Podcast · Business

Friends With Money

by Money Magazine · English · Business

We all have questions about money; how to earn it, how to spend it, and the best ways to invest so we can watch it grow. The Friends With Money podcast, created by Money Magazine (Australia’s longest-running and most-read personal finance magazine), shares its extensive network of finance experts,

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 15 minNew

Rate rise survival guide

With interest rates at their highest level in years, could homeowners be doing more to keep their mortgage costs down? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Richard Whitten, money and home loans expert at Finder, to discuss the outlook for rates and the practical steps borrowers can take to cut their home loan costs. 00:00 Introduction 02:01 Are lenders passing on the latest rate rise? 03:08 What does the latest hike mean for borrowers? 04:22 Will there be another rate rise this year? 05:44 First steps to reduce your mortgage costs 08:00 How to…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S6 · E276 · 6 Oct 2026 · 21 min
How to maximise frequent flyer points
✈️ Are frequent flyer points still worth it after the rewards shake-up? ❓Question: With banks reducing rewards and changes to card surcharges coming into effect, should Australians still be chasing frequent flyer points? ✅ Short Answer: Yes, but only if you play the game strategically. Frequent flyer points can still deliver significant value, particularly for travel, but the rules are changing. According to points expert David Moloney, Australians need to focus on earning points efficiently, avoiding interest charges, and redeeming points before they lose value. 💡 Key Takeaways: New RBA…
S6 · E275 · 29 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Smarter Super Advice
Financial advice can be valuable, but for plenty of Australians, the cost puts it out of reach. So could super funds hold the key to closing the advice gap? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Rudy Leong, senior private wealth adviser at UniSuper, to discuss the type of financial advice members can currently access through their super funds and how that could change in the future. 00:00 Introduction 01:56 What is the financial advice gap? 04:00 What advice can super funds currently provide? 06:10 Does advice through a super fund cost money?…
S6 · E274 · 22 Sep 2026 · 11 min
Card surcharge changes
From October, card surcharges will become a thing of the past. But while the change promises savings for cardholders, it could have ripple effects beyond the checkout. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Adele Eliseo, founder of The Champagne Mile, to explain what's changing, who's likely to benefit and why credit cardholders need to pay close attention. 00:00 Introduction 01:34 What happens to card surcharges from October? 03:42 Why are card surcharges being banned? 04:40 How much are consumers likely to save? 05:32 The impact on rewards credit…
S6 · E273 · 15 Sep 2026 · 21 min
Small caps, big upside?
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…
S6 · E272 · 8 Sep 2026 · 14 min
The retirement revolution
💰 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,…
S6 · E271 · 1 Sep 2026 · 15 min
Are term deposits back?
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…
S6 · E270 · 25 Aug 2026 · 17 min
The ETF investing playbook
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…
S6 · E269 · 18 Aug 2026 · 13 min
How to invest for maximum profit
💰 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…
S6 · E268 · 11 Aug 2026 · 16 min
Crypto: Buy, sell, hold?
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…
S6 · E267 · 4 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Is an SMSF right for you?
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…
S6 · E266 · 28 Jul 2026 · 17 min
Deal with your debt
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…
S6 · E265 · 21 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Is rentvesting dead?
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…
S6 · E264 · 14 Jul 2026 · 11 min
The real cost of home ownership
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…
S6 · E263 · 7 Jul 2026 · 20 min
Awkward conversations about money
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…
S6 · E262 · 30 Jun 2026 · 13 min
Solar sharer: Unlock free energy
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…
S6 · E261 · 23 Jun 2026 · 22 min
Your EOFY super game plan
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?…
S6 · E260 · 16 Jun 2026 · 15 min
Commercial property: Buy or pass?
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…
S6 · E259 · 9 Jun 2026 · 15 min
Helping kids buy property with super
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…
S6 · E258 · 2 Jun 2026 · 20 min
Tax Time 2026!
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%…
S6 · E257 · 26 May 2026 · 18 min
ASX update: Winners and losers
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…
S6 · E256 · 19 May 2026 · 14 min
Downsizing the family home
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…
S6 · E255 · 12 May 2026 · 12 min
Federal Budget 2026
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…
S6 · E254 · 5 May 2026 · 23 min
Love, lies, and money
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…
S6 · E253 · 28 Apr 2026 · 21 min
Fuel crisis: Is it time to buy an EV?
Should You Switch to an EV? Fuel shortages, charging costs & best electric cars in Australia The war in Iran and resulting oil shortages are driving petrol and diesel supply anxiety in Australia, while more EVs from Asia, better home charging options, and typical fuel savings of $1200–$2000 per year are boosting interest in electric vehicle sales. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's managing editor, Vanessa Walker, is joined by motoring contributor Matt Campbell to discuss the pros and cons of buying an EV. Campbell explains the main barriers that held Australians back —…
S6 · E252 · 21 Apr 2026 · 19 min
Family trusts
Family Trusts Explained (Australia): Tax Flexibility, Asset Protection & Who They’re For | Friends With Money This week on The Friends With Money podcast, Money Magazine’s Ryan Johnson speaks with licensed Australian financial adviser and author Helen Baker to explain family trusts in plain english and challenge the idea they’re only for the ultra-wealthy. They break down how a family trust is its own entity, the roles of beneficiaries, trustees and the appointor (who holds ultimate power), and why separation of control matters for potential asset protection. Helen clarifies that the trust…
S6 · E251 · 14 Apr 2026 · 27 min
One year out from retirement
Retirement Planning in Australia: What to Do 5 Years Out, 1 Year Out & On Retirement Day This week on Friends With Money , Money Magazine host Ryan Johnson speaks with financial adviser Nick Bruining (Netplan) about preparing for retirement from five years out through to “R-day.” They cover assessing family arrangements, assets and cash flow, likely lifestyle spending, and creating a wishlist while prioritising paying off non-deductible debt. Nick explains why life insurance often becomes less necessary as assets grow, and how to reduce investment risk in super as retirement nears while…
S6 · E250 · 7 Apr 2026 · 12 min
Gold fever
The story of gold: Why it’s valuable, how it shaped Australia, and how to invest today This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money Magazine managing editor Vanessa Walker speaks with journalist Ryan Johnson about his April feature “The Story of Gold,” exploring why gold—an outer-space metal delivered by meteorites—became a durable, portable, and a widely accepted form of money. They discuss gold’s key advantages over other elements, how much exists (about 219,000 tonnes ever mined), and its role in Australia’s history from the 1851 gold rush through to the establishment of the Sydney…
S6 · E249 · 31 Mar 2026 · 17 min
Defence shares rally
Defence stocks explained: ETFs, cyclical risks, and ethical investing | Friends With Money In this week's Friends With Money, editor-in-chief Michelle Baltazar speaks with Alex Jamieson of Jamieson Private Wealth about why defence shares have rallied amid widening Middle East conflict, disrupted shipping lanes, and higher oil prices. Jamieson explains how “defence” now spans drones, robotics, AI, cybersecurity, and software, and argues rising geopolitical risk and NATO catch-up spending make it a longer-term structural theme, though stocks can be cyclical and require active rebalancing and…
S6 · E248 · 24 Mar 2026 · 12 min
Kmart chaos: The rise of third-party sellers
Third-Party Marketplaces on Woolworths, Big W, Kmart & Bunnings: What Australian Shoppers Need to Know In this Friends With Money Podcast episode, Money Magazine managing editor Vanessa Walker speaks with journalist Ryan Johnson about the rise of third-party marketplaces and why Australians are often confused when trusted retailers like Woolworths, BigW, Bunnings, Kmart and others sell items supplied by third-party sellers. They discuss how widespread online shopping is in Australia, how marketplaces benefit retailers through rapid range expansion without holding inventory, and what…

About Friends With Money

Friends With Money is a English business podcast from Money Magazine. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Money Magazine
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1573850403

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