The Money Puzzle

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.

The annual Rich 250 has just been released with a whole new crew of debutants pushing the incumbents of previous generations to one side. In this episode, we cover: The new network of tycoons emerging across Australia The crypto king building the most expensive house...ever...in Australia Two sisters who saved Blundstone boots and made a fortune The Australian with a $2 billion empire in Estonia John Stensholt editor of The List - Australia’s Richest 250 joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victorian capital is the weakest of the major cities and its apartment market has been a loser for more than a decade. But the soft patch can't last forever: The investment fundamentals for the city are strong and long-term investors could do very well looking a little more closely at the Melbourne market. In today's show, we cover: Melbourne apartments - 'Be greedy when others are fearful' How your HECs bill blocks your borrowing capacity Is over-capitalization over-rated? The two regional cities that capture the shift outside Syndey and Melbourne Adviser Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution Private Clients joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Future Fund's consistently strong returns and its big exposure to so-called 'unlisted assets' have captured the interest of many investors. But, until very recently, most investors could not get access to unlisted assets and were restricted to listed securities such as shares and managed funds. Usefully, things are changing - today we take a serious look at unlisted assets. In this episode we cover Introducing the risk spectrum of unlisted assets Accepting a 5-7 year wait for unlisted returns Water rights, forestry schemes and new agribusiness opportunities Why do retirees not pay tax? Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was not supposed to happen: The regions were meant to return to their secondary position in the residential investment market after COVID-19. Instead, over the last three months, prices rose faster than in the cities and the rental vacancy rates remained tight as hell... what gives?In today's show, we cover: The curious case of the regional property bounceback How the national market is already looking better than last year's forecasts Are investors in one-bedroom units facing a disadvantage Navigating property taxes Property analyst Louis Christoper of SQM Research joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not for the first time a single stock has become the proxy for a red-hot theme: AI and Nvidia are now interchangeable - and the specialist chipmaker has become the world’s top stock. Today we look at the AI boom and the first steps every Australian investor should be taking.In today’s show, we cover: The Australian stakeholders inside Nvidia Playing the AI boom on the ASX Exploring solar power and EVs* Selling shares without paying tax Financial advisor James Gerrard joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The consensus view is that interest rates have peaked in this cycle. Banks are already snipping their fixed rate mortgage rates (which is good) while also reducing the rate they pay on cash deposits (which is not so good). It's time to find out what's going on in the finance market.In today's show, we cover: The beginning of lower fixed-rate mortgages Beyond the big four - where to hunt for cash rates Why the First Home Super Saver scheme is too much trouble The trouble with SMSF loans Sally Tindall, head of research at comparison service, RateCity, joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family offices are very much the fashion among the nation’s ultra-wealthy: What are they exactly and what might we learn from how they operate?In today’s show, we cover The booming business of the family office Safety in numbers - how the system works How much do you need to start a family trust? Fund manager performance fees - an explanation Jacqui Clarke, author and family office adviser joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney prices have been soft in early 2024: It's not quite a 'buyer's market' but it is as good a time to find value as we have seen in years. Where are the opportunities in the city and which neighbourhoods should we watch? In today's show we cover: Taking advantage of a rare lull in the nation's top property market Excitement builds around Sydney's new airport zone Why one-bedroomed apartments have limited appeal What is going on around the future of negative gearing? Judy Schmidt of Advocate Buyers Agency joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In redrawing the plan for personal tax cuts while introducing a tax on unrealised gains in super the government has unleashed a whirlwind of speculation: All tax shelters from negative gearing to CGT discounts are now fair game.What to do?In today’s show, we cover The political brawl on tax and how it affects you Exploring investment bonds and family trusts The looming importance of unrealised gains Struggling with poor service at Big Super Liam Shorte of Sonas Wealth joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most property investors will aspire to have more than one property: Many in the market suggest strategies that allow an investor to accumulate a 'passive income portfolio' over time. But how do you approach this? What are the risks of running multiple properties? And would future tax changes make a difference? In today's show, we cover : Behind the promise of passive property investment * Do you need a buyer's advocate? Switching a mortgage from the home to an investment The future of negative gearing Property educator P.K. Gupta joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financial success of singer Taylor Swift is unprecedented: Show business will never be the same again. For millions, she is a champion who outsmarts the music industry at every turn. So is she a role model for younger investors?In today's show we cover... The devilishly clever business brain behind the music How Taylor Swift invests The role of her dad who is a financial advisor ‘Swiftonomics’ - how it really works Sociologist Dr Rachel Carroll joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to listen to the other side: Some economists believe house prices are heading south in 2024 as interest rate hikes finally hit home and unemployment rises at the same time.In this show we cover: What's behind a forecast drop of 5 per cent in the market? The tremors signaled by new statistics on 'distressed sales' * Is the tradie shortage still a thing? Why your house is taking longer to build Economist Stephen Koukoulas of Market Economics joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The surprise changes to the planned tax cuts by the Albanese government will fuel political debate for months: But for the pragmatic investor it's a question of how to respond effectively. In today's show, we cover: Revisiting tax personal tax strategies If annuities are so good, why are they not popular? Optimising tax with a non-working partner Is your home part of your investment portfolio? Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conditions have been building for a rebound in negative gearing with climbing interest rates and rising rental yields. Now a surprise reversal in tax relief for upper-income earners means the search for tax deductions is about to begin again. In today's show, we cover; the startling figures on mortgage stress, how negative gearing just gets better, the Canberra rent freeze and why the split between homeowner and investor lending rates? Cameron Kusher, research director at REA (a subsidiary of News Corp) joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians will borrow to the gills to buy the family home. They will also take big loans to enter the property market, but when it comes to the share market they hold back. Today we look a serious look at ‘leverage’. In this episode, we cover: What you need to know about borrowing for investment If annuities are so sensible why are they not more popular? How franking credits work* The case for a $2m minimum in self-managed super funds Dr Sam Wylie of Windlestone Education and Melbourne Business School joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big banks offered a consensus estimate that capital city house prices would rise by 5.7 percent in 2024. With a rush of negative data since the year began, this week we interrogate those bullish forecasts and see if they can be taken seriously. In today's show, we cover: Will gloomy consumers drag property prices lower? NSW leads the investor rebound Why one in three immigrants head to Melbourne The outlook for rental yields Eliza Owen of the CoreLogic research group joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The share market beat all expectations in 2023 and what's stopping a repeat performance in 2024? Lots of things actually but then again volatility is the name of the game when your money is at risk on listed markets. Here at the Money Puzzle we just assume a real return of around 9 percent each year and then it's a question of the stock choices you make. In today's episode, we cover: The outlook for shares in the next 12 months Banks and miners - who will make the money? Healthcare and REITs - two sectors with the wind behind them Why ETFs always win Gemma Dale, Director SMSF and investor behaviour at Nabtrade joins wealth editor James Kirby on this week's episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our first property episode of the year, we look at the very promising outlook for apartments, the improving inflation picture, and the chance that rates might drop. We also take note of the potential headwinds in the next 12 months - especially the sharp decline in ‘buyer intention’ which has just been reported by Commonwealth Bank.In today’s episode, we cover: The property fundamentals of 2024 Why Perth could shine and Melbourne may underperform The reality of current rate settings Buying a property with friends Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in today’s episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.