The Money Puzzle

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 editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: * How advisers pick their clients * When advice costs too much to add value * Key questions you must ask * The benefits of becoming a 'sophisticated investor' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 home - the argument against it See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 traditional ETFs The pros and cons of new-style active ETFs Geared ETFs - How do they work? Using ETFs for unlisted assets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 thought you agreed on Negative gearing beyond property See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 you can't invest the same way as a big fund Super's new challenge - managing your money after you retire The dilemma posed by ESG for retirement managers Your super fund is an 'active' manager - can they beat a passive approach? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 retail investors? * The FIRE movement returns fire See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 exposure to overseas share markets *Help! I need to move a lot of money overseas...where do I start? * The truth about Trump and fossil fuels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 hurt the market?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Author and analyst Danielle Ecuyer joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode --------------In this week's episode, we cover: The aftershock from the flash reversal on the share market Should the ever day investor hedge? The risk of buying 'listed' private investments Iron ore prices and ASX minersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 share market may lead to lower rates * Why diversifying property matters as much as diversifying your shares* Is my super safe from scammers? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen: The excitement around Artificial Intelligence ran hot on the share market and now the question is, where are the profits? For investors backing AI-fuelled stocks, it is time to take a breath - but at least they can take comfort in one fact: These stocks make money...it's not a bubble (so far). In today's show, we cover * The AI share market boom takes a step backward* Can you get your money out of a private credit fund?* The minimum amount you need for a family trust * What is 'hedging' and should you pay for it? Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data this week reveals the key to a slump in Victoria: Believe it or not there has been too much new property built in Melbourne. Moreover, there are now more sellers than buyers across the state: How long can it last? In today's show, we cover * Why prices and rents will keep rising ?* The state that overbuilt * Shared house - the ultimate investment property * Where can I get a 40-year mortgage? Eliza Owen, economist at CoreLogic joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, you probably did very well in the year to June as an active investor: But what are your plans for the year ahead? Do you still believe rates are going down? Will small caps outperform large caps? It's time to take stock. In today's show we cover * Setting your sails for FY 2025 * The Biden moment - When it's time to quit* The theory behind a potential small-cap rebound * CGT tangles in the home where you lived and then rented Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you are an investor or an owner-occupier, the interest rate rises of recent years can be a squeeze. But you do have options, including extending the life of your mortgage or switching to interest-only: Under both these arrangements you will pay less each month. Or maybe you could hold on a little longer, economists still believe we will see rate cuts early next year. In today’s show we cover: Is the national property market cooling?Getting over your mortgage cliff?How bank stocks and house prices are getting closely linked Preparing for a second ‘Trump bump’ Our guest is Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at the Ray White group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX is up 12 per cent in a year, the US S&P is up 24 per cent and now 'pro-market' Republican Donald Trump looks set to win the US election. What are investors buying and what can we expect for the rest of the year? In today's show, we cover... * Will Trump accelerate the share market bull run?* Australian investors stick with miners even though banks surge * What might a sudden Trump-driven $US drop unleash?* The problem with infrastructure ETFs Gemma Dale head of investor behaviour at nabtrade joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors with multiple properties often get a hard time: Anissa Cavallo owns 15 investment properties having started as a divorced mum living in her parent's home.So, don't expect any apology from this investor, but she does put forward a forceful argument for investing in residential property - and some excellent insights into how to do it successfully In today's show, we cover... * How many properties should an investor hold?* The perfect suburb for the investor * Is the WA property market reliable?* The outstanding attraction of stand-alone property Anissa Cavallo of EDA property advice group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sharemarkets are firing - the US market is on an absolute tear...and now we have the prospect that Republican Donald Trump could win again. The last time Trump won, Wall Street went for a run...what might happen this time? In today's show we cover: * The outlook for the share market * Why 'active' ETFs are riskier than you think * The problem with assuming your super returns will stay so good * Thinking long-term about splitting super savings between couples Adviser James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors and home buyers take a second look! Villa units - the humble single storey dwellings to be found in every metropolitan suburb are being reassessed by a new generation. They may not be fashionable - but they are going to be hot property. In today's show we cover: * Reassessing the villa unit * Why insurance inflation is crunching the housing market* Where is the government's shared equity scheme?* The $99,000 Melbourne apartment (not for everyone) Sarah Petty, property reporter at the Herald Sun joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the single most common question among Australian investors and the answer is different for everyone. But there are firm principles you can follow and simple formulas that will at least give you a very good sense of how your super is shaping up. In today's episode we cover: * Why you need to be sceptical of ‘super calculators’ * How you - or your partner - could live to be 100 * Don’t underestimate the role of the government aged pension * Why the amount you spend per year is the number you need to know Ashley Owen of OwenAnalytics joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much is property costing you? Home loan borrowers are extending their mortgages to keep costs down: Investors are absorbing higher running charges with an eye on the long term prize of capital gain. This week we take a close look at refinancing and how to make it work In today’s show we cover * How to speak the language of property finance (and score a better deal) *. Does downsizing actually save money?* Forecasts for the year ahead * Extending the mortgage - pros and cons Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution Private Clients joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The share market is heading for another strong year, but the short sellers are working hard to pull down some champion stocks on the ASX: Blue chip CBA and IPO darling Guzman Y Gomez are among the targets.What does it mean for investors? In this episode, we cover: Short order - Why do traders believe top stocks are heading for a fall? The tricky business of small-cap stock selection What happened to luxury goods seller Cettire? Stock splits - Why they push up the share price Dean Fergie of Cyan Investment Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may think you are ready to join the property market but do you have your squad of professionals in place? And have you considered the humble villa unit? In today's episode we cover: * A buyer's advocate tips for the first -time buyer * Villa units - Are they the most undervalued properties in Australia? * Land tax - Getting to know state-based land tax regimes * Have we reached peak mortgage broker? Jarrod McCabe of the Wakelin Property Advisory group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode Cliona O'Dowd's piece on superannuation can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tycoons win and lose on the sharemarket just like the rest of us: This week Peter Cooper had a win with Guzman Y Gomez but then 'Hungry Jack' Cowin has watched his Domino's Pizza shares drop by a third so far in 2024. What can we learn from tycoon stock-picking? In today's episode we cover * The stocks that paid off big time for Rich 250 players * Terrible tycoon stock picks of 2024 (so far) * The Australian who has $900m worth of Nvidia stock * How stock splits work John Stensholt editor of The Rich 250 joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As NSW follows Victoria with fresh moves to raise more money from Land Tax: Investors need to review their options and look at the different settings around the nation.In today's show, we cover... Land tax -The states squeeze the lemon - what can you do? Interest-only loans as a way to better manage debt Buying a house with mates - what you need to know If your home is your main workplace - are trips to work tax deductible? Kitty Parker of Kitty and Miles Buyers Agency joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us invest to make money for better times. But what about needing money for when things go very wrong. Today's guest was a patent lawyer when her family was hit with a major health trauma. The experience triggered a career change into becoming a financial adviser. In today's show we cover: Emergency money - Why you must have a plan Understanding the insurance inside your super Should you bother with income protection insurance? The pro-bono financial advice network Nicola Beswick of FMD Financial joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The soon-to-be-biggest city in Australia is among the cheapest! It is also the weakest in terms of price gains this year...so what should an investor do? In today's show we cover ... Is Melbourne now the bargain of the decade? Interrogating the 'units will rebound' theory Will immigration cuts weaken the property market? The first steps in developing a property? Financial adviser Bruce Brammall joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been to a BBQ where someone told you about a unique tax strategy and you're left wondering why your accountant never mentioned this before? It might be claiming a luxury car as a tax deduction or becoming a tax resident of a tax haven like Vanuatu to avoid paying income tax. We sit down with an accountant to run through a range of "is this possible" scenarios from claiming travel costs on investment properties to determining whether you can claim pet food as a tax deduction for your dog if they can double as a guard dog. We get to the bottom of many interesting tax myths and either debunk them or confirm their legitimacy. In this episode we cover: Someone told me I could claim this on tax, can I? End of financial year tax tips How to pick an accountant that's right for you Located on Sydney's Central Coast, accountant Timothy Ricardo joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High risk, high return is the perception when it comes to property development. So, no wonder that only 2% of all property investors actually engage in property development activities. If you have ever thought about property development, this is the episode for you. In this episode we cover: How to get started in property development Tips and tricks from an experienced property developer Is there still money to be made in development? Expected ROI and how to decide between cash vs debt funding Property developer Daichi Somehara of buyers agency firm Property Buyer joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inbox at [email protected] has been bursting at the seams - it's time to give listener questions the attention they deserve. In this show we cover: Is a stock split something to worry about? Help! I should have put this investment inside super Retirement calculators forget to tell you one thing Dividend Reinvestment programs - how they work Financial adviser James Gerrard joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using super for any reason other than retirement savings used to be taboo: Not anymore, and not when the tax system is totally loaded in favour of the homeowner. The Coalition proposal to allow super for first home buyers is gaining attention, it's an idea that will be hard to resist. James Gerrard of The Financial Adviser joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode. In this episode we cover: Changing role of super in home buying Big risks with NDIS property schemes Why are some property owners quitting? Value in the regions - Investors are going further from the cities Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance: [email protected] Read more from James Kirby on The AustralianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are SMSFs worth the trouble? How much should you have in funds to get started? There are now more than 600,000 SMSFs in the local market: If you don't have a fund, it's time to think about it (and if you do have a fund: It might also be time to consider whether it is still the best tax structure for your situation). In today's show we cover: Are Self Managed Super Funds worth the trouble? What is the ideal age to begin a new fund? The latest patterns in SMSF activity from the ATO Dealing with the new super tax Julie Dolan, head of SMSF and estate planning at KPMG joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The argument against apartment investment has always been the same: 'They can just keep adding new developments'...well, not anymore. The market is changing and the statistics are there to prove it. In today's show we cover: * Why the rebound in apartment investment returns will continue* Using super for buying a home - should you? * WA wins as the best state for property investors * Is Lenders Mortgage insurance a con? Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 budget was a deft piece of work: Politically astute, and supportive of low-income Australians but also a very mixed bag for investors. In today's show we cover: The budget measures that matter to investors Things the government did not do (which will make a big difference) The share market sector awash with government largesse HECs - did they really do that much? Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might think you know the Australian property market but the goalposts are moving: Hobart had slid down the ladder, Canberra is second only to Sydney while Brisbane and Perth are charging ahead. It's time to reassess. In today's show we cover: The changing profile of big city property markets Why units are set to do better than houses (per square metre) In support of the First Home Super Saver scheme Will Perth now pass out Melbourne average home values too? Tim Lawless, head of research at CoreLogic, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there anything behind this piece of share market folk wisdom? We find out.Also, our biggest super funds are set to expand their offerings in financial advice: What can we expect from this development - and what does it mean for independent advice? In today's show we cover : Pros and Cons of super funds offering advice The reality of 'sophisticated investor' rules Why are we selling key assets to overseas pension funds? Myth busting --Sell in May and go away Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The banks are starting to carve up the lending market by postcode. If you are inside one of the 145 (out of 3300) postcodes ANZ Bank has cherry picked you can get a special deal on larger loans. What does this mean for the market? What does it mean for you? In todays show we cover : Getting to know postcode-driven lending deals What will the Federal Budget offer for property ? The reality of falling prices on a residential market Pete Wargent of AllenWargent Property Buyers joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The plain vanilla Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) turned the Australian funds management sector on its head. Now, the whole scene is changing again with everything from Bitcoin funds to leveraged products. In today's show we cover: Everything you need to know about traditional ETFs The pros and cons of index-based funds Why ETFs don't work every time Dividends and CGT - how it works for ETF investors ETF expert Kanish Chugh joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in the history of The Money Puzzle, James Kirby is off sick. James will be back on Thursday with a new episode, but for now we hope you enjoy his chat from last December with Damon Kitney about the families behind Australia’s biggest companies. Who are they, and what can we learn from the way they invest? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might seem like only yesterday that rates were supposed to be coming down but the news changes fast: This week's inflation data has already prompted calls for RBA rate rises. One of the loudest calls comes from this week's guest... who should know - he's an expert in fixed income markets. In today's show we cover: Where to now for fixed income and bonds? The limits of exchange-traded funds What happens to 'big super' when everyone is on a pension? Why we undervalue cash Christopher Joye of Coolabah Capital Investments joins wealth editor James Kirby on today's episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For renters it’s been tough, for property owners it’s been plain sailing as rents grew in double digits last year. With slowing immigration intake and some easing of wider pressures, rent increases are not going to stay at those high levels.Where do rents go from here? In todays show we cover : The changing outlook for rental growth Why Melbourne and Hobart will struggle to keep pace Brisbane property powers ahead Budget hopes for HECs-laden home buyers Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at the Ray White real estate group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 30 this year is a unique tax opportunity for the simple reason your tax bill in FY 2024 is very likely to be higher than FY 2025: That means the deductions are better if you get them sorted in the next two months. In today's show we cover: The outstanding ways to save tax this year Making the most of the looming tax cuts Handbags and guard dogs - some unlikely deduction opportunities Choosing a trading platform Dr Adrian Raftery aka Mr Taxman joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the property market look like to Gen Z? The generation born after 1997 that takes a one percent vacancy rate as 'normal'; The people who get 100 applicants for a spare bedroom in a shared house. They have a different story but it is a story we all need to know. In today's show we cover: The realities of property investment for Gen Z Exploring the opportunities of being a 'rentvestor'* Using super for buy a home Is the office sector rout over? Sarah Petty real estate reporter for the News Ltd network joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average HECs student debt is now $26,500 and rising rapidly. Once upon an inflation-free time HECs hardly mattered, now it matters a lot. Worse still, the way HECs is managed by the government is antiquated and unfair to former students. Meanwhile, banks use the debt to reduce your borrowing capacity. No wonder there is a push to change the process. In today's show we cover: Why more than 200,000 people are pushing for change in student debt How to manage your HECs situation Expanding an SMSF to include six people Is leasing an electric car a better way to go? Advisor James Wrigley of First Financial joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the economists continue to push their rate cut forecasts further out, it is now distinctly possible we will not see interest rate cuts this calendar year. What does it mean for the property market and your borrowing plans? In today's show we cover: The reality of higher-for-longer interest rates Will commercial property problems spill over into the residential sector Searching for multi-asset funds outside of super Getting to know the 'six year' CGT primary residence exemption rule. Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore Private Wealth joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might be hard to believe but the key numbers for both personal tax and super contributions are going to change again on July 1 2024 - Now is the time to make your plans.In today’s show, we cover: How to position for lower personal tax rates Catching up with planned super contribution changes Investing based on demographics Do share market index funds offer diversification any longer? Financial adviser James Gerrard joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the biggest financial challenge for the new generation - how to get a toehold in the property market. In today's episode we cover The first steps towards buying a property Considering the 'rentvest' strategy Should super be available to home buyers Getting to know the '6-year rule' for your home and CGT John Pidgeon of Solvere Wealth and the This is Money podcast joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX just hit a new record and the markets are on a roll: So what should investors be looking for? AI-themed technology stocks and - believe it or not - consumer discretionary companies, says fund manager Roger Montgomery. In today's episode, we cover: Why is the share market on a bull run? AI hopefuls - Macquarie Technology and Megaport Consumer favourites - Lovisa Jewellery and ARB Does Bunnings have too much power? Fund manager Roger Montgomery of Montgomery Investment Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The promise of the investment property that 'pays for itself' is all too common in the property market and all too difficult to locate in practice. Is positive gearing feasible with high rates and low rental yields? In today's show we cover: Positive gearing - The fading prospect Bad behaviour among buyers advocates Using Federal and State home buyer grants in tandem When advice lets you down Real estate advisor Cate Bakos joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June 2023 we did our first special edition on AI when we introduced the issue and we talked about Nvidia - the AI chipmaker which is up 200 per cent since that time. Today we catch up on AI in mid-2024 with Matt Barrie, the founder and CEO of Freelancer: an executive at the frontline of AI changes.In this episode we cover: Why are investment markets so excited over AI?* Threats and opportunities of the new technology Why Google and Netflix should be very worried The stocks ready to surf the AI wave Matt Barrie, the CEO of Freelancer joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a long time it was a golden rule among financial advisers to pay down your mortgage before any other investment consideration. Well, not any longer…for some investors putting money into super should come first. In today’s show we cover… Mortgage payments versus super contributions Selling a property without using a real estate agent Should you self insure ? Playing house with CGT exemptions and negative gearing Financial adviser Bruce Brammall joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.