The Money Puzzle, with James Kirby

The Big Super funds are having a woeful run of high-profile cock-ups where customers have been let down by inept management procedures: Led by Cbus, the roll-call includes ART, Hesta and Unisuper. At what point do investors need to be concerned about failings in their super fund? 

James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show, we cover 

* Big Super's bad management 
* The realities of switching  super funds 
*  Commercial property triggers tough times for super sector
*  Are property trusts really turning the corner?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian investors have flocked to Wall Street in recent times favouring the 'Magnificent Seven' big tech stocks - and Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway group. But Donald Trump's new regime looks set to favour old-school blue chips, not to mention oil and gas stocks. What to do?

Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at nabtrade, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show, we cover:

* How to play the share market under Trump* From Elon to Warren - what's going to change?* The ETFs for global exposure * Dollar cost averaging - don't ever forget it 

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Many property investors never know if they will win or lose on a property until the day they finally sell it: In contrast, professional investors don't fly blind, instead they concentrate on their Internal Rate of Return. Here's how it works.

Stuart Wemyss of Prosolution Private Clients joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show, we cover:

* Assessing the Internal Rate of Return on your property 
* The secret of high-yielding investment property
* Why homeowners win in the pension system 
* Land tax traps (especially in Victoria) 

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The average HECs bill is now $27,000 and many listeners will have bills that are higher than that: This week the government restructured the entire working of the student debt system - and threw in a universal 20 per cent cut on all existing HECs bills - how will it work?

Hugh Robertson of the Centaur Financial Services joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show, we cover:

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There are two classes of private investor in Australia: Everyday retail investors and legally certified sophisticated investors (defined by law as having an annual income of at least $250,000 or assets of more than $2.5m),Today we examine the sophisticated investor regime - how it works and whether you would gain anything from making the cut.

Ray Tubman of Heirwealth joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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In today's show, we cover:

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CEO scandals are flooding the share market: Qantas, Wisetech, MinRes...the list keeps growing. The thing is, each of those companies has a board that is paid handsomely for supposedly keeping the CEO under control.What could be done to change this risk? 

Fund manager Roger Montgomery joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Buying at auction might seem straightforward, but unfortunately you are likely to become a bunny in the headlights when it comes to the big day. 
Still, knowing what can go wrong is the first step to enlightenment - and that includes being very careful in choosing a buyer's agent because some of them have so little in the way of credentials...it's alarming.

Property educator, Veronica Morgan, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show, we cover

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This week - in 1987 - the ASX fell 25 per cent IN A DAY. Just now the local share market is going gangbusters: In fact, it is testing its all- time valuation peak. But here's the thing: The market will crash again - we just don't know when this will happen or what might trigger the downturn. What was it like to sit through a 25 per cent drop in a matter of hours and what can we learn from it as investors?

Alex Moffatt of Joseph Palmer and Sons joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show, we cover:

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Every spring property investors are tempted again by the lure of the beach house: This year the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made his move with a high-profile $4.3m purchase on the Central Coast. Is a holiday home a good investment? Let's find out...

James Gerrard of www.financialadvisor.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode  

In today's show, we cover:

*Assessing holiday homes as an investment
*Why beach houses often don't work out as planned
*Making money from rentals at the beach house 
*Sub-dividing and CGT exposure 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chances are that your share portfolio is going gangbusters. But a paradox of our bull market on the ASX is that the dividend payouts are sliding: Anyone starting today as a share investor is going to find it much harder to get the sort of dividend income that made our market a standout.
What's happening...and what should you do?

Don Hamson managing director of the Plato Investment group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

* Fading dividends - Why dividend yields are shrinking?
* Forward with franking - dividend imputation is more important than ever
* Could A-REITs be the answer ?
* The failings of ETFs which Jack Bogle may not have mentioned

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are now several efforts afoot to use super for home buying: Liberal party politicians are pushing to allow first-home buyers to tap up to  $50,000. Separately, there is a move to allow single and divorced women special access to super to avoid homelessness.
Does it all make sense? Unfortunately, due to the skewed nature of our tax system, the case for using super for houses is increasingly compelling.

Sarah Petty, property reporter on the Herald Sun joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover;

* The attractions of using super to buy your first home
* Melbourne's ever-improving relative value 
* Why it's time to put the 'mortgage buffer' back in its box
* Testing Elon Musk's 'boxable' houses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has no inheritance tax, or so they say: In reality, many people will have most of their life savings in super - and much of that money may be taxed when inherited by the next generation.
It's one of the important points made by our special guest today, who's just written a book on the entire subject of wills, death and taxes.

Author Noel Whittaker joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

* Why you need a will and you need to review it every four years 
* The hidden death tax in your super savings 
* Understanding the enduring power of attorney system
* Asked to be the executor of a will? What should you do 
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Property tax concessions are highly popular - and widely debated - because they work so well. So why would you water down those concessions by having a property inside a super fund? 

Duncan Perkins of Tax Time Accountants joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Today's guest runs a social enterprise, owns several investment properties and got out of school as fast as he could. He's just written his first book - 'Young, dumb and financially independent' - oh yes, and his mentor is Shark Tank celeb Steve Baxter.

Taj Pabari of the ASE group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today's show,  we cover:

* The importance of starting your investment journey early 

* Why financial literacy should be taught in schools

* Property investing as a fun side hustle 

* Do you really need a car? (if you are serious about saving) 

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For property investors looking long term, the future shape of Australia will dictate the future shape of investment returns...and the single biggest trend is going to be the movement of millennials from the inner suburbs to the middle suburbs where they are going to search for a family home.

In today's show, we dig deep on demographics....

* The march of the millennials (to the middle suburbs) 

* Understanding the aging of Australia 

* Has Work From Home changed property prices?

* South East Queensland and Geelong - Two future hotspots 

Simon Kuestenmacher of the Demographics Group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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It's usually too late to act when you realise you need a lawyer. And when it comes to money and finances, it is always good to be clued up on the legal side of things. We cover a range of legal matters from the simplex to complex that involve your finances. Lawyer Peter Kernan from Aubrey Brown Lawyers joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au

In this episode we cover:
- How to deal with a simple fence dispute
- Tips and traps when buying 'off the plan' property
- Getting your Will right in blended families
- Legal considerations when investing with friends

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Warren Buffett once remarked that “forecasters will fill your ears but never your wallet.” With the media saturated by property price predictions, it's essential for long-term investors to focus on the right economic indicators.

In today’s episode, guest host Stuart Wemyss talks with David Bassanese, chief economist at Betashares, to help investors navigate the complexities of property market forecasts.

In today’s show we cover:

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Like the old saying goes there are only a few things certain in life - death and taxes. In this episode we cover some of the most important tax strategies for people in different age brackets: 18 to 40, 40 to 60 and over 60 years of age. Each one of these groups have unique opportunities to manage and legally reduce what they pay in tax.

Accountant Timothy Ricardo from Accounting Advisor Group joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au

In this episode we cover:

- Tax tips for younger people to get into the property market
- Who should be thinking about getting a family trust
- Strategies to minimise tax leading up to and during retirement
- Top tax deductions you didn't realise you could claim

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Lending to property investors has surged by 47% over the past 5 months, despite high interest rates, a drop in interest-only loans from 40% to 10%, rising property taxes, and stricter tenancy laws.

In today’s episode, guest host Stuart Wemyss speaks with Ben Kingsley from the Property Investors Council of Australia.

In today’s show we cover:

·         The negative effects of the 2017 lending restrictions.

·         The impact of rising property holding costs, including increased taxes and levies.

·         Investor sentiment as reported in the PIPA survey, and strategies for navigating the current challenges for investors.

·         How the government's policies on building more homes and increasing density in established suburbs might affect new and existing investors.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever thought about investing in private equity but not sure where to start, what sort of returns are on offer and how to assess the risks, well this episode is for you as we open the lid and unpack the key issues that anyone thinking about private equity investment should consider.

Private equity investor and tech entrepreneur Rudi Engelbrecht joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au

In this episode we cover:

- How to get started in private equity
- Tips and tricks from a seasoned private equity investor
- How to value a private equity investment
- The key risks and pitfalls to navigate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring's peak property market begins in September, making it the ideal time to for us explore what to expect. Capital city markets are at various stages: Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are thriving, Sydney is a relatively balanced market, while Melbourne is quite soft. It's important to understand how buyers and sellers should navigate these differing market conditions.

Joining guest host and financial advisor Stuart Wemyss, is Jarrod McCabe from Wakelin Property Advisory.

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In today’s show we cover:

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How to pick a financial adviser?  It's one of the most common questions for investors...but a more realistic question is: Should you even bother?  Another valid issue to ponder is whether the adviser wants you in the first place? 

One in six clients were cut from the client lists of financial advisers last year. Many advisers will not admit it, but they only want 'sophisticated investors' with $2.5m to spend or else an annual income of $250,000 plus. 

Author and adviser Jacqui Clarke joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

* How advisers pick their clients 

* When advice costs too much to add value 

* Key questions you must ask 

* The benefits of becoming a 'sophisticated investor'

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian property market has always been a collection of regional sectors: But one regional property sector stands out with the strongest long-term fundamentals: Queensland.

Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins wealth editor James Kirby for this episode.

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In today's show, we cover:

* Why Queensland tops the bill for this top property analyst 

* Unit prices are rising and that's not good for the market - here's why 

* Why regional vacancy rates remain tight 

* My super for my home - the argument against it 

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It's taken about two decades for the wider investment public to understand ETFs: The index funds that allow you to buy anything from the ASX 200 to the S&P 500 are now very popular. But just as the message on passive investing broke through, the sector has turned the idea upside down by going head-to-head with active managers. It's time to figure out what's going on.

Marc Jocum of GlobalX joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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In today's show, we cover:

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We hear it more and more: 'Property is so dear, it's impossible...so we are just going to give up now.' Today the author who coined the contentious line about renting forever if you never purchase a home explains his distinct point of view. Not everyone will agree.

Financial adviser Bruce Brammall joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

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Anyone with an investment portfolio has experienced stress: But what if you had nearly two million people depending on your investment skills to manage their retirement money? And what if you created your own pressure because your $120 bn fund has been the top super fund in Australia for a decade? It's time to talk to Sam Sicilia, chief investment officer at Hostplus.

Sam Sicilia, chief investment officer at Hostplus joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

In this episode, we cover:

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The big banks have jumped the gun, putting through hefty cuts on deposit rates before the RBA has even conceded that official rates can move lower.Money markets dictate money prices: If they are right, the rate cut you have been expecting is just around the corner.

AMP economist Diana Mousina joins wealth editor James Kirby.

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In today's show, we cover 

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Our guest today has been rated as one of the top advisers in the market for many years. He makes the point that virtually every Australian investor loves property - a notoriously illiquid asset. But then very few investors are willing to move into illiquid assets outside of bricks and mortar...it's time to change your mind.

Charlie Viola of Pitcher Partners joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

*Why are you scared of illiquid assets? 

*Do you have enough exposure to overseas share markets

*Help! I need to move a lot of money overseas...where do I start?

* The truth about Trump and fossil fuels 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest ‘movements’ in finance is the FIRE concept. You work hard, you save even harder and you retire early. Does it work? Does it pay off? Does it even make sense?

James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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In today’s show we cover:

*Facing FIRE - It’s a neat acronym, but is it for real?

*Insurance - The unavoidable cost that may have to come first

*Property versus super

*Negative gearing - Did getting rid of it in NZ really hurt the market?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As today's guest points out, we are looking at a 'most distrusted share market rally' where investors are still trying to figure out what on earth prompted a shock reversal earlier this week.

Maybe investors might be better off looking at fundamentals such as results, and interest rates and take less heed of exotic explanations for the downturn such as Buffett's offloading of Apple or the 'Japanese carry trade' : Because, after all, nobody really knows why 'Mr Market' sometimes acts irrationally.

Author and analyst Danielle Ecuyer joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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In this week's episode, we cover:

The aftershock from the flash reversal on the share market 

Should the ever day investor hedge?

The risk of buying 'listed' private investments 

Iron ore prices and ASX miners

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The worst share market drop on the ASX for four years will have ripple effects for investors in every asset class.  For a start, it takes speculation of further rate rises off the table and it could prompt a swing towards property: Either way, it is going to mean a red alert for the next few weeks.

Anthony Keane, personal finance writer at News Corporation joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover...
* Lessons from this week's sharemarket pullback 
* How a weaker share market may lead to lower rates 
* Why diversifying property matters as much as diversifying your shares
* Is my super safe from scammers? 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen: The excitement around Artificial Intelligence ran hot on the share market and now the question is, where are the profits? 
For investors backing AI-fuelled stocks, it is time to take a breath - but at least they can take comfort in one fact: These stocks make money...it's not a bubble (so far).

In today's show, we cover 

* The AI share market boom takes a step backward
* Can you get your money out of a private credit fund?
* The minimum amount you need for a family trust 
* What is 'hedging' and should you pay for it? 

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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New data this week reveals the key to a slump in Victoria: Believe it or not there has been too much new property built in Melbourne. Moreover, there are now more sellers than buyers across the state: How long can it last? 

In today's show, we cover 

* Why prices and rents will keep rising ?
* The state that overbuilt 
* Shared house - the ultimate investment property 
* Where can I get a 40-year mortgage? 

Eliza Owen, economist at CoreLogic joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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So, you probably did very well in the year to June as an active investor: But what are your plans for the year ahead? Do you still believe rates are going down? Will small caps outperform large caps? It's time to take stock.

In today's show we cover 

* Setting your sails for FY 2025 
* The Biden moment - When it's time to quit
* The theory behind a potential small-cap rebound 
* CGT tangles in the home where you lived and then rented

Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Whether you are an investor or an owner-occupier, the interest rate rises of recent years can be a squeeze. 

But you do have options, including extending the life of your mortgage or switching to interest-only: Under both these arrangements you will pay less each month.

Or maybe you could hold on a little longer, economists still believe we will see rate cuts early next year.

In today’s show we cover:

Is the national property market cooling?
Getting over your mortgage cliff?
How bank stocks and house prices are getting closely linked 
Preparing for a second ‘Trump bump’ 

Our guest is Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at the Ray White group.

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The ASX is up 12 per cent in a year, the US S&P is up 24 per cent and now 'pro-market' Republican Donald Trump looks set to win the US election. What are investors buying and what can we expect for the rest of the year? 

In today's show, we cover...

* Will Trump accelerate the share market bull run?
* Australian investors stick with miners even though banks surge 
* What might a sudden Trump-driven $US drop unleash?
* The problem with infrastructure ETFs

Gemma Dale head of investor behaviour at nabtrade joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Investors with multiple properties often get a hard time: Anissa Cavallo owns 15 investment properties having started as a divorced mum living in her parent's home.
So, don't expect any apology from this investor, but she does put forward a forceful argument for investing in residential property - and some excellent insights into how to do it successfully

In today's show, we cover...

* How many properties should an investor hold?
* The perfect suburb for the investor 
* Is the WA property market reliable?
* The outstanding attraction of stand-alone property 

Anissa Cavallo of EDA property advice group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode

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The sharemarkets are firing - the US market is on an absolute tear...and now we have the prospect that Republican Donald Trump could win again. The last time Trump won, Wall Street went for a run...what might happen this time?

In today's show we cover:

* The outlook for the share market 

* Why 'active' ETFs are riskier than you think

* The problem with assuming your super returns will stay so good

* Thinking long-term about splitting super savings between couples 

Adviser James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode

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Property investors and home buyers take a second look! Villa units - the humble single storey dwellings to be found in every metropolitan suburb are being reassessed by a new generation. They may not be fashionable - but they are going to be hot property.

In today's show we cover:

* Reassessing the villa unit 
* Why insurance inflation is crunching the housing market
* Where is the government's shared equity scheme?
* The $99,000 Melbourne apartment (not for everyone) 

Sarah Petty, property reporter at the Herald Sun joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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It’s the single most common question among Australian investors and the answer is different for everyone. But there are firm principles you can follow and simple formulas that will at least give you a very good sense of how your super is shaping up.

In today's episode we cover:  

* Why you need to be sceptical of ‘super calculators’

* How you - or your partner - could live to be 100

* Don’t underestimate the role of the government aged pension

* Why the amount you spend per year is the number you need to know

Ashley Owen of OwenAnalytics joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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How much is property costing you? Home loan borrowers are extending their mortgages to keep costs down: Investors are absorbing higher running charges with an eye on the long term prize of capital gain. This week we take a close look at refinancing and how to make it work 

In today’s show we cover 

*  How to speak the language of property finance (and score a better deal) 
*. Does downsizing actually save money?
* Forecasts for the year ahead 
* Extending the mortgage - pros and cons 

Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution Private Clients joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The share market is heading for another strong year, but the short sellers are working hard to pull down some champion stocks on the ASX: Blue chip CBA and IPO darling Guzman Y Gomez are among the targets.What does it mean for investors? 

In this episode, we cover: 
Short order - Why do traders believe top stocks are heading for a fall? The tricky business of small-cap stock selection 

What happened to luxury goods seller Cettire? Stock splits - Why they push up the share price  

Dean Fergie of Cyan Investment Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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You may think you are ready to join the property market but do you have your squad of professionals in place? And have you considered the humble villa unit? 

In today's episode we cover: 

* A buyer's advocate tips for the first -time buyer

* Villa units - Are they the most undervalued properties in Australia? 

*  Land tax - Getting to know state-based land tax regimes 

*  Have we reached peak mortgage broker? 

Jarrod McCabe of the Wakelin Property Advisory group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

Cliona O'Dowd's piece on superannuation can be found here.

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Tycoons win and lose on the sharemarket just like the rest of us: This week Peter Cooper had a win with Guzman Y Gomez but then 'Hungry Jack' Cowin has watched his Domino's Pizza shares drop by a third so far in 2024. What can we learn from tycoon stock-picking?

In today's episode we cover 

* The stocks that paid off big time for Rich 250 players 
* Terrible tycoon stock picks of 2024 (so far) 
* The Australian who has $900m worth of Nvidia stock  
* How stock splits work 

John Stensholt editor of The Rich 250 joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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As NSW follows Victoria with fresh moves to raise more money from Land Tax: Investors need to review their options and look at the different settings around the nation.
In today's show, we cover...

Kitty Parker of Kitty and Miles Buyers Agency joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode  

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Most of us invest to make money for better times. But what about needing money for when things go very wrong. Today's guest was a patent lawyer when her family was hit with a major health trauma. The experience triggered a career change into becoming a financial adviser.

In today's show we cover: 

Nicola Beswick of FMD Financial joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The soon-to-be-biggest city in Australia is among the cheapest! It is also the weakest in terms of price gains this year...so what should an investor do?

In today's show we cover ...

Financial adviser Bruce Brammall joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode

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Ever been to a BBQ where someone told you about a unique tax strategy and you're left wondering why your accountant never mentioned this before? It might be claiming a luxury car as a tax deduction or becoming a tax resident of a tax haven like Vanuatu to avoid paying income tax.

We sit down with an accountant to run through a range of "is this possible" scenarios from claiming travel costs on investment properties to determining whether you can claim pet food as a tax deduction for your dog if they can double as a guard dog. We get to the bottom of many interesting tax myths and either debunk them or confirm their legitimacy.

In this episode we cover:

Located on Sydney's Central Coast, accountant Timothy Ricardo joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au 

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High risk, high return is the perception when it comes to property development. So, no wonder that only 2% of all property investors actually engage in property development activities. If you have ever thought about property development, this is the episode for you.

In this episode we cover:

Property developer Daichi Somehara of buyers agency firm Property Buyer joins Wealth contributor James Gerrard of FinancialAdvisor.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inbox at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au has been bursting at the seams - it's time to give listener questions the attention they deserve. 

In this show we cover: 

Financial adviser James Gerrard joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using super for any reason other than retirement savings used to be taboo: Not anymore, and not when the tax system is totally loaded in favour of the homeowner. The Coalition proposal to allow super for first home buyers is gaining attention, it's an idea that will be hard to resist.

James Gerrard of The Financial Adviser joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In this episode we cover:

Submit your questions on all things property, business and finance: themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au

Read more from James Kirby on The Australian

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Are SMSFs worth the trouble? How much should you have in funds to get started? 

There are now more than 600,000 SMSFs in the local market: If you don't have a fund, it's time to think about it (and if you do have a fund: It might also be time to consider whether it is still the best tax structure for your situation).

In today's show we cover: 

Julie Dolan, head of SMSF and estate planning at KPMG joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The argument against apartment investment has always been the same: 'They can just keep adding new developments'...well, not anymore. The market is changing and the statistics are there to prove it.

In today's show we cover: 
* Why the rebound in apartment investment returns will continue
* Using super for buying a home - should you? 
* WA wins as the best state for property  investors 
*  Is Lenders Mortgage insurance a con? 

Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The 2024 budget was a deft piece of work: Politically astute, and supportive of low-income Australians but also a very mixed bag for investors.

In today's show we cover:

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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You might think you know the Australian property market but the goalposts are moving: Hobart had slid down the ladder, Canberra is second only to Sydney while Brisbane and Perth are charging ahead. It's time to reassess.

In today's show we cover:

Tim Lawless, head of research at CoreLogic, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Is there anything behind this piece of share market folk wisdom? We find out.Also, our biggest super funds are set to expand their offerings in financial advice: What can we expect from this development - and what does it mean for independent advice? 

In today's show we cover :

Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The banks are starting to carve up the lending market by postcode. If you are inside one of the 145 (out of 3300) postcodes ANZ Bank has cherry picked you can get a special deal on larger loans. What does this mean for the market? What does it mean for you?

In todays show we cover :

Pete Wargent of AllenWargent Property Buyers joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The plain vanilla Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) turned the Australian funds management sector on its head. Now, the whole scene is changing again with everything from Bitcoin funds to leveraged products. 

In today's show we cover:

ETF expert Kanish Chugh joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode  

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For the first time in the history of The Money Puzzle, James Kirby is off sick. James will be back on Thursday with a new episode, but for now we hope you enjoy his chat from last December with Damon Kitney about the families behind Australia’s biggest companies.  

Who are they, and what can we learn from the way they invest?

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It might seem like only yesterday that rates were supposed to be coming down but the news changes fast: This week's inflation data has already prompted calls for RBA rate rises. One of the loudest calls comes from this week's guest... who should know - he's an expert in fixed income markets.

In today's show we cover:

Christopher Joye of Coolabah Capital Investments joins wealth editor James Kirby on today's episode  

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For renters it’s been tough, for property owners it’s been plain sailing as rents grew in double digits last year. With slowing immigration intake and some easing of wider pressures, rent increases are not going to stay at those high levels.Where do rents go from here?

In todays show we cover :

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at the Ray White real estate group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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June 30 this year is a unique tax opportunity for the simple reason your tax bill in FY 2024 is very likely to be higher than FY 2025: That means the deductions are better if you get them sorted in the next two months.

In today's show we cover:

Dr Adrian Raftery aka Mr Taxman joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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What does the property market look like to Gen Z? The generation born after 1997 that takes a one percent vacancy rate as 'normal'; The people who get 100 applicants for a spare bedroom in a shared house. They have a different story but it is a story we all need to know.

In today's show we cover:

Sarah Petty real estate reporter for the News Ltd network joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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The average HECs student debt is now $26,500 and rising rapidly. Once upon an inflation-free time HECs hardly mattered, now it matters a lot. Worse still, the way HECs is managed by the government is antiquated and unfair to former students. Meanwhile, banks use the debt to reduce your borrowing capacity. No wonder there is a push to change the process. 

In today's show we cover:

Advisor James Wrigley of First Financial joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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As the economists continue to push their rate cut forecasts further out, it is now distinctly possible we will not see interest rate cuts this calendar year. What does it mean for the property market and your borrowing plans?

In today's show we cover:

Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore Private Wealth joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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It might be hard to believe but the key numbers for both personal tax and super contributions are going to change again on July 1 2024 - Now is the time to make your plans.
In today’s show, we cover:

Financial adviser James Gerrard joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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It's the biggest financial challenge for the new generation - how to get a toehold in the property market. 
In today's episode we cover 

John Pidgeon of Solvere Wealth and the This is Money podcast joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The ASX just hit a new record and the markets are on a roll: So what should investors be looking for? AI-themed technology stocks and - believe it or not - consumer discretionary companies, says fund manager Roger Montgomery.

In today's episode, we cover: 

Fund manager Roger Montgomery of Montgomery Investment Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The promise of the investment property that 'pays for itself' is all too common in the property market and all too difficult to locate in practice. Is positive gearing feasible with high rates and low rental yields? 

In today's show we cover:

Real estate advisor Cate Bakos joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.  

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In June 2023 we did our first special edition on AI when we introduced the issue and we talked about Nvidia - the AI chipmaker which is up 200 per cent since that time. Today we catch up on AI in mid-2024 with Matt Barrie, the founder and CEO of Freelancer: an executive at the frontline of AI changes.
In this episode we cover:

Matt Barrie, the CEO of Freelancer joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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For a long time it was a golden rule among financial advisers to pay down your mortgage before any other investment consideration. Well, not any longer…for some investors putting money into super should come first.

In today’s show we cover…

Financial adviser Bruce Brammall joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The annual Rich 250 has just been released with a whole new crew of debutants pushing the incumbents of previous generations to one side. 
In this episode, we cover:

 John Stensholt editor of The List - Australia’s Richest 250 joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode. 

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The Victorian capital is the weakest of the major cities and its apartment market has been a loser for more than a decade. But the soft patch can't last forever: The investment fundamentals for the city are strong and long-term investors could do very well looking a little more closely at the Melbourne market.  

In today's show, we cover: 

Adviser Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution Private Clients joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode

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The Future Fund's consistently strong returns and its big exposure to so-called 'unlisted assets' have captured the interest of many investors. But, until very recently, most investors could not get access to unlisted assets and were restricted to listed securities such as shares and managed funds. Usefully, things are changing - today we take a serious look at unlisted assets. 

In this episode we cover 

Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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This was not supposed to happen: The regions were meant to return to their secondary position in the residential investment market after COVID-19. Instead, over the last three months, prices rose faster than in the cities and the rental vacancy rates remained tight as hell... what gives?
In today's show, we cover: 

Property analyst Louis Christoper of SQM Research joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Not for the first time a single stock has become the proxy for a red-hot theme: AI and Nvidia are now interchangeable - and the specialist chipmaker has become the world’s top stock. Today we look at the AI boom and the first steps every Australian investor should be taking.
In today’s show, we cover:

Financial advisor James Gerrard joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode

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The consensus view is that interest rates have peaked in this cycle. Banks are already snipping their fixed rate mortgage rates (which is good) while also reducing the rate they pay on cash deposits (which is not so good). It's time to find out what's going on in the finance market.
In today's show, we cover: 

Sally Tindall, head of research at comparison service, RateCity, joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Family offices are very much the fashion among the nation’s ultra-wealthy: What are they exactly and what might we learn from how they operate?
In today’s show, we cover 

Jacqui Clarke, author and family office adviser joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Sydney prices have been soft in early 2024: It's not quite a 'buyer's market' but it is as good a time to find value as we have seen in years. Where are the opportunities in the city and which neighbourhoods should we watch?

In today's show we cover: 

Judy Schmidt of Advocate Buyers Agency joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode

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In redrawing the plan for personal tax cuts while introducing a tax on unrealised gains in super the government has unleashed a whirlwind of speculation: All tax shelters from negative gearing to CGT discounts are now fair game.
What to do?
In today’s show, we cover 

Liam Shorte of Sonas Wealth joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Most property investors will aspire to have more than one property: Many in the market suggest strategies that allow an investor to accumulate a 'passive income portfolio' over time. But how do you approach this? What are the risks of running multiple properties? And would future tax changes make a difference? 
In today's show, we cover :

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The financial success of singer Taylor Swift is unprecedented: Show business will never be the same again. For millions, she is a champion who outsmarts the music industry at every turn. So is she a role model for younger investors?
In today's show we cover...

Sociologist Dr Rachel Carroll joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode 

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It's time to listen to the other side: Some economists believe house prices are heading south in 2024 as interest rate hikes finally hit home and unemployment rises at the same time.
In this show we cover:

Economist Stephen Koukoulas of Market Economics joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The surprise changes to the planned tax cuts by the Albanese government will fuel political debate for months: But for the pragmatic investor it's a question of how to respond effectively. In today's show, we cover: 

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Management joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode

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The conditions have been building for a rebound in negative gearing with climbing interest rates and rising rental yields. Now a surprise reversal in tax relief for upper-income earners means the search for tax deductions is about to begin again.

In today's show, we cover; the startling figures on mortgage stress, how negative gearing just gets better, the Canberra rent freeze and why the split between homeowner and investor lending rates?

Cameron Kusher, research director at REA (a subsidiary of News Corp) joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode.

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Australians will borrow to the gills to buy the family home. They will also take big loans to enter the property market, but when it comes to the share market they hold back. Today we look a serious look at ‘leverage’.

In this episode, we cover:

Dr Sam Wylie of  Windlestone Education and Melbourne Business School joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode. 

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The big banks offered a consensus estimate that capital city house prices would rise by 5.7 percent in 2024. With a rush of negative data since the year began, this week we interrogate those bullish forecasts and see if they can be taken seriously.

In today's show, we cover:

Eliza Owen of the CoreLogic research group joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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The share market beat all expectations in 2023 and what's stopping a repeat performance in 2024? Lots of things actually but then again volatility is the name of the game when your money is at risk on listed markets. Here at the Money Puzzle we just assume a real return of around 9 percent each year and then it's a question of the stock choices you make.

In today's episode, we cover:

Gemma Dale, Director SMSF and investor behaviour at Nabtrade joins wealth editor James Kirby on this week's episode 

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In our first property episode of the year, we look at the very promising outlook for apartments, the improving inflation picture, and the chance that rates might drop.

We also take note of the potential headwinds in the next 12 months - especially the sharp decline in ‘buyer intention’ which has just been reported by Commonwealth Bank.In today’s episode, we cover:

Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in today’s episode

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How might you start collecting art?

"If you enjoy it hanging on your wall, then that should be enough," says one of our best-known contemporary art collectors, former China ambassador Geoff Raby. And he should know, he built an art collection worth more than $3 million before donating it to La Trobe University.  

In today's episode we cover; finding your own path in the art market, negotiating with art dealers and auction houses, the price you pay to complete a collection and how to store your art collection.

 
Geoff Raby, economist and company director, joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Driving a classic car that looks wonderful - and might just make you a small fortune - is something most investors have probably considered at some stage. Today we talk to one of the country's foremost car collectors who operates in the global market and has been in the game since he was a teenager.

In this episode we cover: 

Paul Huggins, a director of the Hamilton Chase group joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.

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This is the second in our summer Fun Money series.

There is money to be made and fun to be had collecting wine: But how do you get started? 

It's a tricky business finding good wine, storing it, and indeed not drinking it until the right time! 

In today's episode, we cover:

John Lehmann, managing editor of The Australian and wine connoisseur joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in today's episode 

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How about having fun and making money too - it's entirely possible if you become an expert collector of cars, art, wine, rare books...or maybe even whiskey. ((Hey! you can even put them in your Self Managed Super Fund).

Over the next four weeks tune in for a wide-ranging guide to collecting: 

In coming episodes:  

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A spot by the sea? A place in the country? Can you do it...should you do it? The holiday home as a property investment enters the public imagination around about mid-December each year. 

In today’s episode we cover; the difference in buying a holiday home compared to a permanent residence, the biggest mistakes people make, how to locate and settle on a property and the demands of managing a second property.

Jarrod McCabe of Wakelin Property Advisory joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in today's episode 

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So you want that car? The problem is you know very little about it - and certainly not enough to deal with the guy with a devilish grin coming towards you in the showroom.

In today's episode we cover ;

Madam Wheels (aka Jacquie Hayes) joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode 

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Melbourne is growing faster than Sydney. In the next decade, the two cities are expected to draw level in terms of total population. So why is Sydney three times better for property investment returns than the Victorian capital? In today's episode, we cover:

Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode.

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Who are the families behind Australia’s biggest companies? What are they like and what can we learn from them as investors?
In today’s show, we cover: 

Damon Kitney author of The Fortune Tellers joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in today’s episode

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There is now hard evidence that investors are back in the residential property market. What's more, they are borrowing faster than owner occupiers and we can expect to see this translated into more demand from investors in the year ahead. What does it mean for the market?
In today's episode, we cover:  

Eliza Owen of the CoreLogic group joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in this episode  

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We were told AI would take off as the investment theme of the year and it came to pass - that's why the NASDAQ has been about six times better than the ASX 200 in terms of returns this year.
In today's show, we cover:

Clay Carter, global head of equities at the Halo Technologies group joins Wealth Editor James Kirby in today's episode 

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