In this episode of The Grass is Greener, Tim welcomes Evguenia Rutkowski, a passionate financial adviser specialising in retirement and pre-retirement planning. Evguenia shares her insights on superannuation strategies, especially for women navigating financial transitions like divorce or late-career planning.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why superannuation matters—especially for women
- Salary sacrifice vs. personal deductible contributions
- Catch-up contributions and how MyGov helps track them
- Transition to retirement strategies: reducing hours, paying off debt, and boosting super
- Non-concessional contributions and in-specie transfers
- The importance of personalised projections and holistic financial advice
Connect with Evguenia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evguenia-rutkowski-aba419a3/Park Lane Advice Group:
https://parklaneadvicegroup.com.au/
In this short but powerful episode, we dive into the critical topic of Binding Death Nominations (BDBN) and why they matter for your superannuation. Unlike your will, your super doesn’t automatically go to your chosen beneficiaries unless you’ve completed a valid BDBN. Learn how to take control, avoid trustee discretion, and ensure your loved ones receive what you intend.
What You’ll Learn:
-What a Binding Death Nomination (BDBN) is and why it’s essential
-Who can legally be nominated as beneficiaries
-How to correctly complete and validate a BDBN form
-Common mistakes and misconceptions to avoid
-Why reviewing and updating your nomination matters
Action Step:
Check your super fund today—download the BDBN form, complete it properly, and secure your family’s financial future.
In this heartfelt episode, Helen Nolan (CEO) shares the origin and impact of the Shane Warne Legacy, a foundation launched in honour of the late cricket legend. Helen recounts how the foundation began with a dream and quickly grew into Australia’s largest health screening event.
We discussed:
- How Shane’s passing inspired a movement for free health checks across Australia.
- The foundation’s partnerships with SiSU Health, La Trobe Health Services, and Diabetes Australia.
- The surprising statistics around men’s health and the rise in screenings since the initiative began.
- Real stories of lives changed—including one saved on the very day the foundation launched.
- The importance of recognising subtle symptoms of heart disease, especially in women.
- How the foundation is expanding into regional areas and major events like Boxing Day and Gather Round.Visit https://shanewarnelegacy.com to find your nearest health station and take four minutes that could change your life.
Connect with Helen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-nolan-5679b4/
In this episode, we chat to Jenny Pearse (Marketing Consultant) and Nadia Docker (Compliance Expert) - to unpack what really matters when choosing a Financial Adviser. From communication style and credentials to compliance, scams, and digital presence, this conversation is packed with practical tips and real-world insights.
What We Cover:
✅ What to look for in a financial advisor (and what to avoid)
🧠 Why communication style and values alignment matter
📋 The standard six-step advice process explained
🚩 Red flags: product-pushing, rushed advice, call centre setups
🔍 How to use ASIC registers, advisor ratings, and Google to vet advisors
📱 The role of digital presence—and how to spot misleading content
💬 Why testimonials, reviews, and real stories matter
🧭 How to make informed, confident decisions about your financial future
Connect with Jenny
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennypearse/
Connect with Nadia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiadocker/Jenesis
https://www.jenesis.net.au/
Kinetic Compliance
https://www.kineticcompliance.com.au/
In this episode, Vanguard's Senior Investment Specialist, Libby Newman returns to share her deep expertise in investments, index funds, and Vanguard’s long-term philosophy. She explains how index funds offer broad market exposure and why they’re a smart starting point for investors. Libby also breaks down the difference between ETFs and managed funds, emphasising that (Within Vanguard Funds) both are simply structures for accessing the same underlying investments.
The conversation explores market cycles, emotional investing, and the importance of staying the course—especially during downturns. Libby highlights Vanguard’s mission to make investing accessible and cost-effective, including their unique structure that returns profits to investors through lower fees.
In this solo episode of The Grass is Greener, host Tim Henry dives into the essentials of superannuation and why it's time to take charge of your financial future. From recent controversies involving Shield and First Guardian to practical steps for checking your super via myGov, Tim breaks down the myths, the mechanics, and the must-dos.
What you'll learn:
- Why superannuation is more secure than you might think
- The role of APRA in regulating super funds
- How to use myGov to track and manage your super
- Understanding investment options: growth vs. defensive assets
- The importance of checking your insurance before switching funds
Tim also previews upcoming episodes featuring strategies for superannuation, red flags in investment schemes, and how to find the right financial advisor.
In this episode, we sit down with Suzanne Alexander, founder of Mindful Finances, to explore the deep connection between money, emotions, and personal values. Suzanne shares her journey from farm life to financial advisor and how her passion for understanding the psychology of money led her to redefine wealth. We unpack how true wealth is more than just numbers — it’s about alignment, choice, and emotional well-being. From the power of self-awareness to the importance of community and contribution, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to craft a more intentional and fulfilling financial life.
Key Topics:
• The emotional and psychological side of money
• Why wealth is an inner journey
• How to align money with your values
• The myth of money as the sole path to happiness
• Creating your own definition of success and abundance
Mindful Finances Website
https://mindfulfinances.com.au/
Suzanne Alexander Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-alexander-mindful-finances/
Vision and Values Exercise
https://bit.ly/3BdXe36
In this episode, we sit down with Lucy Percy, estate planning lawyer and founder of Head and Heart Estate Planning, to explore the powerful benefits of a Testamentary Trust Willand how it differs from a standard Will. Lucy breaks down the key advantages of Testamentary Trusts, including:
- Tax effectiveness for beneficiaries, especially minors
- Asset protection from creditors, divorce, and financial mismanagement
- Greater control over how and when assets are distributed
- Flexibility for families with complex needs or blended structures
We also discuss common misconceptions, when a Testamentary Trust is most appropriate, and how it can be a smart move for long-term wealth preservation.
Whether you're planning your own estate or helping a loved one, this episode offers practical insights to help you make informed decisions.
Head and Heart Estate Planning:
https://www.headandheartestateplanning.com.au/
Aspire's Estate Planning Service & Resources:
https://www.aspireplanning.com.au/estate-planning
The process of divorce can be a challenging one, of course this differs for everyone. What are the specific things that confront people (especially women) when they start to divorce? How do you move forward positively and with more confidence despite undertaking this sometimes time arduous process. Heidi Schwegler from AFS Financial and Jordan Vaka from Planning Solo discuss these challenges and provide valuable insights for people at any point in the divorce process.
Connect with Heidi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-schwegler-9a8a7233/
Connect with Jordan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-vaka/
AHS Financial
https://www.ahsfinancial.com.au/
Planning Solo
https://www.planningsolo.com.au/
TGIG Live Event:
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement
Do you have any form of Life Insurance? If you do, how does it align with your current stage of life?
Our needs for Life insurance evolve as we move through different stages. Serena West is a Financial Adviser with MBS insurance and comes on to discuss the various types of Life Insurance and how the need for these may change throughout your life.
We discussed these needs for: Young Singles / Couples, Starting a Family, Mature families and Families with Adult children.
Connect with Serena
https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-west-a2802152/MBS Insurance
https://mbsinsurance.com.au/
TGIG Live Event:
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement
As we watch our parents age, it becomes clear that ageing is a natural part of life, bringing inevitable changes. While we can’t control every aspect, we can take proactive steps to support them with a well-structured plan that aligns with their vision for ageing gracefully.
Embracing this proactive approach provides an increased confidence and a sense of assurance. Moreover, it provides peace of mind for the whole family, knowing that thoughtful and considerate choices have been made to safeguard their well-being and independence.
Jo Newman from Care & Living with Mercer joins us to discuss the ageing journey. Care & Living with Mercer is a unique service helping ageing Australians and their carers understand and more easily access care and living options.
Jo provides valuable obesrvations and insights on how a practive approach can be so beneficial for families.
Website - Care and Living with Mercerhttps://careandliving.mercer.com.au/home
Website Aspire Planning - Supporting Ageing Parents
https://www.aspireplanning.com.au/supporting-ageing-parents
TGIG Live Event:
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement
Each year Futurity Investment Group publishes a comprehensive report on the Cost of Education across Australia. The report not only survey's parents about their spending behaviour but also how they are feeling how the costs and managed within their own situation.
Sarah McAdie is the Executive GM at Futurity. Sarah discusses the 2025 report, including the key numbers and emerging trends.
Futurity Investment Group
https://www.futurityinvest.com.au/
Cost of Education Report 2025
https://bit.ly/4jcj1vb
Cost of Education Calculator
https://www.futurityinvest.com.au/education-saver/cost-of-education-calculator
Upcoming TGIG Live Event:
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement
We all have many life & family goals. Some of these are out on the mid-to-long term horizon.
Have you considered how you will fund these goals? Refinancing via your mortgage is a very solid option.
Michael Lawes from Circle Finance Group talks us through the opportunities presented by Refinancing and the importance of being proactive with your planning!
Circle Finance Group
https://circlefg.com.au/
TGIG Live Event:
Tuesday, 27 May 2025 - The Grass is Greener LIVE - Dream it, Live it - Your Dream Retirement
In this episode, Tim chats to Kim Payne about the concept of "Vision" and its profound impact on our lives.
Kim discusses how having a strong and connected vision can inspire and motivate individuals, while the absence of a clear vision can lead to feelings of uncertainty.
Kim's reflects on her own experiences and interactions with her own clients with real life examples of the positive impact of a clear vision.
Kim Payne
https://kimpayne.com.au/
Vision and Values Exercise
https://bit.ly/3BdXe36
What changes are you wanting to make in your life in 2025? Need some inspiration to get started?
At this time of year, many of us reflect on our own fitness or levels of physical activity and set intentions for the year ahead.
Jack Geddes from Linked Training and Nutrition discusses the importance of getting those new small habits to stick as a key element to making big changes.
Linked Training & Nutrition
https://thelinkedstudio.com.au/
On 12 September 2024 the Government responded to the Aged Care Taskforce and introduced the Aged Care Bill 2024 into Parliament.
The aged care reforms will make significant changes to the cost of residential aged care and home care from 1 July 2025.
Shaun Ganguly is the founder of Aged Care Financial Planning specialising in Aged Care Financial Advice.
Shaun discusses the new rules and highlights the areas of most impact for people who are considering the need for residential aged care in future.
Aged Care Financial Planning
https://agedcfp.com.au/
Do you have a Gen Z child (or adult)?
It is likely that Superannuation will be a vital and large component of their wealth in 30,40,50 years' time.
However, there is a very large segment of Gen Z that haven't engaged with their Super at all.
Financial adviser Dawn Thomas is currently undertaking a PhD on this topic. Specifically, the critical role that parents play in shaping their children's perspective on Super.
Dawn discusses the key decisions that you can easily make to assist your Gen Z to start starts well on their Superannuation journey.
Moneysmart - Choosing Super
https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-super-works/choosing-a-super-fund
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-d-thomas/
Are you feeling financially fatigued?
These past few years have been financially stressful. In particular, dealing with skyrocking prices for general living needs, plus rental and mortgage rate increases.
Karen Eley from Women Talking Finance provides valuable insights into how you can equip yourself to deal with financial stress.
Karen discusses the stressor responses that she observes in these situations and provides valuable tools to help you make small but positive changes.
What does retirement look like, once you are on the other side of your working life? Australia's market leading Annuity provider - Challenger Limited wanted to better understand what makes a happy retirement. In 2024, it undertook consumer research amongst its own customers and also the wider public and has summarised these findings in the "Challenger Retirement Happiness Index" Carly O'Keefe (GM of Marketing at Challenger) joins us to discuss these valuable insights into the retirement years and that various elements that contribute to happiness. Retirement Happiness Indexhttps://bit.ly/3C4OmQl Challenger Limitedhttps://www.challenger.com.au/
Elevating your life doesn't just happen - it comes from within. You are the leader of your own life and it starts with taking action!
Executive Life coach Shannah Kennedy and former Sportsgirl CEO Colleen Callander present ELEVATE - the groundbreaking book that empowers you to rise from ordinary to extraordinary one step at a time.
Tim chats to Shannah and Colleen about their brand new book ELEVATE as well as their individual journey and experiences.
Elevate is available from 5th December 2023 in all bookstores.
Human Elevation
https://www.humanelevation.com.au/
ELEVATE Worksheets
https://bit.ly/47Wy6LR
