Ever wonder why even the smartest, highest-earning tech professionals sometimes feel financially exposed? In this special first-birthday episode of Wealth Bytes, Mo Shouman reveals the hidden flaw in most wealth plans - the obsession with upside - and why true financial security starts by protecting the downside.

Drawing from neuroscience, client stories, and over 20 years advising tech professionals, Mo unpacks why our brains are wired to ignore risk and how to re-engineer your financial foundation for resilience and freedom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

- The brain bias that makes smart people overlook financial risk

- Why focusing only on growth (income, RSUs, property) creates fragile wealth

- The three missing legs of a solid wealth plan:

• Estate Planning - the forgotten foundation
• Wealth Protection – preparing for life’s curveballs
• Investment Risk Management - reducing concentration risk
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- Real client stories of setbacks caused by optimism bias - and how restructuring created freedom

- How to design a plan that works even when life doesn’t go to plan

Key Takeaways & Strategies: 

• Plan for the downside so you can enjoy the upside with confidence.

• Estate planning isn’t about dying - it’s about control and continuity.

• Protect your income - your greatest wealth-building asset.

• Don’t rely on employer stock or super-fund insurance - tailor your cover to your lifestyle.

• Diversify intentionally - no single company or asset should define your future.

• Resilience beats returns - real freedom is the ability to stay secure through any market.

Connect with Mo Shouman: 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman 

Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au 

Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes.

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today

Ever feel like property or company shares are sold as the “one-way ticket” to financial freedom - only to end up feeling like a second job? In this episode of Wealth Bytes, Mo Shouman explains why relying on one strategy is a risky bet, and how building a stable of wealth strategies creates real freedom. 

Drawing inspiration from champion horse trainer Willie Mullins, Mo introduces the Nine Horses of the Confident Choice System - a framework that helps tech professionals reduce tax, diversify, and buy back their time without stress. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-Why property, RSUs, or negative gearing alone won’t secure your future

-The wealth lesson from horse racing’s Willie Mullins

-The Nine Horses of the Confident Choice System:

• Money Flow
• Emergency Reserves
• Intelligent Debt Management
• Diversification Beyond Shares & Property
• Proactive Tax Strategies
• Ownership Structures
• Income Protection
• Estate Planning
• Long-Term Wealth Planning & Rebalancing

-Real client stories of stress, setbacks, and how restructuring created freedom

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• One bet is never enough: Build a stable, not a single horse.
• Cash flow clarity stops even high earners from living pay-to-pay.
• Diversify with intention: Don’t overload on employer stock or property.
• Proactive tax planning saves far more than last-minute deductions.
• Protect what matters: Income and estate planning safeguard your future.
• Keep evolving: Rebalance often to stay on track as life and markets change.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman 

Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au 

Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions! 

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes. 

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today. 

In today’s episode of Wealth Bytes, Mo Shouman challenges one of Australia’s most popular wealth myths: that investment property is the golden ticket to financial freedom. From negative gearing traps to nightmare tenants and the hidden costs that eat away at your cash flow, Mo unpacks why property often feels less like passive income and more like a second job.

Through real client stories, you’ll discover how tech professionals who once believed in property as their retirement plan ended up with stress, complexity, and financial friction—and how restructuring into smarter, tax-aware strategies gave them clarity, flexibility, and real freedom.

If you’ve ever been told property is the only way to build wealth, this episode will shift your perspective—and give you the tools to design a portfolio that buys back your time, not your weekends.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why negative gearing is not a permanent tax-saving strategy
• The hidden costs of property: vacancies, agent fees, repairs, strata, and land tax
• How property “profits” can actually increase your tax bill
• Why property is rarely passive income—and often a second job in disguise
• Ownership structures that can make or break your tax outcome
• How life stage and cash flow discipline should guide your property decisions
• The danger of overconcentration: RSUs, super, and property piling into one basket
• Why long-term diversified portfolios can outperform property with less stress
• Real-life case studies: Sarah and Mark’s journey from “property trap” to financial clarity
• The “red pill” truth: freedom comes from simplicity, not complexity

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Negative Gearing Is a Band-Aid: It disappears when your property becomes profitable.
• Property ≠ Passive: Expect admin, repairs, and unexpected costs—it’s work, not set-and-forget.
• Diversification Beats Concentration: Don’t stack company shares, super, and property in the same corner.
• Clarity Over Complexity: High-income earners don’t need more moving parts—they need fewer, smarter ones.
• Cash Flow Is King: Glossy brochures don’t cover vacancies, rising rates, or emergency repairs.
• Ask Better Questions: Not “how many properties do I need?” but “what structure of wealth will give me the life I want?”
• Time Wins: Compounding in a diversified, tax-smart portfolio can create more freedom than bricks and mortgages.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

Connect with me on LinkedIn: ⁠Mo Shouman⁠

Email me: ⁠⁠mo@mywealthchoice.com.au⁠⁠ 

Visit My Wealth Choice: ⁠⁠www.mywealthchoice.com.au⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about Top deadly mistakes for tech professionals in the last 3 months.

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today.

In today’s episode of Wealth Bytes, we’re tackling one of the biggest misconceptions among tech professionals: that holding onto company shares is a reliable path to long-term financial security. Mo Shouman breaks down why this approach can be risky, how overconcentration can quietly erode your freedom, and what you can do to turn those shares into real, lasting wealth.

If you're relying on RSUs or stock options to fund your future, this episode will shift your mindset—and give you the blueprint to build wealth with intention and tax efficiency.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your employer’s stock shouldn’t dominate your wealth plan
• How a 40% drop in share value delayed one tech exec’s retirement by 6 years
• The hidden tax traps in RSUs and how to legally reduce them
• Three smart divestment strategies to turn company shares into diversified wealth
• Why loyalty to your employer should not mean loyalty to their stock
• How to use superannuation as a tax-saving vehicle for your equity
• The “two-step diversification rule” Mo uses with every client
• Real-life example: how David, 42, reduced tax and gained peace of mind with a smarter share plan

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Familiarity ≠ Safety: Just because you work at a great company doesn’t mean its shares are the safest bet for your future.

• Overconcentration Is Risky: Too much of your wealth tied up in one company exposes you to unnecessary volatility.

• Think Logic, Not Loyalty: Love your job, not your stock. Diversify to protect your financial future.

• Wrap Your Shares Wisely: Use structures like super, trusts, or companies to reduce your tax bill from 47% to as low as 0%.
• The 10% Rule: No single stock should make up more than 10% of your liquid net worth.

• Rebalancing Is Essential: Review your portfolio at least once a year to keep your strategy on track.

• Super Is Underrated: It's the most tax-effective way to grow long-term wealth in Australia—and it’s often overlooked by tech pros.

• Intentional Planning Wins: Stop scrambling at tax time. Build a system that works all year round.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman

Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au

Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about How to be ready for your next layoff.

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today.

Most tech professionals believe they’re financially sorted because they have an accountant. But is that really enough? In this eye-opening episode of Wealth Bytes, Mo Shouman shares why relying solely on an accountant could be holding you back - and how strategic financial planning can unlock far greater opportunities.

If you’re earning well but still feel like things are fragmented or reactive, this episode will show you why - and what to do about it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The critical difference between accountants and financial planners
• Why tech professionals face unique financial complexity
• How overconcentration in RSUs can quietly derail your wealth
• Real-life client stories that highlight costly missed opportunities
• The illusion of financial progress - and how to overcome it
• How strategic planning goes beyond deductions and compliance
• What a true wealth-building strategy looks like for high-income earners

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Accountants look back. Planners look forward. Accountants handle last year’s tax. Financial planners design strategies for the next 5, 10, or 40 years.
• Beware the RSU trap. Overconcentration in company stock can silently damage your long-term growth and increase tax exposure.
• Structure beats hustle. With multiple income streams (salary, RSUs, bonuses, side gigs), the right structure can drastically reduce your tax bill.
• Don’t mistake compliance for strategy. Tax returns are just paperwork. Real wealth comes from planning ahead.
• Superannuation is your secret weapon. Used wisely, it’s one of the most powerful ways to reduce tax and grow long-term wealth.
• Optionality is the real goal. Retire early, consult, travel - do what you want, when you want. But only if your plan supports it.
• The Confident Choice System. Mo’s tailored roadmap helps turn your peak earning years into lifelong financial security - for you and your family.

Connect with Mo Shouman: 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman 

Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au 

Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions! 

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about Common mistakes, I see happening with Tech Professionals in their super funds 

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today. 

In today’s episode, we’re exploring how tech professionals can build long-term wealth through smart tax strategies and better investment structures. If you’re earning well, juggling RSUs, property, and wondering if you’re truly on track—this one is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why having a clear investment strategy matters more than collecting assets
• The hidden dangers of negative gearing and poor property planning
• Why "more tax deductions" is not a wealth strategy
• Key structures that can boost your investment outcomes
• Real case study: How one client saved $27K in tax and launched a startup
• How the Confident Choice System can simplify wealth-building for tech professionals

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Start with the End in Mind: Build your portfolio based on goals, not random investments.
• Avoid Negative Gearing Traps: Relying on tax deductions alone can hurt your cash flow and delay freedom.
• Use Smarter Structures: Consider investment bonds, companies, trusts, and SMSFs to reduce tax and increase control.
• Don’t Default to Personal Ownership: It’s often the least efficient structure for high earners.
• Focus on Quality Assets: Pick investments that build wealth and suit your financial goals.
• Run Stress Tests: Model your financial future to avoid nasty surprises.
• Make Tax Planning Systematic: Don’t chase deductions—build a tailored, repeatable strategy.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman

Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au

Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about the right way of building a financial plan. 

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today.

In today’s episode, we’re exposing the five biggest money myths that are quietly hurting even the smartest tech professionals. If you’re in your 30s or 40s, earning well, and navigating RSUs, taxes, and financial decisions, this episode will give you the clarity you need to protect your wealth and plan with purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why political elections don’t dictate long-term stock market outcomes
• The dangers of being too emotionally attached to your company stock
• Why holding on for potential upside can backfire financially
• How underestimating tax on RSUs leads to painful surprises
• Why insurance and estate planning aren’t just for the old or sick

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Ignore Election Noise: Staying invested through political cycles outperforms trying to time the market.
• Avoid Concentration Risk: Don’t bet your future on one company’s stock—even if it’s your employer.
• Balance Growth with Protection: Selling some stock doesn’t mean you miss out—it means you're being smart.
• Get Ahead on Tax Planning: Don’t assume your RSU tax is fully withheld. Run projections and plan early.
• Protect What You’ve Built: Insurance and estate planning ensure your hard work isn’t undone by life’s surprises.
• Being Prepared Beats Being Perfect: Avoiding major mistakes is more important than finding perfect investments.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman
• Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au
• Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about How to create a tax-smart investment portfolio as a tech professional.

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a powerful wealth-building strategy that’s gaining popularity among high-income earners: the Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). If you’ve ever wondered whether your super is really working for you, or how you can gain more control over your investments and reduce your tax bill, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What an SMSF is and how it differs from retail or industry super funds
• Why tech professionals are increasingly turning to SMSFs
• How SMSFs can give you greater investment control and flexibility
• Tax advantages of SMSFs and how they boost long-term wealth
• Real-life examples of how SMSFs are used to purchase property and build wealth
• Common misconceptions about SMSFs and how to overcome them
• Who should consider an SMSF and when it might not be the right fit

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Gain Investment Control: With SMSFs, you can invest in shares, ETFs, direct property, and even certain collectibles.
• Optimize Tax Savings: Super is taxed at 15%, and in retirement, capital gains can be tax-free—a huge difference from top marginal tax rates.
• Pool Family Wealth: Combine super with your spouse or children to access bigger investment opportunities and simplify fees.
• Access Unique Strategies: SMSFs allow for property borrowing (limited recourse loans) and even business-related property purchases.
• Plan for the Future: SMSFs enable custom retirement planning and tax-efficient estate strategies.
• Be Prepared: An SMSF isn't for everyone. Have a clear financial plan and work with professionals to avoid costly mistakes.
• Myth Busting: SMSFs are manageable with the right support and not just for the wealthy—even modest balances can benefit.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman
• Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au
• Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about 5 More Money Myths Tech Pros Shouldn’t Fall For.

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today.

In this episode of Wealth Bytes, the focus is on helping tech professionals safeguard and grow their wealth through diversification.

What you will learn:

The current market downturn, its impacts on tech-heavy portfolios, and how a diversified investment strategy can significantly reduce risk and losses.

Drawing from experiences in past market crashes, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 meltdown, key lessons are shared on the importance of spreading risk across various sectors and asset classes.

Real-life client stories illustrate the benefits of diversification.

The episode also covers actionable advice on rebalancing portfolios, optimising tax-effective investments, and the importance of starting to invest early to leverage compounding growth.

Key take aways and strategies

• Understanding the Market Downturn

• The Importance of Diversification

• Real-Life Examples and Strategies

• Client Success Stories

• Taking Action and Conclusion

Connect with Mo Shouman:

Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman

Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au

Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about Why Smart Tech Professionals Are Turning to SMSF’s .

In today’s episode, we’re diving into an unconventional but crucial topic—how to teach kids about money in a way that is fun, practical, and effective.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• ​Why kids as young as five already have emotional reactions to money
• ​The biggest financial literacy gap in our education system
• ​How to teach kids about money through everyday experiences
• ​Age-appropriate money lessons, from piggy banks to investing
• ​Fun activities and real-life examples to make financial education exciting
• ​Why modeling good financial behavior is the most powerful tool

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• ​Make it Real: Teach money through everyday moments such as shopping, paying bills, and vacation planning
• ​Start Early and Keep it Simple: Introduce money concepts based on age, including saving, budgeting, and investing
• ​Use Visuals: Try money jars, family savings boards, and progress charts
• ​Gamify Money Lessons: Play Monopoly, track stocks, and set allowance challenges
• ​Be Honest About Mistakes: Teach through your own financial wins and losses
• ​Give Them Control: Let them make financial decisions to build responsibility
• ​Model Good Financial Behavior: Kids copy what you do, not what you say

Connect with Mo Shouman:

• ​Connect with me on LinkedIn: Mo Shouman
• ​Email me: mo@mywealthchoice.com.au
• ​Visit My Wealth Choice: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes!

In the next episode, I’ll reveal how diversification could’ve saved tech professionals thousands, and why the biggest losses aren't always about money.

Plus, I’ll share what I learned from 2008, COVID, and now 2025. Don’t miss it.

Listen, learn, and start making smart financial choices today.

In today’s episode, I am  breaking down the most common financial mistakes tech professionals make—and more importantly, how to avoid them. From lifestyle creep to tax planning oversights, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter financial decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why high-income tech professionals often underestimate lifestyle costs

• The risks of holding too much wealth in company stock (RSUs, ESPPs, and stock options)
• The impact of poor tax planning on long-term wealth
• How scattered financial education through social leads to poor outcomes
• Why relying solely on salary can limit financial independence
• The importance of financial protection through insurance and estate planning
• How professional guidance can prevent costly mistakes

Key Takeaways & Strategies:

• Be Mindful of Lifestyle Inflation: As your income grows, so do expenses—track your spending and set lifestyle boundaries.
• Diversify Your Investments: Avoid overexposure to company stock by selling vested shares regularly and reallocating funds.
• Use Tax-Efficient Structures: Consider superannuation, investment bonds, and trust structures to reduce your tax burden.
• Follow a Clear Financial Plan: Avoid relying on scattered internet advice; structured learning and coaching can help you take action.
• Protect Your Wealth: Ensure you have the right insurance coverage and estate planning in place.
• Build Passive Income: Invest in assets that generate income beyond your salary, such as rental properties, dividends, or side businesses.
• Seek Professional Advice: Working with a financial planner can help you optimize your strategy and avoid costly errors.

Connect with Mo Shouman:

Connect with me on LinkedIn: ⁠Mo Shouman⁠

Email me: ⁠mo@mywealthchoice.com.au⁠

Visit My Wealth Choice: ⁠www.mywealthchoice.com.au⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes! Where we will be talking about How to Teach Your Kids About Money – The Right Way.

One of the most common questions tech professionals ask is: "How much do I actually need to retire early or make work optional?" The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a formula to help you determine your number based on your lifestyle, investment strategy, and risk tolerance.

In this episode, we break down the key factors that go into calculating your early retirement number, how to structure your investments, and the hidden costs you need to plan for.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The core concept behind calculating your early retirementnumber.
• How the 4% rule works (and its limitations).
• Real-life case study: How a software engineer planned herearly retirement at 45.
• How to build anearly retirement portfolio with a mix of cash-flowing and growth investments.
• The role of stock market investments and low-cost indexfunds in financial independence.
• Pro tips to optimize your saving rate and investmentstrategy for financial independence.

Key Takeaways:

• Your annual expenses determine your financial independence number.
• The 4% rule can be a useful guide, but adjustments may be needed based on taxes and lifestyle.
• Investing in diversified assets such as stocks, real estate, and alternative investments ensures stability.
• Unexpected costs like healthcare and market downturns must be factored into your plan.
• Having 2-3 years of cash reserves can prevent forced selling during economic downturns.

If today’s episode resonated with you and you’re ready to take control of your financial future, I invite you to a free 30-minute clarity session. We’ll assess your current financial situation, identify growth opportunities, and create a roadmap to reach your work-optional lifestyle. Visit www.mywealthchoice.com.au to book your session today!

Connect with Mo Shouman:

• Website: www.mywealthchoice.com.au

• LinkedIn: Mo Shouman

• Instagram: My Wealth Choice

• Facebook: My Wealth Choice

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more tech professionals looking to make smart financial decisions!

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of Wealth Bytes!