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.au
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.au
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.au
From super scandals to market swings, 2025 certainly kept us on our toes. So before 2026 begins, it’s time to reflect on the year that was.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, is joined by senior journalist, Tom Watson, to discuss the biggest financial news stories of 2025 and the topics they’ll be watching closely in 2026.00:00 Introduction01:30 Biggest financial news events of 202509:05 Positive and surprising developments in 202511:46 Looking ahead to 202614:10 Closing remarks#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #tomwatson #financialnewsPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
You’ve booked flights, hotels and activities for your summer trip. But have you considered how you’re going to pay your way?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Tristan Dakin, Wise’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, to discuss travel money options and other tips for your summer holiday abroad.01:42 Choosing the right payment method04:57 Local or home currency?07:07 The most expensive ATM withdrawal fees09:28 Can digital wallets be used everywhere?11:32 How to keep your money safe13:44 Final tips15:51 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #tristandakin #travelPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
After a turbulent year for the local market, which Australian stocks could shine in 2026?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to run through the Australian companies that investors may want to consider adding to their Christmas lists.00:00 Introduction02:31 2025 Australian market recap07:54 Large cap picks for 202612:55 The world of micro caps18:43 Concerns about index funds21:04 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investingPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Rising property values have left many retirees rich on paper but short on cash, so are there options for those looking to utilise their home equity?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Chris Grice, chief executive of National Seniors Australia, to discuss reverse mortgages, equity releases schemes and the government-run Home Equity Releases Scheme. 00:00 Introduction00:28 The 'asset rich, cash poor' dilemma01:24 Exploring reverse mortgages07:03 Addressing concerns about reverse mortgages9:24 Equity release schemes10:11 Introduction to the Home Equity Access Scheme13:54 Comparing equity release options16:02 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #chrisgrice #reversemortgages #homeequityPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Ready to start building a deposit towards your first home? The First Home Super Saver Scheme could help you reach your target faster.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Derek Gascoigne, private client adviser at UniSuper, to run through the nuts and bolts of the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS).00:00 Introduction00:55 Overview of the First Home Super Saver Scheme05:40 Eligibility criteria09:21 How to access your FHSSS contributions14:36 Planning and important considerations17:23 Final thoughts and advice20:15 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #derekgascoigne #superannuation #fhsssPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
With the festive season fast approaching it's time to get serious about budgeting, spending and avoiding post-Christmas debt.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Meggison, personal finance expert at Finder, to run through a survival guide and a host of financial tips for the 2025 festive season.00:00 Introduction01:05 Financial hurdles of the festive season02:14 Black Friday: The perfect time for Christmas shopping?05:55 Budgeting and planning for Christmas expenses13:37 Avoiding post-Christmas debt16:50 Are these festive season scenarios faux pas or fair play?23:16 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahmegginson #christmasPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Alex Homer, chief customer and brand officer at insurance group TAL, about navigating life and living insurance. They discuss the importance of insurance for younger people, different types of living insurance, and how superannuation funds can help. Alex also shares practical tips for young workers and the self-employed on obtaining and managing insurance. 01:19 Defining life and living insurance01:54 Understanding living insurance types05:23 Insurance in superannuation funds11:02 Practical tips for young workers14:24 Bonus Round: Superannuation payments for gig workers15:57 Conclusion and final thoughtsPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
A new wave of superannuation changes is on the horizon, so what could they mean for your retirement?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Shane Hancock, general manager of retirement at AustralianSuper, to unpack proposed changes to higher super balances and the low income super tax offset (LISTO) and provide an update on payday super.00:00 Introduction01:28 Tax changes on higher super balances05:31 Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) explained10:44 Payday super update13:40 The importance of staying informed about super16:40 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #shanehancock #superannuationPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Vanessa Walker, managing editor of Money Magazine, delves into the topic of franking credits with Matthew Gibbs, the author of 'Frankly Speaking' in Money Magazine's October issue. Matthew explains the concept of franking credits, how they work, and their implications for shareholders in Australia. He discusses the benefits and potential downsides, highlighting the impact of corporate tax rates and providing examples to illustrate these points. #friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #matthewgibbs #frankingcredits00:20 Understanding Franking Credits00:54 Detailed Explanation of Franking Credits03:56 Tax Implications for Shareholders07:37 Examples and Calculations11:52 Potential Changes in Corporate Tax RatesPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
One of the great uncertainties in retirement is how long your savings will need to last. So, could annuities provide an answer? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Aaron Minney, head of retirement income research at Challenger, to unpack everything annuities.00:00 Introduction00:50 What are annuities?01:33 Understanding how annuities work04:40 Annuities vs account-based pensions06:32 Pros and cons of annuities09:02 Which retirees could annuities suit?13:23 Sequencing risk and annuities16:42 Perceptions and awareness20:20 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #aaronminney #annuitiesPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
From superannuation to digital assets, there’s much more to think about with estate planning than just creating a will.On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by William Moore, partner and head of private client advisory at Hall & Wilcox, to run through some of the essential components of estate planning.00:00 Introduction01:45 Why you need a will and when to update it04:51 Power of attorney08:05 Superannuation and naming beneficiaries12:17 Digital assets in estate planning15:04 Tax implications for beneficiaries18:43 Final Thoughts and Advice20:28 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #williammoore #estateplanningPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Procrastination is a bad habit at the best of times, but when it comes to our finances, failing to act can have serious consequences.On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Shayne Sommer, a private wealth adviser at Shadforth Financial Group, to discuss the topic of financial procrastination and the ways in which it can be tackled.00:00 Introduction01:37 Common examples of financial procrastination04:03 Psychological factors behind it06:10 The consequences of financial procrastination09:50 Strategies to combat procrastination11:51 Imbedding good habits12:45 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #shaynesommer #financialprocrastinationListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Emerging markets have had a strong showing so far in 2025. But is the allure of growth and diversification worth the risk?On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Hugh Lam, investment strategist at Betashares, to take a deep dive into the world of emerging markets.01:24 Defining emerging markets04:48 Opportunities in emerging markets07:12 Risks in emerging markets08:34 The place of emerging markets in a portfolio12:50 Recent performance of emerging markets15:30 China and India: Key markets19:00 Investment optionsfriendswithmoney #tomwatson #hughlam #investing #emergingmarketsListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Whatever the asset, investors dream of spotting opportunities before everyone else – and property’s no different. So how can buyers identify hotspots early?On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Abdullah Nouh, founder of Melbourne buyers’ agency Mecca Property Group, to discuss the features that investors may want to look for in a location and individual property. 00:00 Introduction01:33 Key indicators of growth suburbs04:24 Spotlight on Melbourne, Perth and Darwin08:14 Traits of a good investment property11:38 Additional tips for property investors14:25 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson # abdullahnouh #property #propertyinvestingListen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Vanessa Walker hosts an in-depth discussion with journalist Ryan Johnson about the financial aspects of solar energy in Australia. Starting with the government's 2020 renewable energy target, the conversation covers the evolution and uptake of solar panels, the introduction of solar batteries, and the new incentives available. They also delve into innovative energy solutions like virtual energy networks, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, and the impact of electric vehicles on home energy storage. 00:39 The history and impact of solar energy in Australia 03:24 The rise of solar batteries 06:42 Innovative energy solutions and subsidies 10:03 Electric vehicles and energy integration #friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #ryanjohnson #renewables #solar Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
Investors often agonise between choosing stocks that can deliver dividends or growth. But is it possible to get the best of both worlds? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Jonathan Nurick, founder and co-chief investment officer at investment fund DivGro, to discuss all things dividends. 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Understanding dividend and growth stocks 02:36 The advantages of dividend stocks 03:15 The emotional journey of investing 04:52 The Gordon growth model explained 07:00 Identifying good dividend stocks 09:08 Examples of dividend stocks 11:52 Generating income from dividends 14:24 Balancing your investment portfolio 16:28 Final thoughts and tips 18:52: Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson # jonathannurick #investing #dividends Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
With power bills rising, could solar, batteries and electrified heating and cooking help households save in the long run? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Saul Griffith, founder of Rewiring Australia and author of Plug In – The Electrification Handbook, to discuss the opportunities presented by home electrification. 01:44 The journey to writing Plug In - The Electrification Handbook04:15 Understanding electrification and its benefits07:02 The five major areas of household electrification08:55 Costs and payback11:02 Explaining Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS)14:23 Challenges for renters and strata owners16:46 The economic benefits of electrification #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #saulgriffith #energy #electrification Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
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To earn money from the TimePay app, simply sign up and start using the app’s features. First, claim ₹10 instantly upon registration. Then, use the "Refer & Earn" program to earn ₹10 for each successful referral. Share your unique referral code with friends and family, and when they sign up and complete their first transaction, you get rewarded. You can continue to earn by referring more people, making it a great way to generate passive income. Additionally, the app may offer other opportunities like completing tasks or special promotions that can boost your earnings. TimePay makes earning money easy and quick https://www.indtricks.com/timepay-app/
Game Wala
To earn money from the TimePay app, simply sign up and start using the app’s features. First, claim ₹10 instantly upon registration. Then, use the "Refer & Earn" program to earn ₹10 for each successful referral. Share your unique referral code with friends and family, and when they sign up and complete their first transaction, you get rewarded. You can continue to earn by referring more people, making it a great way to generate passive income. Additionally, the app may offer other opportunities like completing tasks or special promotions that can boost your earnings. TimePay makes earning money easy and quick! You’ve hit the Free plan limit for GPT-4o. Responses will use another model until your limit resets after 3:56 PM. Get Plus https://www.indtricks.com/timepay-app/
Game Wala
To earn money from the TimePay app, simply sign up and start using the app’s features. First, claim ₹10 instantly upon registration. Then, use the "Refer & Earn" program to earn ₹10 for each successful referral. Share your unique referral code with friends and family, and when they sign up and complete their first transaction, you get rewarded. You can continue to earn by referring more people, making it a great way to generate passive income. Additionally, the app may offer other opportunities like completing tasks or special promotions that can boost your earnings. TimePay makes earning money easy and quick! https://www.indtricks.com/timepay-app/
Game Wala
Earn money online by answering questions on various Q&A platforms. Websites like JustAnswer, Experts Exchange, and Quora allow you to share your expertise and get paid for your knowledge. By signing up and creating a profile, you can start answering questions in areas like technology, health, finance, and more. As you provide valuable answers, users or companies may pay you for your insights, or you can earn through a revenue-sharing model. These platforms offer a flexible way to earn money from home, leveraging your skills and expertise while helping others with their queries. https://www.referralcode.app/earn-money-online-by-answering-questions