Talking Returns

Welcome back, Returners!We've been busy - riding motorcycles (Ray), hosting events (Anna), drinking coffee (everyone)... lots to look forward to on today's ep of Talking Returns.This week's Dear Raymond comes from Natalie in Melbourne, a recent Returner who has been happily binge-listening her way through the show. (Thanks Nat!) She's asking something plenty of us have wondered but maybe never said out loud: How do you find the right financial adviser for you? Chatter including:Speed dating qualified fin advisors.What should you look for? What should you ask? What to know about fees and reporting?How do you know you've picked the right person (or not)? It's about trust, it's about money, and Ray has some thoughts.Then, pull out your globe... it's What in the World. Since we last caught up:America has put its interest rates up, the first rise there since 2023. Oil is stuck above US$100 a barrel as the Iran war drags on.Our own Reserve Bank (at time of recording) was about to decide on rates, and its recent comments had been preparing us for another rise (Anna will eat her hat* if they don't! *maybe) Ray and Anna chat on:Why the RBA has been unusually vocal lately, including Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser's 7.30 interview after his return from the US.Latest action from the US bond market (and why it matters far beyond 'Merica).Oil supply issues continue, fuel costs keep heading north (and not for the holidays).What a global slowdown could mean for our exports: resources, agriculture, education and tourism etc etc etc etc etc (all the etc's)The R-word. Is a recession coming, and can we talk about it without it becoming a self-fullfilling prophecy?Get in touch!We'd love to hear from you, our Returners. Send us your thoughts, musings, feedback, or your own Dear Raymond dilemma. 📧 [email protected] 🌐 talkingreturns.com 📸 Instagram: @talkingreturnspod 👍 Facebook: Talking Returns The PodcastResources: ASIC's Financial Advisor's Register: https://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/financial-services/financial-advice/financial-advisers-register The fine print: Everything in this episode is general information, NOT financial or investment advice for you (nor for your brother, your mother and your dog groomer too). Everyone's situation is different, so please talk to a qualified professional adviser before you act on anything you hear.

Welcome back to Talking Returns!This week is chockas! The pod has well and truly gone international (well sort of!) We give a shout out to our wonderful overseas listeners - and read our first international correspondence! You might be surprised to hear who is tuning in... hello, CIA is that you??First up, the bond market has been making headlines again. Markets have been anything but quiet since our last episode, so Ray breaks down what's been happening, why investors are paying attention, and what it all means in plain English.Then it's time for a triple dose of Dear Raymond.Our first question comes all the way from Ireland. Madge has been listening from overseas and wants to understand one of those financial terms that gets thrown around a lot: hedged investments. What are they, why do investors use them, and how can currency movements affect investment returns? (Hedge trimmers needed, or no?!)Next, listener Kate asks a question that seems to resonate with many of our Returners:Why aren't we taught more about money and how to manage it, during our schooling?From budgeting and saving, to emergency funds and superannuation, we touch on some of the financial lessons that many Australians feel they had to learn the hard way, and the money fundamentals every young person should understand as they begin earning and managing their own income.Finally, we tackle one of life's biggest financial questions:To retire or not to retire?'Returner' Ange raises concerns many Australians share. With rising living costs, longer life expectancies, and uncertainty about the future, how can anyone confidently prepare financially for retirement? Ray shares some practical thinking around retirement planning, income needs, and the importance of balancing today's lifestyle with tomorrow's goals.Along the way, we also talk motorcycling, attempt Irish accents, candid photos and much more!Resources:MoneySmart Retirement Calculator: https://moneysmart.gov.auWe'd Love to Hear From You!Say 'bonjour' or 'aloha'! Let us know where you're tuning in from - in Australia or anywhere in the world - we'd love to get a note from you.Do you have something you'd like to get our read on for Dear Raymond?Send it through to:📧 [email protected] connect with us online:🌐 talkingreturns.com 📱 @talkingreturnspod on Insta!

G'day - good to have you along for this ep of Talking Returns.Not sure if you'll hear it, but it seems our mics were on strike this week - without us knowing until post edit, of course - hopefully you can listen past it and this ep. finds you in better form than our tech!'Bond, Government Bonds' is the title we couldn't resist! As we consider What In The World? this ep, we learn about an unusual move recently from the United States Government, selling one foreign currency to buy another. From euro to yen - what does it mean? Why are bond markets paying attention? And what signals does government send to global investors through the bond market?Deepfake Investments - ASIC has issued a warning that should make every potential investor stop and think. Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create entire, deep fake, online ecosystems designed to look legitimate. The old rules of due diligence may no longer be enough!Ray Griffin and Anna Moulder talk on ASIC's concerns, explore the changing scam landscape, and ponder how do we know what's real when it comes to investing your money? (spoiler speak to a professional!)Other stuff - We mourn the incredible Dolly Parton, hear Ray recite the NATO alphabet... and plenty more!Get In TouchWe love hearing from our Returners.📧 [email protected]🌐 talkingreturns.com📸 Instagram: @talkingreturnspodMany happy returns!!! Resource - The National Anti-Scam Centre recommends three simple steps:✅ Stop before sharing money or personal information.✅ Check who you're dealing with using contact details you source yourself.✅ Protect yourself and others by reporting scams.Before investing, ASIC recommends verifying Australian Financial Services Licence details directly via 'ASIC's professional registers' and checking the 'Moneysmart Investor Alert List' for suspected scam operators. Google it! (I know, the irony!)DISCLAIMER - Just remember, these conversations on Talking Returns are General Information, it’s NOT financial advice. You can access advice which is tailored for your specific needs - as well as consumer protections - by consulting with a qualified professional to discuss your financial needs.

Billions of dollars are flowing into AI. Some of the world's biggest companies are betting on it. Investors are scrambling to get a seat at the table.But here's a question: what if they're wrong?The AI Boom is being compared to some of the biggest technological shifts in history, but it's also raising plenty of questions. Is this a genuine productivity revolution? A once-in-a-century investment opportunity? Or are expectations running ahead of reality?In this special episode of Talking Returns, Anna Moulder and Ray Griffin cut through the headlines to explore what's really happening behind the global AI race.Who's funding it? Who stands to make the most money? And with eye-watering amounts of capital being poured into AI infrastructure, data centres and technology development, just how fragile is the whole ecosystem? (And could it collapse?)Ray explains why some market observers are drawing parallels with previous investment booms, why a future market "rationalisation" may be inevitable, and what history tells us about periods of rapid technological change.Together, Anna and Ray delve into:What is MANGO*? Spoiler - it's a real fancy-like AI acronym. * MANGO has had a few recipe changes lately, but the current blend is Meta, Anthropic, Nvidia, Google and OpenAI. Sprinkle in SpaceX and it becomes MANGOS. (Because apparently even tech stock acronyms need feature updates!)Why AI has become the hottest investment story in the worldWho's backing the industry and where the money is coming fromWhether today's AI valuations can be justifiedThe risks investors are watching closelyWhy some companies will thrive while others won't surviveWhat everyday Australians should pay attention to as the technology continues to evolveAs always, we're not here to predict the future. We're here to make sense of the forces shaping it.And while AI might be able to write an email, generate an image or answer your burning questions... we're still not convinced AI can replace a good conversation. You tell us?We'd love to hear from you.🌐 talkingreturns.com📧 [email protected]📘 Facebook: Talking Returns - The Podcast📸 Instagram: @talkingreturnspodMany Happy Returns.DISCLAIMER: 'Talking Returns: The Podcast' is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. It does not - and cannot - consider your individual objectives, financial circumstances or needs, and you should not rely on it to make financial decisions. By consulting with a qualified professional adviser, you will be able to obtain advice that’s been prepared for your specific needs and circumstances and, in doing so, you will have a range of consumer protections available to you.You can read more on finding a qualified professional via the Financial Advisers Register on the ASIC website: https://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/financial-services/financial-advice/financial-advisers-register

Welcome back to Talking Returns!Our unexpected four-legged guest from last ep inspired one of our key discussions. After a surprise appearance from Anna's dog during recording, we take a closer look at Australia's booming pet industry and uncover just how much pet ownership contributes to the economy.In this episode, Anna and Ray discuss:🐾 Points of Interest: The Business of PetsAustralia's love affair with pets is big business.With the pet industry generating an estimated $33 billion annually, we explore what sits behind the numbers, from pet food and veterinary care through to luxury accessories, grooming, insurance and premium services.We also examine:How COVID influenced pet ownership trendsThe rise of online pet shopping and e-commerceWhy convenience is changing consumer behaviourThe importance of supporting local businesses and independent retailersYou may be surprised by just how significant the pet economy has become.📉 Consumer Sentiment and the RBAAs Australia awaits the next Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate decision, we unpack what influences these highly anticipated meetings.Ray explains:Who sits around the RBA boardroom tableWhat economic indicators are being closely watchedHow consumer sentiment influences decision-makingWhich sectors of the community have the most at stakeWhether lobbying plays any role in the decision making process around ratesAnd of course, Ray shares his thoughts on where rates might be heading next.📬 Dear RaymondThis week's question comes from Peter in Newcastle:"When does it make sense to set up a Self Managed Super Fund?"Ray breaks down:What a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) isHow it differs from traditional super fundsWho typically benefits from having oneThe responsibilities and obligations involvedWhen an SMSF may, or may not, be the right choiceIf you've ever wondered whether managing your own super is worth considering, this segment is for you.Have a question for 'Dear Raymond'? Send it through and it could feature in a future episode!Stay In touch!We'd love to hear from you.📧 [email protected] Talking Returns online:Website: www.talkingreturns.comInstagram @talkingreturnspodFacebook Talking Returns The PodcastDisclaimer: The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Consider seeking professional advice tailored to your individual circumstances and needs.