The Money Puzzle, with James Kirby - podcast cover

The Money Puzzle, with James Kirby

The Australianwww.theaustralian.com.au

The Money Puzzle covers all the important property, business, money and finance news. 

With two episodes published every week, The Australian’s Wealth Editor James Kirby, along with business, property and finance experts share insights and information that you will use on your wealth building journey.

Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] 

Episodes

Investing in Trump time

Australian investors have flocked to Wall Street in recent times favouring the 'Magnificent Seven' big tech stocks - and Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway group. But Donald Trump's new regime looks set to favour old-school blue chips, not to mention oil and gas stocks. What to do? Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at nabtrade, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ----------------- In today's show, we cover: * How to play the share market under Trump* From Elon to Warren - what'...

Nov 14, 202433 min

Unlocking the professional formula for investment property success

Many property investors never know if they will win or lose on a property until the day they finally sell it: In contrast, professional investors don't fly blind, instead they concentrate on their Internal Rate of Return. Here's how it works. Stuart Wemyss of Prosolution Private Clients joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ---------- In today's show, we cover: * Assessing the Internal Rate of Return on your property * The secret of high-yielding investment property * Why homeowners w...

Nov 12, 202429 min

HECs - what just happened to your bill?

The average HECs bill is now $27,000 and many listeners will have bills that are higher than that: This week the government restructured the entire working of the student debt system - and threw in a universal 20 per cent cut on all existing HECs bills - how will it work? Hugh Robertson of the Centaur Financial Services joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ------------- In today's show, we cover: HECs - The new deal Prioritising tax-deductible debt Why Trump won't help your ASX share...

Nov 07, 202434 min

Is Sophisticated Investor status worth the effort?

There are two classes of private investor in Australia: Everyday retail investors and legally certified sophisticated investors (defined by law as having an annual income of at least $250,000 or assets of more than $2.5m),Today we examine the sophisticated investor regime - how it works and whether you would gain anything from making the cut. Ray Tubman of Heirwealth joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode ------- In today's show, we cover: The great Australian $3.5 trillion wealth trans...

Nov 05, 202425 min

Are wayward CEOs costing you money?

CEO scandals are flooding the share market: Qantas, Wisetech, MinRes...the list keeps growing. The thing is, each of those companies has a board that is paid handsomely for supposedly keeping the CEO under control.What could be done to change this risk? Fund manager Roger Montgomery joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Coralling the larger-than-life CEO: A proposal The problem with independent company directors Is AI any smarter than a cat? Why can't we get...

Oct 31, 202435 min

Biggest mistakes property buyers make at auction

Buying at auction might seem straightforward, but unfortunately you are likely to become a bunny in the headlights when it comes to the big day. Still, knowing what can go wrong is the first step to enlightenment - and that includes being very careful in choosing a buyer's agent because some of them have so little in the way of credentials...it's alarming. Property educator, Veronica Morgan, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ------ In today's show, we cover The problem with buyer'...

Oct 29, 202428 min

Could you handle a share market crash?

This week - in 1987 - the ASX fell 25 per cent IN A DAY. Just now the local share market is going gangbusters: In fact, it is testing its all- time valuation peak. But here's the thing: The market will crash again - we just don't know when this will happen or what might trigger the downturn. What was it like to sit through a 25 per cent drop in a matter of hours and what can we learn from it as investors? Alex Moffatt of Joseph Palmer and Sons joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ---...

Oct 24, 202437 min

Should we follow the PM to the beach?

Every spring property investors are tempted again by the lure of the beach house: This year the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made his move with a high-profile $4.3m purchase on the Central Coast. Is a holiday home a good investment? Let's find out... James Gerrard of www.financialadvisor.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: *Assessing holiday homes as an investment *Why beach houses often don't work out as planned *Making money from rentals at the ...

Oct 22, 202431 min

Disappearing dividends - The hidden problem in our hot share market

The chances are that your share portfolio is going gangbusters. But a paradox of our bull market on the ASX is that the dividend payouts are sliding: Anyone starting today as a share investor is going to find it much harder to get the sort of dividend income that made our market a standout. What's happening...and what should you do? Don Hamson managing director of the Plato Investment group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: * Fading dividends - Why divid...

Oct 17, 202425 min

Yes, I'd use my super to buy a home - here's why

There are now several efforts afoot to use super for home buying: Liberal party politicians are pushing to allow first-home buyers to tap up to $50,000. Separately, there is a move to allow single and divorced women special access to super to avoid homelessness. Does it all make sense? Unfortunately, due to the skewed nature of our tax system, the case for using super for houses is increasingly compelling. Sarah Petty, property reporter on the Herald Sun joins wealth editor James Kirby in this e...

Oct 15, 202426 min

We have to talk about the inheritance tax on super (with Noel Whittaker)

Australia has no inheritance tax, or so they say: In reality, many people will have most of their life savings in super - and much of that money may be taxed when inherited by the next generation. It's one of the important points made by our special guest today, who's just written a book on the entire subject of wills, death and taxes. Author Noel Whittaker joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: * Why you need a will and you need to review it every four years...

Oct 10, 202433 min

Keep that investment property out of super - here's why

Property tax concessions are highly popular - and widely debated - because they work so well. So why would you water down those concessions by having a property inside a super fund? Duncan Perkins of Tax Time Accountants joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Should investment property be inside super? Why the government's home equity access scheme is a winner If you gear property why don't you gear ETFs The history of the six-year rule for CGT See omnystudio...

Oct 08, 202440 min

What can a 24 year-old tell you about investing? (you will be surprised)

Today's guest runs a social enterprise, owns several investment properties and got out of school as fast as he could. He's just written his first book - 'Young, dumb and financially independent' - oh yes, and his mentor is Shark Tank celeb Steve Baxter. Taj Pabari of the ASE group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. --------- In today's show, we cover: * The importance of starting your investment journey early * Why financial literacy should be taught in schools * Property investing...

Oct 03, 202432 min

March of the millennials:The biggest trend in property

For property investors looking long term, the future shape of Australia will dictate the future shape of investment returns...and the single biggest trend is going to be the movement of millennials from the inner suburbs to the middle suburbs where they are going to search for a family home. In today's show, we dig deep on demographics.... * The march of the millennials (to the middle suburbs) * Understanding the aging of Australia * Has Work From Home changed property prices? * South East Queen...

Oct 01, 202431 min

Things you've always wanted to ask a lawyer

It's usually too late to act when you realise you need a lawyer. And when it comes to money and finances, it is always good to be clued up on the legal side of things. We cover a range of legal matters from the simplex to complex that involve your finances. Lawyer Peter Kernan from Aubrey Brown Lawyers joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au In this episode we cover: - How to deal with a simple fence dispute - Tips and traps when buying 'off the plan' property - Getting...

Sep 26, 202438 min

Key indicators for long-term property success – what to focus on

Warren Buffett once remarked that “forecasters will fill your ears but never your wallet.” With the media saturated by property price predictions, it's essential for long-term investors to focus on the right economic indicators. In today’s episode, guest host Stuart Wemyss talks with David Bassanese, chief economist at Betashares, to help investors navigate the complexities of property market forecasts. In today’s show we cover: Long-term property prices in Australia are influenced by overall ec...

Sep 24, 202435 min

Let's face it - no one likes tax, but how do we pay less of it?

Like the old saying goes there are only a few things certain in life - death and taxes. In this episode we cover some of the most important tax strategies for people in different age brackets: 18 to 40, 40 to 60 and over 60 years of age. Each one of these groups have unique opportunities to manage and legally reduce what they pay in tax. Accountant Timothy Ricardo from Accounting Advisor Group joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au In this episode we cover: - Tax tips ...

Sep 19, 202439 min

Investment Lending Hits All-Time High: What’s Driving the Surge?

Lending to property investors has surged by 47% over the past 5 months, despite high interest rates, a drop in interest-only loans from 40% to 10%, rising property taxes, and stricter tenancy laws. In today’s episode, guest host Stuart Wemyss speaks with Ben Kingsley from the Property Investors Council of Australia. In today’s show we cover: · The negative effects of the 2017 lending restrictions. · The impact of rising property holding costs, including increased taxes and levies. · Investor sen...

Sep 17, 202439 min

Private equity playbook - tips from an insider

Ever thought about investing in private equity but not sure where to start, what sort of returns are on offer and how to assess the risks, well this episode is for you as we open the lid and unpack the key issues that anyone thinking about private equity investment should consider. Private equity investor and tech entrepreneur Rudi Engelbrecht joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au In this episode we cover: - How to get started in private equity - Tips and tricks from ...

Sep 12, 202436 min

Spring Property Market Outlook: What to Expect

Spring's peak property market begins in September, making it the ideal time to for us explore what to expect. Capital city markets are at various stages: Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are thriving, Sydney is a relatively balanced market, while Melbourne is quite soft. It's important to understand how buyers and sellers should navigate these differing market conditions. Joining guest host and financial advisor Stuart Wemyss, is Jarrod McCabe from Wakelin Property Advisory. -------------- In today...

Sep 10, 202435 min

Do You Need a Financial Adviser? The Truth About Picking and Being Chosen

How to pick a financial adviser? It's one of the most common questions for investors...but a more realistic question is: Should you even bother? Another valid issue to ponder is whether the adviser wants you in the first place? One in six clients were cut from the client lists of financial advisers last year. Many advisers will not admit it, but they only want 'sophisticated investors' with $2.5m to spend or else an annual income of $250,000 plus. Author and adviser Jacqui Clarke joins wealth ed...

Sep 05, 202436 min

Sunny outlook for Queensland property

The Australian property market has always been a collection of regional sectors: But one regional property sector stands out with the strongest long-term fundamentals: Queensland. Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins wealth editor James Kirby for this episode. ------------- In today's show, we cover: * Why Queensland tops the bill for this top property analyst * Unit prices are rising and that's not good for the market - here's why * Why regional vacancy rates remain tight * My super for my h...

Sep 03, 202430 min

ETFs: Just when you thought you understood them, they've changed

It's taken about two decades for the wider investment public to understand ETFs: The index funds that allow you to buy anything from the ASX 200 to the S&P 500 are now very popular. But just as the message on passive investing broke through, the sector has turned the idea upside down by going head-to-head with active managers. It's time to figure out what's going on. Marc Jocum of GlobalX joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode ------- In today's show, we cover: Getting to know tradi...

Aug 29, 202436 min

If you don't buy, you rent until you die ... discuss

We hear it more and more: 'Property is so dear, it's impossible...so we are just going to give up now.' Today the author who coined the contentious line about renting forever if you never purchase a home explains his distinct point of view. Not everyone will agree. Financial adviser Bruce Brammall joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Look again - Maybe you can buy that first home Permanent residence - what you need to know When the bank changes the rate you...

Aug 27, 202434 min

He manages $120 billion, what keeps him awake?

Anyone with an investment portfolio has experienced stress: But what if you had nearly two million people depending on your investment skills to manage their retirement money? And what if you created your own pressure because your $120 bn fund has been the top super fund in Australia for a decade? It's time to talk to Sam Sicilia, chief investment officer at Hostplus. Sam Sicilia, chief investment officer at Hostplus joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode In this episode, we cover: Why ...

Aug 22, 202439 min

If banks are cutting deposit rates, will lending rates follow?

The big banks have jumped the gun, putting through hefty cuts on deposit rates before the RBA has even conceded that official rates can move lower.Money markets dictate money prices: If they are right, the rate cut you have been expecting is just around the corner. AMP economist Diana Mousina joins wealth editor James Kirby. ------ In today's show, we cover Rates finally drop - but not for borrowers * Why are my council rates rising if prices are flat? * Can childcare stocks ever be viable for r...

Aug 20, 202434 min

Why the rich are comfortable with investments they can't cash out fast

Our guest today has been rated as one of the top advisers in the market for many years. He makes the point that virtually every Australian investor loves property - a notoriously illiquid asset. But then very few investors are willing to move into illiquid assets outside of bricks and mortar...it's time to change your mind. Charlie Viola of Pitcher Partners joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: *Why are you scared of illiquid assets? *Do you have enough expo...

Aug 20, 202433 min

FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) - Does it work?

One of the biggest ‘movements’ in finance is the FIRE concept. You work hard, you save even harder and you retire early. Does it work? Does it pay off? Does it even make sense? James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ------ In today’s show we cover: *Facing FIRE - It’s a neat acronym, but is it for real? *Insurance - The unavoidable cost that may have to come first *Property versus super *Negative gearing - Did getting rid of it in NZ really ...

Aug 13, 202433 min

If the market has recovered, shouldn't you be bargain hunting?

As today's guest points out, we are looking at a 'most distrusted share market rally' where investors are still trying to figure out what on earth prompted a shock reversal earlier this week. Maybe investors might be better off looking at fundamentals such as results, and interest rates and take less heed of exotic explanations for the downturn such as Buffett's offloading of Apple or the 'Japanese carry trade' : Because, after all, nobody really knows why 'Mr Market' sometimes acts irrationally...

Aug 08, 202438 min

What the share market pullback tells every investor

The worst share market drop on the ASX for four years will have ripple effects for investors in every asset class. For a start, it takes speculation of further rate rises off the table and it could prompt a swing towards property: Either way, it is going to mean a red alert for the next few weeks. Anthony Keane, personal finance writer at News Corporation joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover... * Lessons from this week's sharemarket pullback * How a weaker s...

Aug 06, 202432 min