Friends With Money

Australians have $1.5 trillion stashed away in deposit accounts, but are we losing out by settling for subpar savings rates? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Rachel Wastell, personal finance expert at Mozo, to chat about setting yourself up for savings success. Have banks passed on cash rate hikes to savers? What are the highest savings account rates around? Why are some savers reluctant to switch banks? How can you choose an account that suits your needs? How safe is money in the bank? **Clarification: The Financial Claims Scheme (referenced in this episode) covers deposits of up to $250,000 per account holder, per ADI. For more information visit APRA’s Financial Claims Scheme hub. #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #rachelwastell #savings Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ready to build wealth but unsure how to begin? Investing in stocks is a great way to jumpstart your financial future. Thanks to new online platforms and mobile apps, trading is more accessible than ever. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar explores the world of stock investing with Craig Keary, CEO of SelfWealth. They tackle common questions like: What does a typical investment portfolio look like? How much money do I need to start investing? What is a HIN (Holder Identification Number) and why is it important? What are the biggest misconceptions people have about investing? #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #craigkeary #investing Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to know how to make and invest lots of money, one of the best ways is to learn from someone who built their fortune and became a billionaire. In this special edition of the Friends With Money Podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar chats with Ken Fisher, the billionaire founder and executive chair of Fisher Investments, about the best way to build your financial future. • What's the best way to start investing?• Think globally• Will there be a recession? @FisherInvestAU @KennethLFisher #friendswithmoney #billionaire #advice #michellebaltazar #kenfisher Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what happens to torn or dog-eared banknotes, and whether Australians can get a refund for handing them in? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Greg Dicinoski, chief scientist at the Reserve Bank’s Note Issue Department, to put damaged banknotes under the microscope. Just how prevalent are cash payments in Australia? What are the common, and more unusual, causes of banknote damage? What should you do with damaged cash? Can you get a refund for handing in damaged notes or coins? How does the Reserve Bank deal with damaged banknotes? Why is it important for damaged cash to be removed from circulation? #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #gregdicinoski #cash #rba Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cooling inflation. Soaring tech stocks. 2024 has been a significant year for news, so before it ends, it's time to look back on the major stories in the world of finance.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined Money’s Managing Editor, Vanessa Walker, to reflect on some of the biggest events, trends and reforms in 2024 and how they’ve affected our financial lives. They discuss: Cryptocurrency ETFs and prices Easing inflation Interest rate stalemate Income tax cuts Nvidia and the Magnificent Seven Housing affordability Student loan reforms The Best of the Best  friendswithmoney #tomwatson #vanessawalker #finance Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, to achieve our goals, we need to change direction. But how do you determine whether you are on the right path to achieve your desired outcomes? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar chats with author, coach, and the former CEO of Xero, Steve Vamos, on how to get back on track and stick with your plan. The importance of clarity Staying on track by alignment Compliance is mandatory Having the difficult conversations #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #stevevamos #change Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin's value has blasted past the one hundred thousand mark and is expected to soar even higher in 2025. In this bonus episode of The Friends With Money Podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar and Vanessa Walker discuss the highs and lows of this volatile digital currency. Money online story: https://www.moneymag.com.au/why-crypto-prices-are-surging Bitcoin edition: https://www.magshop.com.au/Products/MON240701/money-magazine-july-2024-issue  Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the art of asking for what you want can feel daunting, but strong negotiation skills can pave the way to success. Michelle Baltazar, Editor-in-Chief at Money, in this episode of the Friends With Money podcast chats with Glin Bayley, coach and author of 'The Negotiation Playbook: Strategies That Work and Results That Last', about why mastering negotiation is essential for achieving your life (and money) goals. They discuss: Preparation is the key Understanding intrinsic vs. extrinsic value Leaning into the discomfort of a negotiation Common mistakes people make when asking for a pay rise or sale discount #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #glinbayley #negotiate #abetterlife Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the festive season upon us, present lists are being written around the country. But is there anything investors may want to add to their own wish lists? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, Dale Gillham, to chat about the state of the market and the Australian companies which could shine bright in the near future. How has the share market been performing recently? Which local sectors look promising? Are there any blue chip stocks worth looking at? Which Australian microcaps could surprise on the upside? friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #investing #shares Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are there simple measures we could be taking every day to improve our money habits and our overall financial health? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Simi Rayat, psychologist and author of Productivity Joy, to chat about the relationship between psychology and money.  They discuss: When and how are people’s attitudes towards money formed? Why does money spark emotion that doesn’t appear with other issues? How can confirmation bias and sunk-cost fallacy affect our financial life? How can the 5Qs Formula improve our financial decision-making? #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #simirayat #finance #psychology Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sales season is fast approaching, so how can shoppers make sure that they actually grab a bargain on Black Friday or Boxing Day? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, to preview this years’ sales season and discuss the steps consumers can take to maximise their savings. Are sales events like Black Friday genuinely a good time to shop? Should Aussies do anything before the sales to help them get a bargain? How can shoppers boost their savings with cashback and other discounts? What rights do consumers have to returns and repairs? What other tips or tricks can shoppers use? #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahmegginson #sales #blackfriday #boxingday Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a raft of new superannuation initiatives and reforms set to come online in the next few years, so how will these affect super members? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Peter Hogg, general manager for guidance and advice at Aware Super, to talk through the changes which kick off from July 2025. They discuss: Superannuation on paid parental leave The upcoming super guarantee increase Proposed changes to tax concessions on higher balances The impact of payday super Practical tips for getting the most out of super #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #peterhogg #superannuation Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With inflation falling and interest rates starting to do the same, is now an opportune time to consider investing in fixed income or has the window passed?   This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Marc Jocum, product and investment strategist at Global X ETFs, to chat all things fixed income. They discuss: The assets included in the fixed income basket How bonds deliver returns to investors The benefits of having a fixed income allocation How fixed income assets are affected by interest rates The pros and cons of investing in fixed income now #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #marcjocum #investing #fixedincome Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Boomers to Zoomers, which stock-picking style is better? Craig Keary, CEO of trading platform Selfwealth, is back in the studio with Money's Michelle Baltazar to discuss the latest investment trends and which generation is leading the way. Compare the share portfolios of Boomers, Gen X, Millenials and Gen Z based on 2024 trading data What are the factors influencing each generation's investment choices? What tactic is likely to succeed? Who invests in ETFs? #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #craigkeary #investing Links: Selfweath website Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Purchasing a home isn’t a simple process. So, for buyers looking for help or an extra edge on the competition, could a buyers’ agent be worth the cost?  This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Michelle May, founder and principal agent at Michelle May Buyers Agents, to break down the services that buyer’s agents can provide. The discuss: How buyers’ agents differ from selling agents The range of services that buyers’ agents can provide The world of off-market listings How much buyer’s agents can cost Tips for buyers entering the market #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #michellemay #property Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The secret to success lies in the execution. On this week's Friends With Money Podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar chats with author, financial adviser, and co-founder of Pivot Wealth, Ben Nash, about wealth-building strategies to help you achieve your goals. What are the fundamental strategies?  Why buying your own home first can slow your wealth-building What's the first crucial step? Two strategies to accelerate your financial journey Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plastic isn’t always fantastic, but credit cards can be an effective money management tool. The question is though, what kind of card will match your needs? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Rachel Wastell, personal finance expert at Mozo, to dig into the different types of credit cards on the market and the features they offer. They discuss: Suitable cards for everyday spenders The benefits of balance transfers Travel-friendly credit cards Rewards points and premium credit card benefits Tips for users to get the most out of their cards #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #rachelwastell #creditcards Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you getting the best deal from your bank? Open banking is set to transform the Australian banking industry, putting power back in your hands Maxime Chaury, co-founder of Upworth and open banking specialist, joins Money's Michelle Baltazar together they reveal how to make your money work harder under the new financial landscape. Are we getting the most out of our banks? What exactly is open banking? How can you harness its power to take control of your finances? is open banking safe and secure? Links: Upworth website #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #openbanking #maximechaury Listen on: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thematic ETFs can give investors exposure to particular sectors, geographies or trends happening in the broader market, but they’re not without their risks. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by founder and chief executive of Stockspot, Chris Brycki, to dig into thematic exchange traded funds and the role they can play in portfolios. They discuss: What thematic ETFs actually are The thematic ETF versus index ETF approach Tech and sustainability as themes and the ETFs on offer How technology and sustainable ETFs have performed The risks of jumping on trendy thematic ETFs #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #chrisbrycki #investing #etfs Mind the Gap 2024 report: https://www.morningstar.com/lp/mind-the-gap Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that most superannuation accounts come with insurance? In this week's Friends With Money podcast, Michelle Baltazar sits down with lawyer and author Melisa Sloan to unravel the world of superannuation insurance. They delve into: The pros and cons of insurance within and outside your super fund What is TPD insurance and when can you use it How you might unintentionally void your own super insurance  The two types of occupation insurance, and more! #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #melisasloan #superinsurance Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.