There’s a lot of good data informing out interest rate crystal ball this week. Monthly inflation data has turned slightly lower and the latest retail spending figures show consumers are starting to open their wallets less. There’s a chance the Reserve Bank is about to hit pause on interest rates rises after multiple hikes since May. Mortgage holders will be cheering, savers will be wanting them to keep going. But inflation is still VERY high, so why would the RBA stop? One of the economists this...
Dec 04, 2022•22 min•Season 2Ep. 47
You might want a wage rise right now but the Reserve Bank Governor is rejecting the idea for the sake of the economy. So is he on the money and how realistic are his expectations of Australians to stop asking for one, to help stop rising inflation? The bigger question is what will inflation look like in the future? My economists this episode have some really good insights AND on the impact of climate change on rising prices as the world transitions. Plus - we consider the sort of Christmas prese...
Nov 27, 2022•26 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Unemployment in Australia has returned to its lowest level in almost 50 years. People looking for full time jobs are snapping them up faster than part-timers but there are still plenty of vacancies. So what are the surprise industries calling out for workers? And how is it impacting small businesses? Plus - there’s been a jump in wages but is it actually being felt in the right way. We take a look at what’s fuelled the increase and what the RBA will DO with all this economic data.. Plus can you ...
Nov 20, 2022•27 min•Season 2Ep. 45
So consumers are feeling as bad as they would, if we were in an actual recession. Australians are employed at record levels, economic conditions are pretty strong but sentiment is glum. You might think that’s bad - but one of my experts this episode argues consumers feeling glum right now is a victory. Huh? Hint - it’s linked to rising prices. We’ve also got the latest on the state of mortgages after the full year results of two of the Big 4 banks. And differing views on rates - one thinks there...
Nov 13, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Interest rates may still be rising and mortgage holders are yet to feel the full pain of them but this week’s expert still believes Australia is the best place to be right now. In this one-on-one with CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick , we explore the latest Reserve Bank rate hike, the financial strain coming for Australians and what major economies are heading for recession next year. Prices-wages spiral - do you know what that is? It’s on the RBA’s radar. We find out what it is and ho...
Nov 06, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Federal Budget analysis - there's so much of it but now the dust has settled, are you ready to find out what it means for you and the Australian economy? What about the impact of the budget on inflation, your job, your wage, your grocery and energy bills and future interest rate rises. There's a lot to digest and some of it isn't pretty, especially with the looming impact of possible recessions in key economies overseas. And how does all this play into the MAY Federal Budget (it's not that far a...
Oct 30, 2022•31 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Let’s dive into money behaviour and why understanding it will improve your financial freedom. Sound too tricky? It’s not! Mind Over Money author Evan Lucas has done all the hard work and written an easy-to-read book to help. To give you a taste, Gillian and Evan pick apart what drives your money decisions and why your finances are intertwined with your emotions, learned behaviours and biases. Evan’s argument is - if you can understand WHY you do what you do when it comes to money and reflect on ...
Oct 23, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 41
There's a lot of gloom and doom talk surrounding the Australian and global economy right now. The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has headed overseas to attend a key finance ministers' meeting to get more information about what's going on while the International Monetary Fund has released its latest updates on what we're facing. But there's more to this story. As the ANZ Chief Executive says, Australians have never been wealthier, never had more liquid assets, never been healthier or more employe...
Oct 16, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 40
We’ve had a smaller interest rate hike from the RBA but don’t let that fool you - the hiking cycle is NOT OVER YET. Despite 6 rises in a row, inflation is still way too high. We’ve got the latest figures on the cost of your groceries and when prices may start to budge. Plus which supply chains are starting to improve and how that’s impacting those building homes. We dive into the real reason house prices are falling and what it means for owners and buyers. And get ready for the October Federal B...
Oct 09, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 39
We're living longer but are you prepared for what that might look like if you lose your capacity to make decisions for example through a condition such as dementia or an accident? What about if it happens to your loved ones? That's where Power of Attorney comes in. This episode we take a look at what it is, how it works, legally and the best person to choose to make your financial and life decisions. Plus how it can go wrong and what to do to avoid conflict. Don't think this is just an OLD PERSO...
Oct 02, 2022•29 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Want to know what the vibe is with the Australian economy right now? This is the episode for you. We pick apart the recent economic news and data and the latest speeches and comments from the Reserve Bank Governor and Deputy Governor and give you the ANSWER. Plus should we be worried the RBA is in 'negative equity' - heck what does that even mean? We check in on the latest on inflation, Australia's population, the childcare price inquiry AND are you ready for the cut in the fuel excise to end? W...
Sep 25, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Do you have a link in the bio of your social media accounts? Here's my instagram if you want to know I mean. Ever wondered about one of the main companies behind it? LinkTree - is the brainchild of Australians Anthony Zaccaria, Alex Zaccaria and Nick Humphreys. Founded in 2016, and the first of its kind, Linktree is now utilised by more than 25 million users globally including TikTok, Selena Gomez, Red Bull, Alicia Keys, Facebook, the Los Angeles Clippers, Jessica Alba, Comedy Central and HBO. W...
Sep 18, 2022•38 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Five months in a row of hikes - you feeling it yet and what's ahead? If you're a mortgage holder - listen up - it's not about you! Want to find out WHY?! Listen to this episode of Making Money Easy. We've also got the latest on how the hikes are impacting inflation and when you'll start to notice a difference on prices. Plus there's been a Jobs Summit in Canberra - hosted by the new Albanese Labor Government. There are some solid actions that will impact YOU, your children, your siblings, your f...
Sep 11, 2022•34 min•Season 2Ep. 35
When did you learn what you know about money? How did you learn the basics and from WHO? Is the knowledge you have - any good? For many Australians - particularly teenage girls and young women - they leave home with no idea how to manage their money. This episode we meet Michelle Bowes - a personal finance writer. She’s written a book for teenage girls called MONEY QUEENS. It’s ‘full of tips and tools to help you avoid the gaps, traps and mishaps of money management.’ Among the useful topics: sa...
Aug 28, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 34
The RBA rate rises and your bank passing them on, have been coming thick and fast. This episode of Making Money Easy dives into what the increases mean for your repayments, what a 'good rate' looks like in August 2022, how to get a good deal, the cost of loyalty (or laziness), the latest forecasts on what the Reserve Bank will do next and what's ahead for HOUSE PRICES (it'll shock you). Plus, how mortgage holders who managed to nab a low fixed rate during the pandemic can make sure they're not g...
Aug 21, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Residential vs commercial property. How much do you know about how it all works? Which one is BETTER? There are plenty of people who want to increase their cash flow in the face of rising interest rates and inflation but don't know how to get ahead. Positive gearing vs negative gearing? Know the difference and how to make it work for you? What about future proofing your portfolio - heck how do you even get a portfolio?! This episode's guests say there ARE opportunities in this current environmen...
Aug 14, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Consumers are funny. Their confidence levels are like we're in a recession and yet they're still spending up a storm despite the fourth interest rate hike in a row. So what does the Reserve Bank think about the behaviour, especially as it tries with all its might to bring down soaring inflation? And how bad is the financial 'stress' at the moment (remember unemployment is at record lows). Plus the latest productivity snapshot is out ...how do you think Australians have been performing? We dive i...
Aug 07, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Inflation is so hot right now. The rise in June 2022 is the second highest since the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2000. Ouch. The latest CPI shows the price of goods is rising more strongly than services - so you'll definitely be noticing it in your food bill, your essentials. This episode we pick apart the rises, the impact, and what's ahead for YOU. Plus - the Federal Treasurer has updated Australians about the state of the economy ...and he paints a 'confronting' p...
Jul 31, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Are you a sharemarket old hand or thinking about getting involved and don't know where to start. In this episode of Making Money Easy - Gillian picks the brain of Louise Bedford - a share market guru and author of FIVE books, a behavioural finance expert and trader trainer and mentor. They explore what's holding people back, the importance of education, and entry and exit plans. Plus - why you should have a trading mentor and how to work out if they're the right 'expert' helping you - qualificat...
Jul 24, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 29
What a strong unemployment result for June 2022! You're now living in a time when the unemployment rate in Australia is the best it's been since the mid-1970s. As Chief Economist - and friend of the show Jo Masters puts it - there's now 1 vacancy for every unemployed person in Australia. So why are consumers and businesses feeling so glum? The result also has some economists suggesting the RBA needs to hike BIGGER than 0.5% at the August board meeting. Gillian asks BOQ Chief Economist Peter Munc...
Jul 16, 2022•34 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Mortgage holders have been hit with a 0.5% rate hike for the second month in a row and the RBA has suggested there are more to come. The official cash rate is sitting at 1.35% in July and those with home loans are asking - how high will it go?! Our two economists - NAB's Phin Ziebell and ANZ's Catherine Birch - have analysed every word the Reserve Bank has said about this latest decision ...and Gillian picks their brains to find out what's ahead when it comes to rates and IF raising them is actu...
Jul 10, 2022•28 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Want to know what it's like to be the boss of the Commonwealth Bank? This episode, Gillian drills down into the issues coming across CEO Matt Comyn's desk, how he stays in touch with customers, pending rate rises, inflation, climate change, gender equality and everything in between. Plus - his path to CEO after starting at the bank in his early 20s, mentors, what makes him tick and how it's important to always keep learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 02, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 26
The end of the financial year is upon us ...so we've got the Australian Tax Office and a whizz accountant on the show to let Gillian pick their brains - they even quiz each other! The result? A really informative, but entertaining chat about tax time. We dive into what the ATO is focusing on this year, how to present your receipts/documents if you're using an accountant and the do's and don'ts of cryptocurrency - you DEFINITELY want to hear that bit. And find out what Helen wants to know from Ti...
Jun 26, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Petrol, electricity, gas ...now FOOD. There's certainly a lot of pressure on household budgets at the moment. This episode dives into WHY food in Australia ..and globally ...is so pricey, how LONG it'll last and what the future holds - particularly when it comes to fossil fuels. It's a complex 'perfect storm' and includes several factors many people aren't thinking about when they get to the checkout and see their grocery bill. Professor Damien Field from the University of Sydney and Ash Salardi...
Jun 19, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Whoa that was a shock! An RBA rate hike of 0.5% in June. Even the economists are shocked! This episode looks at the Reserve Bank's game plan - to fight inflation because it doesn't want it to get out of control. But there's a fall out - we dive into what that looks like. And we've got the latest forecasts on what the RBA will do next. Plus - how many of us are actually in mortgage stress and is a 'Recession' on the cards - we break down some myths. Also - did the nation's Energy Ministers come u...
Jun 12, 2022•32 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Worried about your electricity and gas bills? Keen to understand what's ACTUALLY driving the price rises and what can be done? THIS is the episode for you. My economists break down what's going on and bust MYTHS along the way (including from politicians and the role of renewables). We also dive into what the new Albanese ministry means for the government's priorities and read the tea leaves from the latest economic growth data. Plus heard of 'wellbeing economics'? Why it's the new way forward an...
Jun 05, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party have won government meaning a whole bunch of new policies and priorities are coming your way. This episode dives into what households, businesses, workers, the nation ..can expect over the short to medium term. And our experts have a personal insight into what transition to government looks like - it's NOT to be missed. Plus why what you throw on the BBQ could end up looking VERY different. Impact Economics Lead Economist Angela Jackson and Economy Editor at ...
May 29, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 21
The latest round of data impacting the Reserve Bank Board's next rate rise decision is out. This episode helps you understand how it's all connected and explains why it will contribute to the RBA lifting the official cash rate again in June. Plus my economists think your wage situation is BETTER than the official figure - find out why. And what is needed to help the Federal Budget get back into shape now we have a new government getting back to work. RBC Chief Economist Su-Lin Ong and CommBank C...
May 22, 2022•28 min•Season 2Ep. 20
We've talked about ETFs a lot throughout this podcast series that we thought it was time to dedicate a WHOLE episode to understanding exchange-traded funds and how they work. And with more and more Australians getting involved - particularly during the pandemic - we wanted to know what all the fuss is about. Anything we talk about in this episode is GENERAL and not about your individual circumstances. It's about getting an understanding and NOT giving financial advice. BetaShares Co-Founder and ...
May 15, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Australia no longer has a record low cash rate - 0.1% is no more. The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for the first time since November 2010 and this is JUST the beginning. BUT DON'T PANIC. We pick apart the RBA's Governor explanation for rising in May when it wasn't so long ago he was suggesting a cash rate hike wouldn't come until 2024. We also look at what's ahead, the impact on your mortgage and your ability to cope, what to do if you're worried PLUS what consumers are up to and what'...
May 08, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 18
