Prime Time with Bec Wilson

The government has officially banned checkout surcharges on credit cards, which means no more extra fees when you tap your card in store. But while that sounds like a win, it’s triggering a major shake-up behind the scenes that could quietly cost you money. In this episode, I sit down with financial educator and author Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon for a proper wallet audit. We unpack how merchants are pricing card fees into shelf prices, why banks are slashing credit card rewards, points, and travel insurance perks, and what you need to check on your own cards to ensure you're still getting real value. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Epic Retirement Tick is back for its second year! I sit down with Ian Fryer, General Manager at Chant West, to reveal which super funds received the 2026/27 Tick, what’s changed this year and where the industry is stepping up when it comes to supporting Australians in retirement. Download the full 2026/27 Epic Retirement Tick report HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what it's like to sail the world for a living in retirement? This week, I sit down with one of Viking's Resident Historians, Geoff Peters, who gets to do just that! We unpack real maritime adventures, what it's like cruising through the Nordic heartland of the Vikings, and why digging into your destination's history makes travel so rewarding. A big thanks to our sponsor this week, Viking! To explore the world 'The Viking Way' visit viking.com and secure your own voyage today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we reach our Prime Time, conversations around money can often involve the whole family; whether you're thinking about helping your adult kids buy a home, navigating blended family dynamics, or managing an inheritance. This week, I sit down with expert in inhertience planning Zoe Goode, a solicitor at Goode & Co Lawyers, to explain the financial boundaries that can simplify the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of us feel some sort of fear about retirement... whether it's running out of money, losing our sense of identity, or simply making the wrong choice. This week, I sit down with AMP Super’s Julie Slapp to tackle those silent fears head-on and break down the simple steps to help you spend confidently and build a retirement you actually look forward to. Julie Slapp is Director of Growth and Customer Solutions at AMP Super. This episode is brought to you in partnership with AMP Super. Head to amp.com.au/retirethefear to check out their practical tips and sign up for my exclusive email series. AMP Super is issued by N. M. Superannuation Proprietary Limited ABN 31 008 428 322 AFSL 234654 as trustee of the AMP Super Fund ABN 78 421 957 449. Before deciding what’s right for you, it’s important to consider your particular circumstances and read the AMP Super PDS and TMD available at amp.com.au. AMP is a registered trademark of AMP Limited ABN 49 079 354 519. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

One Nation has proposed a raft of radical changes to the superannuation system that would allow Aussies who rent or pay a mortgage to divert a portion of their super payments as salary for up to three years. In this speical episode, I'm joined by AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver to unpack the proposal and explore what redirecting future super payments could mean for your long-term savings, inflation, and the housing market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Father’s Day! On this special bonus episode... I'm sitting down with my dad, Tony, on the eve of his 80th birthday, for a chat about life, family and growing older. Dad shares the practical lessons, money habits and everyday wisdom he’s passed down to me over the years, plus his take on making the most of every chapter of life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Prime Time, I'm joined by the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Dr. Daniel Mulino MP, to unpack the Government’s new financial advice reforms and what they could mean for those of us approaching retirement. We dive into what these changes mean for pre-retirees, how super funds and a new class of advisers will soon offer simpler guidance, and how the government plans to make personal financial advice more accessible and affordable without sacrificing consumer protections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we pay homage to the legendary Dolly Parton, looking at 5 timeless life lessons she leaves behind on living with passion, staying true to your values, and making every chapter count. Then, I sit down with financial adviser Natallia Smith, who speicalises in supporting women over 50 as they navigate life transitions in the lead up to retirement, and what changes when you're planning your financial future solo. Natallia Smith is the founder of TruWealth Advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this very speical episode, my daughter Paris and I have boarded The Ghan in Darwin for three nights and four days travelling through the heart of Australia to Adelaide. It’s a trip I’ve wanted to do for years, and there’s something pretty special about finally doing it with my daughter. Come along with us with the ride! Discover Australia by train in 2027 aboard The Ghan, India Pacific & Great Southern. There's a rhythm to travelling by train that no other journey can match. in 2027, discover Australia aboard one of Journey Beyond Rail's iconic rail journeys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renowned economist Saul Eslake joins me to break down how shifting property markets, slowing income growth, and rising mortgage debt are redefining financial security for Australians in their 50s and 60s. We dive into why the old economic rules on housing no longer apply and what these structural shifts mean for your retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August is here and the super performance numbers are rolling in. But how do you cut through the noise and get to the data? This week, Chantwest’s Ian Fryer joins me to break down this year’s median growth return, why international shares are doing the heavy lifting, and the real danger of funds de-risking you too early. We cover active versus index performance and explain why chasing last year's winning fund is the absolute worst thing you can do for your long-term retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Prime Time, I'm joined by the incredible clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo to cut through the noise and talk about what's really happening to our metabolic health in midlife. We dive into the practical food rules, simple daily hacks and whole-food strategies you can start using today to reverse high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. To grab a copy of Sarah's step-by-step 9-week program and learn more about her practical strategies, check out The Blood Sugar Repair Plan by Sarah Di Lorenzo on Simon & Schuster. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Offset accounts are supposed to be one of the simplest products in banking. Put money in, link it to your home loan and pay less interest. ASIC’s latest investigation suggests you might need to open your statements and check if your offset account is in fact working like that. This week on the podcast I sat down with the new ASIC Chair Sarah Court to unpack one of the most significant banking reports released this year. This week, ASIC have announced that they have dived deep into how offset accounts are working, and have concern that many are not working as they are supposed to. ASIC’s investigation found banks have already paid more than $55 million in compensation over two years after offset accounts failed to reduce customers’ home loan interest as promised. Even more concerning, the regulator says the true scale of the problem may be much larger because some banks couldn’t reliably identify customers who had requested an offset account in the first place. We talk through how offset accounts are supposed…

In the latest edition of our Prime Time Book Club, I sit down with author A.T. Prewett to chat about his witty, warm, and wonderfully entertaining novel, 'The Picasso Ransom'. Inspired by the true (and still unsolved) 1986 theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman from the National Gallery of Victoria, this delightful Aussie cozy crime caper follows a trio of retirees who decide peaceful protest isn't enough when their art school faces government closure. We dive into the hilarious realities of senior rebellion, Melbourne nostalgia, and why age is no barrier to a little cheekiness and a great heist. You can find A.T.'s book at all good retailers and online here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761776731/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Prime Time, Bec sits down with Sarah Aubrey, the expert behind Electrify This. Sarah breaks down everything you need to know about EV ownership; from real-world running costs and home charging hacks to battery longevity, vehicle-to-grid technology, and debunking common fire and tire myths. Plus, Sarah shares her top EV recommendations across every budget and lifestyle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bec tackles the retirement questions keeping Australians awake at night. From calculating your income gap to managing market movements, hear some practical steps for your future. Also, Brighter Super's Lisa Kay joins the show to discuss why accessible advice and guidance is crucial for your retirement journey. Discover how a simple health check at fifty can transform your super balance and provide ultimate peace of mind. Disclaimer: Brighter Super Trustee (AFSL 230511) as Trustee for Brighter Super. Consider the PDS & TMD before deciding if Brighter Super is right for you. Visit brightersuper.com.au/pds See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I sit down with AMP Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver, to unpack a messy post-budget economy. We tackle the question every Australian is asking right now: is housing still a good investment? Shane breaks down the independent data on falling house prices and shares his advice on where to safely grow your wealth next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I sit down with ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant to unpack a deeply concerning new report exposing major flaws in the safety nets legally required to protect your hard earned retirement savings. If you have your super managed by a financial advisor on a platform product, you need to hear this breakdown on why time is officially up for underperforming trustees, and the exact questions you need to ask your advisor today to keep your money safe. You can find the report from ASIC here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of our Prime Time book club, I sit down with acclaimed international bestselling author Rosalie Ham to chat about her new book ‘Look After Your Feet’ and the witty, wise, and completely unfiltered realities of navigating life as we get older, and why aging might just be the most liberating (and hilarious) chapter yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I chat to Van Marinos, exercise scientist & author, about the secret ingredient to making your exercise routine actually stick: Community. Van Marinos is an Accredited Exercise Scientist, a physical educator, and the founder of Community Moves - an organisation dedicated to functional fitness for older adults. He’s also the author of Strong & Social, a new book that highlights that staying fit in our prime years isn’t just about the physical heavy lifting; it’s about the community we build along the way that makes it enjoyable too! Find out more about Community Moves HERE Follow me on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the final episode of our special series with Aware Super. This week, we are tackling the biggest adjustment of them all: transitioning from the predictable rhythm of a paycheck to learning how to fund your retirement from your super. I’m sitting down together with Peter Hogg and Lynda Cross from Aware Super to unpack the money mechanics of this new phase, exploring clever strategies like downsizing to free up equity and structuring your assets so you don't miss out on safety nets like the age pension. This podcast was brought to you by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super. Members can get advice on broader needs for a fee. Consider if Aware Super is right for you and find the PDS and TMD on their website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second installment of our 'New Rhythm of Retirement' series, I'm diving into the psychology of purpose and how you can find meaning after work. First up, I chat to clinical neuropsychologist Professor Nancy Pachana about overcoming the identity crisis of the 'first workless Tuesday' and how to transition into a mindset that keeps your brain healthy and your passion alive. Then I speak to Lynda Cross, head of guidance at Aware Super, to map out the financial flexibility required to confidently fund those next 1,500 workless Tuesdays! This podcast was brought to you by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super. Members can get advice on broader needs for a fee. Consider if Aware Super is right for you and find the PDS and TMD on their website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've invited Prime Timer Mike Chesworth back to the studio to hear about his recent expedition to Antarctica and the foothills of the Andes in Patagonia. If you have Antarctica on your bucket-list, then you WON'T want to miss this episode with Mike, sharing all his tips on making this trip an unforgettable one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout June, I’ve teamed up with Aware Super to bring you a special series: The Ultimate Guide to the New Rhythm of Retirement. We’re exploring how we actually want to live, work and fund our second half of life. Each episode, I'll chat to experts and hear from real life Prime Timer's about how to prepare for and embrace the next phase. In this first episode, we’re tackling the 'soft launch.' How do you transition from full time work to a lifestyle that offers more freedom without losing your paycheck, or your mind, overnight? I’m joined by Bambi Price, founder of War on Wasted Talent, to discuss how to navigate midlife career pivots and beat ageism in the workplace. Then I chat to Peter Hogg, General Manager of Guidance & Advice at Aware Super, to break down the financial mechanics of scaling back, ensuring your money works as hard as you do during this transition. Over the next month, we’re diving into: The Soft Launch: Mastering the transition from full-time to part-time work Finding Your ‘New You’:…

In this month's very special edition of the Prime Book Club, I sit down with The Hon. Bob Carr to talk about his deeply personal memoir, 'Bring Back Yesterday: On losing the love of my life, and doing what it takes to survive' It's a soul searing account of the sudden passing of his beloved wife of 50 years, Helena. You can find Bob's book at all good retailers and online here: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Bob-Carr-Bring-Back-Yesterday-9781761473135 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are officially in the race to the end of financial year! In this episode, I chat to regular guest & financial planner Paul Benson to cut through the noise and give you the essential EOFY checklist. I also check in with Peter Hogg from Aware Super to explain catch-up contributions & why they matter at this time of year. We discuss: Impact of the 2026 budget announcement Why your Super is the 'only game in town' The concessional cap The power of catch-up contributions CGT Risk sequencing in midlife The death of the family trust Insurance audits within super See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I'm getting personal. Turning 50 this year has been a major wake-up call for my health, and a reminder to check the systems I have in place to support me as I age, starting with my health insurance. In this episode, I chat to renowned GP Dr. Ginni Mansberg about the midlife changes we should all be preparing for, and Lenette Gear from Australian Unity, to explain exactly how our health cover should be working for us in the next phase of life. Information provided in this publication is of a general nature. Australian Unity accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any of the opinions, advice, representations or information contained in this publication. The audience should rely on their own advice and enquiries in making decisions affecting their own health, wellbeing or interest. Interviewee names and titles were accurate at the time of writing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Federal Budget just fundamentally changed the way middle Australians build wealth, effectively tearing up the investment playbook we’ve followed for decades. I’m joined by David Lane, Senior Financial Adviser at Ord Minnett, to unpack exactly how these new tax rules on property and capital gains will hit your retirement plans and what you need to do right now to protect your future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're talking about the very real problem of subscription creep. It's when all those apps, streaming services and memberships start to add up and get out of control. I chat to Matt Bowen, head of consumer and market insights at ING Australia, to talk about the huge price tag of Australia's subscription addiction, and what you can do about it. I'll also check in with Kate Rolfe from Aware Super to talk about another job we avoid doing... opening our super statements. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of our Prime Time book club I sit down with acclaimed finance guru Chris Kohler to chat about his new book ‘How They Get You’ and all the secret ways you’re convinced to part with your cash, and what you can do about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people spend decades building wealth, but retirement flips all of that on its head. Suddenly, you're not earning an income, you're managing one. This week, Xavier O'Halloran from Super Consumers Australia and Kate Rolfe from Aware Super get into the real mechanics of retirement income, including the layers, the phases, the numbers behind the benchmarks, and the mistakes that catch even well-prepared people off guard. Thanks to Aware Super - visit aware.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spend so much time obsessing over our super, property and portfolios, but we often ignore our most valuable asset: our ability to earn. Think of your career not just as a job, but as an asset that requires constant reinvestment. Too many people with big, successful careers are getting caught off guard by restructures or market shifts, sometimes finding themselves unemployed and underprepared for a digital-first job market. So, how do you bulletproof your employability? In this episode, I chat to Jannine Fraser, who works right at the coalface, helping people navigate career transitions when things go wrong - and how to prepare yourself in case they do. She's the managing director of outplacement firm Directioneering, so it's her job to help people pick up the pieces and re-shape their future. We cover: - Why midlife is a high risk time for career stagnation - How to pivot before the market forces you to - Practical steps to stay relevant, ready & employable See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

If you've ever felt unsure whether financial advice was really built for someone like you, this episode will help you understand the landscape and hopefully feel more confident navigating it. I chat to Paul Feeney, founder and CEO of Otivo and someone who has spent years inside the advice industry. It’s a refreshingly honest take on where it works, where it falls short, and what everyday Australians can do about it. The reality is that quality personalised advice has historically been more accessible to people with significant assets, leaving many everyday Australians without affordable guidance at the very moment they need it most. We dig into the real difference between information, guidance and advice, because these words get thrown around a lot and they don't mean the same thing. Information educates, guidance helps, and regulated advice is personalised to your exact situation. We also explore the use of AI for advice. These tools are genuinely useful for exploring ideas, stress-testing thinking and…

I sit down with regular prime timer Mike Chesworth about the good, the bad & the ugly of downsizing the family home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the second edition of the Prime Time Book Club! Today, I sit down with beloved author Kathy Lette to chat about her hilarious new novel, 'The Sisterhood Rules'. You can find a copy of 'The Sisterhood Rules' at all good book retailers & online here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Sisterhood-Rules-hilarious-million-bestselling-ebook/dp/B0G1B7G5KH See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with renowned futurist, AI expert and author Dr. Catherine Ball to get a big picture understanding of how AI will impact those of us in our Prime Time. We discuss: How we can embrace technology & 'robots' in our homes Demystifying AI and it's everyday uses Harness the health benefits You can find our more about Dr. Ball's research here:https://www.drcatherineball.com And find her latest book, 'The Future of Sleep' here: https://www.drcatherineball.com/product-page/the-future-of-sleep-a-futurist-s-insight-into-the-potential-of-our-world See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joanna McMillan, author of 'The Fibre Factor', to unpack the groundbreaking science linking fibre to a stronger & healthier body. Dr. McMillan is a PhD-qualified nutrition scientist, dietitian, food futurist and one of Australia’s most trusted health experts. You can find Joanna's book at all good retailers and online here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Fibre-Factor-Science-backed-Healthier-Stronger/dp/1761356720 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted airspace across one of the world’s biggest travel hubs, leaving many Australians wondering whether they should cancel their upcoming trips. In this urgent episode, I speak with travel expert Fiona Dalton to unpack what’s actually happening with global travel right now, who is affected, and what travellers should do before making any big decisions. Fiona explains why the disruption is largely centred around Middle Eastern transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, what options travellers have if their flights are impacted, and why cancelling too early could actually leave you worse off financially. The key message: stay calm, stay connected to your airline, and don’t rush into cancelling your trip but make sure you understand your options. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should we be worried about oil, markets and war? I catch up with Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP for a market update. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever looked at your super fund and thought, “Is this actually delivering for my retirement… or just delivering great ads?” then this episode is for you. Today is a major update to the Epic Retirement Tick for 2026. I’m joined by Ian Fryer, General Manager of Chant West, who works with me to develop the rigorous criteria and whose team assesses the funds. And David Bell, Executive Director of the Conexus Institute, one of Australia’s leading independent retirement policy voices and think tanks. Last year, only six funds were awarded the Tick. Now we’re back with updated criteria for 2026. The big shift? The framework moves to 20 criteria (up from 18) and aligns with the latest Treasury Retirement Income Covenant guidance. In this episode, Ian and David help break down what’s changed - and what it means for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within just a fortnight, almost every key number in Australia’s retirement system has either changed, or is about to. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, known as ASFA, has just updated its retirement benchmarks for the first time in three years. And the shift is significant. I sit down with ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty to explain all of the changes. You can find the new ASFA retirement standards here: https://www.superannuation.asn.au/consumers/retirement-standard/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incredible Australian writer Kathy Lette joins me to talk about travelling boldly through Europe on river and ocean cruises. Viking's Explorer Sale is on now! Visit vikingcruises.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the very first edition of the Prime Time Book Club! Join me as I dive into our first pick, 'The Art of Spending Money' by Morgan Housel. And you can join the conversation too! Subscribe and leave me a comment on our weekly newsletter - primetimers.net Or on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/epicretire/ Recommend a book, tell me what you thought of this months pick and read along with us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past year, I've watched a surge of social media ads urging people to review and switch their super often with urgent language suggesting you're losing money every day you delay. This week, ASIC confirmed that it is reviewing advice licensees that use something called 'lead generation' arrangements, especially where they may be encouraging people to switch their super unnecessarily. In this episode, I speak to ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland who's leading the review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is cognitive decline inevitable as we age? In this episode, I speak to the 2026 Senior Australian of the year and world leading dementia researcher, Professor. Henry Brodaty, about all the ways you can look after your brain and prevent cognitive decline. Henry Brodaty is Professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. You can find out more about Henry's work here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with program producer Gen Rule to discuss the SIX biggest fears people have when it comes to retirement... as nominated by YOU. In part TWO of this topic we cover: Spending money Inflation & Government changes Isolation & loneliness You can order a copy of my new book; 'Prime Time' via AMAZON here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Prime-Time-lessons-new-midlife/dp/0733652212 Follow us on social media and via email Get in touch with Bec here: Bec@primetimers.net Sign up for the Prime Time Podcast Newsletter at www.primetimers.net - Get our newsletter with detailed podcast notes sent directly to your inbox every week. Order your copy of Prime Time: 27 rules for the new midlife here: https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Or follow Bec on social here: @becwilsonepic on Facebook @epicretirement on Instagram Read Bec’s syndicated newspaper column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here: https://www.smh.com.au/by/bec-wilson-p536ww NEARING RETIREMENT? Join The Epic Retirement…

In this episode, I sit down with program producer Gen Rule to discuss the SIX biggest fears people have when it comes to retirement... as nominated by YOU. In part one of this topic we cover the first THREE: Running out of money Running out of time & health Loss of identity You can order a copy of my new book; 'Prime Time' via AMAZON here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Prime-Time-lessons-new-midlife/dp/0733652212 Follow us on social media and via email Get in touch with Bec here: Bec@primetimers.net Sign up for the Prime Time Podcast Newsletter at www.primetimers.net - Get our newsletter with detailed podcast notes sent directly to your inbox every week. Order your copy of Prime Time: 27 rules for the new midlife here: https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Or follow Bec on social here: @becwilsonepic on Facebook @epicretirement on Instagram Read Bec’s syndicated newspaper column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here: https://www.smh.com.au/by/bec-wilson-p536ww NEARING RETIREMENT? Join The…

I sit down with Sue West, a leadership and transition coach who helps people navigate big changes in work and life. But what I love most about Sue is her own story how she's built her coaching business, flourish after 50, and redefined what success, purpose and energy look like in this stage of her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Drew Meredith, financial advisor & director at Wattle Partners, to explain Australia's proposed new super tax (Division 296) and exactly who will be hit with the higher rate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.