Financial advice is about more than just investments and returns—it’s about trust. And one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of that trust is how you pay for your financial advice. It’s a conversation that affects every investor, expat, and retiree, regardless of where they are in the world.

Broadly speaking, financial advisers are compensated in one of two ways: commissions or fees. Both have their place in the industry, but each model carries different implications for the advice you receive. Understanding these distinctions can help you make more informed choices about your financial future.

The commission-based model: convenience, but at what cost?
Commission-based advice is the traditional model in many parts of the world. Here, advisers earn their income from the products they sell—whether it’s an investment fund, insurance policy, or pension plan. On the surface, this can seem appealing because clients don’t see an upfront bill for advice. However, this structure can create a conflict of interest: the adviser is compensated for selling certain products, not necessarily for providing holistic financial guidance.

That doesn’t mean all commission-based advisers are pushing inappropriate products. Many act with integrity and work in their clients’ best interests. However, the system itself can introduce incentives that may not always align with what’s best for the investor. For instance, products with higher commissions—often complex, long-term investments—may be recommended over simpler, lower-cost solutions that would better serve the client.

The fee-based model: paying for planning, not products
Fee-based financial planning operates differently. Instead of commissions, clients pay directly for the advice they receive—whether it’s a one-time financial plan, ongoing investment management, or strategic tax planning. This model helps remove conflicts of interest because the adviser’s compensation isn’t tied to selling specific financial products.

For those who value transparency, objectivity, and a structured financial plan that isn’t influenced by sales commissions, a fee-based adviser can offer peace of mind. This approach is particularly valuable for expatriates and high-income professionals, who often require bespoke financial strategies that go beyond standard investment products.

So, which is better?
There’s no single right answer—it depends on your financial needs, the level of service you require, and how comfortable you are with different fee structures. Some investors prefer commission-based advice because it allows them to access financial products without paying out of pocket. Others see the value in a fee-based relationship, where advice is independent of product recommendations.

Ultimately, what matters most is transparency. Whether you work with a commission-based or fee-based adviser, the key question to ask is: How is my adviser being compensated, and how does that influence the advice I receive?

The right adviser, regardless of compensation model, will help you navigate financial decisions with clarity and confidence—because at the end of the day, it’s not about how they get paid, but whether their guidance is truly working for you.

No one stumbles into wealth by accident. Even those who win the lottery often find themselves broke again within a few years. It’s also not about trying to cut back on your take-out coffee.

Financial success isn’t about luck, and it’s not about making one perfect decision that changes everything. It’s about consistent, intentional choices that build toward a future you actually want.

Being intentional with your money doesn’t mean obsessing over every transaction or living under the weight of rigid financial rules. It means making choices with purpose. It’s the difference between hoping things will work out and knowing you’re taking steps to make them work.

Take your daily coffee, for example. Some financial advice would tell you to cut it out entirely—skip the treat, save the money, and invest it instead. But that’s missing the point. For many people, that morning coffee isn’t just caffeine—it’s a ritual, a moment of self-care, a pause before the day begins. If it adds real value to your life, then it’s not a careless expense. It’s an intentional one. The key is not whether you buy the coffee—it’s whether you thought about it and decided it was worth it.

That same principle applies to every aspect of financial success. The financially secure people you admire don’t get there by blindly following rules or depriving themselves of joy. Their success isn’t magic—it’s a result of small, deliberate habits that compound over time. Saving before spending. Investing consistently, not just when the market is up or down. Avoiding debt traps, not because they have to, but because they understand the freedom that comes with financial control.

Intentionality also means defining what financial success actually looks like for you. Too often, we absorb someone else’s definition—whether it’s a certain net worth, a big house, or early retirement. But true financial success is about aligning your money with your values. What kind of life do you want to create? What do you want your money to do for you?

It’s easy to drift through life, letting circumstances dictate your financial decisions. But being intentional means making proactive choices that keep you moving in the right direction. It means having a plan—one that’s flexible, realistic, and designed for your goals.

Because, in the end, financial security isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build. Step by step, choice by choice, with intention. So go ahead—buy the coffee if it matters to you. Just make sure that the same intentionality guides all your financial decisions, from the little moments to the big ones.

Raising financially responsible children who may one day become the next “Millionaire Next Door” is less about complex financial strategies and more about small, intentional lessons woven into everyday life.

It starts with recognising that children learn more from what we do than what we say. If we want them to grow into thoughtful stewards of their wealth, we must first model responsible behaviour ourselves. Showing them how we save, budget, and make spending decisions is far more impactful than a lecture. Whether it’s choosing to cut back on dining out to save for a family vacation or deciding against an impulse purchase, these actions demonstrate the value of patience, planning, and thoughtful decision-making.

Helping children understand the value of money is another foundational step. This often begins with teaching them how to earn their own money. Whether it’s through age-appropriate chores, a part-time job, or even a small entrepreneurial venture, earning money helps them appreciate the effort that goes into building wealth. Once they’ve earned it, guiding them on how to manage it can be just as impactful. Encouraging them to divide their earnings into categories like spending, saving, and giving introduces them to the idea of balance, a concept that will serve them well throughout life.

One of the most important lessons we can teach children is the power of delayed gratification. In today’s world of instant rewards, this skill can set them apart. Helping kids set small savings goals, like saving for a desired toy or gadget, is a tangible way to instil this value. Watching their savings grow and eventually achieve their goal not only builds their patience but also gives them a sense of pride and ownership that far outweighs the fleeting joy of instant purchases.

Money, despite its importance, is often a taboo topic in families. Breaking this silence by having open, age-appropriate conversations about money can make all the difference. Sharing how financial decisions are made, discussing budgeting for everyday expenses, and even talking about past mistakes can provide invaluable lessons. These conversations don’t have to be formal; they can arise naturally, such as while planning for a family trip or reviewing expenses together. The goal is to create a space where children feel comfortable asking questions and learning about finances in a real-world context.

These lessons don’t have to be monumental. Even small, everyday decisions can have a lasting impact. Inviting your child to help plan a grocery budget or discussing how to save for an outing are easy ways to start embedding these principles.

Over time, these small steps create a foundation that not only helps children understand the mechanics of money but also cultivates the confidence to make thoughtful, intentional financial decisions.

Raising the next millionaires is less about wealth itself and more about instilling values like balance, discipline, and intentionality. It’s about helping children understand that money is a tool, not an end goal, and that thoughtful financial habits can lead to both security and fulfilment.

By leading by example and embracing these small teaching moments, we give our children the opportunity to build not just wealth, but a meaningful life. In doing so, we empower them to create their own version of financial success, rooted in the lessons we’ve shared and the values we’ve modeled.

When it comes to financial success, many people fall into the trap of waiting for the “perfect moment” to start. “I’ll save when I earn more,” or “I’ll invest when the markets feel safer,” are common refrains. But here’s the thing: there’s rarely a perfect moment. Success isn’t built on monumental leaps; it’s built on the foundation of small, consistent actions.

Tony Robbins often highlights the power of small steps, reminding us that tiny, intentional changes compound over time to create extraordinary results. And nowhere is this more true than in our financial lives. But why do we so often underestimate the power of starting small?

Why small steps matter

Imagine dropping a single coin into a jar every day. On its own, it seems insignificant. But fast forward a year, and that jar holds not just coins but the evidence of daily discipline, commitment, and growth. Small actions have a way of compounding—not just financially, but emotionally too. They build momentum, create habits, and, most importantly, transform the way we think about progress.

This concept is beautifully illustrated by the idea of compound interest. A modest savings habit, started early and sustained consistently, can grow exponentially over time. Yet, it’s not just about savings or investments. Small steps can be as simple as eliminating one unnecessary expense or automating a small amount to transfer into an investment account. Over time, these small actions build a foundation for financial freedom.

Breaking the “All or Nothing” mindset

One of the biggest barriers to starting small is the belief that it’s not enough. That unless we can save a significant amount or make a large financial change, it’s not worth it. But this “all or nothing” mindset is what keeps so many of us stuck.

The numbers speak for themselves. What matters isn’t the size of the step—it’s the consistency with which it’s taken.

Transforming mindset through action

Starting small isn’t just about the numbers; it’s also about the psychology of progress. Each small win—whether it’s sticking to a budget for a week, rounding up your spending to invest the difference, or reducing your subscriptions—tells your brain, “I can do this.” That sense of accomplishment fuels motivation, creating a positive feedback loop that drives even more progress.

These small actions also have a way of influencing how we feel about money. They can shift us from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and control. Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we start seeing what we can do. This mental shift is often the first step toward achieving larger financial goals.

Start Small, Start Today

The beauty of small steps is that you don’t need to wait to start. Reflect on one tiny financial change you could make today. Perhaps it’s rounding up your spending for investments. Maybe it’s setting up an automated transfer to savings. Or it could be as simple as cutting out one small expense that doesn’t add real value to your life.

The key is to begin. Because every small step, taken consistently, leads to a bigger win down the road. Your financial freedom isn’t built on grand gestures or perfect timing—it’s built on the quiet power of small, steady progress.

Why do pessimistic views often sound so convincing? It’s an interesting phenomenon—when someone warns of an impending financial crash, we perk up, nod solemnly, and give their words the weight of wisdom. But when someone speaks of growth, opportunity, or prosperity, it can come across as naive or overly simplistic.

Why is that?

As humans, we are wired to pay attention to potential threats—it’s an ancient survival mechanism. In financial planning, this instinct often plays out as a bias toward pessimism. Warnings of downturns, recessions, and losses feel more urgent and intellectual than optimistic narratives of growth and stability. And while caution has its place, an unchallenged pessimistic mindset can distort our financial decisions and steer us away from opportunities.

Let’s explore how this bias works, why it’s so seductive, and how we can strive for a more balanced perspective when it comes to our financial lives.

Why pessimism sounds smarter

Pessimism appeals to our natural risk aversion. It feels prudent to prepare for the worst, and pessimistic statements often sound more sophisticated because they account for what could go wrong. After all, stories of financial crises like the 2008 meltdown are burned into our collective memory. These narratives resonate deeply, even if the probability of their recurrence remains low in the near term.

But here’s the thing: while a healthy dose of caution is necessary, excessive pessimism leads to paralysis. It convinces us to hoard cash instead of investing. It tells us to avoid risk at all costs, even when opportunities for growth are within reach. It whispers that the system is broken and that any effort to build wealth is futile.

This mindset, though seductive, is ultimately disempowering. It keeps us stuck in fear, disconnected from the opportunities that exist in every market, every economy, and every life stage.

The optimism we miss

By contrast, optimism often gets dismissed as naive or reckless, yet optimism is what drives progress. It’s the belief in growth that propels people to invest, build businesses, and make plans for the future. And while optimism might not grab headlines or spark urgent debates, it holds an essential truth: the long-term trajectory of humanity—and the markets—tends toward growth and innovation.

This is not about blind faith. It’s about evidence. Historically, markets recover from downturns, innovation continues despite setbacks, and life moves forward. Yet, optimism requires patience, and that’s where its magic lies. It’s not a shortcut to success but a commitment to the bigger picture.

Balancing the scales: The power of pragmatism

So, where does this leave us? Should we reject pessimism entirely? Not at all. Pessimism, when tempered with pragmatism, reminds us to manage risks wisely. But a balanced perspective means combining caution with hope, strategy with belief.

When it comes to financial planning, this balance is key. For example:

• Investing: If we let pessimism dominate, we might avoid investing altogether, missing out on the compounding power of long-term growth. A balanced approach is to diversify investments, manage risks, and stay the course even when markets wobble.
• Spending and saving: Pessimism might convince us to save every penny for fear of future disasters. Optimism reminds us that life is also for living. The balance lies in mindful spending—prioritising what truly brings joy and aligns with our values.
• Planning for the future: A pessimist might say, “Why bother planning? Everything is uncertain.” An optimist believes, “I can build something meaningful, even in uncertain times.” The truth lies in crafting a plan that is adaptable, intentional, and rooted in reality.

Adopting a balanced view requires intentional effort. It means questioning the stories we tell ourselves about money, fear, and possibility. It means seeking data to inform decisions rather than relying solely on instinct. Most importantly, it means recognising that optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about believing we can navigate them.

Pessimism might sound smarter, but it’s optimism—and action—that builds wealth, both financially and emotionally.

As you reflect on your financial journey, ask yourself: Where am I letting pessimism hold me back? And where can I invite optimism in? Your financial plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be brave enough to look beyond fear and into the opportunities that await.

Because in the end, it’s not about being an optimist or a pessimist—it’s about being prepared, intentional, and open to the possibility of a brighter future.