The Finance Garage

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by John Cadogan, one of Australia’s most recognised automotive journalists and consumer advocates. John shares his insights into how the car industry really works, from dealership tactics and financing traps to common mistakes buyers make when purchasing a vehicle. 🚗 Together, they unpack the hidden costs, incentives, and industry...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the ongoing debate around credit card surcharges and why they may soon become a thing of the past. He explores the reasons regulators and consumer advocates are pushing for change, what the proposed reforms could mean for businesses and customers, and how these developments may impact everyday spending habits across Australia. From hidden transaction costs to grea...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Dave Hughes, one of Australia's most recognized comedians, radio hosts, and television personalities. Dave shares the highs, risks, and realities of building a career in comedy, including what it takes to back yourself when success is far from guaranteed. From performing stand-up in the early days to becoming a household name, he...

In this episode, Jonathan explores why 5% government bond yields are becoming one of the most important signals investors need to watch right now. 📈 As bond yields reach levels not seen in years, the implications stretch far beyond fixed income markets. Jonathan breaks down what higher yields mean for shares, property, portfolio valuations, borrowing costs, and the broader economy. He also explai...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks another standout result from Nvidia, exploring why the tech giant continues to outperform expectations and what that means for investors navigating today’s market. The conversation also takes a lighter turn as Toby shares his first-day experience with a new Land Rover, which delivered exactly what was promised, no more, no less. From market momentum to real-world...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Andrew Varlamos, an experienced investment professional who helps investors cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters when building wealth. Together, they explore the challenge young investors face in today's world of endless options, from shares and ETFs to property, crypto, and everything in between. Andrew shares p...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks one of the most overlooked tax issues in Australia: the so-called "death tax" within superannuation. Many Australians assume their super will pass tax-free to loved ones, but the reality can be very different. Jonathan explains how the taxable and tax-free components of your super are treated upon death, who may be liable for tax, and why understanding your benefi...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Adam Morris, an expert in luxury automotive servicing and maintenance. Adam breaks down the real cost of owning high-end vehicles, from routine servicing and parts to unexpected repairs that can quickly add up. They explore why luxury cars often carry significantly higher maintenance costs, how technology and brand positioning im...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks a major opportunity many Australians are overlooking—unused super contributions and how recent rule changes have made them even more powerful. He explains how carry-forward concessional contributions work, who can benefit, and why timing matters more than ever in today’s tax environment. With a practical lens, Jonathan breaks down how individuals can potentially r...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the 2026 federal budget and cuts through the headlines to reveal what has truly changed—and what hasn’t. He breaks down key promises versus real-world outcomes, from cost-of-living relief and tax adjustments to housing policy and business impacts. With a clear, practical lens, Jonathan explores how these shifts are playing out across Australia, what’s material for...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research. Together, they unpack whether Australia’s housing market is on the brink of a “rude awakening” and what the latest data is really telling us. They dive into supply constraints, investor sentiment, interest rate pressures, and the disconnect between headlines and on-the-ground...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the growing tensions in Iran and what global conflict means for oil markets, fuel prices and everyday Australians. He explores how geopolitical risk flows through to petrol bowsers, inflation and household budgets, and why volatility in energy markets matters for investors and consumers alike. ⚡🚗 The conversation then turns to electric vehicles. With fuel costs...

In this episode, Jonathan takes a hard look at Australia’s latest Federal Budget and the growing concern among founders and small business owners around the absence of capital gains tax relief. With no CGT discount on the table, the question many entrepreneurs are asking is whether risk-taking is quietly being discouraged. 💼📉 Jonathan unpacks what the Budget signals for start‑ups, investors, and...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks how common behavioural biases quietly erode investor returns, often without people even realising it. From overconfidence and loss aversion to herd behaviour and recency bias, the discussion explores why investors make irrational decisions even when they know better. Jonathan explains how emotions, headlines, and market noise can derail long-term strategies, and w...

In this episode, Jonathan dives into the critical legal mistakes that quietly derail small businesses before owners even realise they’re at risk. From poorly drafted agreements and compliance blind spots to handshake deals that don’t hold up when things go wrong, this conversation unpacks why the law rarely offers second chances once a problem escalates. ⚖️ Jonathan explains how minor oversights c...

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks why the cost of “owning nothing” in modern Australia is skyrocketing, and how the shift towards a subscription‑heavy lifestyle is reshaping personal finance. He explores what Australians are really paying for convenience, access, and flexibility—and why it all feels more expensive than ever. 🏠 Jonathan breaks down the hidden costs behind renting, subscription mod...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Vishal Teckchandani , a finance journalist and commentator known for unpacking complex economic issues in a way younger Australians can actually relate to. Together, they dive into the heated question dominating group chats and auction queues everywhere: Is home ownership really out of reach for Gen Z in 2026? 🏡 Jonathan and Vis...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the recent rise of gold and silver and what the numbers are really telling us about inflation, interest rates, and investor sentiment. 🥇🥈 He unpacks the data behind precious metals performance, including real yields, currency movements, central bank demand, and historical correlations — separating headline narratives from...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Anthony Doyle to unpack the key themes shaping the 2026 market outlook — from inflation and interest rates to global growth, geopolitics, and asset-class expectations. 🌍📊 Together, they explore where risks and opportunities may emerge over the next cycle, how investors should think about positioning portfolios amid uncert...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down why central bank independence is so critical to a stable financial system — and why recent political pressure, particularly from Donald Trump , has raised serious concerns among investors and policymakers. 🏦⚠️ He explains how independent central banks help control inflation, maintain market confidence, and make long-term de...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan and Dr. Allen will dive into how to invest safely in today’s volatile environment — and the red flags smart investors look for before the market catches on. 🚨📉 They unpack the subtle signs of deteriorating fundamentals, liquidity stress, overvaluation, and behavioural traps that often precede major downturns. Also breaking down practi...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan explores an overlooked but growing risk for retirees — the financial strain created not by markets, but by their adult children. He breaks down how unexpected support for children can jeopardise retirement plans, weaken long-term financial security, and leave parents exposed without the right protections in place. 👨‍👩‍🧓💸 Jonathan al...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the key differences between commercial and residential property investing — from how each market generates returns 🏢🏠, to the risks, yields, and financing structures that define them. He explores why many investors are shifting toward commercial property in today’s higher-rate environment, what to consider before taking th...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan explores the world of testamentary trusts — what they are, how they work, and why they can be an essential estate planning tool for families. He breaks down their key advantages, including asset protection and tax efficiency, and discusses when they might be suitable for clients with complex financial or family situations. ⚖️💬 If you’ve ever...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Bashir Naim , Head of Wholesale and Luxury Car Acquisition at McCarroll’s Group in Sydney 🚗 They explore the fascinating world of the second-hand car market — from how luxury dealerships price and source vehicles to the hidden factors that determine resale value. Bashir shares insider advice on selling smart, avoiding overpaying...