The Money Puzzle

Asked in today's episode if the house price downturn is 'a blip or a bust?', one of the market's top residential experts says 'Way more than a blip, as for a bust... It's too early to say.'

Tim Lawless, research director at Cotality Australia, joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show we cover:

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For a generation, Australian investors were advised to hold their investments until they retired. Then once they entered tax-free retirement, they could largely sidestep CGT tax. This central plank of financial advice is finished: Every retiree will now pay a minimum 30 per cent tax and nobody will escape.

Dr Adrian Raftery, author of '101 ways to save money on your tax - legally' joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

There is still a property sector where the outlook is improving, where yields are strong and anyone can negatively gear. Hey, you can even use borrowed funds in your Self-Managed Super Fund: It's time to take a second look at the commercial property sector.

James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

We are only beginning to digest the full impact of the Budget changes for residential property.In short, it will never be the same again. That doesn't mean you can't invest successfully, but it does mean you need to know the new rules.

Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Behind all the market jargon and sophisticated language of wealth managers, there is one gold rule for investors: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's time to dig deep on diversification and portfolio allocation.

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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The burning question for all investors is whether the global market is running ahead of itself? 

Tim Toohey, head of macro strategy for Yarra Capital Management, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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How would you deal with a global sharemarket crash? Because it’s not a question of if, but when.

The AI boom, which underpinned the bumper super returns for many investors over the last financial year, has been extraordinary; But in mid-2026 even the most optimistic forecasters expect the markets to cool in the second half, while the doomsayers will suggest exuberant global markets are surely heading for a fall.

Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

The numbers don't lie: The ASX did 3 per cent over the 12 months to June, and the S&P 500 did 20 per cent. Unless - like a big super fund - you had half your portfolio invested offshore, the chances are you underperformed in FY2026.

Marc Jocum, investment strategist at GlobalX ETFs, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

Sweeping changes to Capital Gains Tax, Negative Gearing and Self-Managed Super Funds are confronting investors. How will they affect you?

Stuart Wemyss from the ProSolution Private Clients group joins associate editor, James Kirby on this episode of the Money Puzzle podcast.

In today's special episode, we cover:

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The government has made sure that superannuation investors did not entirely escape the investment tax overhaul: Is it still the relative winner as parliament prepares to sign off the Budget?

Adviser James Wrigley of First Financial joins associate editor James Kirby in the episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Already reeling from a lift in CGT tax and a ban on negative gearing for existing properties, the Government is set to give the property market one last punch with a looming ban on borrowing inside Self Managed Super Funds.

Beau Arfi of the Maple Property Group joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

Investors are fully stretched trying to keep up with a remarkable period for markets as a record number of Australians make a 50 per cent profit on the SpaceX IPO, while at home the Treasurer announces the first major Budget backflip with a carve out for testamentary discretionary trusts.

Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

With negative gearing soon to be restricted to new buildings, property economics in the Australian market have been turned upside down: Until very recently, the outer suburbs were the last place investors looked for opportunity. But in the months ahead, the outer suburbs look set to become the new 'hot spot' of the wider market.

Anissa Cavallo of Eda Property joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

SpaceX lists today (June 12) and will be followed by two more AI mega-IPOs: OpenAI and Anthropic. Collectively valued at more than $US3.5 trillion, every index fund on the planet will be forced to buy them.

Stockspot founder Chris Brycki joins The Australian's Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague to discuss whether this is the opportunity of a generation or the most expensive bag-hold in history.

Many Australians move abroad to earn more money - or at least that's the plan - but it doesn't always work out unless you do your homework first. Likewise, Australians returning from overseas can hit tangles with the ATO unless they think the whole project through very thoroughly.

Brett Evans, the Dubai-based MD of Atlas Wealth Management, joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

On average, women retire with 25% less superannuation than men, and one in ten have no super account at all. While you might assume this is purely down to career breaks, evidence shows the disparity starts much earlier - with females under 18 already trailing their male peers. What is really driving this, and what steps can women take to supercharge their savings?

Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at NAB Trade joins associate editor James Kirby.

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Do you speak the language of money? If you - or anyone close to you - cannot understand what the investment market is telling them, there can be a high price to pay.

Investment commentator and Ecstra Foundation chair, Paul Clitheroe joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s show, we cover:

As a property investor, you may already know the usual tax breaks for properties, like negative gearing, but did you know there are ways to boost your cash flow and tax deductions?

'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s show we cover:

Please note: this episode was recorded before the recent Federal Budget; check current rule...

The Federal Budget will be a landmark moment for investors if it all goes through parliament as planned. Investors need to know what happened but also... what might happen next.

Liam Shorte of Sonas Wealth joins Associate Editor James Kirby, in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

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Property investors are trying to piece together the cumulative effect of the bad news in the Budget.
How much will the combined CGT changes and negative gearing clampdown hit returns? For the everyday investor with the average established investment property the expected internal rate of return is set to plunge from 11 per cent to 8.4 per cent.

Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Office group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s show, we cover:

The 2026 Budget has introduced the biggest tax changes seen in decades: Every investor in Australia will be affected by the measures. Here's what you need to know...and what to do.

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode

In today's show, we cover:

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Australian investors have fully embraced Exchange Traded Funds. Now, as the gap between managed funds and index funds narrows, investors want to know what's next on the menu?

Daniel Shrimski, CEO of Vanguard Australia joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Investment property and high-dividend-paying shares are about to get a tax hit in the Budget: So, it's the perfect time to look wider for the active investor.

Jack Tossol of the Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Interest rate hikes are just not the same anymore: Once upon a time, they hit the mortgage belt, that fictionalised housing strip in the outer suburbs populated by young families. Today the RBA’s weapon of choice lands heavily instead on older Australians. 

What does it mean for the property investor? 

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at Ray White Group, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. 

In today's show, we cover:

The Iran crisis oil shock is creating winners and losers in the sharemarket, but it may not be playing out as you expect. Yes QANTAS is hit, but diesel-guzzlers BHP and Rio re big winners. How's that? And why is Wall Street streaking ahead of the ASX once more even though both markets are facing the same energy issues?

Business columnist Eric Johnson joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

Once you get on top of the basics, then investing should get a lot easier. But the hidden factors that make a difference between winning and losing inside the investment market - including the property market - often have more to do with bias.

Rasti Vaibhav of the Get RARE property group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's episode, we cover:

The private credit boom is having a shake-out: But not before many Australian investors - and big super funds - placed a lot of money into what has been, until very recently, a boom business. What's on the line and where is the exposure? 

Andy Darroch of Independent Financial Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

The upside of higher interest rates is that you might get more on your money in the bank. But it turns out that anyone who uses a 'bonus' account (which is where the banks offer the best rates) must satisfy the terms and conditions each month.And guess what?  More than 40 per cent of savers in this category don't meet their T&Cs each month - that means they don't get the rate rise. With rates rising it’s time to get across the numbers. 

In today's show, we cover:

Sally Tindall, data insights director at C...

You've only got a few months to go before the end of the financial year: It's time to plan your tax returns...and yes, this year - with soaring transport costs and changing super caps - it will be different.

'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

It was not supposed to happen this year: Vacancy rates were meant to rise in 2026 and income was expected to flatten…not at all. Property investors are suddenly grappling with a reshaped market where forecasts have been turned upside down.

Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s episode, we cover:

See...

SMAs are booming inside the financial advice sector: But if they are so terrific, then why is regulator ASIC asking so many probing questions around fees and conflicts of interest?

Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover...

You can’t have a run of interest rate hikes and expect property to shoot out the lights. The chances are we are going to see a price slowdown in the major cities later this year…especially at the top end. But a string of factors point to serious resilience at the other end of the market.

Independent housing analyst, Eliza Owen, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today’s show, we cover:

What are investors doing in reaction to the shocking turn in markets during the first three months of 2026? 

One of the first moves is a distinct retreat from Wall Street back to the ASX, as investors seek mining and energy stocks along with blue chips that can deliver reliable dividends. It's early days but we are also seeing a pick-up in defensive investments such as infrastructure and a little less enthusiasm for gold.

David Bassanese, chief economist at ETF provider Betashares, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we c...

If you want to get advice from today's guest, Ben James of Escala Partners, you need to have at least $5m in your investment portfolio. In other words, his clients are strictly from the top end of town. So what have his clients been doing since the Iran crisis broke in February, and what is he telling them to do next?

Ben James, CEO of Escala Partners, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

Buyer's agents armed with rubber-stamp qualifications are herding investors into overpriced regional hot spots just in time for a looming wave of rate rises...it's an accident waiting to happen.

Veronica Morgan from Good Deeds Property Advisors joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover

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What do the super-rich have in common? The everyday investor might never be a dealmaker, but they can learn a lot from the discipline, focus and confidence common to the cohort on this year's Rich 250 list.

John Stensholt, Rich 250 Editor joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Cash rates are now more than 4 per cent and your mortgage is around 6 per cent: What's more, it looks very much like the hiking cycle is far from over, so should you fix at these levels?

Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Former AFL star Chris Judd has become a fund manager specialising in 'small cap' stocks: No surprise, he's got some clear views on the share market and what investors should be doing as higher interest rates loom.

Chris Judd of the Cerutty Macro Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode .In today's show, we cover:

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"Rentvesting' is increasingly popular where wannabe home owners move first to buy a rental property and later to use their accumulated equity to buy 'a forever family home.' But putting some of your capital into the sharemarket, rather than the property market may be much more lucrative...and even better if CGT tax is raised in the near future.

Author Jacqui Clarke, Your Personal CFO joins associate editor, James Kirby on this podcast episode.

In today's show, we cover:

These are very early days in the Iran war and the impact on share markets is far from clear. But already we can see there is upward pressure on interest rates around the world, there is also a clear risk of an inflation spike due to oil supply.

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover: