The Money Puzzle

How do you sell a property? What are the essential moves to make to ensure you get the best deal for your home or investment? The choices have multiplied in recent years: Should you auction? Should you have an ‘expression of interest’ campaign? Do you really need a ‘stylist’? In today’s show we cover; how to choose a real estate agent, how to choose a method of sale, preparing your property, and timing your sale. Jarrod McCabe of Wakelin Property Advisory joins Wealth Editor James Kirby for this special series episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas is more than just an airline to Australians. But the way shareholders see the airline has diverged considerably from how customers do. That has now cost the airline its previously well-respected CEO, and seen the aviation business lodge plans to change its flight path. In today's show, we also cover; interest rates, what to make of industry funds’ shift to offering indexed investment options, Newcrest’s takeover and holding foreign stock, and what the tax difference is between industry fund v SMSF. Bruce Brammall, financial adviser at Bruce Brammall Financial, was this week’s host of The Money Puzzle and was joined by Eric Johnstone, associate editor, business, at The Australian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying a property? What are the first steps? What are the pitfalls? It's never easy whether you are buying a first home or adding another asset to your investment portfolio: But there are some basics everyone should know... In today's show, we cover: How to select a property, why private sales are your best option, assessing real estate agent jargon, and the vexed issue of your dollar limit. Kitty Parker of the Kitty and Miles buyer's agency is wealth editor James Kirby's guest for this special series episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The expanded performance tests for super from the government set a new milestone in our investment market: Just about every investor in Australia has super savings and now we can see clearly if it is being managed well or not. Nearly one in ten funds failed: Is your fund one of them? In today's episode, we cover: how to make the best out of the super performance tests, using the my.gov website to see how your fund scored, stage three tax cuts and franked dividends, and investing for tax concessions. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Management joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Active property investors are very often the same people who steer clear of shares and managed funds. At the same time, many advisors are heavily committed to shares and funds with little expertise when it comes to direct property: What to do? In today's show, we cover: Financial advice for the property investor, the common mistake advisers make in property, investing in Australian property if you live overseas and offset account money and negative gearingFinancial adviser James Gerrard of www.financialadvisor.com.au joins Wealth Editor James Kirby on today's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's the puzzle: Should you depend on shares or cash for income? Well, your risky return from the ASX is represented by an average dividend yield of just over 4 percent. Meanwhile, with a cash term deposit, you can still get a 5 percent rate - government guaranteed - it just might be the deal of the decade, know it when you see it. In today's show, we cover: The last of the best of the term deposit deals? How to play thematic exchange-traded funds, shared equity home loans and when investment bonds make sense. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the residential property sector stabilizes, the banks have been playing some games in the lending market - if you are borrowing for a home or an investment you need to know what's going on. In today's episode, we cover: why interest-only borrowers are being punished, how can banks offer more than the RBA for deposits, why home loan borrowers are fixing again and the bias against retirees in the lending system. Steve Mickenbecker, chief commentator at Canstar, joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fashion for alternative unlisted investments is getting a reality check as investors can get a risk-free cash rate of more than four per cent. The biggest cloud over the sector, so far, is the redemption refusals popping up at major unlisted property funds. So what does it mean for investors? In today's episode, we cover: the big fat problem with unlisted assets, how to optimising super concessional contributions and the dreaded US withholding rate for Aussie investors. Tim Mackay of the Quantum Financial group is wealth editor James Kirby's guest in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiny houses are popping up all over Australia yet the movement remains a mystery to many in the property sector. These hybrid mobile dwellings cost around the same as a deposit on an average house. No wonder they are popular among a broad range of investors from first home buyers to holidaymakers: So how does it all work and would it suit you? In today's episode, we cover: the pros, cons and legal limitations of a 'tiny house', running a tiny house as an investment, how to buy and sell your tiny house and why it's not for everyone. Christine Murphy of the Lets Talk Tiny Houses podcast is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life insurance is a big expense and most smart investors save money by purchasing it through their super fund. But the track record of big super funds in getting around to sending through insurance payout is woeful. Worse still, big funds will often ignore your wishes on where they send the money.In today's show, we cover: insurance failings in big super funds, class action payouts, getting to know the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the auditor problem in SMSFs.Fiona Halsey of Halsey Legal Services joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residential property isn't the only sector with exceptionally tight vacancy rates. Industrial property - warehouses and factory units at the edge of every city - has become one of the hottest parts of the market. But why has it boomed, and how should everyday investors approach this investment area? In today's show, we cover: how online retail changed the shape of the property market, the reason industrial property is outperforming and how deep the problems in the office sector are. Charlie Buxton, CEO of the Cadence Property Group, is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The excitement around AI has fuelled the 'magnificent seven' tech stocks on Wall Street and underpinned the 20 percent year-to-date return on Wall Street: But which Australian listed stock could be the champion for Australian Investors In today's show, we cover: the AI contenders on the ASX, will CSL recover? The best and worst of Exchange Traded Funds and gearing into shares.Rudi Filapek-Vandyck, editor of the research investment service FNArena.com joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing in retail shops or industrial warehousing is a different ball game than buying the house around the corner. Longer leases and higher yields make this area attractive, but it's a lot more work upfront. In today's show, we take a first-time look at this sector and cover: What is the minimum entry point for commercial property? The key concern with commercial tenants, where the bargains are in 2023, and the ideal investment vehicle for your first venture. Buyer's agent and founder of Revolve Commercial Property, Mish Daniel, is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a better-than-expected year for the share market - especially on Wall Street. But where does it go from here? What is the one area of the global market set to catch up with the AI-driven 'magnificent seven' stocks that have underpinned the money made so far in 2023?In today's show, we cover: The global share market rebound, the dangers in chasing alternatives, why banks frown on share market portfolios as collateral, and inheritance tax in super.Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perhaps you cannot afford a first property, but if you combined with a mate it might be possible. In today's podcast, a question from a 21-year-old listener who wants to buy in partnership with a friend gets the thumbs up. In fact, the government has recently moved to make it easier for mates to buy together by allowing 'joint' applications for the popular First Home Guarantee Scheme. In today's episode, we also cover: the most promising region for investors nationwide, what would a market with 'rent controls' look like? And the mixed data on whether home prices are softening. Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at the Ray White Group is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big super funds and high net worth investors are ever more keen on 'alternative investments' but are they for you? One of the nation's top female financial advisers certainly does not think so. In today's episode we cover: sticking with a financial plan through thick and thin, the fact that the very rich can risk a lot on alternatives - but can you? Why defined benefit pension funds are 'gold' and bonds versus term deposits.Sally Huynh of Shadforth Financial Group is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The reckoning for office property values has finally arrived in the Australian market, a long time after they first hit the US - where listed values are now rebounding. As the first reports of ‘limited redemptions’ at office-based unlisted property trusts hit the local sector, investors might reasonably expect this downturn in valuations will pass - indeed the funds might be catching up on formalising valuations that have dipped and are ready to recover. In today’s show, we cover: Freeze-frame - reality bites for unlisted property valuations, why property prices and interest rates can rise at the same time, should we worry about a double-dip for the residential market and using the First Home Super Saver Scheme to buy a home Chris Bedingfield of global real estate investors, Quay Global Investors is Wealth Editor James Kirby’s guest in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a short while it looked like the leviathans of the Australian super industry were facing a new breed of challengers. Start-up youth-focused super funds such as Spaceship rattled the sector with ‘green’ style products, social media marketing, and clear support from a younger demographic. But the challengers have faded - they could not match the performance or services offered by big super. Will there ever be a successful super disruptor? How about a US$7 trillion non-profit global fund that’s just beginning to make some headway? Find out more in this week’s episode when we cover: the false dawn of super disruptors, the titan that could yet shake the market, the unlisted assets in big super, and doing your own super contributions. Andy Darroch of Independent Wealth Advice joins The Australian’s Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might have thought that the endless escalation of mortgage rates would finish the notion of a suburb where buying was cheaper than renting.Not so.There are at least 40 suburbs around the nation that are both cheap and offer strong prospects for the home owner or investor. Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group is Wealth Editor, James Kirby's guest in this episode. Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year was meant to be all about ‘value’ on the share market: Rising rates were expected to hose down the demand for tech-focused growth stocks and boring old value stocks were meant to shine. It didn't happen. ‘Because’, says top adviser Charlie Viola, ‘ the whole debate is rubbish, good companies make good investments that’s all there is to it, ‘ Sounds simple. Moreover, it sounds true. We cover: what happened to the long-promised return of value stocks? The need to take some money off the table in the months ahead, timing super contributions and should bank hybrids be classified as shares? Charlie Viola, managing director of Pitcher Partners joins Wealth Editor James Kirby on today’s episode Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The residential market in 2023 is most unusual - prices are rising while interest rates are increasing; Up to a third of buyers don't need a mortgage and...nobody wants to do any renovation work! The blow-out in building costs, supply difficulties and sluggish response times from some local councils have combined to create a market where the perfect property is perfectly ready to inhabit, But for those willing to take the plunge and renovate the rewards may be lucrative. Dean Berman of Berman Buys is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode. Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new financial year begins on July 1 and a range of key 'caps' come into play. But the outstanding item of personal tax news is that you can have an extra $200,000 in super tax-free: Yes, if you are fortunate enough to be in the upper band of super investors then the amount you can have in super where the is no tax on earnings is moving up from $1.7m to $1.9m: Who said inflation is bad news for everyone. We cover why your super contributions are rising - whether you like it or not, the generous lift in the tax-free super threshold, saying goodbye to pandemic-era drawdown rates for older Australians, and how to become a financial adviser. Financial adviser James Gerrard of www.financiladviser.com.au joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might think higher rates keep buyers away from the property market but a remarkable 25 percent of purchasers buy outright - with no mortgage! It’s a remarkable statistic and offers an insight into a unique feature of today’s real estate market: Aging downsizers combined with freshly made fortunes from offshore underpin a considerable amount of the demand in the residential sector. Michael Matusik of Matusik Property Insight is Wealth Editor James Kitby’s guest in this week’s episode Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The excitement around artificial intelligence has propelled the US sharemarket this year. That’s why returns stateside are three times better than the ASX over recent months. So what’s going on with AI and what does it mean for you?We cover the investment opportunity of AI, whether this is going to be a dot.com boom, when to expect the first AI billionaires and how healthcare and financial advice will change. Dudley Nevill-Spencer of the London-based Live and Breathe group is Wealth Editor James Kirby’s guest in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest factor ‘new’ factor in the property sector is the remarkable change we will see from the arrival of 400,000 people into a market population growth had been close to zero. But will the demand lift that comes from a population burst be enough to counter a consumer slowdown or even a full- blown recession? Tim Toohey, strategist and chief economist at Yarra Capital is Wealth Editor James Kirby’s guest in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leave the investment to me, darling! It’s still a refrain in household finances and letting one person handle all money matters is the single biggest mistake couple make, says author Jacqui Clarke. As an advisor to some of Australia’s wealthiest families, Clarke knows a thing or two about how individuals can lose when it comes to family fortunes: In today’s episode she spells out the life lessons everyone needs to know. We cover, how to manage household wealth in everyone’s interest, the attractions of pooling money for couples, building your own ‘village’ of wealth consultants and making sense of ‘buy’ recommendations from stockbrokers. Jacqui Clarke, author of “Stop Worrying about Money’ joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They don't make it easy, but any investor can directly enter the property investment market using their super. In fact, any investor with a Self Managed Super Fund can borrow to buy investment property as part of a wider diversified portfolio. Gemma Dale, Director of SMSF and investor behaviour at NAB Trade is Wealth Editor, James Kirby's guest in this episode. Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's show, we talk about whether the Australian share market is likely to finish the year in the black. We also discuss ways that investors can jump on the electric vehicle boom by investing in certain stocks and ETFs.And with interest rates rising for the 12th time in 14 months, is it time to take money out of super to pay down your home loan? We also look at the new 30 percent super tax above $3M, the devil is in the detail with an unexpected sting in the tail for those with large super balances.Stockbroker Chris Macdonald joins financial planner James Gerrard on this week's episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the temperature in the market at the moment? How are the Saturday mornings for the buyers, sellers and even the auctioneers? With clearance rates lifting, are we being misled or is caution the smart money? Jarrod McCabe from Wakelin Property Advisory joins Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode. Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're talking about how to tackle inflation as an active investor. We also deal with a question on discounted Listed Investment Companies which - believe it or not - leads us towards the Taylor Swift school of investing. It turns out Taylor takes tips from her ex-Merrill Lynch stockbroker dad, Scott - and she seeks out discounted closed-end mutual funds. The ASX version of this investment is discounted LICs - but are they for you? We also cover: Optimising your cash to tackle inflation, gearing at a time of high-interest rates, and getting to the bottom of family trusts. Financial adviser Bruce Brammal joins The Australian's Wealth Editor James Kirby on this week's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors pay a higher mortgage rate than home loan borrowers. However, this was not always the case – and there is now a solid argument to suggest that investors should pay less. In reality, the repayment statistics for investors are better than the same numbers for homeowners – but investors get no reward for their better performance. Cameron Kusher, Executive Director - Economics, at REA Group joins Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest in this episode. Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the sharemarket drifts, investors are looking to ‘alternatives’ for returns: One of the most dependable alternative income investments is ‘secured mortgages’ where you get a high rate of return underpinned by property projects: This week we fish in a new income stream that is worth exploring for the everyday investor. We also cover: Artificial Intelligence - who will be the losers? Investing in shares for children, Should you worry about big super’s unlisted assets? And speculating on future rate movements. James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au is Wealth Editor James Kirby’s guest on this episode of The Money Puzzle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The capacity to borrow will be the big difference in the next upward cycle of residential real estate prices. Property investors might be familiar with the challenges around locating and managing a successful property, but an entire generation of investors has never faced operating in a high-interest rate environment. Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution group is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this episode of The Money Puzzle. Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance here - [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As housing affordability bites hard and the rent crisis continues, many landlords are as frustrated as their tenants with the long-term realities of the property market: Could it work better and what would it take to move the dial? In this episode we discuss the case for wholistic tax reform, Dr Monique Ryan's mortgage, how the Teals are working on a new tax blueprint, super changes and whether the $3m cap will be the last 'adjustment'? Dr Monique Ryan, the 'teal' member for Kooyong, Melbourne is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Albanese government's first 'May Budget' elevates the risk of higher inflation and higher rates - it also signals further strong returns for miners and building stocks. In this week's episode, we cover the hits and misses of Budget 2023, the outlook for your super, whether family trusts are in the gun and the next building boom Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self Managed Super Funds are often associated with the very wealthy who have millions to spend, but new figures show the median amount for new SMSFs is $260,000. In this week's episode, we cover the advantages of an SMSF, why the sector isn't growing very fast, explore SMSFs to include the whole family and the latest planned changes in super. Meg Heffron of Heffron SMSF Solutions is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Value investor Roger Montgomery is associated with blue chip companies, but that does not mean he looks exclusively at 'large caps': In fact, Montgomery says the small-cap selection on the ASX is emerging from the pandemic ready to beat all rivals. We cover - a green light for small caps, the dangers of 'over contributing' to super, why the ASX is reasonable value just now and whether we should worry about US banks. Roger Montgomery of Montgomery Investment Management is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Impact investing, where investors actively create ethical outcomes, has been growing steadily but the Albanese government's 'reconvening' of a task force on the issue is set to create a breakthrough. It's a great area... but can you make money from it?Today we're getting to know impact investing, learning how 'Goodstart Childcare' changed Australia, finding out who might invest here and why? and looking at 'big capital' the plan for an Australian impact investment powerhouse.Michael Traill, impact investing leader is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you be better at a hotly contested auction than a buyer's advocate? How do they work and what do they charge?In today's show we cover how buyer's advocates operate and whether paying a fee or commission is better, we discuss whether local councils be dropping rates by now. And the debate over banning foreign buyers. Kitty Parker, buyer's advocate at Kitty and Miles Ltd is Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we ask how will the new super changes work? And we meet a real-life 'millionaire next door’ (Australian style). Plus, we get to grips with new super tax changes, discuss borrowing for shares at mortgage rates and how Australian shares are falling behind Wall Street again. Questions for the podcast are always welcome to [email protected] James Gerrard of www.financialadvisor.com.au is wealth editor James Kirby‘s guest on this week’s showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The credit markets have been shaken by the dual troubles of US and European banks. Crucially, the Credit Suisse rescue involved bondholders taking a rare ‘haircut’. What does it all mean for investors? In this week’s Money Cafe, we cover the fallout from the bank crisis and whether the affair will trouble Australian bank shareholders? What are the issues for bank hybrids? And just who needs secretive Swiss banks anyway? Questions always welcome for the podcast to [email protected] Financial adviser Doug Turek of Minchin Moore is Wealth editor James Kirby’s guest this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The old guard are back - with a vengeance - miners, paper manufacturers and property developers regain a grip on the Rich 250 in 2023, Still, as the tech titans struggle (in relative terms!) the list has some very interesting new arrivals including the Zimmerman sisters who have built a global fashion retailing empire.In this week's show, we cover the traits that push people to the top of the Rich 250, the fund manager who says yoga and meditation make for a better investor, philanthropy among billionaires and we ask: are the super-rich happy ?John Stensholt, editor of The Rich 250 joins wealth editor James Kirby on this week's showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special edition of Money Cafe we cover whether Sydney will be the first city to have a house price rebound, solving the rental crisis, the long-term economics of home ownership and why NSW premier Dominic Perrottet believes his Future Fund - where the state government will annually co-fund contributions to give kids a headstart for housing or education - may be picked up in other states across Australia. Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest on this week's show is NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What just happened in super? Is this about the 86,000 super investors above $3m - or is it the start of a new regime which will change how super works for a whole generation? Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest this week is Tim Mackay of Quantum Financial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industry super funds are the outright winners in the super system. The funds have thrived on the back of a simple law - every worker must put one dollar in ten they make into super. Yet, surveys show Australians are not just unsure about super, they are unsure about every aspect of investing and finance. The Ecstra foundation, Australia's best known financial literacy agency, exists on the back of irregular payments based on regulator fines. But the fund is making great progress kickstarting financial literacy in our schools. Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest this week is Caroline Stewart, the CEO of the financial literacy foundation Ecstra Questions always welcome to [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Items covered in this episode include - Does property really double in price ever decade? The perils of trying to use a former SMSF property as a home, why using the home mortgage is the cheapest form of finance and buying in Australia while living offshore. Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest this week is property expert Pete Wargent. Questions always welcome to [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you go wrong with an Exchange Traded Fund? They match the market average, they have very cheap management fees and your financial adviser thinks they are the best thing ever...but there is no such thing as a perfect investment.In this week's podcast we cover. Wealth Editor James Kirby's guest this week is Chris Brycki, CEO of digital adviser Stockspot. Questions for the podcast are always welcome at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property developers are promising strong and stable returns from NDIS investments, but the risks are bigger than you might think. Topics covered in this episode include what every investor needs to know about NDIS property, the plan to reform financial advice and why interest rate moves don't work like they used to do. Questions for the podcast are always welcome at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside financial advice circles they call it the ‘black spot,’ the wealth level where government benefits fall away but annual investment income may be little better than pension. Wealth Editor James Kirby’s guest this week is financial adviser, Liam Shorte of the Verante Group Questions for the podcast are always welcome at [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lift in bank stocks since the start of the year signals a change of heart in the residential property market. In this episode Wealth Editor James Kirby’s is joined by Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Management. Questions always welcome to [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.