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Why I Started This Blog: Learning, Sharing, and Growing Together

Sharing, and Growing Together Welcome! I’m thrilled to begin this journey of documenting my financial learning, investment ideas, and the lessons I’ve gathered over the years. This blog isn’t just for me—it’s for my children, friends, and anyone interested in improving themselves, building wealth, and making smarter choices with money. My Motivation Reflection: Writing helps me crystallize what I’ve learned from books, mentors, and my own experiences in the market. Legacy: I want my children and future generations to have a roadmap to financial literacy—something practical, thoughtful, and modern. Sharing: Friends, family, and readers can avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made, benefit from my research, and join the conversation about money and investing. Community: We’re all learning, and there’s always more to discover. By sharing ideas here, I hope to spark curiosity and help others on their journeys. My Recommended Reading and Resources ...
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My 10-Year Plan to Build a $300,000+ Income & Growth Portfolio

  I’ve always liked the idea of investing for income — but I also want to make sure I’m not missing out on global growth opportunities, especially from US technology and innovation leaders. This is for my wife and children to build on so I’ve adjusted my original high-dividend portfolio to include NDQ and VGS , giving me exposure to some of the world’s biggest growth companies while keeping solid income flowing from Australian ETFs. Updated ETF Portfolio ETF Symbol Name Approx. Gross Yield Franking Suggested Allocation Why It’s Included VHY Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF 5.5% ~90% franked 25% Core Australian dividend exposure; steady income SYI SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield ETF 5.0% Largely franked 15% Reliable local high-dividend stocks with ESG tilt HYLD BetaShares Australian High Dividend Yield ETF 6.0% High 15% Sustainable dividend payers; monthly income HVST BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester ETF 7.5% High 10% Active, income-focused ETF c...
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Australian ETF Investment Guide: Maximizing After-Tax Returns Across Tax Brackets - With my thoughts on allocation

Australian ETF Investment Guide: Maximizing After-Tax Returns Across Tax Brackets When it comes to investing in dividend ETFs as an Australian, the tax implications can make or break your returns. While US markets offer compelling options like VIG and JEPI, the reality is that franking credits and withholding taxes significantly impact your net returns. Let's break down the optimal ETF allocation strategies for different Australian tax brackets. The Tax Landscape for Australian ETF Investors Australian ETFs: The Franking Advantage Australian dividend-paying companies provide franking credits - essentially pre-paid tax credits that can reduce your tax bill or even result in refunds. This creates a significant advantage for domestic ETFs like: VHY (Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF) : 8.66% dividend yield with ~20% franking credits VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF) : Broader mar...
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Australian ETF Investment Guide: Maximizing After-Tax Returns Across Tax Brackets

Maximising ETF Returns: After-Tax Strategies for Australian Investors Investing in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) is a popular strategy for building wealth, offering diversification, low fees, and broad market exposure. But when it comes to maximising your returns, it’s not just about choosing the right ETF — it’s about understanding your tax bracket and how taxes impact your after-tax return. Why After-Tax Return Matters Many investors focus on total return (capital gains + income), but this overlooks how tax erodes your real take-home gains. Two investors earning the same ETF return could end up with very different outcomes once tax is applied, depending on their income levels and the nature of the ETF’s distributions. Understanding ETF Distributions ETFs typically distribute income in the form of: Dividends – Can be fully franked (carrying tax credits), partially franked, or unfranked Interest income – Fully taxable at your marginal rate Capita...
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My Watchlist for 2025: A Blend of Growth, Yield & Diversification

Thinking about how to position my portfolio for 2025, I wanted a mix of established blue chips, high-quality ETFs, tech giants, global brands, and opportunities for strong yield and growth. Here’s a rundown of the stocks and funds I’m researching, why I’m interested, and how I see them fitting into a well-rounded investment strategy. Australian Equities 1. BHP Group (BHP) World’s largest miner, exposure to iron ore and copper. Strong dividend history and capital returns through market cycles. Diversification across bulk commodities, global operations, and entry into potash signals long-term growth. 2. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Australia’s largest bank, robust dividend payer, market leader in retail banking. Consistent earnings and a 4.65/share dividend as of 2025. Defensive qualities in the financial sector yet at a historical premium valuation. 3. Macquarie Group (MQG) Global investment bank with diversified asset management and infrastruc...
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