Money: Faith & Finance

Key Takeaways: Generosity's Broader Impact : Giving is not just about finances; it encompasses time, effort, and resources, enriching both giver and receiver. Cultural Reluctance : There is often stigma associated with asking for help, particularly financially, which can prevent people from seeking support. Financial and Spiritual Interplay : Act of giving aligns with core biblical teachings, fost...

Wow. Turns out you might have lost treasure (ie, money) and you didn't know. Good thing "Pirate" Pete Burrows and first mate Ben McEachen are here to help you find your forgotten funds.  Key Takeaways: Individuals often lose track of finances due to outdated personal information and inattention to accounts such as superannuation, resulting in billions of unclaimed dollars. The Australian Secu...

Joining us again is financial planner Hamish Ferguson, founder and director of Vison Newcastle . Hamish and Money' s chief accountant Pete Burrows are often approached for financial assistance that the other profession provides. Given how popular and prominent accountants and financial planners are, Pete and Hamish set the record straight in this episode. They discuss similarities between accounta...

Ben and Pete dive into the world of financial toolkits, discussing essential elements including budgeting and building a supportive team of financial advisors. They explore how your toolkit can evolve with life stages and personal preferences, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between tools and toys in financial planning.  Key Takeaways: A financial toolkit is personalised and shou...

What a question. Pete and Ben know how we all can wrestle with trusting God. When it comes to what we need and ask for, how much should we expect? Using our finances as an example of God's provision, Ben and Pete turn to the Bible, personal experiences and observed outcomes to examine the pointy end of reliance, faith and resources. Join the  Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here! We lov...

You are going to want to take notes. Pete provides plenty of ways to cut costs – by letting us know what we should be auditing every year (or more often). Key Takeaways: Annual financial checkups are essential for effective money management and should involve reviewing all expenses and bills. Proactively asking for better prices or researching provider alternatives can lead to significant savings...

Ever been on hold with a call centre about a financial issue that you didn't create? When you finally get through, did things get better – or worse? Our special guest, influencer Jordana Brown ("That British Girl"), had a stressful situation with Centrelink that went viral. She tells Pete and Ben about trying to navigate bureaucracy, standing up for what's right and how faith and kindness improve...

Why do we pay tax? Should we? How much? The Bible instructs about tax? Welcome to the Tax Episode you have been waiting for and it's finally arrived. Applause. Key Takeaways: Taxes are the financial backbone which support essential government services such as schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The Australian tax system is progressive – higher-income earners pay proportionally more. This alloc...

We know. You can't hardly wait for Season 6. It will drop in November 2024! Before that, listen to this awesome episode from Season 1! To keep helping us to get the most out of our Christmas budget, Pete and Ben offered a tonne of top tips. Listen in again or for the first time to this early Christmas gift that keeps on giving. Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here! We love your...

Click here for the 'Smarter with Money' handout that you can use to help your household  Just like you and me, we've got burning questions to ask Pete so we could be one step closer to making sense out of the everyday money matters. We've cherry picked 10 questions (with one BONUS) for you. Press play now to hear Pete's "Smarter with Money" Q&A sesh. Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on...

Click here for the 'Smarter with Money' handout that you can use to help your household  In this bonus episode before Season 6 drops, Pete Burrows dives into practical money tips and traps. Press play now to hear Pete's "Smarter with Money" session from Pittwater Anglican, Sydney, this month. Pete covered the importance of budgeting, saving habits, and financial planning. He shared valuable insigh...

In this episode, Ben and Pete are joined by Hayson and Nikki Lo, hosts of the Money Matrimony podcast. Hayson and Nikki share their own experience with navigating household finances, as they took time and effort to find a more united approach. They want to help other couples with communicating better about money matters. Key Takeaways: Open Communication : Regular, honest conversations about daily...

Key Takeaways: Cozy Fizz Explained : Or how the rising cost of living impacts luxury items and discretionary spending. Wants vs Needs : Working out what is essential. Economic Pressures : Small businesses, particularly in niche markets, must consider the particular sting of inflation and other financial factors. Strategic Spending : Tips for managing finances by balancing quality purchases with af...

Everything you need to know about starting out in stocks. Our special guest is Joe Youssef, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Distribution with Two Harbours Asset Management . You can learn more about Joe on LinkedIn. Key Takeaways: Understanding Shares:  Shares represent ownership in a company. When private companies go public, they offer shares that anyone can buy, turning shareholders into p...

Key Takeaways: Difference Between Redundancy and Retrenchment : Redundancy is a job role being removed. Retrenchment is more personal, related to your job performance. Immediate Actions: If you are made redundant, start looking for new jobs ASAP, consult financial professionals, and consider budgeting your redundancy payment as a wage. Tax : Understand the tax-free components of redundancy payment...

Key Takeaways: Faith and Generosity : Danniebelle's generous upbringing has shaped her approach to money. Any time she can show generosity, Danniebelle sees that as success. Struggles in Sydney : Living in the second-most unaffordable city in the world, Danniebelle shares how financial strain was compounded by health issues, unemployment and worry. Journey Through Darkness : Danniebelle recommends...

Key Takeaways: Budgeting : Create a budget and stick to it, ideally making it a rolling budget to keep track of your finances monthly. Use Money-Saving Apps : Leverage apps to compare prices and save on essentials like fuel or groceries. Pay Off Loans Strategically : Aim to pay off loans and bills more frequently to reduce interest. Community Resources : Utilize free resources like libraries to sa...

Do we really need a financial planner? How could anyone plan my money better than myself? They're charging a fee??! Joining us is financial planner Hamish Ferguson, founder and director of Vison Newcastle . Key Takeaways: Financial Planning's Core Value : Financial planners like Hamish Ferguson emphasize both technical skills and relational abilities to offer holistic financial guidance. Client-Sp...

Past Ep - Making Housing More Affordable Past Ep - The Blessing and Curse of Inheritance Past Ep - Mastering Money Mindset: Balancing Logic and Emotion Key Takeaways: Changing Conversation on Housing : In Australia, perceptions and discussions have drastically changed, necessitating a new approach to homeownership versus renting. "Rent money is dead money"???? : Challenging long-held beliefs, rent...

Key Takeaways: The importance of understanding the psychology of money and how early financial experiences impact adult behavior. Logical financial management strategies versus emotion-driven spending , and the significance of budgeting and disciplined spending. The role of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in assisting individuals to navigate out of debt and build sustainable financial habits. The...

Key Takeaways: Understanding Stage 3 Tax Cuts: Pete clarifies that on average, individuals will see an additional $20 to $70 per week, depending on their income bracket. Impact on Different Earners: Middle to high income earners benefit from these tax cuts, with varying degrees based on income levels. Historical Context: The episode revisits Stage 1 and Stage 2 tax cuts and the introduction of the...

BONUS EPISODE!  Ben asks all the smart questions and Pete gives some advice on Tax Returns.   Key Takeaways: Year-Round Tax Planning: Starting tax planning as early as July 1 ensures better organization and maximized deductions. Utilize Technology: Software and tools can simplify tracking expenses and managing tax returns, making processes easier compared to last-minute rushing. Ethical Tax Practi...

BONUS EPISODE!  Ben asks all the smart questions and Pete unpacks Budget 2024 in 15 minutes!  Key Takeaways: The 2024 Budget offers immediate financial relief for individuals through tax cuts, HECS debt readjustments, and energy bill rebates. There is an emphasis on sustaining economic measures that will not exacerbate inflation, keeping in mind the impact on the Reserve Bank's interest rate decis...

Special guest is Nelson Hsieh, a New Testament expert with Tyndale at Cambridge who has a detailed interest in digital currency. Pete and Ben ask the basics about cryptocurrencies before hearing more about Nelson's take on "Would Jesus buy Bitcoin?" Nelson explores issues of accessibility and control of currencies, as well as challenging assumptions about who can create what we tender.  Nelson S H...

Saving is simple. Isn't it? There are so many hacks around for the best ways to save but is that just overcomplicating matters? Pete and Ben cut to the chase with saving and tell you what it means to save at each age and stage. While taking a look at term deposits, superannuation, offset accounts and other avenues, the Money Men consider Jesus' advice on saving (see Matthew 6:19-24). Join the Mone...