In an episode of My Risk Adviser, Phil Thompson sits down with Paul Milbourne to unpack his journey—why he left the safety of a large firm, how he’s building partnerships, acquiring the right books of clients, and his take on what it means to grow a modern advice business.

You know what’s more confusing than trying to pick a health fund? Trying to understand insurance policies. Especially when the fine print makes your brain melt. 

We get it. The DIY route feels quicker, cheaper, easier. But spoiler alert: insurance through an adviser isn’t just for the rich and overly cautious. It’s actually the smarter, safer, and in many cases—cheaper—way to go. 

If you’re living or working in Victoria, you might’ve heard that the rules for WorkCover mental health claims changed in March 2024. Whether you’re an employee wondering if you’re eligible, an employer trying to support your team, or an adviser helping clients through the process—it’s important to know how these updates work. 

A life insurance payout can be a huge financial relief during one of life’s toughest moments. But it can also feel overwhelming—one minute, you're grieving, the next, you're expected to make big financial decisions. 

Life insurance is one of those things that’s easy to put off—until you need it. And by then? Too late. But how much is too much life insurance? And how little is too little? 

A common concern many Australians have is: “Will I lose my life insurance if I change super funds?”

Good news—you can switch super funds while keeping your life insurance intact. The process is straightforward when set up correctly, allowing you to maintain financial protection without being tied to a single fund.

As an Australian living overseas, you may have secured a new job, embraced a different culture, or simply chased new opportunities—but one thing you shouldn’t leave behind is financial security. Many expats assume that they won’t be able to take out a new cover while living abroad, but that’s not always the case. The good news? Getting covered as an Australian expatriate is possible, but it comes with specific eligibility criteria, limitations, and benefits that you need to understand. 

The festive season often brings joy, but let’s face it—it can also leave your wallet feeling like it’s gone a few rounds in the ring. As the holiday cheer fades and we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to take a good, hard look at your finances. Between gifts, celebrations, and those last-minute New Year getaways, your budget might be begging for mercy. But here’s the silver lining: working with an adviser can help you save money in unexpected ways, especially when it comes to life insurance. 

Forget the tired stereotype about millennials blowing their savings on smashed avo and overpriced lattes. The truth? Millennials are smart about money. Nearly 68% of millennials budget, 44% are saving for a house deposit, and younger Aussies are slashing their spending to combat rising costs of living. Now have you stopped to consider how life insurance might help?

Let’s be honest, we’ve all gone the extra mile for that perfect selfie—perched on the edge of a lookout, posing next to some “friendly” wildlife, or leaning a little too far over a waterfall. It’s all fun and games until you realise the risks, not just to your life but also to your life insurance. 

Getting into insurance can feel like stepping into a maze of confusing terms and choices. If you're in your 20s or 30s, you might be asking yourself, "Do I really need this?" or "Where do I even start?"

Australia’s life insurance industry is getting a makeover when it comes to premium labels. If you've been paying attention to your life insurance policy terms, you might have noticed words like "Stepped" and "Level" popping up. By December 31, 2024, these labels are being redefined for new retail policies, and here’s why it matters for you. 

Breakups are tough enough without thinking about your insurance. But if you’re going through a divorce or separation, reviewing your life insurance and other policies isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Changes to your personal life mean your financial protection needs to keep up. 

Whether it’s a high-speed dive into the ocean or a rock climb with no safety gear, the thrill is undeniable. But have you ever thought about how these activities impact your life insurance? Spoiler: they might. 

We’ve all Googled things like “Do I really need life insurance?” or “How much does it actually cost?” Whether you’re thinking about protecting your family, covering your mortgage, or just want some peace of mind, we’ve got you covered. 

To help you out, here are answers to 7 life insurance questions that Australians search for the most. Let’s get into it. 

Let’s be real. We all know our lifestyle affects our health, but did you know it also affects your life insurance premiums? Yep, the choices you make daily—what you eat, how much you exercise, and even your hobbies—can impact how much you pay for life insurance. Here’s how. 

Did you know you can tweak your life insurance as your life evolves? Whether you’re getting hitched, having kids, or planning for retirement, your insurance should grow and change with you.

Life insurance is like that safety net you hope you never need but are glad to have when life throws a curveball. It’s all about giving you and your loved ones some peace of mind in the face of the unexpected. You might worry about whether your claim will pay out when you need it most. Good news: According to moneysmart.gov.au, 97.4% of life insurance claims purchased through a financial adviser are accepted.

Life insurance is all about providing that financial cushion for you and your loved ones during the toughest times, but there’s a big question: will you or your beneficiaries need to pay tax on those life insurance payouts? It’s an important aspect of financial planning. If you pass away or can’t work, your benefit payment could be a lifeline. Whether your benefit will be taxed varies depending on the insurance type and circumstances. Let’s break it down.

Did you know there's about $1.5 billion in lost shares, bank accounts, and unclaimed life insurance policies floating around in Australia? Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you make sure your life insurance doesn't get added to that pile?