--- title: Blog | Don Foster description: Don, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and FAAA member, specialises in wealth building, retirement strategies, estate planning, and portfolio advice. --- - 02 9091 0080 - contact@strategyfirst.com.au - - [![lzsk3cui](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/lzsk3cui.png?width=400&height=104&name=lzsk3cui.png "lzsk3cui")](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/) - About us - [Who we are](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-values-0) - [Meet the team](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/en-au/meet-the-team) - [Why partner with Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/partering-with-us) - [Client testimonials](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/testimonials) - [Investment commitee](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/investment-commitee) - Information - [Who we can help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/who-we-can-help) - [Our services](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/how-we-can-help) - [Packages & pricing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/service-offerings) - [Financial planning process](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/process) - [Our community](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-community) - [Learn more](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/information) - [FAQs](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/faqs) - [Aged Care](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/aged-care-strategy-first) - [Blog](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact-page) [![Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE-3.png?width=150&height=56&name=INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE-3.png "Strategy First")](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/) [Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact-page) - About us - [Who we are](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-values-0) - [Meet the team](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/en-au/meet-the-team) - [Why partner with Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/partering-with-us) - [Client testimonials](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/testimonials) - [Investment commitee](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/investment-commitee) - Information - [Who we can help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/who-we-can-help) - [Our services](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/how-we-can-help) - [Packages & pricing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/service-offerings) - [Financial planning process](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/process) - [Our community](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-community) - [Learn more](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/information) - [FAQs](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/faqs) - [Aged Care](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/aged-care-strategy-first) - [Blog](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact-page) # *Our Blog* # Learn about Finance ## Financial planning doesn't have to be intimidating. Welcome to our dedicated space, where we unravel the intricacies of financial planning, empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to secure your financial future. In an era marked by rapid advancements, our blog aims to demystify finance, making it accessible to everyone. Join us as we explore: practical tips, real-life stories, and insights that illuminate the path to financial success. From the basics of budgeting to navigating investment portfolios, we're here to guide you through the maze of financial decisions. Let's navigate the realm of financial planning together, turning challenges into opportunities and securing a brighter, more financially resilient future. ![Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20DF.jpg) # Don Foster Don, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and FAAA member, specialises in wealth building, retirement strategies, estate planning, and portfolio advice. All Post - [All Post](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) - [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) - [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics) - [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour) - [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) - [Quarterly Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/quarterly-updates) - [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) - [Estate Planning](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/estate-planning) - [Investing for life events](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing-for-life-events) - [Olivers Insights](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/olivers-insights) - [Retirement](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/retirement) - [Tax](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/tax) - [Budgeting](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/budgeting) Search [![Should I Pay Down a Loan or Invest? (Debt vs Savings)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Should%20I%20Pay%20Down%20a%20Loan%20or%20Invest%20(Debt%20vs%20Savings).png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Should%20I%20Pay%20Down%20a%20Loan%20or%20Invest%20(Debt%20vs%20Savings).png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/should-i-pay-down-a-loan-or-invest-debt-vs-savings) [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Should I Pay Down a Loan or Invest? (Debt vs Savings)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/should-i-pay-down-a-loan-or-invest-debt-vs-savings) ![Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20DF.jpg) [Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/don-foster) 30 September 2026 A common question we hear is: should you use surplus cashflow to reduce debt or invest for the future? The short answer is that both can be effective... 13 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/should-i-pay-down-a-loan-or-invest-debt-vs-savings) [![Hedged vs Unhedged International Funds: What’s the Difference?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Hedged%20vs%20Unhedged%20Funds.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Hedged%20vs%20Unhedged%20Funds.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/hedged-vs-unhedged-international-funds-whats-the-difference) [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour) ##### [Hedged vs Unhedged International Funds: What’s the Difference?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/hedged-vs-unhedged-international-funds-whats-the-difference) ![Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20DF.jpg) [Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/don-foster) 18 June 2026 When Australian investors look beyond our domestic share and bond markets and invest internationally, they gain access to a broader range of... 10 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/hedged-vs-unhedged-international-funds-whats-the-difference) [![Steps to Commence your Financial Journey (Do I have Enough Money)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Do%20I%20have%20enough%20money%20for%20Financial%20Planning%20(1).png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Do%20I%20have%20enough%20money%20for%20Financial%20Planning%20(1).png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/do-i-have-enough) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics) ##### [Steps to Commence your Financial Journey (Do I have Enough Money)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/do-i-have-enough) ![Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20DF.jpg) [Don Foster](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/don-foster) 7 June 2024 Financial planning is not just for high-net worth individuals, as it can assist each and every person in managing their funds, planning their future... 3 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/do-i-have-enough) *This information is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs.  Before making a financial decision based on this advice, you must consider whether it is appropriate in light of your needs, objectives and financial circumstances, and where relevant, obtain personal financial, taxation or legal advice. Where a financial product has been mentioned, you should obtain and read a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement prior to making any decisions.* [![Copy of Copy of INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE.png?width=302&height=93&name=Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20INDEPENDENT%20FINANCIAL%20ADVICE.png "Copy of Copy of INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE")](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/) *Strategy First is an independent, fee-for-service financial planning firm specialising in long-term wealth and retirement strategy for Australians.* *Copyright © 2021 Strategy First Financial Planning Pty Ltd.  All rights reserved.*  Contact us:  02 9091 0080​ Office Address: Ground Floor, Front Suite 55, 117 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale  |  PO Box 7418, Warringah Mall NSW 2100 Australia [Financial Services Guide (Version 37 – 30 April 2026)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/financial-services-guide)|  [Privacy Policy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/20260911%20Client%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf) |  [Public Complaint Policy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/20211001%20Complaints%20Policy.pdf) | AFS Licence No. 290771  |  ABN 69 114 540 528  |  **[Disclaimer](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/20230921%20Website%20Disclaimer.pdf)** [Homepage - Strategy First Financial Planning](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au) [Who we are](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-values-0) [Meet the Team - Our Independent Financial Advisers](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/en-au/meet-the-team)  [Why partner with Strategy First](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/partering-with-us) [Testimonials - What our clients have to say](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/testimonials)  [Investment Commitee](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/investment-commitee) **[Our Clients - Who We Can Help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/who-we-can-help)**  [Our Services - How We Can Help](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/how-we-can-help)  [Packages and Pricing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/service-offerings) [Processes - What to Expect](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/process)  **[Information and Documents](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/learn-more)  [Our Community](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/our-community)  [Blog](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog)** [Independent Financial Advice Sydney - Contact Us](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/contact) All Rights Reserved. © 2023-2024 [| FThemes](https://fthemes.net/)