360 Money Matters

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou take on a word that's starting to resurface in economic commentary: stagflation.  Billy and Andrew walk through the latest interest rate, inflation and unemployment data at the time of recording, explaining why the combination of rising prices, slowing growth and rising unemployment is such a difficult problem for the Reserve Bank to manage. Unlike a typical economic downturn, where cutting interest rates can help stimulate growth, or high inflation that can be tackled by raising rates, stagflation presents a situation where neither lever works cleanly, since cutting rates risks fuelling inflation further while raising rates risks slowing the economy even more.  The conversation also looks back at Australia's last experience with stagflation in the 1970s, drawing out the similarities and the important differences between that period and today, including a much lower starting point for inflation and a more diversified energy mix. Billy and Andrew break down who is most affected in a stagflation environment, from mortgage holders and renters through to retirees living off their investments and younger workers entering the job market, and explain why almost everyone feels some impact in one way or another.  They close with practical guidance for navigating this kind of environment, emphasising the importance of cash flow, avoiding panicked financial decisions, staying diversified, and sticking to a long term financial plan rather than reacting to short term headlines.  This episode is for anyone trying to make sense of current economic conditions and what they might mean for their own finances, whether that's a mortgage, investments, or day to day cost of living. It's a timely, practical breakdown of a term that's likely to keep coming up in the months ahead.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  What stagflation actually is, and why it combines slowing growth, rising inflation and rising unemployment at the same time.  Why stagflation is such a difficult problem for the Reserve Bank to solve, since cutting or raising rates both carry risks.  How today's conditions compare to Australia's last experience with stagflation in the 1970s.  Why mortgage holders are being squeezed from both higher repayments and rising living costs at once.  Why renters, retirees and younger workers are also exposed to a stagflation environment in different ways.  Why protecting your cash flow and understanding your spending levers matters more than ever in this kind of environment.  Why panic selling investments during periods of market volatility can lock in losses rather than protect you.  Why diversification, rather than chasing a single inflation proof asset, remains the more reliable long term strategy.  Why sticking to a long term financial plan, rather than reacting to short term headlines, is the most important takeaway.   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou tackle a question a lot of people have sitting quietly in the background of their finances: what should you actually do with an old employer superannuation fund?  Billy and Andrew start by explaining how these old funds usually come about, often set up by default through a workplace with little to no thought behind which fund was chosen, and why the odds of that default fund actually being the right one for you are pretty slim. From there, they unpack the common advice to simply consolidate multiple super funds into one, and why that's not always as straightforward as it sounds.  The conversation focuses heavily on the insurance attached to superannuation accounts, an area Billy and Andrew describe as one of the biggest traps in the consolidation process. They share a real client example of how consolidating funds unexpectedly cancelled an income protection policy, and why replacing that cover wasn't as simple as reapplying. They also explain why comparing superannuation performance figures from a fund's website can be misleading, and how to track down and consolidate lost or old super through myGov and the ATO.  This episode is for anyone with more than one superannuation fund, or anyone who has an old fund from a previous employer sitting there untouched. It's a practical, cautionary look at a task that seems simple on the surface but can carry real consequences if it's not done properly.  Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why old employer super funds exist, and why the usual advice to simply consolidate them isn't always the full picture. The episode explains how to weigh up cost savings against the insurance cover you might lose in the process, why comparing superannuation performance figures from a fund's marketing isn't a reliable way to judge a fund, and how to track down lost or unclaimed super through myGov and the ATO. It's a practical guide for anyone wanting to tidy up their superannuation without accidentally losing valuable cover or making a decision based on misleading numbers.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  How old employer super funds usually come about, and why they're rarely chosen with your best interests in mind.  Why the usual advice to simply consolidate multiple super funds overlooks some important risks.  How insurance attached to a superannuation account can be lost if you consolidate without checking it first.  A real example of how consolidating super funds led to a client losing income protection cover they couldn't replace.  Why comparing insurance across super funds is far harder than comparing fees or investment performance.  Why published superannuation performance figures are more of a marketing tool than a reliable comparison.  Why your probability of getting favourable insurance terms diminishes as you get older and health issues arise.  How to find lost or unclaimed superannuation through myGov and the ATO.  Why understanding your overall superannuation strategy matters more than simply chasing lower fees.  Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou tackle one of the most common questions they hear from people just starting out with financial advice: I've got some savings sitting there, now what do I do with it?  Using $50,000 as an example figure, Billy and Andrew walk through the decision making process they actually use with clients before any investment is ever chosen. They start with the basics, checking whether that amount sits on top of a proper emergency fund, and whether any high interest consumer debt should be cleared first. From there, they explain why job security, ongoing cash flow, and your time horizon all shape the right approach long before the conversation turns to where the money should actually go.  The episode also breaks down the three broad options most people are weighing up, paying down a mortgage, contributing to superannuation, or investing outside of those structures, and why the right answer is often a blend of all three depending on personal circumstances. Billy and Andrew share a real example of how someone in their forties with a mortgage and kids might split their money across an offset account, a growth investment, and other structures at the same time.  They also tackle one of the biggest mistakes they see, analysis paralysis, and share some practical thoughts on when it makes sense to do your own research versus when to get professional advice.  This episode is for anyone sitting on a decent amount of savings and wondering where to start, whether that's $10,000 or $100,000. It's a genuinely practical framework for thinking it through properly, rather than jumping straight to the question of what to invest in.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why checking your emergency fund should always come before deciding what to do with extra savings.  Why paying off high interest consumer debt almost always makes more sense than investing it.  How job security and cash flow shape both your emergency fund and your investment options.  Why understanding your time horizon is essential to setting the right risk profile for your money.  The three broad options most people weigh up: paying down a mortgage, superannuation, or investing outside those structures.  A real example of how someone in their forties might split savings across an offset account, an investment bond, and personal name investments.  Why the underlying investment choice should come last, not first, in the decision making process.  Why doing nothing with your savings is still a decision, and often the costliest one.  How to know when it's worth getting professional advice versus researching your options on your own.  Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew take a closer look at an important part of financial planning that many people hope they never have to deal with: making an insurance claim. The focus is on permanent disability (TPD) and income protection insurance, including what happens when something goes wrong, how a claim begins and some of the key factors that can influence the process.  For many Australians, insurance may be held through superannuation or as a retail insurance policy. But understanding that you have cover is only one part of the equation. The type of policy you have, whether it has gone through underwriting, what you disclosed when the cover was established and the definitions contained within the policy can all become important if you eventually need to make a claim.  Billy and Andrew explain why the claims process generally begins with notifying the insurer and completing the required documentation, as well as why medical records and other evidence are used to assess whether a claim meets the relevant policy definition. They also discuss the importance of being transparent when taking out insurance, particularly where a pre-existing medical condition may later be relevant to a claim.  The episode also explores some of the practical differences between income protection and TPD claims. For income protection, the amount ultimately paid can depend on the income being earned around the time of the claim, while TPD policies can have significantly different definitions, including own occupation and any occupation.  The discussion is particularly relevant for anyone who has personal insurance, insurance through superannuation, or is reviewing their broader financial planning and risk management strategy. It also highlights the potential value of having professional support during a claim, when dealing with insurers and managing the administrative requirements may be difficult while someone is focused on their health and recovery.    This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why full underwriting can matter: Understand how insurance that has been assessed upfront can differ from automatically accepted or default cover when it comes to the claims process.   How an insurance claim begins: Learn why notifying the insurer and starting the required documentation are important early steps after an insured event.   Why accurate disclosure matters: Understand how insurers can compare medical information and records with what was disclosed when the policy was established.   How income affects income protection: Discover why the benefit amount shown on an income protection policy does not necessarily mean that amount will automatically be paid at claim time.   The importance of TPD definitions: Understand the distinction between own occupation and any occupation definitions and why they can produce different outcomes.   Why your work history can matter: See how previous training, education and occupational experience can affect how an any occupation TPD definition applies.   The role of an adviser during a claim: Learn how professional support can help with paperwork, insurer communication and interpreting medical or policy-related information.   Why claims timing matters: Understand why the length of time required to approve a claim can have significant financial and emotional consequences.   Consider the tax outcome: Learn why tax treatment can affect the amount ultimately available from a TPD or income protection claim.    Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou take on a topic they're seeing more and more of in their work with clients: grey divorce, or separations happening later in life, typically after the age of 60.  Billy and Andrew explain why divorce rates for people over 60 have been climbing even as overall divorce rates fall, and why this stage of life brings a unique set of financial challenges. Unlike a younger couple with decades ahead of them to rebuild and let compounding work in their favour, an older couple separating has far less time and far fewer options to recover financially.  The conversation covers how superannuation and the family home are usually the two biggest assets in play, the different ways superannuation can be split, and why focusing purely on the percentage split can lead to a worse outcome than focusing on the actual income and lifestyle result at the end of it. Billy and Andrew share a real client example of how prioritising the family home during a separation led to a costly downsizing decision years later.  They also discuss the emotional side of separating later in life, why rushing into big financial decisions during an emotionally charged period can backfire, and why collaborative law can be a more cost effective and less adversarial alternative to a traditional legal battle. The episode closes with practical tips for anyone going through a separation, from record keeping and asset valuations to setting clear interim arrangements.  This episode is for anyone going through, or supporting someone going through, a separation later in life, as well as anyone wanting to understand how these decisions can affect long term financial security. It's a candid, practical look at a topic that doesn't get talked about often enough.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why divorce rates for people over 60 are rising even as overall divorce rates fall.  Why older couples have far less time and fewer options to financially recover from a separation than younger couples.  How superannuation and the family home are typically the two main assets divided in a separation.  The difference between a payment split and a flagging order when dividing superannuation.  Why focusing on the percentage split rather than the actual income outcome can leave someone financially worse off.  A real example of how prioritising the family home during a separation led to a costly downsizing decision years later.  Why rushing into big financial decisions during an emotionally charged separation can backfire.  How collaborative law can reduce legal costs and lead to a fairer outcome than an adversarial legal process.  Practical steps to take during a separation, including record keeping, asset valuations, and setting clear interim arrangements.  Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify