360 Money Matters

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss the importance of paying attention to superannuation, as 12% of an employee's income is allocated to it. We explain that superannuation is a tax-effective trust structure designed to help grow wealth for retirement. Also, we explore various types of superannuation funds—industry, retail, wrap platforms,...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! We are back again with our monthly 'Market Wrap' segment. In this episode, we discussed the significant movements in the investment markets, highlighting the 5.18% rise in the S&P 500 over the last month, driven by factors such as East Coast dockworkers' strike resolutions and U.S. interest rate cuts. Additionally, we touch on China...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we explore downsizing as part of a retirement strategy. We discuss why retirees often choose to downsize, such as reducing space and maintenance needs, and the financial benefits like unlocking equity from the family home to boost retirement income. The downsizer contribution allows those over 55 to contribute up t...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss superannuation and the strategies for growing it effectively. We address the importance of starting early, making consistent contributions, and understanding the tax advantages associated with superannuation. We answer common questions, such as why superannuation is a powerful investment tool and the ben...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss common investment mistakes that many investors make and how to avoid them. We highlight the importance of having a long-term investment timeframe, setting realistic expectations, and not getting caught up in market noise. We also emphasize the value of diversification to manage risk and the significance...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! We are back again with our monthly 'Market Wrap' segment. In this episode, we discuss the latest market trends, focusing on various global and domestic economic factors impacting investment decisions. We begin with a wrap-up of the U.S. market, highlighting a 4.36% increase in the S&P 500 driven by optimism around potential interest...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss the current state of the Victorian property market. We explore the growing concerns among property owners about whether to sell or hold onto their properties in Victoria, driven by a recent dip in the market and policy changes, particularly regarding land tax and rental standards. We also analyze histori...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed the concept of debt recycling, a financial strategy that allows individuals to pay down their non-deductible debt, such as a home mortgage, while simultaneously investing to build deductible debt, which can provide tax benefits. The strategy involves using equity from one's home to invest in income-pro...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed the dilemma of whether to pay down a mortgage or invest, especially in a high-interest rate environment. We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all answer and that the decision should be based on individual circumstances, financial goals, and risk tolerance. People should consider their long-term...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!    In this episode, we discuss making your investment portfolio recession-proof, emphasizing both mindset and practical strategies. We explore what a recession entails, highlighting the importance of maintaining a stable personal budget and having an emergency fund to cushion against economic downturns. We dig into the significance...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss retirement planning considerations, emphasizing both financial and lifestyle aspects. We explore how traditional retirement perceptions, like relying on age pensions, are evolving. We highlight the importance of budgeting and understanding income needs based on lifestyle choices and activities during ret...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss investing in precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and how they serve primarily as a store of wealth rather than a traditional investment. We address a common question from listeners about whether they should invest in precious metals and explore various ways to purchase and s...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! We are back again with our monthly 'Market Wrap' segment. In this episode, we discuss the latest market activities, focusing on the U.S. and Australian economies. We note that the S&P 500 decreased by 0.77% in July, though smaller companies showed growth due to sensitivity to lower interest rates. In the U.S., potential interest rat...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Vicki Likoudis from True North Advocacy shares her diverse background in small business, property development, and advocacy, emphasizing the link between business and commercial property in her career. She discusses different types of commercial property while highlighting the key attributes of commercial property:...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed the average super balance for your age, highlighting the importance of starting early and making regular contributions. We break down the average superannuation balances for males and females in various age groups, from 25-29 to 60-64, and emphasize the power of compounding interest. We also explore th...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed the important considerations when buying an investment property. We emphasized the need to align the property purchase with long-term financial strategies and goals. This includes understanding the financial impact on household budgets, getting finance approved, considering the pros and cons of differe...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed the upcoming stage three tax cuts and how individuals can effectively utilize the extra income. We touched on how the tax cuts will result in increased take-home pay. We advised considering several options for using this extra income, such as making mortgage repayments to save on interest, investing in...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we tackle the complexities of managing cash flow with irregular income. For those that are self-employed, earning commissions or bonuses, this can be a difficult thing to manage. We discuss the pitfalls of using credit card debt and stress the importance of appropriate cash flow management from the outset to avoid...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! We are back again with our monthly 'Market Wrap' segment. In this episode, we discuss recent market trends, with a primary focus on the U.S. and Australian economies. We highlight the strong performance of the S&P 500 in May, driven largely by tech giants like Nvidia, which significantly contributed to market growth due to the incre...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, we talk about two ways people invest their money, active and passive investing. We explain that with passive investing, you put your money in a fund that follows the big companies in a certain market, like the S&P 500. But with active investing, you try to beat the market by making active choices about where to put...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed employee share schemes and their implications. We explored the concept, benefits, risks, tax considerations, vesting periods, and the impact on employees' financial decisions. We also emphasized the importance of understanding the pros and cons of participating in employee share schemes. This highlight...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discussed the end of the financial year and tax planning tips, focusing on the effective utilization of superannuation. Key points included maximizing contributions, leveraging concessional and non-concessional caps, and using catch-up contributions before deadlines. Superannuation was emphasized for future fina...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we explore deeper into the intricacies of year-end tax planning and the impending modifications in superannuation. We broke down significant adjustments like the transfer balance cap set at $1.9 million and the forthcoming increase in concessional contributions to $30,000 annually.  Additionally, we explored the bu...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Marcel Dybner, a Partner at Besser+Co Estate Agents in Melbourne, recounts his journey starting from a challenging rental experience that steered him towards making a positive impact. Initially focusing on sales, he entered property management before joining Dion at Besser & Co. He addresses the current property ma...

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we discuss asset protection strategies concerning personal and business finances. We stress the importance of segregating personal and business assets to shield against risks like creditors or business failures. Utilizing trusts, companies, superannuation for asset protection, and advising seeking professional guid...