The Finance Garage

Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode, Jonathan takes a look back through financial history to uncover what past market booms can teach us about today’s investing climate. From the Nifty Fifty era to the dot-com frenzy and now the AI-driven surge led by Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, he explores whether we’re once again walking into bubble territory 📈 Drawing lessons from Warren Buf...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Hugh Selby, Co-CIO of Talaria Asset Management, who brings years of experience in developing options-based strategies to help investors manage risk while pursuing steady returns. Together, they break down how alternative investing methods can offer more consistent outcomes, why downside protection matters in volatile markets 📉,...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the August 2025 ASX earnings season—a month packed with surprises as hundreds of listed companies revealed how they’re navigating higher rates, easing inflation, and shifting consumer behaviour. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or simply curious about how your Aussie stocks performed, this episode gives you the insights y...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down one of the sneakiest threats to a secure retirement—sequencing risk. It’s not just about how much your portfolio earns over time, but when those returns happen that can make or break your retirement. From real-world examples of retirees who faced the Global Financial Crisis, to practical strategies like the bucket approach,...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Christopher Joye, Chief Investment Officer of Coolabah Capital, known for his sharp market insights and data-driven take on Australia’s housing sector and fixed income markets. They dive into the RBA’s recent rate cuts and what they signal for homebuyers, investors, and property prices in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Chris b...

In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the ultimate generational showdown: Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z. Who really had it tougher—those who faced 17% interest rates, those crushed by HECS and housing prices, or those navigating burnout and a broken gig economy? It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about understanding the structural forces that shaped our lives. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time we s...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage. In this episode, Jonathan is joined by John Stavleiotis, Portfolio Manager at Antipodes, to unpack what’s really happening in China—beyond the headlines—after both recently visited the country themselves. Together, they challenge common investor assumptions and explore why slower economic growth doesn't necessarily mean weaker equity returns. John shares insight...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode of The Finance Garage , we tackle one of the most misunderstood parts of the Australian tax system: the difference between the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) . You’ve likely seen both on your tax return and wondered—why am I paying two health-related taxes? Jonathan helps you to break it all down—what each levy means, who has...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by guest Matt Brown, CEO of Advice for Fortnum and PFS (part of the Entireti group). Together, they tackle the pressing issue of the financial advice gap in Australia. Matt breaks down why only about 20% of Australians receive professional, personalized financial advice—even when the need is huge. They explore common misconcep...

📊 Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan unpacked the Division 293 tax — that extra 15% superannuation tax that’s quietly catching more Australians off guard each year. While many assume it’s only for the ultra-wealthy, Jonathan explains why even regular professionals, business owners, or SMSF members can suddenly find themselves hit with this charge after a big financial year. F...

💡Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Yehuda Gottlieb, Managing Director of Centuria Bass, to explore the ins and outs of Australia’s private credit landscape. With over 15 years in the space, Yehuda brings a wealth of insights into why developers turn to non-bank lending, what risks investors need to watch for, and how his team navigates rising costs, liquidity cr...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! This week, Jonathan is joined by Matt Brand, founder of CarSauce and a rising voice in the auto world, to break down the rise of Chinese EVs in Australia. From BYD to GWM, are these brands shaking up the market—or just misunderstood? If you’re following the rise of Chinese EVs, global car manufacturing shifts, or just want to understand how pricing, innovation,...

Welcome back to another episode of The Finance Garage ! This time, Jonathan dives deep into a topic that's on many young people's minds — investing. But is obsessing over investing really the best way to build wealth when you're starting out? Jonathan shares stories, lessons from his 20 years of experience, and practical advice on why growing your earning power often matters more than chasing quic...

Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP, for a timely discussion on what’s really going on with Australia’s economy. From a “bland” federal budget to deeper structural issues like housing shortages, tax reform, and productivity stagnation, they break down how politics and policy intersect—and what needs to change post-ele...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Gian Pandit, Deputy Head of Equities at Ausbill, to unpack one of the most volatile reporting seasons in recent years. They discuss how a 3.5% drop in the ASX 200 was driven by falling EPS, disappointing revenues, and global macro pressures, while also highlighting opportunities in sectors like banks, healthcare, and t...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the 2025 Federal Budget. Discover how new tax cuts, energy relief, and reforms in childcare, student debt, and superannuation are designed to ease cost-of-living pressures ahead of the upcoming election. Whether you're balancing household budgets, planning for long-term investments, or navigating the complexities of perso...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan dives deep into the world of tariffs and trade policies. He breaks down the Trump administration’s swift actions together—especially the tariffs imposed on Australian steel and aluminium exports—and explains the complex supply chain dynamics that determine who ultimately bears the cost. Jonathan also demystifies how tariffs work, fro...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan teams up with Adam Morris from Redriven—marking his first deep dive with a car industry insider. Jonathan and Adam, both lifelong car enthusiasts share an engaging conversation that cuts through glossy marketing to reveal the true value of auto ownership. What if we said that servicing through your dealership is a major red flag? Dis...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan shifts gears from traditional investments to tackle the critical issue of personal cybersecurity. With digital threats growing more sophisticated, Jonathan sits down with cybersecurity expert Tony Visor to explore how a seemingly simple oversight can lead to massive financial losses—like a shocking $600,000 gone through a compromised...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the simplicity and power behind the Rule of 72—a handy formula that shows you just how long it takes to double your money. We explore the magic of compounding growth by dividing 72 by your annual return rate, turning complex investment concepts into an easy mental math trick. From comparing stocks to bonds and weighing risk v...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode, we sit down with Mike Taylor, Managing Editor of Financial Newswire , to explore the evolving landscape of superannuation. We discuss APRA's heat maps and how they are influencing investment strategies, the potential shift toward more conservative fund management, and the implications for financial advisers. Are SMSFs the only option for act...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode of The Finance Garage , we explore the realities of capitalism, financial success, and the hidden emotional traps that can hold us back. Inspired by The Woke Salaryman , a thought-provoking book by Singaporean authors, we discuss how the system isn’t always fair—and how resentment can be one of the biggest obstacles to financial progress. Is...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode, Jonathan Wu is joined by Patrick Hodgens from Firetrail Investments, a veteran with over 40 years of experience in the financial sector. Together, they delve into the dynamic world of small-cap investing, often overlooked but brimming with innovation and growth potential. Discover how small-cap companies can deliver outsized returns, driven...

In this episode of The Finance Garage , we explore the double-edged sword of modern technology. From the convenience of AI tools to the simplicity of mobile banking, technology promises to make our lives easier—but at what cost? We dive into recent real-world examples, including a lawsuit against OpenAI for AI-generated misinformation and ASIC’s case against HSBC Australia for failing to protect i...

🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan Wu sits down with Paul Harding-Davis from Advice IQ to explore the complexities of ethical and ESG investing. Together, they tackle the challenge of aligning personal values with investment decisions, uncover the hidden pitfalls of greenwashing, and share insights on navigating cultural and livelihood influences in this space. With o...