SMI Financial Solutions Pty Ltd

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SMI Financial Solutions Pty Ltd We provide quality advice in the following areas: Financial Planning | Mortgage Broking | Investing | Personal Insurance

It's hard to believe we're already heading towards the end of October. And before we know it, Christmas will be here.Bet...
30/10/2026

It's hard to believe we're already heading towards the end of October. And before we know it, Christmas will be here.

Between work, family commitments and everything else on the calendar, it's easy to put financial matters aside until next year.

But a few small checks now could help you identify what needs attention.

Have you looked at your home loan rate recently? Checked your super contributions and insurance? Thought about whether your family's protection arrangements are still appropriate?

And if retirement is getting closer, do you have a clearer picture of what your income might look like once you stop working?

We've put together five practical checks you can work through before the year ends.

You don't need to tackle everything at once. Sometimes, identifying what needs attention is a useful first step.

Save this checklist for later, or share it with someone who's been meaning to get their finances organised.

And if you'd like help looking at the bigger picture, the SMI team is here for a conversation.

General information only. This content does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

Could this spring give buyers a little more breathing room?Spring usually means busy open homes, plenty of property list...
29/10/2026

Could this spring give buyers a little more breathing room?

Spring usually means busy open homes, plenty of property listings and buyers hoping to move before Christmas.

But not every spring property market looks the same.

In areas where properties are taking longer to sell, buyers may have a little more time to compare homes, arrange inspections and consider their options.

And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Buying a home is a big decision. It's worth taking the time to understand what you're buying and what you can comfortably afford.

If you're hoping to purchase before the end of the year, getting your finance organised early can help you feel more prepared when the right property comes along.

Thinking about buying your first home or upgrading? Jonno and the SMI mortgage team can help you explore your borrowing options and understand what to expect.

Property market conditions vary by location. Lending is subject to lender criteria.

Never spoken to a financial adviser? Here's what to expect.If you've been thinking about getting financial advice but ar...
28/10/2026

Never spoken to a financial adviser? Here's what to expect.

If you've been thinking about getting financial advice but aren't quite sure where to start, you're not alone.

You don't need to have everything figured out before your first conversation.

You don't need a perfect budget, a detailed retirement plan or all the answers.

It's an opportunity to talk about where you are now, what's on your mind and what you'd like to achieve.

Maybe you're getting closer to retirement. Maybe your finances have become more complicated. Or perhaps you'd simply like to understand your options.

It's also a chance to get to know the SMI team, ask questions and understand how the advice process works, including any applicable fees.

If you've been thinking about getting financial advice, we'd be happy to have a conversation.

Just because a lender may approve you for a certain amount doesn't mean you need to borrow that much.There's the mortgag...
26/10/2026

Just because a lender may approve you for a certain amount doesn't mean you need to borrow that much.

There's the mortgage repayment, of course. But there's also groceries, school expenses, insurance, holidays and all the other things that make up everyday life.

When you're buying a home, it's worth looking beyond the maximum amount you might qualify for.

What repayments would you feel comfortable with? And how much room would you have if your expenses increased?

These are conversations worth having before you start house hunting.

If you're thinking about buying, have a chat with Jonno and the SMI mortgage team about your borrowing options.

General information only. Lending is subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria.

Think back to when you first took out your home loan.Maybe you were buying your first home. Maybe you had a different in...
24/10/2026

Think back to when you first took out your home loan.

Maybe you were buying your first home. Maybe you had a different income, fewer expenses or a very different idea of what the next few years would look like.

A lot can change.

But sometimes, the home loan stays exactly the same.

If it's been a few years since you reviewed your mortgage, it may be worth checking whether your interest rate, repayments and loan features still suit your circumstances.

You might not need to make any changes. But it's useful to know where you stand.

If your home loan could do with a second look, speak with Jonno and the SMI mortgage team.

You've worked for decades, and retirement is finally starting to feel within reach.Maybe you're hoping to finish work at...
23/10/2026

You've worked for decades, and retirement is finally starting to feel within reach.

Maybe you're hoping to finish work at 60. Spend more time with family. Travel a little. Or simply enjoy having more freedom over your days.

But if you're planning to retire before 67, there's something important to consider.

How will you fund those years before you're eligible for the Age Pension?

For most Australians, Age Pension eligibility starts at 67, so retiring at 60 could mean seven years of drawing on your super, savings or other income before then.

And there's another question worth asking: what happens after 67?

If retirement is on your mind, the SMI team can help you understand the numbers and explore what might be possible for your circumstances.

Thinking about retiring? Get in touch to book an initial conversation.

General information only. Age Pension eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

Never too young to have a financial plan! We had a little visitor join us at SMI recently, and it looks like someone's g...
21/10/2026

Never too young to have a financial plan!

We had a little visitor join us at SMI recently, and it looks like someone's getting an early start on their financial future!

All jokes aside, financial planning is about more than just numbers. It's about the people we care about and the future we want to build for them.

We know that behind every financial decision are real people, families and everyday responsibilities. And whether that means juggling work commitments, bringing the little ones along or fitting an appointment around a busy family schedule, we understand that life doesn't stop for financial appointments.

And sometimes, our youngest visitors make the meetings that little bit more memorable!

Were you previously just outside the Age Pension limits?One of the less obvious parts of the September update is that so...
24/09/2026

Were you previously just outside the Age Pension limits?

One of the less obvious parts of the September update is that some of the thresholds used in Age Pension assessment are changing too.

Services Australia applies both an income test and an assets test, with individual circumstances determining eligibility and payment amounts.

So if you checked previously and found yourself sitting just outside a relevant limit, it may be worth looking at your position again under the updated figures.

That doesn't automatically mean you're now eligible.

But “I checked before and didn't qualify” doesn't necessarily mean the answer will always be the same.

If it's been a while since you've reviewed your position, this could be a sensible time to take another look.

General information only. Services Australia determines Age Pension eligibility and payment amounts based on individual circumstances.

The Age Pension changes from 20 September — and the higher payment is only part of the update.From Sunday, the maximum p...
22/09/2026

The Age Pension changes from 20 September — and the higher payment is only part of the update.

From Sunday, the maximum payment increases by $36.80 per fortnight for singles and $55.60 combined for couples. Existing eligible recipients don't need to apply for the indexed increase — Services Australia will update payments automatically.

But there is another part of the update worth paying attention to.

Income and asset limits can also affect whether someone receives the Age Pension and how much they receive. So if you've previously looked into the Age Pension and found yourself close to the limits, the September changes may make your position worth checking again.

And if you're approaching retirement, it's a useful reminder that the Age Pension is only one part of the picture alongside superannuation, investments, cash flow and your broader retirement plans.

We'll unpack more of the changes over the coming days.

Disclaimer: General information only. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on individual circumstances and Services Australia's assessment.

12/09/2026

We’ve spent the past week hearing from the dads of SMI about the financial and life lessons that have shaped them — and the ones worth passing on.

To close out our Father’s Day series, Chris takes us back to 18 and one money lesson that only became clear in hindsight.

Having access to a significant amount of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to make significant financial decisions.

An inheritance, a lump sum or suddenly having plenty of disposable income can feel like financial freedom. But without the experience, habits or perspective to manage it well, having more money doesn’t automatically put you in a stronger financial position.

And perhaps that’s the bigger lesson.

Financial capability isn’t just about knowing how to earn money. It’s learning how to pause before spending it, understand the choices in front of you, think beyond today and recognise what that money could become over time.

Chris admits that at 18, he probably wouldn’t have listened to that advice anyway.

Now, as a dad, it’s a perspective he can pass on to the next generation — not simply “don’t spend the money,” but learn how to make good decisions with it before the big financial decisions arrive.

Because sometimes the most valuable thing we can pass on isn’t the money itself.

It’s knowing what to do with it.

And that feels like the right note to finish our Father’s Day series on: the lessons we inherit, the ones we learn for ourselves, and the ones we choose to pass on.

Lessons worth passing on, from the dads of SMI.

Address

6 Meridian Place
Bella Vista, NSW
2153

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300222484

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