A Bite from The Money Sandwich podcast

When was the last time you reviewed your mortgage, insurance or energy bills — and could you be paying thousands more than you need to? In Episode 65 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham speaks with Emma Fawcett, CEO of Compare Club, about the growing cost-of-living pressures facing Australians and why reviewing your biggest household bills could make a significant difference. Emma shares how she personally saved $12,000 in one day by comparing her mortgage, home and car insurance, health insurance and utilities, and explains why loyalty doesn't always mean you're getting the best deal. Marc and Emma also discuss practical ways to reduce insurance and energy costs, what people over 50 should consider when reviewing health insurance, the growing role of reverse mortgages for asset-rich but cash-poor Australians, and how comparison services can help make complex financial decisions easier. If you want to find practical ways to reduce your household expenses and keep more money in your pocket, this is an episode not to miss.

https://compareclub.com.au/

Why do so many Australians feel unprepared for retirement, even when they may be in a better position than they think? In Episode 63 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham speaks with Ben Hillier, Director Retirement at AMP, about AMP's Retirement Confidence Pulse survey and why confidence, not just money, plays such a major role in retirement planning. Ben shares insights into the growing retirement confidence gap in Australia, the common mistakes people make with super, and why better education and engagement can dramatically improve retirement outcomes. Marc and Ben also discuss staying invested through retirement, innovative lifetime income solutions, practical super strategies for couples and individuals, and why small financial steps can make a big long-term difference. If you want to feel more confident about your retirement future, this is an episode not to miss.

https://www.amp.com.au/ https://www.amp.com.au/about-amp/news/2025/september/Half-of-us-financially-insecure-about-retirement

In Episode 62 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham explores why the humble term deposit is back in focus, as the Reserve Bank of Australia makes recent rate moves and Australians question whether their money is working hard enough.

Marc is joined by Michelle Sargeant, National Manager Retail and Broker at Bank of Sydney, to break down what rising rates really mean for everyday savers.

Michelle shares why now could be the time to shop around, how term deposits can help accelerate savings goals, particularly for those nearing retirement, and addresses the common misconceptions that often stop people from taking action.

If you are looking for a simple, low effort way to make your savings work harder, this episode offers practical insights to help you get started.

https://www.banksyd.com.au/

https://www.banksyd.com.au/term-deposits

Are you confident your super will actually deliver a reliable income in retirement? In Episode 61 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham builds on the conversation from Episode 59, shifting the focus from saving for retirement to creating income from it. In this episode, Marc is joined by Andrew Lowe, Head of Technical Services at Challenger, to unpack the behavioural side of retirement planning and the role lifetime income products can play. Drawing on insights from the whitepaper, Andrew explains why simplifying advice matters, how behavioural biases influence decision-making, and what needs to change to help more Australians turn their super into a reliable income for life. https://www.ifs.net.au/ https://www.ifs.net.au/insights/designing-smarter-retirement-pathways-for-members

Is financial advice a luxury, or could it be one of the most powerful gifts you give yourself? In Episode 60 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham speaks with Annika Bradley, Head of Advice Strategy at UniSuper, about why access to financial advice can play such an important role in improving women's financial futures. With International Women's Day 2026 focused on the theme "Give to Gain," Marc and Annika explore how giving yourself time, attention and guidance around your finances today can lead to greater confidence and security later in life. Annika explains why many women retire with significantly less super than men, how career breaks and caring responsibilities can affect long-term savings, and the practical steps women can take now to strengthen their retirement outlook. If you've ever wondered whether small financial decisions today can truly shape your financial future, this is an episode not to miss.

Is your super really set up to pay you an income in retirement, or is it just sitting there as a savings account? In Episode 59 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham speaks with Adrian Gervasoni, Executive Manager of Advice Services at Industry Fund Services (IFS), about how Australians approaching retirement should be thinking differently about their super. Adrian explains why super needs to shift from simply growing savings to delivering a reliable income, and how making retirement choices clearer and simpler can help people feel more confident about their future. Marc and Adrian also talk about the IFS' whitepaper, developed in collaboration with Challenger to help align financial strategies with real lifestyle goals. If you want to feel more confident about turning your super into retirement income, this is an episode not to miss.

Getting into your first home has always been a dream for many Australians, but with major changes now in effect, that dream might be more achievable than ever. In Episode 58 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham is joined by Chaice Paterson, the founder of Low Deposit Homes. Based on the Gold Coast, Chaice has made it his mission to help first-home-buyers navigate the entire process of getting into their first property, from savings plans to securing land and home packages. Marc and Chaice talk through the huge changes that came into effect on October 1st with the expansion of the First Home Buyer Guarantee. You'll learn how first-home-buyers can now get into the market with as little as a 5% deposit, what grants and schemes are now available, and how to avoid the common mistakes that stall so many buyers. Whether you're aiming for a city apartment or your own slice of land, Chaice gives practical and easy-to-follow tips to take advantage of these unprecedented opportunities and finally get on the property ladder.

What truly makes for a happy retirement — is it money, purpose, or something more? In Episode 57 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham speaks to Amanda Gardner, who is Head of Platform Partnerships at Challenger. Amanda shares insights from Challenger's Retirement Happiness Index, revealing how financial security, community, and a sense of purpose are all critical to enjoying retirement. She highlights that while 76% of pre-retirees fear their money won't last, those who seek financial advice feel far more confident and prepared. Amanda also explores why so many Australians value a guaranteed income in retirement and the importance of staying socially connected and mentally engaged. Together, they emphasise the power of planning early and seeking expert advice to create a retirement that is not just financially sustainable but also deeply fulfilling.

How can your home or office layout shape your energy, mindset, and even your money? In Episode 56 of A Bite From The Money Sandwich, Marc Bineham speaks to Jane Langof, who is a multi-award-winning Feng Shui Master, and speaker and founder of Feng Shui Concepts. Jane shares how the flow of energy in your environment can influence your mental, physical and financial wellbeing. She offers practical tips like decluttering your entrance to invite opportunity, positioning your desk to feel empowered at work, and incorporating plants and colours to boost prosperity and harmony. Jane also explains how understanding sunlight, building orientation, and natural elements can create spaces that nurture both your mindset and your finances. Whether you're new to Feng Shui or simply looking for small changes with a big impact, this episode offers inspiring and actionable ideas to create balance in your life and money.

https://www.fengshuiconcepts.com.au/