Client notes from recent planning sessions
A selection of notes from people who applied the frameworks in our articles to their own portfolios, budgets, and retirement plans.
I read the retirement income article while deciding how to structure withdrawals from my superannuation. The comparison of fixed-dollar versus percentage-based drawdowns helped me settle on a hybrid approach. I now take a fixed amount adjusted annually for inflation, which gives me predictable cash flow without draining the portfolio too fast.
The ETF versus mutual fund guide clarified the tax implications I had not considered. After comparing expense ratios and trading flexibility, I moved a portion of my holdings into a broad-market ETF. The process took about three weeks, and the ongoing fees are noticeably lower than what I paid before.
I had been reinvesting dividends without a clear goal. The article on building a retirement income stream made me think about which stocks actually grow their payouts over time. I now track dividend growth rates and reinvest selectively rather than automatically, which has changed how I evaluate new positions.
After a period of market volatility, I was tempted to pause my monthly contributions. The dollar-cost averaging piece gave me the context to stay consistent. I kept investing the same amount each month, and by the end of the year my average cost per unit was lower than the market average over that period.
The cost comparison table in the ETF guide was straightforward to follow. I used it to compare three providers offering similar index funds. The difference in management fees added up to a meaningful amount over a ten-year projection, so I switched to the lower-cost option for my core holdings.
Precise wording matters in financial education. These notes explain how terms are used across Finwise so nothing is misread or overstated.
Passive income refers to money received with limited ongoing effort after the initial setup. Dividend payments, interest from bonds, and rental income are common examples. We do not describe passive income as effortless or risk-free. Every source carries its own tax treatment, volatility, and management requirements, and we explain those trade-offs in the relevant articles.
Risk is the possibility that an investment loses value or underperforms expectations. We distinguish between market risk, inflation risk, interest-rate risk, and liquidity risk. When a guide mentions a "higher-risk" asset, it refers to greater price fluctuation or a higher chance of loss, not a guarantee of higher returns. Our definitions follow standard financial terminology used by regulators and academic sources.
Inflation protection describes assets or strategies that aim to preserve purchasing power over time. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, certain real estate holdings, and equities with pricing power are examples. We do not claim that any single asset fully shields a portfolio from inflation. Instead, we explain how different holdings respond to rising prices and how diversification can help manage that exposure.
No. Finwise does not guarantee returns, yields, or performance on any investment. Historical figures are presented as past data, not as predictions. Any mention of average returns includes the caveat that markets fluctuate and individual results vary. If a page appears to promise a specific outcome, it is a mistake, and we ask readers to contact us so we can correct it.
Educational content explains concepts, compares options, and describes how financial products work. Advice is a personalized recommendation based on an individual's circumstances. Finwise publishes educational material only. We do not assess your personal situation or tell you what to buy or sell. For tailored guidance, we encourage readers to consult a licensed financial adviser who can review their specific goals and constraints.
Finwise is referenced by a network of fee-only planners, university extension programs, and retirement plan administrators who use our plain-language guides in their client education materials. These are working relationships, not endorsements for hire.