--- title: Blog | Rhys Phillips description: Rhys is a finance professional skilled in wealth management, strategic and estate planning, and portfolio management, supporting clients since 2010. --- - 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. ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) # Rhys Phillips Rhys is a finance professional skilled in wealth management, strategic and estate planning, and portfolio management, supporting clients since 2010. 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 borrow money to invest?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Should%20I%20borrow%20money%20to%20invest%20(3).png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Should%20I%20borrow%20money%20to%20invest%20(3).png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/should-i-borrow-money-to-invest) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour), [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Should I borrow money to invest?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/should-i-borrow-money-to-invest) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 18 May 2026 This is a common question, and the answer isn’t straightforward. The most accurate response is one we often borrow from economists: “it depends”.  8 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/should-i-borrow-money-to-invest) [![Federal Budget 2026–27: What the Proposed Tax and Super Changes Mean](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Federal%20Budget.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Federal%20Budget.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/federal-budget-2026-27-tax-super-changes-investors) [Tax](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/tax), [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates) ##### [Federal Budget 2026–27: What the Proposed Tax and Super Changes Mean](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/federal-budget-2026-27-tax-super-changes-investors) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 13 May 2026 The 2026–27 Federal Budget has introduced a range of proposed changes that could have a meaningful impact on investors, property owners, business... 11 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/federal-budget-2026-27-tax-super-changes-investors) [![What Does a Financial Planner Do? (Complete Guide for Australians)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/What%20Does%20a%20Financial%20Planner%20Do%20(Complete%20Guide%20for%20Australians%20in%202026).png?width=400&upsize=true&name=What%20Does%20a%20Financial%20Planner%20Do%20(Complete%20Guide%20for%20Australians%20in%202026).png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/what-does-a-financial-planner-do) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) ##### [What Does a Financial Planner Do? (Complete Guide for Australians)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/what-does-a-financial-planner-do) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 8 May 2026 Most people think they know what a financial planner does. “Investments, right?”“Maybe super and retirement?”“Do you do tax returns too?” *(Quick...* 16 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/what-does-a-financial-planner-do) [![Common mistakes people make when investing (and how to avoid them)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Common%20mistakes%20people%20make%20when%20investing%20(and%20how%20to%20avoid%20them)%20(3).png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Common%20mistakes%20people%20make%20when%20investing%20(and%20how%20to%20avoid%20them)%20(3).png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/common-mistakes-people-make-when-investing-and-how-to-avoid-them) [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) ##### [Common mistakes people make when investing (and how to avoid them)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/common-mistakes-people-make-when-investing-and-how-to-avoid-them) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 13 January 2026 Embarking on your investment journey can be exciting, but before committing your savings, it’s smart to seek advice. Whether you turn to the... 6 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/common-mistakes-people-make-when-investing-and-how-to-avoid-them) [![The Hidden Risks of Private Credit: What Every Investor Should Know](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Hidden%20Risks%20of%20Private%20Credit.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=The%20Hidden%20Risks%20of%20Private%20Credit.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-hidden-risks-of-private-credit-what-every-investor-should-know) [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [The Hidden Risks of Private Credit: What Every Investor Should Know](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-hidden-risks-of-private-credit-what-every-investor-should-know) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 27 September 2025 Private credit is booming in Australia, it’s everywhere. It’s marketed as a great way to earn higher returns, but a new report for ASIC (Australia’s... 3 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/the-hidden-risks-of-private-credit-what-every-investor-should-know) [![How to Recognize Financial Abuse](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Financial%20Planning%20for%20Business%20Owners%20Navigating%20Success%20with%20Strategic%20Insight-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Financial%20Planning%20for%20Business%20Owners%20Navigating%20Success%20with%20Strategic%20Insight-1.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/understanding-financial-abuse) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) ##### [How to Recognize Financial Abuse](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/understanding-financial-abuse) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 22 April 2025 Financial abuse is a form of control and manipulation that is often hidden in plain sight. While it may not involve physical harm, the emotional and... 7 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/understanding-financial-abuse) [![Understanding Market Volatility](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Understanding%20Market%20Volatility.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=Understanding%20Market%20Volatility.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/understanding-market-volatility) [Economic Updates](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/economic-updates), [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour) ##### [Understanding Market Volatility](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/understanding-market-volatility) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 8 April 2025 A video update from Rhys Phillips (Director and Senior Financial Adviser) discussing the recent market volatility and how Strategy First's Investment... 8 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/understanding-market-volatility) [![Importance of Cyber Security: Safeguarding Your Financial Well-being](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Importance%20of%20Cyber%20Security%20Safeguarding%20Your%20Financial%20Well-being.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=The%20Importance%20of%20Cyber%20Security%20Safeguarding%20Your%20Financial%20Well-being.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/cyber-security) [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) ##### [Importance of Cyber Security: Safeguarding Your Financial Well-being](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/cyber-security) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 21 February 2025 In today's interconnected digital landscape, prioritising cyber security is paramount, especially when managing investments, finances, and personal... 2 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/cyber-security) [![Choosing a Financial Adviser: Key Considerations for Your Future](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Things%20to%20consider%20when%20choosing%20a%20financial%20adviser.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Things%20to%20consider%20when%20choosing%20a%20financial%20adviser.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/choosing-an-adviser) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) ##### [Choosing a Financial Adviser: Key Considerations for Your Future](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/choosing-an-adviser) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 10 February 2025 Choosing the right Financial Adviser is a complex decision and one of the most important you will ever make. With the number of Advisers, websites... 8 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/choosing-an-adviser) [![Money and life: A question of balance](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077181-1.jpg?width=400&upsize=true&name=pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077181-1.jpg)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/money-and-life-a-question-of-balance) [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) ##### [Money and life: A question of balance](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/money-and-life-a-question-of-balance) ![Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20RP.jpg) [Rhys Phillips](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips) 20 November 2024 The concept of Financial Wellbeing. Many people, understandably, associate financial planning purely with the numerical and monetary side of their... 1 minute read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/money-and-life-a-question-of-balance) [1](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [2](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/rhys-phillips/page/2) *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/)