to finish our Father’s Day series on: the lessons we inherit, the ones we learn for ourselves, and the ones we choose to pass on.

Lessons worth passing on, from the dads of SMI.

11/09/2026

Father’s Day may have been last Sunday, but we’re not quite done celebrating the dads of SMI.

As we continue our Father’s Day series this week, George shares two lessons from his own father that have stayed with him.

The first was about hard work — but with an important distinction: working hard for your money is only part of the equation. You also need to put your money in a position to work for you.

Because earning more on its own doesn’t necessarily build long-term wealth. What matters is what happens to that money afterwards — whether it’s being spent, saved, invested or intentionally directed towards the future you’re trying to create.

It’s a financial lesson that can shape generations. Teach your children not only how to earn, but how to think about the money they earn.

And George’s second lesson was much less about finance, but perhaps just as valuable:

Always be good to your mother.

Two simple lessons passed from one generation to the next — work hard, think beyond the next paycheque, and don’t forget the people you’re doing it all for.

09/09/2026

Becoming a parent can change the way you think about financial success.

For Jonno, it’s become less about personal milestones and more about creating opportunities for his kids — whatever they eventually choose to pursue.

And that’s often where financial planning starts to look different too. Priorities shift towards things like managing household cash flow, building savings, protecting the family and planning ahead for future costs.

You don’t need to have every part of the future mapped out. But having a plan can give you more flexibility when those opportunities come along.

For Jonno, the end goal is pretty simple: happy kids, with the freedom to pursue what success means to them.

06/09/2026

Happy Father’s Day from Chris and the SMI team.

This Father’s Day, Chris shares one simple lesson he hopes to pass on to his two boys:
Save before you spend.

And as your income grows, your spending doesn’t necessarily have to grow at the same rate.

It’s a lesson Chris admits he didn’t follow at 18 — but one he hopes will benefit his boys as they grow up.

A special thought, too, for those who can’t be with their children today.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, father figures and those who step into the role.

04/09/2026

With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, we’re celebrating the dads of SMI — and all the dads and father figures in our community.

For the ones who show up in the big moments and the everyday ones.

For the lessons passed down, the advice we remember, and the examples we carry forward.
And for those who step into the role, whatever that role looks like in your family.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at SMI. 💙

28/08/2026

When couples reach out to our team at SMI Financial Solutions, we have one non-negotiable rule: both partners must attend the strategy sessions.

It might seem strict, but in financial planning, you cannot build a long-term roadmap on only 50% of the household vision.

Here is what we see every day:
🔹 The Big Picture Lens: One partner is often focused on long-term assets, share portfolios, and property equity.
🔹 The Everyday Reality Lens: The other partner is focused on cash flow, household buffers, school fees, and daily peace of mind.

Neither perspective is ""wrong""—in fact, a solid financial plan requires both. If only one person is in the room, we’re only solving half the puzzle.
When both partners have a seat at the table, financial advice shifts from guesswork to true household confidence.

👇 Be honest in the comments: In your household, who is the ""long-term visionary"" and who is the ""cash-flow realist""? Tag your partner to see if they agree! 😉

📍 Looking to align your family's finances this year? Reach out to our advisory team in Bella Vista via the link in our bio or send us a DM to get started.

You’ve spent 30+ years working hard to build your superannuation balance. The absolute last thing you want is a sudden m...
26/08/2026

You’ve spent 30+ years working hard to build your superannuation balance. The absolute last thing you want is a sudden market dip forcing you to delay your retirement by another 3 to 5 years.

Most people leave their super in the default ""Balanced"" or ""Growth"" option. While you’re working, that 70% growth allocation works well.

But the moment you retire and start drawing down an income (like $60,000 a year), having all your assets lumped together becomes dangerous:

✅ If the market drops, your fund is forced to sell shares at rock-bottom prices just to pay for your everyday living costs.
✅ The Fix: Before you finish up at work, ensure your cash buffer and defensive assets are unlinked from your growth shares. That way, your income stays 100% protected—giving your investments time to recover without eating into your lifestyle.

✅ Drop a comment below: Do you know if your super is still sitting in a default Balanced or Growth fund?

📍 Planning to retire in the next 1–5 years? Send our team a DM to audit your super allocation structure before you hand in your notice.

Think financial advice is only for the ultra-wealthy? Think again. ❌Some of the biggest financial transformations happen...
25/08/2026

Think financial advice is only for the ultra-wealthy? Think again. ❌

Some of the biggest financial transformations happen for everyday working households. When you audit interest rate tier penalties, eliminate redundant super insurances, and optimize debt structures, the savings compound rapidly.

💡 Real advice should pay for itself and deliver measurable upside from day one.

Watch our recent video to see how we helped an everyday couple earning $115k combined shave 7 years off their home loan, add $150,000 to their super, and save $4,000/year in redundant premiums.

Ready to see what small structural tweaks can do for your family? DM us or visit the link in bio to connect with the SMI team in Bella Vista.

Address

6 Meridian Place
Bella Vista, NSW
2153

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300222484

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