Financial Planning

By Luke Volker, Partner and Senior Financial Advisor, Scone

I’ve been riding market rollercoasters since the GFC in 2008, the COVID crash in 2020, and now this messy 2025 stretch. Right now, as of 10 November 2025, the ASX 200 has dipped below 8,200 after hitting 8,900 in late October, iron ore’s cratered another 12% in the last fortnight, the RBA’s still glued at 3.60% with inflation ticking up to 3.2%, Trump 2.0 tariffs are hammering global sentiment, and gold—everyone’s “safe haven”—has fallen 8% from its September peak above US$2,800 to around US$2,580.

If your stomach drops every time you open your Super/Investment app, this article is your seatbelt. And if you’re a brand-new investor who just jumped in at the highs—you’re not alone, and you’re not screwed, know that markets do not move in a straight line, that “loss” is on paper only, you haven’t sold, and these market dips also create opportunity. Here a few tips to help you navigate this period of volatility.

1. First, stop looking at the market every day

Studies from Vanguard show investors who check their portfolio daily underperform those who check annually by 1.5% a year. My rule: log in once a month

2. Understand what’s actually happening right now

• ASX 200: down 7.8% from October peak, resources smashed (BHP -19%, Rio -21%)
• Gold: US$2,583/oz spot, down 8% in six weeks as real yields spike
• US S&P 500: still +21% YTD despite Friday’s 2.4% drop on tariff fears
• China demand collapse → iron ore $88/tonne → Fortescue -28%
• Bond yields jumping → banks wobbling
• AUD smashed to US$0.638

3. The only three things that actually matter in volatility

• Your time horizon: If you need the money in <5 years → you shouldn’t be heavily invested in shares or gold. If it’s 10+ years → every single crash in history has been a buying opportunity. This dip is noise.
• Ensure your asset allocation is in line with your risk profile.
• Ensure your portfolio is regularly rebalanced.

4. The emotional traps I see every single crash (especially from new investors)

• “I just got in, I’m pulling out until it recovers” → If you do this, you are converting your paper loss into an actual loss
• “Gold was supposed to protect me!” → It does—over decades. Not weeks.
• “My mate sold everything last week” → Your mate will likely miss the re-entry waiting for the ‘bottom’ and will likely end up buying back higher.
• Checking every day → Panic sell at the exact worst moment.

5. The historical truth

Since 1980, the ASX 200 has had 12 corrections >10%. Average decline: –22%. Average recovery time: 13 months. Every. Single. One. Recovered. Gold? Six major drawdowns >20% since 2000. All recovered.

Volatility isn’t the enemy. Panic is.

I’ve watched the market crash a few times now. Every client who followed the plan—and stayed invested—retired richer. Every new investor who jumped in at the top and stuck around? They’re the ones with the best stories (and fattest balances).

The market will do what it does. Your job is to do nothing—intelligently.

Stick to the plan.

We’ve seen this movie before, and spoiler alert: the good guys—and the patient investors—always win.

To find out more, contact Brooks and Partners for expert financial advice.

This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is suitable for you and your personal circumstances. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided and the nature of the relevant financial product having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

By Luke Volker, Partner and Senior Financial Advisor, Scone

As we begin the 2025-26 financial year, it’s an ideal time to pause, reset, and ensure your financial plan is aligned with your goals and the current economic climate. Whether you’re building wealth, preparing for retirement, or simply aiming to feel more in control of your finances, now is the time to take stock. Here are five core areas to focus on for effective financial strategies for FY26.

1. Review Your Budget and Cash Flow

A clear, realistic budget is the bedrock of good financial management. Use this time to review your income and expenses from the past year. Are your spending habits still aligned with your values and goals? Have new costs emerged — such as education, childcare, or rising living expenses?

Now is also a good time to reset savings targets, ensure you’re not overcommitted on fixed costs, and determine if you can divert surplus income into wealth-building strategies. Mastering your cash flow is essential for all your financial planning.

2. Reassess Your Financial Goals

Life changes quickly – and your financial goals should evolve too. Whether it’s buying a home, funding your children’s education, growing your investment portfolio, or preparing for early retirement, these milestones deserve fresh attention.

The start of the financial year is the perfect time to refocus: are your short- and long-term goals still relevant? Are your current financial habits bringing you closer to them? If not, this is the time to pivot your financial strategies.

3. Maximise Tax Opportunities

A new financial year means a fresh opportunity to structure your income and deductions tax-effectively. This is a key part of smart financial advice. This could include:

• Pre-tax super contributions (e.g., salary sacrificing)
• Spouse contributions or co-contributions
• Offsetting investment property expenses
• Structuring family trust distributions
• Considering capital gains tax implications of asset sales

Being proactive now – not in May or June 2026 – means more time to benefit from these strategies throughout the year.

4. Evaluate Your Superannuation, Insurance and Investments

Most Australians only look at their superannuation balance once a year, but regular review is key. Make sure your super fund’s performance, fees, and investment mix still suit your stage of life and retirement plans.

The same goes for personal insurance. Have your circumstances changed – marriage, kids, mortgage, or income growth? Now is the time to review cover levels across income protection, life, TPD, and trauma policies. Don’t forget to assess how your other investments (shares, property, managed funds) are performing – and whether they still align with your risk profile. This comprehensive review is vital for sound financial planning

5. Develop a Debt Management Strategy

With rates having peaked and some early signs of easing in the second half of 2025, now is a good time to review your loan structures. If you carry mortgage or personal debt, ask:

• Are my interest rates still competitive?
• Am I using offset or redraw features effectively?
• Could I be consolidating high-interest debt?
• Do I have a plan to clear short-term debt while continuing to build long-term wealth?

The financial year reset is a great opportunity to renegotiate or refinance while lenders are competing for business. This proactive approach is part of effective financial advice.

Our In-House View: Luke Volker’s Take

What we’re seeing at the start of FY26 is a real hunger from clients to simplify, stabilise, and grow. Cash flow awareness is coming back into focus as the cost of living bites, but there’s also a strong appetite to invest – especially through super or diversified portfolios. These five areas are where we’re spending the most time with clients: tightening the foundations while also positioning for long-term wealth creation. The best results come when people start early, not reactively during tax time.

Final Thought

Starting FY26 with clarity and intention can make a meaningful difference over the next 12 months. Whether you’re aiming to build, protect, or pass on wealth, now is the time to check in, realign, and take control.

If you’d like support to map out your FY26 financial strategy, we’re here to help. Contact Brooks and Partners for expert financial advice.