Financial Planning Guides

Rate Detective financial planning guides can provide planning information no matter what life stage you are in. As you financial goals change over your life, Rate Detective offers you the tools to help you make informed choices.

Top ten individual finance tips

  1. It is not about how much you earn, but more about how much of it you keep, even a substantial income is not going to have you achieve your goals if you spend it all.
  2. Know yourself financially; understand your own personal finance habits.  
  3. Create a budget for you and your family, make sure you whole family sticks to it.

Top 10 Tax Tips for Individuals

Tax is inevitable – if you are earning money. So even though we all have to pay it – there is no reason why you should pay more than your fair share. My top 10 tax tips are:

Top 6 Small Business Financial Mistakes

The 6 most frequent mistakes that I see small business operators make are:

  1. Trying to do everything.

    You cannot – nor should you even try – to do the bookwork, develop new products, create marketing plans, manage every staff member, deliver products, etc etc.

Small Business Tax Management

In my experience too many small business owners, and individuals alike, make financial decisions based on the tax implications of the transaction. STOP IT.

Paying tax is GOOD – it means that you are making money.

Selecting the Right Financial Advisor

Accountants are accountants – right?

Wrong!

Accounting is one of the most diverse areas of business. Some of my friends are accountants with over 25 years experience – yet never prepare their own tax return!

Legal Structures

I get asked all the time:

“What is the best legal structure to operate my business in/buy my investments in/ own my home in?”

The reality is that there is no “best”. Each has their own pros and cons and you need to sit down with someone who knows your affairs properly and decide on the best structure with them.

Financial Health Check


So, you’ve decided to buy your own home? Before you rush out and make an offer, pause and take note of these few points. It could save you time and money later!

Should you buy?