--- title: Blog | Basics description: Basics | Unlock the secrets to financial success with our expert insights. Tips on financial planning, superannuation, and more. --- - 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. Topic # Basics basics - [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 [![How to Understand Investment Markets](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Understanding%20Markets%20(1).png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Understanding%20Markets%20(1).png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-to-understand-investment-markets) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [How to Understand Investment Markets](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-to-understand-investment-markets) ![David Price](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20DP.jpg) [David Price](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/david-price) 15 September 2026 Investment markets can seem complex and intimidating. However, successful investing is not about predicting the future. It is about understanding... 13 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-to-understand-investment-markets) [![Red Flags to look out for when choosing a Financial Adviser](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Red%20Flags%20to%20look%20out%20for%20when%20choosing%20a%20Financial%20Adviser.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Red%20Flags%20to%20look%20out%20for%20when%20choosing%20a%20Financial%20Adviser.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-choosing-a-financial-adviser) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Awareness](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/awareness) ##### [Red Flags to look out for when choosing a Financial Adviser](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-choosing-a-financial-adviser) ![Christopher Gilmour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20CG.jpg) [Christopher Gilmour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/christopher-gilmour) 7 September 2026 Choosing a financial adviser is a significant decision. The right adviser can help you make informed decisions, stay focused on your long-term goals... 12 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-choosing-a-financial-adviser) [![What is Sustainable Investing (and why is it becoming so popular)?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/What%20Is%20Sustainable%20Investing%20Sustainable%20investing%20is%20an%20investment%20approach%20that%20considers%20environmental%2c%20social%20and%20governance%20(ESG)%20factors%20alongside%20traditional%20financial%20analysis.%20Rather%20tha.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=What%20Is%20Sustainable%20Investing%20Sustainable%20investing%20is%20an%20investment%20approach%20that%20considers%20environmental,%20social%20and%20governance%20(ESG)%20factors%20alongside%20traditional%20financial%20analysis.%20Rather%20tha.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/what-is-sustainable-investing-and-why-is-it-becoming-so-popular) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [What is Sustainable Investing (and why is it becoming so popular)?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/what-is-sustainable-investing-and-why-is-it-becoming-so-popular) ![Ashlee Duffy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/AO.jpg) [Ashlee Duffy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/ashlee-duffy) 21 August 2026 Investing has traditionally focused on one primary objective: generating financial returns. However, a growing number of Australians are now looking... 7 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/what-is-sustainable-investing-and-why-is-it-becoming-so-popular) [![Investing Through Superannuation: Boost Your Retirement Savings](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Investing%20Through%20Superannuation%20Boost%20Your%20Retirement%20Savings.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Investing%20Through%20Superannuation%20Boost%20Your%20Retirement%20Savings.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/investing-through-superannuation-boost-your-retirement-savings) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [Investing Through Superannuation: Boost Your Retirement Savings](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/investing-through-superannuation-boost-your-retirement-savings) ![Ashlee Duffy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/AO.jpg) [Ashlee Duffy](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/ashlee-duffy) 11 August 2026 For many Australians, superannuation is one of their largest long-term investments. While most people understand that employers contribute to their... 9 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/investing-through-superannuation-boost-your-retirement-savings) [![How Do I Know When to Sell?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Do%20I%20Know%20When%20to%20Sell.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=How%20Do%20I%20Know%20When%20to%20Sell.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-do-i-know-when-to-sell) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour) ##### [How Do I Know When to Sell?](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-do-i-know-when-to-sell) ![Erin Coyle](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20EC.jpg) [Erin Coyle](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/erin-coyle) 3 August 2026 As advisers, one of the most common questions we discuss with our clients is not *"should I buy?"* — it’s *"should I sell?"* Selling assets can feel... 8 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-do-i-know-when-to-sell) [![How emotions impact investing: The importance of being a disciplined investor](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Emotions%20Impact%20Investing%20The%20importance%20of%20being%20a%20disciplined%20investor.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=How%20Emotions%20Impact%20Investing%20The%20importance%20of%20being%20a%20disciplined%20investor.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-emotions-impact-investing-the-importance-of-being-a-disciplined-investor) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investing](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investing) ##### [How emotions impact investing: The importance of being a disciplined investor](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-emotions-impact-investing-the-importance-of-being-a-disciplined-investor) ![Christopher Gilmour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20CG.jpg) [Christopher Gilmour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/christopher-gilmour) 5 June 2026 Investing is often described as a numbers game, but in reality, it’s just as much about psychology as it is about maths. Markets move on data;... 9 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/how-emotions-impact-investing-the-importance-of-being-a-disciplined-investor) [![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) [![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) [![Investing for beginners: key things to consider before you invest](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Investing%20for%20beginners%20key%20things%20to%20consider%20before%20you%20invest.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Investing%20for%20beginners%20key%20things%20to%20consider%20before%20you%20invest.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/investing-for-beginners-key-things-to-consider-before-you-invest) [Basics](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics), [Investor Behaviour](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/investor-behaviour) ##### [Investing for beginners: key things to consider before you invest](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/investing-for-beginners-key-things-to-consider-before-you-invest) ![Erin Coyle](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20EC.jpg) [Erin Coyle](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/erin-coyle) 10 April 2026 Investing is often described as a way to *make your money work harder*. And while that can absolutely be true, investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all... 11 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/investing-for-beginners-key-things-to-consider-before-you-invest) [![Choosing Investment Options: How to Split Your Investments for Success](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Choosing%20investments.png?width=400&upsize=true&name=Choosing%20investments.png)](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/choosing-investments) [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) ##### [Choosing Investment Options: How to Split Your Investments for Success](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/choosing-investments) ![David Price](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/hubfs/Staff%20Photo%20-%20DP.jpg) [David Price](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/author/david-price) 18 March 2026 Ever wondered how to invest your money without losing sleep at night? You’re not alone. While investing seems complicated, it does not have to be.... 8 minutes read [Read More](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/choosing-investments) [1](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog) [2](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics/page/2) [3](https://www.strategyfirst.com.au/blog/tag/basics/page/3) *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/)