The age pension can be a crucial part of the financial mix in retirement, but many retirees aren’t unlocking its full potential. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Andrew Dinsdale-Scanlon from TelstraSuper Financial Planning to run through the financial strategies that could help Australians maximise their age pension entitlements. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Overview on maximising the age pension 01:48 Strategies to reduce assets 03:31 Spousal contri...
Jul 01, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 210
Curious about the latest Consumer Price Index data and its impact on interest rates? Join Money's Michelle Baltazar and Ivan Calhoun, chief economist at Creditor Watch, on our bonus Friends With Money podcast episode. Get the latest on the recent CPI numbers and the upcoming RBA’s rate decision. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR See omnystudio.com/listener for...
Jun 26, 2025•5 min
In volatile markets, is there anywhere you can safely invest your hard-earned cash? In this episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, Michelle Baltazar, editor-in-chief of Money Magazine, discusses the concept and benefits of Global Private Credit with Nehemiah Richardson, chief executive and managing director at Pengana Credit. The discussion centers around why diversification, especially in financial uncertain times, is important and how Global Private Credit can offer attractive investment o...
Jun 24, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 209
In this bonus episode of the Friends with Money Bonus Podcast, Vanessa Walker from Money Magazine interviews Jane McNamara of NBN about the upcoming accelerated speed plans starting in September. Jane discusses how these changes will benefit the growing number of connected devices in Australian homes and offers advice on leveraging end-of-financial-year sales to upgrade plans or in-home equipment. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast...
Jun 22, 2025•7 min
From finding unclaimed money to benefiting from financial advice, there’s plenty of upside to taking a curious approach to super. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Forman, chief retirement officer at Team Super, to discuss the benefits of taking an active interest in super (and how to get started). 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Three things every super member should know 04:02 Insurance and superannuation 05:32 Practical tips for managing super 0...
Jun 17, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 208
After a shock bid pushed Santos shares up 27%, podcast host Michelle Baltazar chats with investment expert Dale Gilham on why investors may be turning their sights on the appeal of Whitehaven Coal and Woodside shares. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 16, 2025•8 min
Money can really complicate relationships. On this episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, hosted by Money's Vanessa Walker, writer Nicola Field discusses ways to have healthy financial relationships, even when things go wrong. They explore how to maintain healthy financial relationships, the realities and statistics of marriage and divorce in Australia, and key factors like transparency, communication, and financial goals in relationships. Field emphasises the importance of financial binding...
Jun 10, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 207
The 2024-25 financial year is almost over, which means tax time is just around the corner. So what can taxpayers do to prepare? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Mark Chapman, director of tax communications at H&R Block, to discuss key tax dates, contributions, deductions, documents and more. 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Key dates for the 2025 tax season 03:08 The taxpayers under ATO scrutiny 05:39 Last-minute deductions and contributions 10:41 Pr...
Jun 03, 2025•15 min•Season 5Ep. 206
In this bonus episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar talks with Janine Young, Ombudsman at Energy and Water Ombudsman New South Wales, about effective strategies to manage and reduce winter energy bills. The discussion includes insights on recent energy price hikes, understanding market contracts, and tips for finding the best energy deals. 01:43 Understanding energy price increases 04:18 Tips to save on your energy bill 06:19 Affordability programs and final tips 0...
Jun 01, 2025•8 min
Feeling stuck in your career and wondering if you should be earning more? Are there steps you can take today to boost your future prospects? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar chats with employment expert and author Roxanne Calder about how you can improve your salary and career opportunities. How to earn an extra million dollars Salary tips in your 20s, 30s and 40s Steps to a better career and salary Dig deep and apply yourself #friendswithmoney #michellebalt...
May 27, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 205
On this episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, we delve into how the family home can play a critical role in retirement planning for older Australians Money's Vanessa Walker chats with Telstra Super's Rebecca Cheevers and Sophie McRae about downsizing contributions, the impact of selling your home on pension entitlements, and strategies for couples where one partner is still working. They also explore the benefits and drawbacks of reverse mortgages and the Home Equity Access Scheme for retir...
May 20, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 204
Market jitters got you worried? Tune into the Friends With Money podcast as Money's Michelle Baltazar and Money magazine founder Paul Clitheroe unpack recession-proof investing strategies. Discover how to safeguard your savings and investments, the power of diversification, and why a cool head can be your best asset. Paul also shares his expert perspective on historical market cycles and actionable tips for weathering economic storms. 00:20 Recession proof investing: can we protect our savings? ...
May 13, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 203
So you’re retired, what now? In this episode of the Friends with Money podcast, Money’s Michelle Baltazar is joined by Adam Nettheim, chief customer officer at Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). They discuss the transition from traditional retirement planning to a more holistic approach, integrating both digital and human elements, early retirement coaching, and understanding the continuum of retirement. They also explore the importance of financial and emotional preparedness, the ro...
May 06, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 202
The current stock market is turbulent – what's the smartest way to safeguard your investments? In this week's episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, Money Magazine's Michelle Baltazar chats with Juliana Rajkovic, investment advisor at Escala Partners, about managing investment portfolios during these uncertain times. They explore the market shocks sparked by U.S. tariffs, the crucial practice of stress-testing and rebalancing, and strategies for incorporating defensive assets such as fixed i...
Apr 29, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 201
On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, we tackle the confusing world of superannuation fees. Money's Michelle Baltazar talks with Daniel Shrimski from Vanguard Australia about how a lack of transparency and awareness around these fees can hurt people’s retirement savings. Shrimski shares practical tips and provides an example on how to potentially save $1,500 each year on fund fees. 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Understanding superannuation fees 00:58 Guest introduction: Daniel Shrimski 0...
Apr 22, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 200
Many will appreciate the importance of retirement planning, but getting started can feel daunting. Fortunately, technology is helping to change the game. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Jeremy Lack, financial adviser with TelstraSuper Financial Planning, to chat about the emerging digital tools assisting superannuation members with retirement planning. They discuss: The types of digital super tools already out there Which super members can benefit fro...
Apr 15, 2025•14 min•Season 5Ep. 199
Cryptocurrency has piqued the interest of many Australians in recent years. So for those looking to access the likes of Bitcoin, is there any advantage to using ETFs over buying directly? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Marc Jocum, senior investment strategist at Global X ETFs, to dig into cryptocurrency exchange traded funds and what they are all about. They discuss: Crypto ETFs versus buying directly The crypto assets available through ETFs How cryp...
Apr 08, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 198
In this bonus episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, hosted by Michelle Baltazar, editor-in-chief at Money Magazine, the focus is on the impact of recent US tariff policies, referred to as 'Liberation Day' by Donald Trump. This week's guest, Tim Harcourt, chief economist at the University of Technology Sydney, discusses the adverse effects these tariffs will likely have on American workers and farmers, despite Trump's intentions to bolster the US economy. For Australian investors, Harcourt a...
Apr 03, 2025•6 min
In this episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, Vanessa Walker, managing editor of Money Magazine, discusses insurance with journalist Ryan Johnson. They explore why insurance premiums are rising, ways to find the best value policies, and the inner workings of the insurance industry. They also highlight the winners of the Life Insurance 2025 Awards in various categories. Tune in for valuable insights and tips to help you make informed insurance decisions: 00:00 Introduction to Friends With Mo...
Apr 01, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 197
What are the top 5 mistakes people make regarding retirement? Did you know, for example, that you need to start planning for retirement a decade beforehand? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Vanessa Walker sits down in the studio with Money's super columnist Vita Palestrant to chat about the top do's and don'ts when heading into retirement. What's the biggest mistake that people make? Why is super such a great investment and tax strategy, no matter what age? Should you be worr...
Mar 25, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 196
The price of gold has gone from strength to strength in recent years, but can it continue on its upward trajectory? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Chris Brycki, the founder and chief executive of Stockspot, to provide an update on gold prices and dig into the role gold can play in investment portfolios. How have gold prices changed in recent years? What’s driven the rise in gold prices? What role can gold play in an investment portfolio? Is there a r...
Mar 18, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 195
Interest rates are beginning to fall, so could now be a prime time to take stock of your mortgage and consider switching lenders? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, to discuss the latest interest rate movements and the ins and outs of refinancing a home loan. How have banks reacted to the recent RBA cut? What are the lowest mortgage rates on the market? Can negotiating with your current lender actually w...
Mar 11, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 194
Like the idea of giving your superannuation balance a bump up, but don’t know where to start? The good news is that there’s no shortage of tactics to employ. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Rebecca Cheevers and Sophie McRae of TelstraSuper Financial Planning to run through the steps Australians can take in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s to put themselves in a better position come retirement. They discuss: The impact that investment options and salary sac...
Mar 04, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 193
Technological innovations are reshaping our lives, from the way we shower and sleep to how we go about purchasing property and holding assets. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s managing editor Vanessa Walker is joined by senior journalist Tom Watson to delve into the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of finance. They discuss: The latest gadgets at home Artificial intelligence in property investment Fractional share trading Asset tokenisation Green cryptocurrency #fri...
Feb 25, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 192
Buying a property for the first time can be hard enough as it is, let alone with all the myths and misconceptions out there. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Emily Wallace, founder and director of buyers agency Wallace Advocates, to shine a light on five major misconceptions that surround the home buying process. Is buying an apartment a smart move? Are all body corporates poorly run? Can breaking into the market really be done? Are spare rooms a ‘must...
Feb 18, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 191
Trillions of dollars are set to be inherited over the next decade as part of a huge intergenerational wealth transfer. So what are the tax implications for those involved? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Mark Chapman, Director of Tax Communications at H&R Block, to run through some of the major questions surrounding inheritance and tax. Does Australia have an inheritance tax? What are the tax implications for inherited property? Will inherited sha...
Feb 11, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 190
Three in four Australians rely on a specific method to manage their money, so which one could be the right fit for you? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Andrew Morrison, chief product and growth officer at Ubank, to talk about money management and five popular budgeting methods. They discuss: The importance of budgeting for financial health Five of the most popular budgeting methods The 50/30/20 method, envelope system and zero-based budgeting Automati...
Feb 04, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 189
Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 02, 2025•5 min
Can you generate passive income with ETFs? In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar sits down in the studio with deputy head of investments and capital markets at VanEck, Jamie Hannah, to discuss how best to capitalise on the ETFs in your portfolio. How to invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) What are some of the popular ETFs Managing and withdrawing your profits Tax and bookkeeping Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Pla...
Jan 28, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 188
The start of the year can be a great time to check in on your finances and make adjustments. But what’s the best way of going about it? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Rachel Wastell, personal finance expert at Mozo, to run through three steps aimed at giving your finances a refresh and setting you up for the year ahead. They discuss: Reviewing home loan and savings rates The benefits of streamlining accounts Consolidating your debt The role of supera...
Jan 21, 2025•20 min•Season 5Ep. 187
