We'e got the latest data on consumer prices. So what's going up and what's coming down? And how does all this play into the September RBA interest rate decision. It's a big month - it's the last time Governor Philip Lowe will be in charge before he hands over the top job to Michele Bullock. We take a look at what she's likely to focus on and just how big the job ahead is. On the list: inflation, implementing changes from the RBA Review and climate change to name a few. We've packed a lot into 16...
Sep 03, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 28
The latest Intergenerational Report is out. It's a large document released by Treasury which projects the outlook of the economy and the Australian Government's budget. The 2023 report looks ahead to 2062-63. This episode goes through the key takeaways (your tax future, your superannuation future, your working future, your old age future, your climate change future) and the predicted impacts on the lives of Australians in the decades to come. Some of the scenarios are 'big, dark and scary'. So w...
Aug 27, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 27
There's been a slight increase in the number of unemployed people (36,000 people) but there's also slight positive. Putting up interest rates while unemployment is worsening, is unlikely to sit right with the Reserve Bank. The economists this episode explain why. We also examine the latest average weekly earnings. They're on the rise. So which state is performing best? Which job? And women are ticking ahead - we reveal why. With jobs and earnings data now to consider - we explain what's likely t...
Aug 20, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 26
The August RBA rates decision, the latest lending data and the Australians working multiple jobs to make ends meet - there's a lot to unpack in this episode of Making Money Easy. Find out why one of my economists thinks the RBA is now finished with hiking interest rates. We reveal one of the biggest surprises in the economy this year and what economists have got wrong. It's a good, deep and meaningful chin-wag, complete with multiple laughs. Barrenjoey Chief Economist Jo Masters and Bank of Quee...
Aug 06, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 25
There are a lot of lags in the economy right now. The cost of a bag of chips is a good example. The impact of multiple RBA rate hikes on mortgage holders now coming off fixed rates is another. Some of the lags are really hurting. This episode we explore the impact of lags, and whether the RBA will take any of them into account when it makes its August interest rate decision. While some economists think it's a flip of the coin, they are agreed we're not far from the top of the hiking cycle. Analy...
Jul 29, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 24
The number of new jobs that popped into the Australian economy in June was a surprise. One of our economists this episode has even described the result as 'stellar'. So the big question - will all these extra jobs and the money they deliver consumers, help or fuel inflation? We take a look. We also reveal WHO will lead the Reserve Bank going forward. What are her views on interest rates and inflation? How will the RBA look different? What is the job ahead? Plus - intel on when the next rate rise...
Jul 22, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 23
So the Reserve Bank is taking an opportunity to get some more economic information - thank goodness says mortgage holders who are really starting to feel the results of 12 interest rate hikes since May 2022. The official cash rate remained ON HOLD for July but don't relax just yet. Find out why a rate hike is likely in August. We've got some shock housing figures, the latest on lending in Australia, an update on 'asking rents' and a great discussion on how childcare HELPS the economy - topical c...
Jul 09, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 22
There's been a bit of a win - consumers are tightening their belts. The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 5.6 per cent in the 12 months to May 2023. According to the Bureau of Statistics - that's the smallest increase since April last year. This episode the experts tackle the big question - is inflation going down fast enough to satisfy the Reserve Bank. And it's a crucial one to answer with the July RBA board meeting upon us. And happy new financial year. There's a key change ab...
Jul 02, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 21
There's a sector shedding jobs in Australia right now, so what can it tell us about the economy and whether things are starting to turn in the labour market. This episode we look at how to use the data to see what's around the corner. The Reserve Bank will be looking too. We can also tell you what the RBA was, and wasn't saying, around the board room table when it decided to hike interest rates in June. Plus the impacts of state budgets and why it could make the RBA's job a little harder. There'...
Jun 25, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 20
A central bank has decided to keep interest rates on hold - what does it mean for Australia and will it inspire the Reserve Bank to follow suit? One of our neighbours is in recession. We explore the impacts here, if Australia is on the path to the same thing and if a recession can help inflation. There are a lot of things at play right now in the economy - including a strong labour market - and boy is it complicated. This episode will help you understand what's going on. Plus we've got details o...
Jun 18, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Interest rates has been hiked again. This episode we take a look at the unevenness of the Reserve Bank's main tool to curb high inflation. How are mortgage holders coping and why the RBA is pushing ahead with short term pain, for long term gain. We explain another way to tackle inflation that's NOT interest rates, explain why house prices are rising in the face of rising rates, and why a slowing economy is a good news story. Plus - learn something new: we explain unit labour costs. Who cares you...
Jun 11, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 18
The monthly inflation figures are out. We pick apart the story behind the high prices, who's doing what and why my economists don't think inflation expectations are out of hand in Australia. Plus - revenge spending - what's that and why is it happening right now. We take a look at the impact of the latest economic data on the pending June Reserve Bank Board meeting - HINT - a risk of another rate rise is HIGH. And can you become more productive? The RBA Governor has been talking about wage rises...
Jun 04, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Cost of living is front and centre right now so here's an episode to help you discover how to bust some bills. Have you noticed increases in your phone plan? How about home and car insurance premiums? Energy bills are an obvious one. We take you through the benefits of comparison websites, the pros and cons of bundling. and tips on how to work out if you're getting a bad deal. Plus, have you looked at what energy rebates you might qualify for? One state is paying its households $250 just for vis...
May 21, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 16
So the dust has settled since Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the May Budget. Making Money Easy thinks this is the best time for a bit of in-depth analysis of what's in it and its impact. This episode's economists explain what they like about it, where the Treasurer could have gone further and the impact of this economic plan on inflation. Plus - how did we get a surplus? Does it really matter? Is it a one-off? You won't find any winners and losers analysis here - instead the experts ...
May 14, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 15
There's been a shock move - and it's not Gillian on the dancefloor. The Reserve Bank Board decided to lift rates at its May meeting despite many an economist forecasting a pause. So what's going on - this episode we explain the thinking from the RBA and the impact of the rate hike. Plus, the other big economic 'thing' on the horizon - the Federal Budget. What can we expect and what are economists looking for. Superannuation changes, welfare support and the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)* are...
May 07, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 14
So there's been a slowing down in the rate of inflation but don't go celebrating in the streets just yet - the cost of living is still intense. This episode takes you through how consumers are still being impacted despite signs of improvement. From rents, electricity and medical services to those spending up big on domestic travel and accommodation - we explain the wealth inequality in parts of the Australian economy. Plus the May interest rate decision is pending - what's coming your way this m...
Apr 30, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 13
A major shake-up is coming for the Reserve Bank of Australia after its first review in decades. The episode picks apart the 51 recommendations and explains how they impact YOU. When all the changes are rolled out - the RBA should be more transparent when it comes to decision making, have less meetings and even regular news conferences to explain what's what. We also answer the critical question - if there are less interest rate meetings, will your personal bank move on its own when it comes to r...
Apr 23, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 12
There are some key economies forecast to go into recession - what will be the impact on Australia. Unemployment remains near record lows - so that's a plus, for now. And women are participating in the workforce like never before. So what's the story with household income and its struggle to cover high inflation, as well as rising interest rates and taxes. Another thing is on the rise - the number of international students returning Down Under. What does this mean for the housing market? And on h...
Apr 16, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 11
So after 10 months of interest rates hikes - the Reserve Bank has decided to PAUSE. Find out the impact for the economy, consumers, renters and mortgage holders. One of our experts this episode worked at the RBA - find out why he thinks it's now suffering from 'confusion-driven paralysis'. Plus we reveal the economy crystal ball - did you know it's possible to see the future, find out where to look. And we examine the housing situation (shortages, prices, construction) in Australia. Hear why one...
Apr 09, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 10
If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My economists this week reveal why they're forecasting a pause. But keep listening to find out how long that pause will last. Job vacancies are also out and worth analysising. And we've got a rare 20 year snapshot from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Per...
Apr 02, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 9
A huge amount of fixed rate mortages are about to expire - almost a million this year alone. There's also a tussle underway as the banks compete for customers looking for the best refinancing deal. This episode we take a look at the impact on mortgage holders - from those on fixed rates, to those locked in 'mortgage prison', to those on variable loans facing into at least 10 interest rate hikes in a row. We analyse the rates on offer at the moment, what a 'good deal' looks like (and how to haggl...
Mar 26, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Did you get a whiff of some banks overseas being in trouble and then see sharemarkets react? This episode explains what's going on and why investors get jittery. Plus, what does it mean for Australia's banks and economy. We take a look at the nation's productivity and why it's on the agenda. Is it possible to work any harder, what's getting in the way of being more productive and what happens if we don't. Plus, the February unemployment figure is out - it's back at a record low, so will that mea...
Mar 19, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Did you think when the Reserve Bank started lifting rates in May last year - we'd have 10 in a row? This episode of Making Money Easy dives into the March hike, how economists feel about the multiple lifts and what did the the RBA Governor mean exactly when he said 'we are closer to the point where it will be appropriate to pause interest rate increases to allow more time to assess the state of the economy.' We dive into data from Australia's biggest bank to see how customers are doing and find ...
Mar 12, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 6
The March Reserve Bank Board meeting is upon us - so what economic data is going to be KEY to its decision on interest rates? This episode examines what's at play, from economic growth and retail spending to household savings, building approvals and monthly CPI. It's a passionate discussion as we get 'deep and meaningful' about the economy and why people are still spending. Plus we ask, and try to answer, if we've managed to 'build back better' post COVID. Whatever happens - the economy is at a ...
Mar 05, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Plenty of big companies have released their company's results in the past 7 days, giving a useful insight into the behaviour of consumers. From the big supermarkets, to takeaway chains and airlines - what are we up to when it comes to spending? And how does that impact inflation and future rate rises? Plus, want to know what's going on with your wage and earnings? We've got that data too. And we explain why your wage not keeping up with the surging cost of living right now, is a positive. We tak...
Feb 26, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Find out what a slight rise in the unemployment rate means for the Australian economy and why this episode's economists aren't too worried about a significant deterioration. We've got the latest data on international visitors Down Under and how it'll help small businesses and companies looking for workers. The PAIN coming for renters and why we can't forget about them in the interest rates/inflation discussion. Find out whether mortgagees are falling behind on minimum repayments and an update on...
Feb 19, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Nine months in a row of interest rate hikes. We've got the lowdown on why the Reserve Bank isn't shying away from making plenty of households uncomfortable while it tries to bring down high inflation. We explain why the RBA is ok with that, and where to look to see if the multiple rate rises (and the upcoming ones) are working. Plus, there's an update on unemployment on Thursday. The labour market is really tight - how will what happens impact the next RBA decision. We dive into what would be th...
Feb 12, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The RBA is about to have its first meeting of 2023. This episode of Making Money Easy uses the latest economic data to explain what will happen on Tuesday and how it'll be felt by households, consumers and businesses. Plus, find out where the economists expect interest rates to be by the middle of the year. Also, did you know the price of 76% of your day to day goods are moving up too quickly - hear what that means for YOU, what relief is ahead, and why there are signs inflation may have peaked....
Feb 05, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 1
This may be the last episode of Making Money Easy for the 2022 but there's still plenty of economic data to pick apart. The latest unemployment figures, what older workers are up to, Australia's latest population figures and the Federal Government's plan to keep energy prices lower. Plus we reveal the states where the most people are moving to, and why you need to keep your eyes wide open in 2023. Also the topic on everyone's minds - what will the Reserve Bank do with all this data at its first ...
Dec 18, 2022•25 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Yes we pick apart the latest interest rates decision by the Reserve Bank but as we wrap up the year ...what's over the horizon in 2023? My economists in this episode of Making Money Easy have an idea. Plus what's going on with the savings buffers of Australian households - we've got the latest data. We reveal if the economy is growing or not. And what's going on with the price of coal? How is it helping the Federal Budget's bottom line and how long will it last as we transition to net zero. Ther...
Dec 11, 2022•24 min•Season 2Ep. 48
