We got a question this week at equitymates.com/contact from Kate about how often we should be investing. Is there an optimum? If you want to be investing regularly and dollar cost averaging into the market, but your brokerage cost is $10 each trade, should you literally be investing every week, or should you be saving it up? We talk about the factors you need to be considering here: brokerage costs, expected stock market returns and the interest you earn on savings, and how these three things wo...
May 08, 2023•16 min•Season 6Ep. 29
In this episode, we delve into the topic of accessing global indexes through the ASX. We'll explore the indexes that passive ETFs track, and the process of selecting which securities make it into these indexes. Additionally, we'll take a closer look at some of the prominent index providers and their significance. Finally, we'll discuss the advantages of using an index provider as opposed to creating an index yourself. This episode we’re looking at India Nifty 50 and Euro Stoxx 50 Global X ...
May 04, 2023•25 min•Season 6Ep. 28
Welcome back to the $100 challenge! You've been asking about where the money will be invested. So the guys get into where they're actually putting the cash. Alec disclosed that he spent $150 on takeaway lunches in March and decided to stop buying them for April - did he make it? Bryce has calculated that he saved $98... but maybe it's a little dubious. What are they going to do in May? Simon joins the guys in studio to tell them his top tips. If you want to let Alec or Bryce know what you think ...
May 01, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 27
We’re back with our series all about ETFs, supported by Global X. Today we're looking at how do you actually know what you're buying underneath? If you're buying Uranium ETF - is it *actual* uranium, or miners, or what else? This episode we’re looking at Uranium ETF . If you want to let Alec or Bryce know what you think of an episode, contact them here . Stay engaged with the Equity Mates community by joining our forum . Want more Equity Mates? Come to our website and explore! You’ll...
Apr 27, 2023•17 min•Season 6Ep. 26
In this episode, we dive into the world of gold investments, examining the reasons behind its recent surge to all-time highs above $2,000 an ounce. We talk about the factors driving its popularity, such as inflation and interest rates, and discuss the appeal of gold as an inflation hedge and a safe haven investment. So it's our plan to think about portfolio construction, consider the old-school rule of thumb for allocating 5-10% to gold as well. We both give our takes too on whether it's somethi...
Apr 24, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 25
We're back with our series all about ETFs, supported by Global X. Today we're looking at what indexes passive ETFs follow and how and who decides what goes in them? We also ask who are some of the most common index providers we should know? And why would you use an index provider rather than making the index yourself? This episode we're looking at ROBO - Global Robotics and Automation ETF. Global X is a leading player in the ETF industry, with a robust platform and over 30 targeted products glob...
Apr 20, 2023•27 min•Season 6Ep. 24
Are you dreaming of retiring early, but wondering how much money you need to make it a reality? Retiring early can mean different things to different people - for some, it may mean no work at all, while for others, it may mean part-time work or doing what they love. Bryce and Ren break down what "retiring early" actually means and how to determine the amount of money you need to make it happen. The Vanguard link the guys talk about is this . If you want to let Alec or Bryce know what you think o...
Apr 17, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 23
This episode we dive into the fascinating realm of thematic ETFs. We're joined by Blair Hannon, Head of Investment Strategy at Global X, and he plays us in a game of 'Fake or Real ETF'. Then we address a community question from an Equity Mate about determining the longevity of niche ETFs in a portfolio. Blair talks us through the process Global X takes us through the thorough process they undertake before launching an ETF and the considerations they assess. We also discuss the risks associated w...
Apr 13, 2023•27 min•Season 6Ep. 22
Today we play a game, that spectacularly backfires! Ren guesses the list way too quickly 😂 If you want to check out the resource we used to put this top 5 together, visit here: https://www.etftracker.com.au/the-app A quick reminder that everything needs to be understood in context! These are just the top performing ETFs to date in 2023 - it doesn't take into account how they performed last year AND past performance is not indicative of future performance. Here's our list: BetaShares Crypto...
Apr 10, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 21
We're joined by Kanish Chugh, Head of Distribution at Global X - to ask 'what's in a name?' and make sense of some of the acronyms and confusing terms around ETFs. We will break down the key components of an ETF's name and explore how to decipher these terms effectively. When analysing an ETF, it is essential to understand the various elements of its name. These typically include the issuer name, the index followed, and any special characteristics. Let's examine each of these components in more ...
Apr 06, 2023•28 min•Season 6Ep. 20
We're back with $100 challenge! A quick reminder if you're new to the show - if you invest $100 a month every month - at the market's average return over 40 years - you'll have an extra $350 000. This month we check in with Bryce and Alec and see how their March pledges went - has Bryce sold his drumkit? Has Alec become a survey master? And who in the Equity Mates office managed to find an extra $600 this month? Then find out what our community has been up to! If you want to let Alec or Bryce kn...
Apr 03, 2023•20 min•Season 6Ep. 19
After five years of Equity Mates and three years of Get Started Investing we’ve built a back catalogue of more than 700 episodes. Bitesize is our opportunity to share some of our favourite moments, lessons and quotes from both Equity Mates and Get Started Investing. Today it’s some of our highlights from our previous Summer Series. Bryce and Alec count down the biggest myths they've since debunked since they started their investing journey. Listen (or watch) the full episode here: Website ...
Mar 30, 2023•6 min•Season 6Ep. 18
Are you intrigued by dividends in ETFs and how they function? If you're new to the realm of investing, you may have queries about ETF dividends, their frequency, and their influence on your portfolio. In this episode, we'll demystify the jargon to help you gain a better understanding of how dividends in ETFs operate and how they can bolster your investment strategies. The simple answer is yes - ETFs can indeed pay dividends. However, this depends on the underlying assets within the fund. An ETF,...
Mar 27, 2023•18 min•Season 6Ep. 17
With five years of Equity Mates and three years of Get Started Investing, our archive now includes over 700 investment-focused episodes. Bite-Size Investing offers highlights, lessons, and quotes from both podcasts. In this episode, Alec reviews Patrick O'Shaughnessy's "Millennial Money." He shares top lessons from the book and important takeaways for investors. Listen (or watch) the full episode here: Website | Apple | Spotify If you want to let Alec or Bryce know what y...
Mar 23, 2023•7 min•Season 6Ep. 16
If you're ready to begin your investment journey and have decided that micro investing apps are the way to go, you're on the right track! However, with so many options available, you might be wondering what is Raiz? Or how does Spaceship investment compare to others? We'll discuss the pros and cons of three popular micro investment apps in Australia: Raiz, Spaceship, and CommSec Pocket. Read more here . Feel free to reach out and let us know what you choose - [email protected] ----- If you...
Mar 20, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 15
After five years of Equity Mates and three years of Get Started Investing we’ve built a back catalogue of more than 700 episodes. Bitesize is our opportunity to share some of our favourite moments, lessons and quotes from both Equity Mates and Get Started Investing. TashInvests aka Natasha Etschmann is an Equity Mate we loved our full interview with her. In this section, we all discuss how we approach imposter syndrome. It's a tricky one! Ultimately, everyone is different, and you shouldn'...
Mar 16, 2023•5 min•Season 6Ep. 14
As you plan for retirement, one question that is likely to come up is whether you should contribute more to your superannuation or invest outside. The answer to this question is not straightforward! Of course, like all investing, it depends on various factors, including your retirement goals, income level, and tax implications. We explore the arguments for both options to help you make an informed decision. First question you need to answer is: when do you plan to step back from working? The cur...
Mar 13, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 13
After five years of Equity Mates and three years of Get Started Investing we’ve built a back catalogue of more than 700 episodes. Bitesize is our opportunity to share some of our favourite moments, lessons and quotes from both Equity Mates and Get Started Investing. Today it's some of our highlights from our ESG basics episode from 2019. This investment approach takes into account environmental, social, governance, and ethical issues in the investment process, contributing positively to society ...
Mar 09, 2023•8 min•Season 6Ep. 14
We’ve done the calculations. If you invest just $100 every month for 40 years, you can accumulate over $350,000 - thanks to the magic of compound interest. So, we decided to set ourselves a challenge. Every month, we’re going to look for a way to add an extra $100 to our investment portfolio. We need a plan to save or earn an extra $100 each month to reach our investment goals. Here’s our ideas for March: Sell drum kit Do online surveys ( AttaPoll ) Shop around for a cheaper ph...
Mar 06, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 12
After five years of Equity Mates and three years of Get Started Investing we’ve built a back catalogue of more than 700 episodes. Bitesize is our opportunity to share some of our favourite moments, lessons and quotes from both Equity Mates and Get Started Investing. In this episode, we cover the 4 signs it might be time to sell a stock. Let's be honest, buying stocks is the easy part. But when it comes to selling, it's a whole different ball game. It's like breaking up with someone, but with mon...
Mar 02, 2023•7 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Chances are at some stage you’ve probably googled ‘effective budget template’. We all want the perfect tool to help us achieve our financial goals... But there’s so many options out there, and it’s pretty overwhelming. Inspired by You’re In Good Company, who talked about budgeting a couple of weeks ago, we talk through finding the right budget fit for you in Get Started Investing this week. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting, just like anything super personal - getting fit, eatin...
Feb 27, 2023•19 min•Season 6Ep. 11
If you're interested in investing in stocks, you've probably heard of dividends. Dividends are a way for companies to share their profits with shareholders. As an investor, you're entitled to a portion of the profits based on the number of shares you own. Dividends can provide a steady stream of income and are often paid out on a regular basis. In this Bitesize, Bryce and Ren explain the basics of dividend investing, why Australians love them, and why some companies opt not to pay a dividend. Li...
Feb 23, 2023•6 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Looking for the best savings accounts in Australia now that interest rates are up? Check out our top picks, including accounts with bonus rates and gimmicks, as well as no-frills options with the best interest rates available. Shop around and compare to find the right account for your needs! The 5 we talk about in this episode: 1. ING Savings Maximiser - 4.8% Bonus, 0.55% Base 2. Virgin Money Boost Saver - 4.6% Bonus, 0.05% Base 3. Macquarie Savings Account - 4.5% Introductory, 3.7% Base 4. HSBC...
Feb 20, 2023•24 min•Season 6Ep. 9
You may have heard of stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and listed-investment companies (LICs), but what exactly are these options and how do they differ? In this Bitesize, Alec and Bryce define the terms for you - so you won't ever be confused again! Stocks represent ownership in individual companies. When you invest in stocks, you become a shareholder in that company and have an interest in its success. Historically, stocks have been one of the best-performing asset classes, but they are a...
Feb 16, 2023•5 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Looking for ways to increase your cash return from your investments this year? Look no further as Bryce and Alec bring talk through last year’s top 5 best dividend paying ETFs listed on the ASX 200. In this episode, they specifically focus on passive index ETFs and exclude actively managed ETFs and leveraged ETFs. The following ETFs have been ranked based on their 2022 dividends: - OOO ETF BetaShares Crude Oil Index ETF-Currency Hedged (Synthetic) WXHG ETF SPDR World ex Australia Carbon Control ...
Feb 13, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Welcome to the Get Started Investing Summer Series. Over 6 episodes, we’re going through 6 steps to help you set up your finances for 2023. In this ep, we talk through *exactly* what we do when the money hits our bank accounts. How we divvy it up, and where we automate it to go! If you want to let Alec or Bryce know what you think of an episode, contact them here . Stay engaged with the Equity Mates community by joining our forum . Want more Equity Mates? Come to our website and expl...
Feb 06, 2023•19 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Welcome to the Get Started Investing Summer Series. Over 6 episodes, we’re going through 6 steps to help you set up your finances for 2023. Now we get to investing! We go through everything in this episode, from choosing a broker, introduction to core and satellite and three core actions for you to take after the episode finishes. Looking for an investing book gift for a loved one this christmas? Order ‘Get Started Investing’, written by Equity Mates Alec and Bryce. Available on Booktopia and Am...
Jan 30, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Welcome to the Get Started Investing Summer Series. Over 6 episodes, we’re going through 6 steps to help you set up your finances for 2023. This ep we reveal up our biggest mistakes! It's one of the most important aspects of getting your money sorted. What have you done wrong? For us it includes: lifestyle creep, not having a money plan, not tracking where your money is going, not building the habit of constantly saving, and having credit card debt or just bad debt in general. If you want to let...
Jan 23, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Welcome to the Get Started Investing Summer Series. Over 6 episodes, we’re going through 6 steps to help you set up your finances for 2023. In this ep we're looking at the steps to take to look after your super: Like checking fees, comparing performance, investment options, insurance and more! Want to hear more about super? (We don't blame you) Check out our episodes on superannuation here . Looking for an investing book gift for a loved one this christmas? Order ‘Get Started Investing’, written...
Jan 16, 2023•21 min•Season 6Ep. 3
This is our Get Started Investing Summer Series. Over 6 episodes, we’re going through 6 steps to help you set up your finances for 2023. Today we're chatting about your emergency fund! We go over why you need one, how much you should be spending, and now you've saved it, what do you do with that cash? Bryce and Alec mentioned these links in line with the actions to take from this episode: https://www.canstar.com.au/savings-accounts/best-savings-account-interest-rates/ https://www.savings....
Jan 09, 2023•20 min•Season 6Ep. 2
