There’s a magic number in superannuation that allows retirees to make the most of their own money and the Age Pension. It’s called the super sweet spot. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by journalist Susan Hely to discuss how the sweet spot works. Why should pre-retirees and retires know about it? What is the sweet spot for singles and couples? How does the taper trap work? What are the benefits of the aged pension? Is it still worth having a larger super...
Jun 06, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 102
Ready to build your own investment portfolio but don’t know where to start? On this week’s episode of Friends With Money, host Tom Watson is joined by Syfe Australia’s general manager, Tim Wallace, to dive into the fundamentals of building a portfolio of shares, ETFs and other assets in 2023. #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #timwallace #investing Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0Cbr Listen on Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3qGfsoL Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fSPI2h Website: ...
May 30, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 101
We're celebrating our 100th episode today by chatting with the man who started it all! This week on the Friends with Money podcast, editor-in-chief Michelle Baltazar chats with Money's founder and editorial adviser Paul Clitheroe about his top 5 tips to achieve financial freedom. In this episode, we discuss: The trouble with money It starts with a dollar Where do you put your cash? It's all about control Link: Can I retire now? #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #paulclitheroe #moneysecrets Lis...
May 23, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 100
Investing in commercial property can be more lucrative than residential, but you need to do your homework. Diving headfirst into this asset class, without knowing what you are getting into, can lead to big losses. This week on the Friends with Money podcast, Money's editor-in-chief Michelle Baltazar chats with the Managing Director of Rethink Investing, Scott O'Neill, about what you need to know to end up in a positive cash flow. Why not invest in residential? Is commercial property really that ...
May 16, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 99
In this bonus episode of the Friends with Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar and Tom Watson discuss some of the highlights of this year's Federal Budget. #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #michellebaltazar #budget2023 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0Cbr Listen on Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3qGfsoL Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fSPI2h Website: https://moneymag.com.au Email: podcast@moneymag.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 10, 2023•9 min
With tax time fast approaching, a little preparation could literally pay off. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by H&R Block’s Mark Chapman to talk all things tax in the lead up to the end of the 2022-23 financial year. Are there any new tax rules in place? Who will the ATO be targeting this year? Can Australians still claim working from home expenses? Where’s the line between a personal and business expense? What should people be doing now to prepare?...
May 09, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 98
With the 2023 Federal Budget drawing near, what are the economic pressures facing the country and what can we expect to see when the budget is handed down on May 9? That's the topic of discussion in this episode of the Friends With Money podcast featuring host Tom Watson and HSBC’s chief economist for Australia and New Zealand, Paul Bloxham. What are the economic issues providing the backdrop to the budget? Will there be any cost of living relief for households? Can we expect any changes in the ...
May 02, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 97
When it comes to investing, should our values dictate where our money goes, or should they be left at the door? This week on the Friends With Money podcast host Tom Watson is joined by Rachel Alembakis, Managing Editor of FS Sustainability, to discuss the ins and outs of sustainable investing. What is values-based investing? Do you have to sacrifice performance to invest sustainably? Is diversification an issue? Why do we need to be careful of greenwashing? For more information on responsible in...
Apr 25, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 96
After years of meager returns, rising interest rates have injected life back into savings accounts and term deposits. But how can savers get the best return on their cash? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Alison Banney, Money Expert at Finder, to discuss the current savings landscape and the most competitive rates on the market. Which banks are offering the highest savings account rates? What about term deposit rates? Why did the ACCC launch an inquiry...
Apr 18, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 95
Investors have flocked to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in recent years, but should they have a place in your portfolio? On this week’s episode of the Friends With Money podcast, host Tom Watson is joined by Matt Leibowitz, chief executive of trading platform Stake, to talk all things ETFs. What are ETFs and how do they work? How do fees vary between ETFs? What are thematic ETFs? Do they provide dividends? Can investors buy ETFs on international exchanges? What are the downsides to investing in E...
Apr 11, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 94
While inflation may be easing, the reality is that prices on all manner of goods and services are still rising rapidly. But are there opportunities for households to push back? That’s the topic of discussion on this week’s episode of the Friends With Money podcast with Money’s Tom Watson and financial advisor and author, Helen Baker. Why is life still getting more expensive? Do we need to adjust our financial mindset? How can we push back against price rises and save? When is spending the best o...
Apr 04, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 93
Want to start your own business in 2023, but not sure where to begin? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Paul Presland, GM of Small Business at ANZ, about how to start your own business. Tips on writing your business plan Why ‘C’ is for cashflow How to get financing How much capital do you need? The importance of cybersecurity #friendswithmoney #paulpresland #business #entrepreneur Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0Cbr Listen on Google...
Mar 28, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 92
Stamp duty may soon be a thing of the past. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Stephen Timm, Managing Director of Home-In, about the upcoming stamp duty reforms and the potential benefits for first-time home buyers. What are the changes? Why is a land tax a better approach? What is the impact on housing prices? Are there any other options to help first-time home buyers? #friendswithmoney #stampduty #landtax #stephentimm Listen on Apple Podcasts: ht...
Mar 21, 2023•14 min•Season 3Ep. 91
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, more Australians are finding themselves in financial difficulty. But where can anyone who’s struggling turn for advice? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Deb Shroot, a financial counsellor at Financial Counselling Australia, to run through exactly how financial counsellors can help. What are the major financial concerns at present? What support can financial counsellors provide? How are counsellors differe...
Mar 14, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 90
Paperwork can be tedious, but when it comes to organising your taxes, super, will, and health records, it's time well spent. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Mia Northrop, co-author of the book "Life Admin Hacks", about the best approach to tackling life's important documents. Why bother getting your affairs in order? Taxes, what's the best approach? Is it a good idea to shop around for a better super? Wills, do I really need one? #friendswithmon...
Mar 07, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 89
What kind of impact can the make-up of the teams behind your superannuation and managed investments have on the returns you get? That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode of the Friends With Money podcast with host Tom Watson and Money contributor Nicola Field. They discuss: Diversity and diversification in the investment space Risk appetite among male and female investors The impact on performance and returns A shift to greater transparency #friendswithmoney #investing #tomwatson ...
Feb 28, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 88
Thinking about investing in Australian shares for the first time, or adding to your existing portfolio? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Rob Tucker, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at Chester Asset Management, for a deep dive into the past performance and future prospects of Australian shares. They discuss: How Australian shares have typically fared as an investment The risks involved compared to other asset classes How Australian shares could ...
Feb 21, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 87
With property prices falling and interest rates rising, what's a first-time property buyer to do? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Daisy Stevens, Head of lending operations at Finspo, about the top 5 things you can do to get into the property market. Where do you start? Who should you talk to? What are your options? Build the team #friendswithmoney #daisystevens #property Links: Finspo Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0Cbr Listen on ...
Feb 14, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 86
investing in shares is easier than you think! This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Brooke Roberts, Director and co-founder of Sharesies, about how you can start trading right now with minimal investment and an app on your phone. What investment strategy should you choose? How do you overcome analysis paralysis? Top tips to start investing #friendswithmoney #invest #brookeroberts Link: Sharesies Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0Cbr Liste...
Feb 07, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 85
Is 2023 the year you take the plunge and buy an investment property? On this episode of Friends With Money, Money’s Senior Journalist Tom Watson is joined by Arjun Paliwal, the Director and Head of Research at buyers agency InvestorKit, to take a look at the areas around Australia offering the most potential for would-be investors. They discuss: How the property market fared in 2022 The factors likely to shape the market in 2023 Queensland as an investment hotspsot Other hotspots around the coun...
Jan 31, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 84
Taken a break from your finances over the new year? It’s easily done, but if you’re ready to re-engage then there a plenty of ways to whip your finances back into shape. That’s the focus on this episode of Friends With Money featuring Senior Journalist Tom Watson and Money Expert at Mozo, Claire Frawley. The discuss: The benefits of refinancing your home loan Making the most of a credit card balance transfer The surprise savings available by reviewing your NBN plan Choosing between a base or bon...
Jan 24, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 83
Getting your house in order can help you save money and bring harmony into your life. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Mia Northrop, co-author of the book "Life Admin Hacks", about how organising your household can not only save time and money but also give you peace of mind. Why does decluttering save you money? What benefits are there in planning meals ahead of time? Can you outsource cost-effectively? #friendswithmoney #lifeadminhacks #mianort...
Jan 17, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 82
Did you know that by simply renovating you can help save the planet? This week on the Friends with Money podcast, Money's Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Baltazar, speaks with Virginia Martin Heriz, about how building renovations can cut greenhouse emissions and make you money. How do we think about climate change? The European Green Deal An investment opportunity? The renovation rate #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #renovate Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0Cbr Listen on Google Podc...
Jan 10, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 81
This week on the Friends with Money Podcast, Money's Editor-in-Chief, Michelle Baltazar, speaks with Capital Advisory's Director of Financial Planning, Michael Miller, and Parker Coles Curtis' Director of Family Law, Catherine Coles, about the financial implications of dating after you retire. In this episode, we explore: Dating after 50 and the financial considerations What about inheritance? Planning ahead is key - How much does it cost? Transparency is important #friendswithmoney #michellebal...
Jan 03, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 80
Sometimes renovating isn't enough and you need to start from scratch. Done wrong, rebuilding can be very costly and take longer than expected - so what's the best way to begin? This week on the Friends with Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Tracie Ellis, the founder and CEO of Renovators Directory, about the steps you need to take to get things done right. They discuss: Who should be part of your A-team How to avoid a dodgy builder Is the cheapest quote the best way to go? Wha...
Dec 27, 2022•22 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Spending a few minutes of your time researching online can save hundreds of dollars a year on your telecom bills. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Alex Choros, Managing Editor at Whistle Out, about the best way to save on your mobile and internet expenses. How to get the best mobile deal What's the best internet offer? What's the best time of year to get a great deal? What about streaming services? Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3mV0C...
Dec 20, 2022•19 min•Season 2Ep. 78
We’ve almost reached the end of another rollercoaster year, but before jumping into 2023, it’s time to take stock of 2022. In this special episode of Friends With Money, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Baltazar catches up with Senior Journalist Tom Watson to unpack the stories which really struck a chord with Money readers (and listeners) during the year, and to talk about the lessons that can be taken from 2022. They discuss: Retiring early Scams, scams and more scams The ins and outs of capital gains...
Dec 13, 2022•26 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Getting the most out of your super is easier than you think. The secret? Show your super account some love! This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Anne Fuchs, Head of advice at Australian Retirement Trust, about the top 4 things you can do to maximise & energise your superannuation. Where is the best place to seek financial advice? The power of compounding interest Top tips to supercharge your super #friendswithmoney #super #annefuchs Listen on App...
Dec 06, 2022•19 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Ready for summer but not for the higher energy bills that come with it? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by author and host of The Joyful Frugalista podcast, Serina Bird, to run through a range of ways that households can cut down their power costs. They discuss: Why are energy prices so high and how will they fare in 2023? What can households do in the short-term to reduce their summer bills? What are the long-term changes households can make? Can switch...
Nov 29, 2022•20 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Did you know that being organised can help cut down your household costs, but also make you money? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Mia Northrop, co-author of the book "Life Admin Hacks", about how controlling the chaos in your life can lead to harmony, savings, and financial freedom. How do you define life admin and why is it important? What are the cost benefits of being organised? Are there tools to help you with life admin? #friendswithmoney ...
Nov 22, 2022•16 min•Season 2Ep. 74
