The Money Puzzle

The risks and opportunities of AI become clearer each day, but how do you - the investor - optimise AI while minimising your risks? Daniel Gara, founder of Vectatech.com.au joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How to best use AI as an active investor Securing your data against later use by AI companies Tackling AI questions to get the answers you need Anthropic's Claude for financial advisers explained See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the year reality bites for private credit investors: Put simply, it was too good to be true for several years. More recently, just as everyday investors piled into the space, the numbers have turned against it. Charlie Viola of Viola Private Wealth joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Private credit shake-up: The Metrics Credit affair Should we compare private credit to shares or bonds? Keeping an eye on the fallout from the Bathla collapse Passive investing and the problem of poor quality IPOs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement has been re-energised through an offshoot tagged as COAST. It's all about the magic number you need to save, which allows you to ahem coast through the rest of your life without money issues. Would it work for you? Lionel Lee, author of 'Into The Moneyverse' joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: FIRE - What you need to know How the COAST principle works Adapting for the Australian super system Should you save inside or outside super? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Spring season's 'stock overhang' will determine the outlook for the property market. It will also provide an early guide on where the bargains will emerge for investors. Angus Moore, senior economist at Realestate.com.au joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Stock overhang - The markets with the most for sale Will vacancy rates stay low if prices drop further? Is Melbourne the value hunter's opportunity? Negative gearing new homes - signs of life inside industry data See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Higher taxes, an aging population and hopeless productivity growth ...is Australia the best place to put your money? In today's show, we cover... What investors can draw from the government's inter-generational report Does the productivity gap with the US explain Wall Street's superior returns? Why rates will be higher for longer Gold takes a step backwards in its forward march Paul Bloxham, chief economist at HSBC Australia, joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The removal of negative gearing from existing residential property, coupled with sliding values for investment property, has changed the game for every investor. The new dilemma is whether you invest in your CGT free family home or instead place that money in the long-running bull market for shares. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Office joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Running the numbers on the family home versus a share portfolio Gearing into the share market while only paying a mortgage rate of interest The power of Exchange Traded Funds in a geared share portfolio Why foreign currency in a local bank is not guaranteed See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing $175 billion for UniSuper would keep anyone on their toes. It also helps to clarify a clear view on every asset class from US shares to private credit. So what does UniSuper's chief investment officer think will happen next? John Pearce, the chief investment officer at UniSuper joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The outlook for shares Why a 'back to normal' bond market has an upside Keeping clear of AI-linked IPOs The true definition of a 'balanced fund' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big super funds hedge up to 50 per cent of their offshore investments: The textbooks say you should hedge about one third of any exposure overseas. But the hedging level of most Australian investors, including ETF investors, is generally close to zilch! In today's show, we cover... Should you be hedging that increased offshore share allocation ? Electrified economy - The long-term investment attraction of electrification Second thoughts on bonds...when the tide turns, could they save you? Why gold will pay off longer term Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group and the University of Melbourne joins associate editor, James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you get a pay rise? Should you join that start-up that promises to go to the moon, or should you simply buy your first home a lot sooner than you had planned? In today's show, we cover: Career Control - The finances of career navigation Catching up - Investment tips for the late starter Your career and your SMSF - Getting business to pay you rent Sweat equity - Deciding if you should jump to a start-up Adviser and author, Jacqui Clarke, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are moving higher worldwide, but this time around it's for good reason: The AI boom is fuelling tremendous returns on global share markets. As the game gets riskier, your cash is now returning nearly 5 per cent risk-free; it's getting hard to beat In today's show, we cover... Why cash is beating total bond returns out the door Investing in a high-rate, high-return market New traps - Private credit is on the wrong side of the rate cycle Infrastructure shines through as rates run higher Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you don't have a Will, that's plain stupid. If you have a Will, you should also consider a Testamentary Discretionary Trust...and if you have done that too, you'd better watch the new Budget reforms because you may have to make changes. In today's edition, we cover... Estate planning - The basics for the everyday investor Testamentary Discretionary Trust - They escaped new taxes, check them out Trust reforms - If your family trust is being restructured, it may affect your Will Tackling the 17 per cent tax on inherited super. Estate planning lawyer, Rachael Rofe,+ joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the biggest investment upsurge we have seen since the LNG gas expansion of more than a decade ago: Data centre construction will make or break investors in the years ahead...how to play it? Emanuel Datt of Datt Capital joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: * Your jungle guide to the $150bn data centre boom * The hottest stocks at the centre of the action * "Picks and shovels' - the service companies investors prefer * Proxy bets - how money is raised behind the scenes to fuel the boom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gold price bounced in August, suggesting the yellow metal may soon recommence the rally that enthralled investors across 2025: It might be time to top up.... In today's show, we cover The outlook for gold A gold digger's favourite picks Why gold miners so often blow their prospects Raleigh Finlayson - The rise of a gold dynamo Cameron Judd of the Victor Smorgon Partners Resources Gold Fund joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House price falls have some way to go, and now that we have the clear and present danger of more rate hikes, bargain hunters have time to kill. In today's show, we cover; How the downturn will deepen from here Can the first home market stay unaffected? Housing developer busts - Bathla will not be an isolated case The Spring pile-up - waiting for an avalanche of new listings Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the hot-button question for so many investors - how to optimise any spare cash they may have on hand. For younger investors it's often the mortgage; for older investors it's often putting the money into super (before it's too late) But which is it for you? Olivia Maragna of Aspire Retire joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Super for mortgage...what to do? Did super win or lose in the Budget? Are we close to the peak in the current mortgage cycle The home that negative gearing forgot See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I want to help the kids, how do I start?' It's one of the most common questions we get on the podcast, and it's time to tackle it head on. Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How to start an investment for a child A smart approach to school fees What to do about HECS Helping with a first home purchase See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX 200 is enjoying a solid earnings season, but the healthcare sector is shooting the lights out. Believe it or not, the market sector that offered the fastest way to lose money last year is suddenly red hot. Jun Bei-Liu of the Ten Cap Alpha Plus funds joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Up 25% in a month! - Healthcare stocks are back Why the healthcare blue chips can keep rising Will CSL ever be Australia's biggest stock again? Earnings season recap- where to now for banks and miners? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here comes Spring! Welcome to most, except perhaps to residential property sellers, who will be adding stock to an already bloated market where prices are falling. Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How bad is the listings overhang? Why banks may have forecasts wrong on property prices Yes, yields are rising, but are rents actually lifting too? The 40-year mortgage...should you ever? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The old formula for seeking income in the Australian market is fading: Dividend rates have dropped across the ASX. Yet, recent tax changes mean that investors will want to raise income from local markets. Hugh Robertson of the Centaur Financial Services group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How can I chase income safely? The income risk ladder - Bonds to high dividend funds Molino's move on SMSFs - More fees and a 'test' Is there any escape from the minimum 30 per cent CGT rate? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors are scrambling to sidestep the new property taxes and taking risks in areas they might never have considered before the May Budget. Rasti Vaibhav of Get RARE Properties joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The looming black spots for property investors Hidden dangers of 'new build' negative gearing A sober read on the reality of commercial property SMSF residential borrowing is now officially banned See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the top end of the market, Australia's richest investors are deeplyengaged in the AI boom: Some are betting the house on AI, others are fighting to rescue their reputation as AI sweeps through every industry sector. John Stensholt co-author of 'Tech Bros' the extraordinary story of Atlassian' joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Rich pickings in an AI bonanza How Atlassian's 'tech bros' are pivoting towards AI Wes Maas bets the house on Firmus Why did Gina Rinehart invest heavily in SpaceX? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first principles for buying property never change. Whether it's your first home or your first move as an investor, you need a pathway. But following this year's landmark federal budget, it will pay to know where the government is aiming to 'help' and where market distortions could create new risks. Author and host of the 'Money, Money, Money' podcast, Glen James joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The quick-start guide to your first property Looking at the home from an investor perspective Getting to know the home grants system Warning on new property after negative gearing changes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The swing towards 'alternative' investing is much more than a fad, it is now a core dimension of most investment portfolios among wealthy investors. But how does the everyday investor get started in this area? Cathy Ding of the Glory House group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The basics of alternative investing Getting started in private credit and private equity The enduring role of gold Advanced alternatives: Royalty streams and coupon notes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting August 10 Self-Managed Super Funds will be banned from borrowing to buy residential property. The Government's late move will catch many investors offside. But the market is responding quickly, new strategies and new products are emerging for active investors. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Office joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: Yes, you can still use your SMSF in residential property: Here’s how Taking a second look at residential property finance options Market responds to negative gearing ban with new products The way forward for active property investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors love Exchange Traded Funds; these cheap and low-risk funds, which mirror indices such as the ASX 200, are increasingly popular. But how do you put them together to create a diversified portfolio? Chris Brycki, CEO of the Stockspot group, joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: ETF essentials - what you need to know Who are the main players in the market How to start a 60-40 ETF portfolio Building a deeper understanding of ETF offerings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asked in today's episode if the house price downturn is 'a blip or a bust?', one of the market's top residential experts says 'Way more than a blip, as for a bust... It's too early to say.' Tim Lawless, research director at Cotality Australia, joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show we cover: How far will house prices fall Which city looks most vulnerable Can rents keep rising as prices drop The different outlook for homes and apartments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a generation, Australian investors were advised to hold their investments until they retired. Then once they entered tax-free retirement, they could largely sidestep CGT tax. This central plank of financial advice is finished: Every retiree will now pay a minimum 30 per cent tax and nobody will escape. Dr Adrian Raftery, author of '101 ways to save money on your tax - legally' joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The shock change to investor retirement benefits How the CGT new minimum rate is the sleeper issue for long-term investors Examining how tax planning must reflect the wider budget changes My shares have gone to zero - can I claim a tax loss? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is still a property sector where the outlook is improving, where yields are strong and anyone can negatively gear. Hey, you can even use borrowed funds in your Self-Managed Super Fund: It's time to take a second look at the commercial property sector. James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The pros and cons of commercial property Why Budget tax changes have lit up the sector The best entry points for the everyday investor Cash flow risk - the outstanding danger for new commercial property investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are only beginning to digest the full impact of the Budget changes for residential property.In short, it will never be the same again. That doesn't mean you can't invest successfully, but it does mean you need to know the new rules. Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hunt for yield in residential property Forget the interest-only loan How long-term negatively geared investors will thrive Taking a second look at commercial property See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind all the market jargon and sophisticated language of wealth managers, there is one gold rule for investors: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's time to dig deep on diversification and portfolio allocation. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The essentials of portfolio allocation Tactical portfolio shifts in 2026 The trouble with bonds Why emerging markets are running hot See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The burning question for all investors is whether the global market is running ahead of itself? Tim Toohey, head of macro strategy for Yarra Capital Management, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The growing gap between GDP and market returns Could inflation fall from here Emerging value on the ASX The bear case for bank stocks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How would you deal with a global sharemarket crash? Because it’s not a question of if, but when. The AI boom, which underpinned the bumper super returns for many investors over the last financial year, has been extraordinary; But in mid-2026 even the most optimistic forecasters expect the markets to cool in the second half, while the doomsayers will suggest exuberant global markets are surely heading for a fall. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Having an opportunity fund for the day the bubble bursts Harold Evensky's 'bucket strategy' for the investors who need cash flow Deleting your Dividend Reinvestment Programs for cash Put Options and 'Bear' ETFs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The numbers don't lie: The ASX did 3 per cent over the 12 months to June, and the S&P 500 did 20 per cent. Unless - like a big super fund - you had half your portfolio invested offshore, the chances are you underperformed in FY2026. Marc Jocum, investment strategist at GlobalX ETFs, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: * Wall Street smashes the ASX...again Why Big Super funds probably beat your SMSF Which ETFs investors are buying for the year ahead What the hell happened at CSL? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweeping changes to Capital Gains Tax, Negative Gearing and Self-Managed Super Funds are confronting investors. How will they affect you? Stuart Wemyss from the ProSolution Private Clients group joins associate editor, James Kirby on this episode of the Money Puzzle podcast. In today's special episode, we cover: How will the CGT changes work? Winners and losers in negative gearing Getting around the SMSF borrowing ban How a tiny government pension can offer a big tax break See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has made sure that superannuation investors did not entirely escape the investment tax overhaul: Is it still the relative winner as parliament prepares to sign off the Budget? Adviser James Wrigley of First Financial joins associate editor James Kirby in the episode. In today's show, we cover: What you need to know about super post-Budget A way you can still borrow and use your SMSF to buy property Investment bonds get another leg up from the government New twist for new super tax See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Already reeling from a lift in CGT tax and a ban on negative gearing for existing properties, the Government is set to give the property market one last punch with a looming ban on borrowing inside Self Managed Super Funds. Beau Arfi of the Maple Property Group joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Not finished with you yet - investors prepare for SMSF property clampdown How the SMSF ban creates another privileged set of investors Moving offshore - Why this property professional is switching attention to NZ Deducting your body corporate fees See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors are fully stretched trying to keep up with a remarkable period for markets as a record number of Australians make a 50 per cent profit on the SpaceX IPO, while at home the Treasurer announces the first major Budget backflip with a carve out for testamentary discretionary trusts. Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How the SpaceX bonanza changes Australian share investment forever CGT changes: Can the system handle the changeover? Trust backflip - A sensible solution Will new homes become the hottest thing in property? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With negative gearing soon to be restricted to new buildings, property economics in the Australian market have been turned upside down: Until very recently, the outer suburbs were the last place investors looked for opportunity. But in the months ahead, the outer suburbs look set to become the new 'hot spot' of the wider market. Anissa Cavallo of Eda Property joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Negative gearing never dies, it just moves to the suburbs Investors still confused over CGT...but it's simple, you will pay more Retirees face a tough choice as forced sellers face a soft market So what constitutes a 'new building' under the Budget changes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX lists today (June 12) and will be followed by two more AI mega-IPOs: OpenAI and Anthropic. Collectively valued at more than $US3.5 trillion, every index fund on the planet will be forced to buy them. Stockspot founder Chris Brycki joins The Australian's Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague to discuss whether this is the opportunity of a generation or the most expensive bag-hold in history. The mega float moment: What the SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic listings mean for your portfolio ETFs vs. stock picking in a concentrated market The ASX's innovation gap and why Australian investors can't afford a home-market bias The CGT shake-up and what it means for your investments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Australians move abroad to earn more money - or at least that's the plan - but it doesn't always work out unless you do your homework first. Likewise, Australians returning from overseas can hit tangles with the ATO unless they think the whole project through very thoroughly. Brett Evans, the Dubai-based MD of Atlas Wealth Management, joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How you and your money should move overseas The hidden cost of being an expat The best way to bring money back (including pensions). Is your bank giving you the best deal on international transfers? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On average, women retire with 25% less superannuation than men, and one in ten have no super account at all. While you might assume this is purely down to career breaks, evidence shows the disparity starts much earlier - with females under 18 already trailing their male peers. What is really driving this, and what steps can women take to supercharge their savings? Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at NAB Trade joins associate editor James Kirby. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you speak the language of money? If you - or anyone close to you - cannot understand what the investment market is telling them, there can be a high price to pay. Investment commentator and Ecstra Foundation chair, Paul Clitheroe joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: Financial literacy, why it’s crucial and why Australia is struggling to keep up ‘Swim between the flags’ the simple success formula for managing money Why ‘financial capability’ is the way forward for investors A road map for financial literacy success See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a property investor, you may already know the usual tax breaks for properties, like negative gearing, but did you know there are ways to boost your cash flow and tax deductions? 'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show we cover: The benefits of using a PAYG withholding variation Strategies for claiming depreciation What’s deductible and what isn't? Repairs vs Improvements on the holiday rental Please note: this episode was recorded before the recent Federal Budget; check current rules given the slated 2027 changes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Budget will be a landmark moment for investors if it all goes through parliament as planned. Investors need to know what happened but also... what might happen next. Liam Shorte of Sonas Wealth joins Associate Editor James Kirby, in this episode In today's show, we cover: CGT changes and your share portfolio A surprise boost for gold investors The new attraction of the family home Negotiables? Budget measures that may be up for review See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors are trying to piece together the cumulative effect of the bad news in the Budget. How much will the combined CGT changes and negative gearing clampdown hit returns? For the everyday investor with the average established investment property the expected internal rate of return is set to plunge from 11 per cent to 8.4 per cent. Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Office group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: How to tackle the tax challenge for property investors Warning... Get your property revalued How come so few investors negatively gear new properties? New tax games emerge with exemptions from the new rules See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Budget has introduced the biggest tax changes seen in decades: Every investor in Australia will be affected by the measures. Here's what you need to know...and what to do. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The Capital Gains Tax changes: How negative gearing works from here Goodbye to the good old days for family trusts Self Managed Super Funds - If you don't have one, think again... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian investors have fully embraced Exchange Traded Funds. Now, as the gap between managed funds and index funds narrows, investors want to know what's next on the menu? Daniel Shrimski, CEO of Vanguard Australia joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The changing shape of ETFs Industry leaders warn on CGT changes Vanguard's ISA plan for Australia The ETF dilemma - Selling a stock that's done too well See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment property and high-dividend-paying shares are about to get a tax hit in the Budget: So, it's the perfect time to look wider for the active investor. Jack Tossol of the Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The persistence of private equity How 'growth' shares get hit with planned CGT changes Are start-ups really disadvantaged in the tax system? How to find the purchase price of very old shares See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rate hikes are just not the same anymore: Once upon a time, they hit the mortgage belt, that fictionalised housing strip in the outer suburbs populated by young families. Today the RBA’s weapon of choice lands heavily instead on older Australians. What does it mean for the property investor? Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at Ray White Group, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Investing with rising rates The case against two more rate hikes Why banks are offering longer-lasting mortgages Will negative gearing be effectively restricted to new houses? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iran crisis oil shock is creating winners and losers in the sharemarket, but it may not be playing out as you expect. Yes QANTAS is hit, but diesel-guzzlers BHP and Rio re big winners. How's that? And why is Wall Street streaking ahead of the ASX once more even though both markets are facing the same energy issues? Business columnist Eric Johnson joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: New realities of the sharemarket after an oil price spike The AI boom resumes...where are the Aussie players? Firmus - The biggest IPO from a company you've never heard about If EVs are now red hot...is lithium about to boom again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.