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The 5 Toxic Money Habits: Are You Guilty of Any of These?

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  Let’s face it – we all have our guilty pleasures. Whether it’s a glass of wine on the couch each night after work, an iPhone addiction, sweet tooth, or something maybe a little more sinister – we’re all guilty of having some bad habits in life. As someone who has specialised in managing money and providing financial advice for the last 30 years, I’ve come across some absolute shockers in the money space. These toxic money habits, which you probably don’t even realise you have, can ultimately hinder you from achieving your biggest financial goals, keep you locked in and controlled by consumer debt, and cause you more and more stress through life. #1 – Credit cards. Opinions have been split on these since inception and personally, I’m not really a fan. Having money that isn’t yours and is ‘free’ to spend can cause some (if not most) to go a little overboard on their spending. That pair of new shoes or holiday you’ve been longing for but just can’t quite afford? Easy – use a c...

5 Investment Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 - Money and Investing with Andrew Baxter

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  There is profit in investing, but one has to be mindful of risks. There are easy and commonly made mistakes due to which a lot of investors end up losing money. Given that 2025 is not so far, one is expected to make smart choices which involve being aware of these mistakes. Here are five noteworthy errors that should be avoided at all costs this year. 1. Panic Selling When it comes to selling their stocks, most investors are emotional instead of logical. Many people, for instance, feel anxious when there is a dip in the market and as a result of which panic sell. This kind of behavior is not sensible. This is where philanthropists make a mistake, for them a decline is a reason to sell when it is actually an opportunity to buy. Exceptional investors stay put, do an assessment of the dip, wait for the long term value of the investment, and do not let emotions lead to bad decisions. A downturn in the market should not trigger panic selling. Analyze stock market ne...

Take Control of Your Financial Future with The Wealth Playbook by Andrew Baxter

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  Andrew Baxter, a trusted name in financial education, has recently launched a new book that’s designed to empower everyday individuals to take control of their financial future. The Wealth Playbook offers a practical guide that goes far beyond simple tips for trading. It’s an all-encompassing roadmap to wealth building, providing strategies to help you succeed financially no matter where you are in your journey. The Big Picture of Financial Freedom For decades, Andrew has dedicated himself to helping people navigate the complex world of finance. In his new book, The Wealth Playbook , he emphasizes that building wealth isn’t just about trading stocks or increasing one’s trading account. It’s about creating a comprehensive plan that helps you optimize your income, savings, and investments. The book provides actionable steps for anyone looking to strengthen their financial position and achieve long-term wealth. No More Confusing Financial Jargon Financial advice is often wrapped in...

Bullish or Bearish? Unveiling 2025's US Market Predictions - Money and Investing with Andrew Baxter

  The outlook for the US economy and stock market in 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges. As the economic landscape shifts under new policies and global pressures, investors need to assess bullish and bearish scenarios to make informed decisions. This article explores the potential factors that could influence growth, inflation, and market performance in the coming year. Bullish Indicators One of the most discussed aspects of the new administration’s policies is deregulation. Reducing red tape could stimulate business growth by providing companies with greater freedom to operate efficiently. Industries such as energy and housing, which have faced regulatory hurdles, may benefit significantly. 1. Energy Sector Growth Lower restrictions on oil exploration and production could lead to increased energy output. Reduced energy costs may have a ripple effect, lowering expenses across industries, from transportation to manufacturing. Lower energy prices can ...

Andrew Baxter Discusses the 2025 Bullish and Bearish US Market

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  The outlook for the US economy and stock market in 2025 presents a dynamic mix of opportunities and challenges. As the economic landscape shifts due to new policies and global factors, investors must carefully evaluate bullish opportunities and bearish risks to make well-informed decisions. This article highlights the critical factors shaping economic growth, inflation, and market performance in the year ahead. Bullish Indicators: Promising Drivers of Growth The administration’s commitment to deregulation and pro-business policies has the potential to unlock significant economic growth. Key industries such as energy and housing are expected to benefit from reduced bureaucratic hurdles and favorable tax reforms. 1. Energy Sector Growth Relaxed restrictions on oil exploration and production could increase domestic energy output. Lower energy prices may lead to reduced costs across industries, such as manufacturing and transportation, while easing inflationary pressures and boosting...

New Year, New Goals: Resetting Your Path to Achievement in 2025

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 As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and plan for what lies ahead. Goal setting isn’t just about jotting down aspirations; it’s about crafting a structured, actionable roadmap that aligns with your priorities and paves the way for measurable progress. Reflecting on the Past Year Before diving into new goals, take a moment to review the past year. Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? Celebrate every win, no matter the size. Acknowledging achievements provides the motivation to tackle new challenges. At the same time, evaluating areas where progress fell short can help refine your strategies for the future. Key Questions for Reflection: What milestones did you achieve this year? What challenges held you back? What habits contributed to your success or failure? Setting Clear and Measurable Goals Effective goals follow the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. Avoid vague goals like “get better at finances.” I...

Mastering Your Holiday Finances: Budgeting for a Joyful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

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    The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and for many, financial strain. As Christmas approaches, managing your finances becomes essential to enjoy the celebrations while staying on track. This guide offers practical strategies to help you navigate holiday spending and prepare for a strong financial start to the New Year . Understanding the Holiday Spending Landscape Australians typically accrue an additional $1,700 in expenses during the Christmas period, with $1,400 spent on gifts alone—an increase of 9% compared to previous years. While this might seem manageable, inflation has risen by approximately 17% over the same timeframe, reducing purchasing power. Coupled with higher interest rates and a rising cost of living, it’s clear that financial planning is more critical than ever during this festive season. Step 1: Establish a Budget and Stick to It Creating a budget is the cornerstone of financial discipline during the holidays. Start by outlining...