Making Money Easy

Find out what a slight rise in the unemployment rate means for the Australian economy and why this episode's economists aren't too worried about a significant deterioration. We've got the latest data on international visitors Down Under and how it'll help small businesses and companies looking for workers. The PAIN coming for renters and why we can't forget about them in the interest rates/inflati...

Nine months in a row of interest rate hikes. We've got the lowdown on why the Reserve Bank isn't shying away from making plenty of households uncomfortable while it tries to bring down high inflation. We explain why the RBA is ok with that, and where to look to see if the multiple rate rises (and the upcoming ones) are working. Plus, there's an update on unemployment on Thursday. The labour market...

The RBA is about to have its first meeting of 2023. This episode of Making Money Easy uses the latest economic data to explain what will happen on Tuesday and how it'll be felt by households, consumers and businesses. Plus, find out where the economists expect interest rates to be by the middle of the year. Also, did you know the price of 76% of your day to day goods are moving up too quickly - he...

This may be the last episode of Making Money Easy for the 2022 but there's still plenty of economic data to pick apart. The latest unemployment figures, what older workers are up to, Australia's latest population figures and the Federal Government's plan to keep energy prices lower. Plus we reveal the states where the most people are moving to, and why you need to keep your eyes wide open in 2023....

Yes we pick apart the latest interest rates decision by the Reserve Bank but as we wrap up the year ...what's over the horizon in 2023? My economists in this episode of Making Money Easy have an idea. Plus what's going on with the savings buffers of Australian households - we've got the latest data. We reveal if the economy is growing or not. And what's going on with the price of coal? How is it h...

There’s a lot of good data informing out interest rate crystal ball this week. Monthly inflation data has turned slightly lower and the latest retail spending figures show consumers are starting to open their wallets less. There’s a chance the Reserve Bank is about to hit pause on interest rates rises after multiple hikes since May. Mortgage holders will be cheering, savers will be wanting them to...

You might want a wage rise right now but the Reserve Bank Governor is rejecting the idea for the sake of the economy. So is he on the money and how realistic are his expectations of Australians to stop asking for one, to help stop rising inflation? The bigger question is what will inflation look like in the future? My economists this episode have some really good insights AND on the impact of clim...

Unemployment in Australia has returned to its lowest level in almost 50 years. People looking for full time jobs are snapping them up faster than part-timers but there are still plenty of vacancies. So what are the surprise industries calling out for workers? And how is it impacting small businesses? Plus - there’s been a jump in wages but is it actually being felt in the right way. We take a look...

So consumers are feeling as bad as they would, if we were in an actual recession. Australians are employed at record levels, economic conditions are pretty strong but sentiment is glum. You might think that’s bad - but one of my experts this episode argues consumers feeling glum right now is a victory. Huh? Hint - it’s linked to rising prices. We’ve also got the latest on the state of mortgages af...

Interest rates may still be rising and mortgage holders are yet to feel the full pain of them but this week’s expert still believes Australia is the best place to be right now. In this one-on-one with CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick , we explore the latest Reserve Bank rate hike, the financial strain coming for Australians and what major economies are heading for recession next year. Pr...

Federal Budget analysis - there's so much of it but now the dust has settled, are you ready to find out what it means for you and the Australian economy? What about the impact of the budget on inflation, your job, your wage, your grocery and energy bills and future interest rate rises. There's a lot to digest and some of it isn't pretty, especially with the looming impact of possible recessions in...

Let’s dive into money behaviour and why understanding it will improve your financial freedom. Sound too tricky? It’s not! Mind Over Money author Evan Lucas has done all the hard work and written an easy-to-read book to help. To give you a taste, Gillian and Evan pick apart what drives your money decisions and why your finances are intertwined with your emotions, learned behaviours and biases. Evan...

There's a lot of gloom and doom talk surrounding the Australian and global economy right now. The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has headed overseas to attend a key finance ministers' meeting to get more information about what's going on while the International Monetary Fund has released its latest updates on what we're facing. But there's more to this story. As the ANZ Chief Executive says, Austr...

We’ve had a smaller interest rate hike from the RBA but don’t let that fool you - the hiking cycle is NOT OVER YET. Despite 6 rises in a row, inflation is still way too high. We’ve got the latest figures on the cost of your groceries and when prices may start to budge. Plus which supply chains are starting to improve and how that’s impacting those building homes. We dive into the real reason house...

We're living longer but are you prepared for what that might look like if you lose your capacity to make decisions for example through a condition such as dementia or an accident? What about if it happens to your loved ones? That's where Power of Attorney comes in. This episode we take a look at what it is, how it works, legally and the best person to choose to make your financial and life decisio...

Want to know what the vibe is with the Australian economy right now? This is the episode for you. We pick apart the recent economic news and data and the latest speeches and comments from the Reserve Bank Governor and Deputy Governor and give you the ANSWER. Plus should we be worried the RBA is in 'negative equity' - heck what does that even mean? We check in on the latest on inflation, Australia'...

Do you have a link in the bio of your social media accounts? Here's my instagram if you want to know I mean. Ever wondered about one of the main companies behind it? LinkTree - is the brainchild of Australians Anthony Zaccaria, Alex Zaccaria and Nick Humphreys. Founded in 2016, and the first of its kind, Linktree is now utilised by more than 25 million users globally including TikTok, Selena Gomez...

Five months in a row of hikes - you feeling it yet and what's ahead? If you're a mortgage holder - listen up - it's not about you! Want to find out WHY?! Listen to this episode of Making Money Easy. We've also got the latest on how the hikes are impacting inflation and when you'll start to notice a difference on prices. Plus there's been a Jobs Summit in Canberra - hosted by the new Albanese Labor...

When did you learn what you know about money? How did you learn the basics and from WHO? Is the knowledge you have - any good? For many Australians - particularly teenage girls and young women - they leave home with no idea how to manage their money. This episode we meet Michelle Bowes - a personal finance writer. She’s written a book for teenage girls called MONEY QUEENS. It’s ‘full of tips and t...

The RBA rate rises and your bank passing them on, have been coming thick and fast. This episode of Making Money Easy dives into what the increases mean for your repayments, what a 'good rate' looks like in August 2022, how to get a good deal, the cost of loyalty (or laziness), the latest forecasts on what the Reserve Bank will do next and what's ahead for HOUSE PRICES (it'll shock you). Plus, how...

Residential vs commercial property. How much do you know about how it all works? Which one is BETTER? There are plenty of people who want to increase their cash flow in the face of rising interest rates and inflation but don't know how to get ahead. Positive gearing vs negative gearing? Know the difference and how to make it work for you? What about future proofing your portfolio - heck how do you...

Consumers are funny. Their confidence levels are like we're in a recession and yet they're still spending up a storm despite the fourth interest rate hike in a row. So what does the Reserve Bank think about the behaviour, especially as it tries with all its might to bring down soaring inflation? And how bad is the financial 'stress' at the moment (remember unemployment is at record lows). Plus the...

Inflation is so hot right now. The rise in June 2022 is the second highest since the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2000. Ouch. The latest CPI shows the price of goods is rising more strongly than services - so you'll definitely be noticing it in your food bill, your essentials. This episode we pick apart the rises, the impact, and what's ahead for YOU. Plus - the Federal...

Are you a sharemarket old hand or thinking about getting involved and don't know where to start. In this episode of Making Money Easy - Gillian picks the brain of Louise Bedford - a share market guru and author of FIVE books, a behavioural finance expert and trader trainer and mentor. They explore what's holding people back, the importance of education, and entry and exit plans. Plus - why you sho...

What a strong unemployment result for June 2022! You're now living in a time when the unemployment rate in Australia is the best it's been since the mid-1970s. As Chief Economist - and friend of the show Jo Masters puts it - there's now 1 vacancy for every unemployed person in Australia. So why are consumers and businesses feeling so glum? The result also has some economists suggesting the RBA nee...