Friends With Money

Australia's sharemarket may be dominated by a handful of large miners and banks, but there are plenty of opportunities beyond the heavyweights. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Jamie Hannah, deputy head of investments and capital markets at VanEck, to discuss the risks and rewards offered with small caps and mid caps. 00:00 Introduction 01:17 What are small caps and mid caps? 03:33 Behavioural differences 05:07 The mid cap sweet spot 06:18 How have small and mid caps performed? 08:36 The investment case for smaller companies 11:21 How much should investors allocate to small and mid caps? 13:19 The key risks of investing in smaller companies 15:30 Options for gaining exposure to small and mid caps 16:31 Local and international ETF opportunities 19:25 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #jamiehannah #investing #smallcaps #midcapsPodcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

💰 The retirement revolution: Why working longer isn't the real retirement plan ❓ Question: How is retirement changing in Australia, why are so many people worried about running out of money, and what practical steps can Australians take now to improve their chances of a comfortable retirement? ✅ Answer: According to journalist Nina Hendy, retirement is no longer a fixed destination reached at a particular age. More Australians are gradually transitioning into retirement through part-time work, flexible arrangements and second careers rather than stopping work completely. At the same time, many people are worried they won't have enough money to retire comfortably, despite having access to more retirement tools, guidance and income solutions than ever before. The challenge isn't a shortage of information. It's that many Australians remain disengaged from their superannuation until they're close to retirement. 💡 Retirement is becoming more flexible The traditional model of working full-time until retirement age and then leaving the workforce entirely is fading. Many older Australians are reducing their hours gradually, changing careers or continuing to work beyond traditional retirement age. For some, it provides purpose and social connection. For others, it's simply a financial necessity. 💡 You may not need $1 million to retire comfortably One of the biggest misconceptions discussed in the episode is the amount needed to retire. While many Australians believe they need more than $1 million in super, the figures cited suggest a comfortable retirement may require around $730,000 for couples and $630,000 for singles, assuming they own their home outright. A comfortable retirement lifestyle is estimated to require annual spending of approximately $78,000 for couples and $55,000 for singles. This includes private health insurance, maintaining a car, home repairs and everyday comforts without excessive financial stress. 💡 Fear of Running Out is becoming a major retirement concern A growing number of Australians are experiencing FORO, the Fear Of Running Out of money. The prospect of no longer earning a regular income creates anxiety for many people approaching retirement. Concerns about rising healthcare costs, unexpected expenses and increasing longevity can leave retirees reluctant to spend the money they've spent decades accumulating. 💡 New retirement income products are helping address longevity risk Super funds are increasingly introducing retirement income products designed to provide greater certainty. These include lifetime income streams and annuity-style products that offer guaranteed ongoing payments. The aim is to reduce the risk of retirees outliving their savings while making it easier to convert accumulated super into reliable retirement income. 💡 Super funds now offer more tools and guidance Recent regulatory changes have encouraged super funds to provide more support to members approaching retirement. Many funds now offer calculators, retirement projections and guidance that can help people better understand how long their savings may last and how super can work alongside the Age Pension. 🚩 Australians are living longer than ever Retirement planning has become more important because Australians are living significantly longer. According to the discussion, men are living around 13 years longer than they were 50 years ago, while women are living around 11 years longer. Longer life expectancy means retirement savings may need to last for 25 to 30 years or more. 🚩 Cost-of-living pressures are fuelling retirement anxiety Households are facing higher grocery bills, petrol prices and energy costs, leading many people to assume retirement will require significantly more money than previous generations needed. Inflation and financial uncertainty are contributing to growing concerns about retirement preparedness. 🚩 Supporting adult children is affecting retirement plans Many parents are continuing to provide financial support to adult children for living expenses, university costs and housing deposits. While understandable, this generosity can place additional pressure on retirement savings and make it harder to build the nest egg needed for later life. ⚠️ Women continue to face bigger retirement challenges Women frequently retire with lower super balances than men due to time spent out of the workforce raising children and caring for family members. As a result, women are more likely to report retirement-related stress and concerns about financial security in later life. ⚠️ Too many Australians still ignore their super Despite superannuation being one of the largest assets many Australians will ever own, many people rarely review their balance, check fees or understand how their money is invested. Hendy argues that greater engagement is often the simplest and most effective way to improve retirement outcomes. 🏦 Five simple ways to boost your retirement outlook Consolidate multiple super funds into one account to reduce fees. Check whether your super fund is performing well. Review fees, costs and insurance attached to your account. Consider making additional contributions, even small amounts. Log in every six months to ensure you're on track and receiving the correct employer contributions. 📈 Why it matters: For many Australians, superannuation is their second-largest asset after their family home, yet it often receives far less attention than other financial decisions. As Australians live longer, retirement becomes more flexible and new retirement income products emerge, actively engaging with your super can have a significant impact on your financial future. Small actions taken today can improve confidence, increase retirement savings and help ensure greater financial freedom later in life. 🎙️ Sources: Nina Hendy, journalist and author of The retirement revolution Vanessa Walker, Managing Editor, Money magazine Money magazine September cover story: The retirement revolution ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the Retirement Revolution 00:41 – Why retirement is becoming more flexible 02:15 – Why Australians worry but don't take action 04:00 – How much money do you really need to retire? 06:12 – Understanding the Fear Of Running Out (FORO) 07:42 – New retirement income products and lifetime income solutions 09:30 – Longevity and the challenge of longer retirements 10:07 – How cost-of-living pressures are affecting retirement planning 11:15 – The most important retirement lessons for Australians 13:21 – Final takeaways and practical retirement tips Podcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

With interest rates near their highest levels in years, many savers will be taking a fresh look at term deposits. But are they the right home for your cash? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Olivia McArdle, head of deposits and payments at Macquarie Bank, to unpack everything savers need to know about term deposits. 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Term deposits versus savings accounts 04:10 Are higher rates making term deposits more attractive? 05:50 How banks determine term deposit rates 08:15 Common mistakes savers make with term deposits 10:50 Can you access your money early? 13:10 Term deposits and the Financial Claims Scheme 14:20 Conclusion Podcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

In August 2001, Australia’s first ETFs were launched. Today, more than two million Australians own them. So what can investors learn from 25 years of ETF investing? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Jonathan Shead, head of investments, Australia, at State Street Investment Management, to discuss the evolution of ETFs and the investing behaviours that matter most. 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Biggest lesson from 25 years of ETFs 03:07 How investors should approach ETFs as investments 04:35 The evolution of diversification over time 06:20 Can you own too many ETFs? 07:37 Which ETFs have been most popular with investors? 09:35 Lessons from the GFC and COVID downturns 11:37 ETF liquidity during market crises 13:47 The future: Active ETFs and tokenisation 15:36 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #jonathanshead #etfs #investingPodcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

💰 How can investors maximise returns after Australia's biggest tax shake-up in decades? ❓ Question: With major tax reforms set to begin from July 1, 2027, what investment strategies could help Australians grow wealth more effectively while navigating the end of the 50% capital gains tax discount and changes to negative gearing? ✅ Answer: According to Nicola Field, one of Australia's most significant tax reforms in recent years will reshape the way investors think about property, shares, ETFs and wealth-building. While some traditional strategies may become less attractive, investors still have opportunities to maximise after-tax returns by focusing on income-producing assets, ETFs, investment bonds and superannuation. The key is understanding how the new rules change the tax treatment of different investments and preparing well before the reforms take effect. 💡 The government had two key goals in mind. The reforms aim to improve housing affordability by reducing investor competition for established homes while also ensuring higher-wealth Australians contribute more tax. According to Nicola Field, policymakers were responding to the growing dominance of investors in the housing market and concerns that wealthy Australians derive much of their income from more lightly taxed sources such as capital gains, trusts and dividends. 💡 Investment property rules are changing significantly. From July 2027, investors purchasing established properties will no longer receive the benefits of negative gearing. Capital gains on investment assets will also move away from the long-standing 50% CGT discount, with gains instead indexed for inflation and subject to a minimum tax rate of 30%. New-build investment properties will continue to enjoy more favourable tax treatment. 💡 Income-focused investments could become more attractive. Assets that generate regular income rather than relying heavily on capital growth may gain popularity under the new rules. Nicola highlights private credit funds, income-focused ETFs and high-dividend shares such as Telstra and Transurban as examples that may appeal to investors seeking tax-efficient returns. 💡 Investment bonds are enjoying a resurgence. Often overlooked, investment bonds offer a compelling proposition under the new regime. Earnings are taxed at a maximum of 30% within the bond structure, and withdrawals can be tax-free after 10 years, making them particularly attractive for long-term investors and families planning for future generations. 💡 ETFs may become even more popular. Beyond diversification and low costs, ETFs can offer administrative and tax advantages. Because index-tracking ETFs make relatively few portfolio changes, they typically generate fewer capital gains events. They can also simplify record-keeping, making future tax calculations much easier than managing large portfolios of individual shares. ⚠️ Investors should not wait until 2027 to act. Nicola Field suggests reviewing loss-making investments ahead of the new rules. Capital losses realised before July 2027 may be more valuable because future losses will not receive the benefit of inflation indexation. Investors holding pre-CGT assets acquired before 1985 may also want to consider their options before gains become taxable under the new framework. 👥 Different generations may need different strategies. • Gen Z: The First Home Super Saver Scheme remains a powerful tool, combining tax savings with the potential for stronger returns than traditional savings accounts. • Millennials: ETFs continue to offer diversification, simplicity and tax efficiency while balancing the financial demands of mortgages and young families. • Gen X: With retirement becoming more visible on the horizon, superannuation grows increasingly attractive. Investment bonds may also suit those wanting to build wealth for children. • Baby Boomers: Superannuation remains a standout option, while investment bonds can provide a tax-effective way to invest for grandchildren. 🏦 Superannuation remains the standout winner. Despite all the tax reforms, super continues to offer compelling advantages through concessional tax treatment, tax deductions on contributions and long-term wealth accumulation benefits. The trade-off, of course, is accessibility, as funds remain locked away until preservation age. For many Australians, however, it remains one of the most effective wealth-building tools available. 💡 Why it matters: The federal government's tax reforms will fundamentally change how Australians invest from July 2027. Strategies that have been staples for decades, including negative gearing and the 50% capital gains tax discount, will no longer deliver the same benefits. Investors who understand the changes early can take advantage of emerging opportunities in ETFs, investment bonds, income-producing assets and superannuation. The challenge now is not just growing wealth, but maximising what you keep after tax. 🎙️ Sources: Nicola Field, finance writer Vanessa Walker, managing editor, Money magazine and host, Friends With Money podcast ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the government is reforming Australia's tax system 01:07 – Helping first-home buyers and taxing wealth more fairly 02:28 – Key tax changes that have passed 03:45 – What the reforms mean for shares, ETFs and managed funds 04:12 – Income investments that may benefit under the new rules 05:00 – Why investment bonds are back in focus 05:34 – Are ETFs more tax-effective than individual shares? 07:09 – What investors should do before July 2027 08:43 – Investment strategies for Gen Z 09:29 – Why ETFs suit millennials 09:57 – Opportunities for Gen X investors 10:38 – The best options for baby boomers 10:53 – Is superannuation still Australia's best investment? 12:01 – Money magazine's guide to investing for maximum profitPodcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

After a stellar 2025, cryptocurrency has endured a difficult start to 2026. So what's behind the downturn and where do investors go from here? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Justin Lin, investment strategist at Global X ETFs, to discuss the latest price movements and what could lie ahead for the crypto market. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Bitcoin and Ethereum performance in 2026 02:55 What's been driving the downturn? 05:15 How Australian investors are reacting 07:45 Crypto battles AI for investor attention 09:20 Institutional demand and ETF adoption 11:00 The long-term investment case 13:45 Outlook for the second half of 2026 and beyond 14:55 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #justinlin #crypto #bitcoin Podcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

Self-managed super funds now hold more than $1 trillion in assets, yet many Australians still aren't sure how they work or whether they could be an option worth considering. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Marisa Broome, certified financial planner and principal of wealthadvice.com.au, to explain the mechanics, benefits and risks of self-managed super funds (SMSFs). 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What an SMSF is and how it differs from retail and industry funds 03:25 Why fees and asset allocation matter 05:00 Why people choose SMSFs 06:20 Who SMSFs are best suited to (and who should avoid them) 08:45 How much money you should have before starting an SMSF 10:00 The practical steps involved in setting up a fund 15:00 Why investors should do their homework before setting up an SMSF 16:15 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #marisabroome #super #smsf Podcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

Debt can help fund life's big purchases. But for some, it can become a major source of financial stress. So where should people start if they want to get on top of it? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Deb Shroot, financial counsellor and Financial Counselling Australia sector advocate, to discuss prioritising debt, freeing up cash flow and working towards becoming debt free. 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Rising debt stress: mortgages, credit cards and utilities 03:00 First steps when debt feels overwhelming 04:30 How to prioritise multiple debts 07:00 The danger of the debt spiral 08:00 Common debt repayment mistakes and hardship options 09:00 Where to find extra money in a tight budget 12:00 Why you should seek help before reaching breaking point 14:00 Building healthy financial habits that last 15:00 Seeking trustworthy financial advice 16:05 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #debshroot #debt Podcast Links: 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: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai

Live where you want, buy where you can – that’s been the idea behind rentvesting. But are policy tweaks and market swings changing the equation? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Arjun Paliwal, founder and chief executive of InvestorKit, to discuss the latest rentvesting developments. 00:00 Introduction 02:43 Who is rentvesting used by? 04:15 The tax changes impacting rentvesting 06:02 Is rentvesting still worth it? 06:27 Sydney case study and numbers 12:04 The rentvesting decision checklist 15:34 How investors should adapt to policy changes 19:49 Final lessons for long-term investors 22:05 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #arjunpaliwal #property #rentvesting Podcast Links: 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

The hidden costs that could sink your budget! Question: What are the real, often overlooked costs of owning a home in Australia and how can buyers avoid nasty surprises? Short answer: Owning a home is much more expensive than just paying the purchase price. According to Georgia Madden, new homeowners face steep mortgage interest, rising insurance premiums, energy bills, maintenance, council rates, and if buying an apartment, strata fees and surprise levies. Many underestimate costs like rebuilding insurance, ongoing repairs, and the impact of rate rises. Smart strategies include reviewing insurance annually, fixing small problems early, and checking apartment sinking funds before buying. Why it matters: For first-time buyers and anyone budgeting for a home, missing these hidden costs can lead to financial stress. Understanding the full picture means you can plan, save, and protect your investment rather than being caught out by “budget sinkholes.” Sources: • Vanessa Walker, Managing Editor, Money Magazine • Georgia Madden, Home & Property Journalist • Mortgage brokers, insurance experts, property managers • Money magazine, June issue Timestamps: 01:31 Mortgage breakdown: interest vs equity 02:46 Insurance: costs and common mistakes 03:59 Energy bills & efficiency tips 04:55 Solar: upfront costs and payback 05:45 Maintenance: how much to set aside 06:51 Hidden repair costs: plumbing, wiring, roofing 07:51 Council rates & water charges 08:37 Strata fees & apartment levies 09:47 Cautionary tales & advice for buyers 10:16 Wrap-up & where to find more info Podcast Links: 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

How to dodge bust-ups and actually talk cash with your partner Question: How can Australians have honest, productive conversations about money with partners or family without awkwardness, arguments, or avoidance? Short answer: Money conversations are often dodged due to fear of conflict, judgment, or not feeling confident. But avoiding them can make financial stress worse. According to Meray El-Khoury (MetLife Australia), the key is to start small: use gentle, time-bound openers (“Can we spend 15 minutes talking about money?”), focus on “we” not “you”, and break topics into manageable chunks - cashflow, debt, protection, retirement. Regular, calm check-ins help families plan for life’s curveballs and build financial resilience together. Why it matters: If you don’t talk about money, you risk missing warning signs, being unprepared for emergencies, and leaving one partner vulnerable. Open, positive conversations help families set goals, avoid nasty surprises, and take control of their financial future, instead of letting circumstances dictate outcomes. Sources: • Michelle Baltazar, editor-in-chief, Money Magazine • Meray El-Khoury, chief insurance officer, MetLife Australia • Money magazine podcast: Friends With Money, July 2026 episode Timestamps: 00:02:04 Why we avoid money talks: fear, judgment, lack of confidence 00:04:50 How to start: gentle openers, time-bound, “we” language 00:06:45 Order of topics: cashflow, debt, protection, retirement 00:08:01 Protection: insurance, planning for the unexpected 00:13:34 Retirement: conversation starters and positive framing 00:12:02 Regular check-ins: monthly, calm, non-confrontational 00:15:22 Inclusivity: making sure both partners are involved 00:17:05 Incremental progress: clarity comes from talking Podcast Links: 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

More than four million Australian homes have gone solar, but for many others, the benefits have remained out of reach. The Solar Sharer Offer could change that. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Brian Spak, general manager of advocacy and policy at Energy Consumers Australia, to unpack the new Solar Sharer Offer and who will benefit from free electricity. 00:00 Introduction 01:29 How the Solar Sharer Offer works 03:54 Which households are eligible for Solar Sharer? 06:07 How to make the most of free midday electricity 07:56 How to sign up for Solar Sharer 08:43 What kind of savings can households expect? 10:17 Why caution and bill monitoring could pay off 11:52 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #brianspak #energy #solarsharer Podcast Links: 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

The end of the financial year may be just around the corner, but it’s not too late to make some superannuation moves that could benefit your balance. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Greg Elias, senior private client adviser at UniSuper, to discuss the steps you can take before June 30 and the upcoming super changes worth knowing about. 01:44 Making a concessional contribution 05:35 Contribution caps explained 06:18 The benefits of salary sacrificing 09:00 Division 296: who it affects and what to know 12:01 What are the payday super changes? 15:03 Market volatility and superannuation 18:40 Common EOFY mistakes 20:38 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #gregelias #superannuation #eofy Podcast Links: 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

REITs explained - A property expert explains the next investment hotspots This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's editor-in -chief Michelle Baltazar speaks with Justin Blaess, principal and portfolio manager at REIT specialist Quay Global Investors, to explain real estate investment trusts (REITs) and how investors can earn investment income through them. They discuss REITs as listed businesses that owns buildings and collect rent, how the sector has evolved since the late 1990s and the GFC, and new opportunities beyond traditional retail, office, and industrial. 01:05 What Is a REIT? 01:48 How REIT investing evolved 03:29 Investment hotspots: data centres, storage and senior living 05:59 Expected returns basics 09:34 Interest rates myth 12:43 How to start investing Podcast Links: 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

Summary: Thinking of helping your kids buy their first home? Discover the potential risks to your retirement & explore smart strategies like the First home super saver scheme Want to help your kids buy their first home? Learn how it could pose a risk to your retirement plans and the smarter ways to help. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Michelle Baltazar speaks with Aware Super's Kate Rolfe about new research showing most parents and grandparents are willing to help younger family members buy a first home, often by gifting cash, reducing their mortgages or offering low to no-interest loans, but how their good intentions could potentially put their retirement savings at risk. They discuss how giving financial support without proper planning can affect tax outcomes and Centrelink age pension eligibility, including potential consequences such as losing access to their benefits for years. Rolfe recommends getting professional financial advice before money changes hands, considering whether to gift the funds or to structure it as a loan, and weighing lump sum versus drawdown payments. 01:09 How families can help 02:45 Retirement and pension risks 05:26 Tax advice and structuring gifts 06:43 First home super saver explained 08:32 Lump sum vs drawdown 11:09 Where to start Links: First home super savers scheme Podcast Links: 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 Disclaimer “To find out more from Aware Super, go to aware.com.au/member/what-we-offer General advice only. Consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, which have not been accounted for in this information, and read the relevant PDS and TMD before deciding to acquire, or continue to hold, any financial product. Consider if Aware Super is right for you and access the PDS and TMD on their website, aware.com.au/firsthomebuyer Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super. Aware Super’s research involved a national online survey of 1,094 Australians aged 45 and over who indicated they were open to financially supporting younger family members. Fieldwork was completed in December 2025. All research was carried out in accordance with ISO 20252:2019 and ISO 27001:2013 quality and data-security standards.”

Tax Time Shake-Up: What Every Aussie Needs to Know for 2026–27! Tax time is just around the corner, with a number of changes set to kick in from July 1. So what do you need to know and how can you prepare? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Mark Chapman, director of tax communications at H&R Block, to break down the key updates and the moves to make before and after June 30. 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Federal budget tax changes overview 01:36 What’s changing with negative gearing? 03:09 Capital gains tax overhaul 04:50 Family trusts and the 30% minimum tax 06:22 $1,000 instant deduction 08:24 Working Australians Tax Offset 09:51 Lower income tax rates and super changes 11:42 Who the ATO is targeting this year 14:49 EOFY checklist: practical steps to take now 17:10 — Common mistakes when preparing a tax return 18:30 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #markchapman #tax Podcast Links: 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

Market Madness: The Stocks Flying and Failing It’s been a volatile start to 2026 for the Australian share market, with some stocks surging and others struggling. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to discuss the standout stocks, underperformers and what investors should look for in the months ahead. 00:00 Introduction 01:52 A tale of two markets 04:24 Macro forces and the market 07:09 Resource sector shines 10:02 CSL slump and other underperformers 12:33 Investor playbook for the second half of 2026 16:15 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investing Podcast Links: 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

Two million households are expected to consider downsizing in the next five years — but is it always the right move financially or emotionally? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Catriona Graham, financial planner at Bridges Financial Services, to explore the costs, trade-offs and timing of downsizing, and what Australians should consider before making a move. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 What is downsizing? 02:56 Key benefits and motivations 04:38 Hidden costs and risks 05:50 Downsizer super contributions Clarification: To be eligible to make downsizer contributions from the sale of your home, your home must have been owned by you and/or your spouse for at least ten years before the sale. The sale must also qualify for the main residence capital gains tax exemption – either fully (e.g. you’ve lived in it the whole time) or partially (you’ve both lived in it and rented it out). 07:50 Downsizing and the Age Pension 08:53 The importance of timing 10:33 Lifestyle options and retirement living 11:23 Final tips #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #catrionagraham #downsizing Podcast Links: 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

Federal Budget 2026: CGT discount ends, negative gearing tightens & new tax offsets explained From major tax changes to new housing initiatives, the 2026 federal budget was packed with measures set to shape Australians’ finances. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, managing editor Vanessa Walker is joined by senior journalist Tom Watson to break down the key financial measures outlined in the budget and what they mean for your money. 00:36 CGT discount overhaul 01:46 New CGT rules explained 03:20 Negative gearing shakeup 04:33 Housing Supply Measures 07:03 Working tax offset 08:43 Instant $1000 deduction 09:40 Trust tax minimum rate Links: 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

Romance Scams: ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe on Red Flags, AI Risks & How to Protect Yourself | Friends With Money Romance scams are evolving fast, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission wants Australians to recognise the warning signs earlier. On this week’s Friends With Money podcast, managing editor Vanessa Walker speaks with ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe about the regulator’s romance scam awareness campaign and why these crimes cause serious financial loss and long‑lasting emotional harm. Lowe explains that romance scams involve fake relationships designed to steal money and personal data. They often start on dating apps or social platforms before quickly moving to encrypted messaging services. She outlines two common scam models, fast investment pitches and long‑running “slow burn” requests, and reveals Australians reported more than $28.6 million in losses to Scamwatch through 2025. The episode also explores the ACCC’s taskforce approach, a new online relationship health check tool, the incoming scams prevention framework for banks, telcos and digital platforms, the role of organised crime and trafficking, and how AI could help ddefeat reverse image searches. Links: ACCC Scamwatch 00:30 What are romance scams? 02:42 How big the losses are 04:45 How scams move online 06:18 Industry crackdown tools 07:49 Scams prevention framework 11:13 Who runs these rings 13:47 AI and future scams 16:08 Who Is most at risk 19:02 Warning signs and next steps Podcast Links: 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