FREE NEWSLETTER
Greg is a proud husband and father of two young women, all living in Victoria, Australia. He has a long history of playing local cricket (poorly) and being involved in the volunteer effort required to run several cricket clubs. He also heads up the local chapter of Tough Guy Book Club, a great global organisation that aims to get men to read more, talk more and have more friends. Formerly a mechanical engineer working in the industrial sector, he has more recently opted for a slightly slower pace of life, managing automotive and small engine workshops.
Comments
Thanks Andrew for another wonderful piece. I think this highlights a lifelong struggle. We recognise that money is important - it buys food, shelter, healthcare, education. And often some extra money buys some luxuries or freedoms that enhance our lives. But it can be terribly difficult to know where the balance lies, and when to stop the chase for a few more dollars and focus on other vital aspects of our lives. I certainly don't have that answer.
Post: What Remains: Money and Me
Link to comment from June 10, 2026
We would all love to say that our financial plan recognises that markets can be flat or down over five year periods. And that we are emotionally ready for that situation. But, yeah, it would still be a downer. As someone still working, I wonder if I might end up working a little longer, even if the maths shows that I should, just because of the worry caused by down markets.
Post: Would You Be Miserable?
Link to comment from June 8, 2026
We are currently revising our wills to a very similar structure. Some funds will be distributed initially, but after that it will be a yearly distribution. We really struggled with how to best set this all up. We're still not sure, but I think it's somewhere around the right mark.
Post: Time to share our financial info with children?
Link to comment from June 7, 2026
Mike, so far, so good. Maybe they realise that I'm just not worth marketing to!
Post: The thief of joy
Link to comment from June 7, 2026
I think that envy has probably always been a human "glitch", but the internet allows us to compare ourselves against the whole world, not just our local neighbourhood.
Post: The thief of joy
Link to comment from June 7, 2026
Dan, agreed. Fortunately for me this was one instance that I could rationalise my way past pretty quickly. But for many, seeing the best moments of other people's lives carefully curated on social media is clearly a challenge.
Post: The thief of joy
Link to comment from June 7, 2026
Gary, I agree wholeheartedly that each family must find it's own way on this issue. My parents are both in the late seventies, I know nothing of their finances other than the fact that they are comfortable. And that's ok by me.
Post: Time to share our financial info with children?
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
We have two daughters, one with some intellectual disabilities and poor money management skills. Knowing that a sum of money would come to her one day would lead to either (1) never saving a single cent, knowing that one day money would just land in her lap, and/or (2) insisting that the funds be handed over now! I like the principle of being open about your finances with your kids, but I think there can be some circumstances where it's counterproductive. For now we provide relatively small, ongoing support to both daughters and ensure our wills and all our financial affairs are in good shape and easy to navigate. This will probably change over time, but it feels right for now.
Post: Time to share our financial info with children?
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
Thanks Mark. I go to Parkrun on Saturday mornings. I need to remind myself that it's ok be running about the same times as the 50-something guys, not comparing myself to the 20-something guys. And anyone getting of the couch and going to Parkun is already ahead of Average Joe.
Post: The thief of joy
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
They got my email address, and no doubt I will get some marketing material. But I'll unsubscribe or block when they do. Yep, not much interest in Instagram for me.
Post: The thief of joy
Link to comment from June 6, 2026