Dollars and Making Sense

Following on from the very popular interview with Nathan Hood at the Australian Shareholders Association on Investing with Artificial Intelligence, of course we had to do part 2!!  There are many skeptics out there and I am being converted now as a user of some of these engines.  We follow up my chat with Nathan, framing a question correctly, just like in real life, AI gives a solid reply, and we're starting to use microphones and talking to AI like a trusted advisor and assistant, while always in control..  And like the calculators or old, AI is no different to computers or the like - GIGO - garbage in garbage out still applies.  Tune in to find out more.

First things 1st - what is a reversionary pension?  Glad you asked and we're glad we have Stuart Sheary, subject matter expert from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) along to explain the pros and cons of having a pension in place and what it means to beneficiaries of the pension.  As we all meet our maker, the type of pension in place will have a marked impact on the beneficiaries, the tax implications and whether some pay tax, or no tax at all.  Some jargon and a few explanations later, Stuart helps sort through some of the detail so you can understand what decision may suit you. And as always, we recommend you chat your financial professional for detailed advice.

Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBA) are a popular tool for SMSF Trustees to invest in property, however new tax changes have recently been legislated from 10 Aug 2026.  So what exactly does this mean?  We welcome Stuart Sheary from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) back to the show to help explain what the changes to borrowing rules mean for SMSF Trustees contemplating using their super to borrow money to invest in real estate.  SMSF is complex at the best of times, add LRBAs and the new rules and you'll understand why we suggest you talk to professionals at all times.

Liz Moran, editor of Fixed Income News Australia (www.fina.com.au) joins us after a 3 year hiatus to rediscover government bonds.  Why?  There is panic in the bond markets at this time, and understanding why will also help all investors and citizens alike as to why they have such fundamental sway and impact to our everyday lives.  Ranging from petrol prices to mortgage costs and even your end of year holiday, and the exchange rate that either loves you, or buries you!  Tune in and find out about the canary in a coal mine, and how peaking government bond rates should be noticed and considered.

Jen Richardson, financial counselor, accountant and former financial planner revisits us to work through some cost of living issues.  Crisis? What crisis, we ask - there are many things we aren't able to control, but information is power.  Jen provides some great primers into how to get on top of, and control your finances rather than your finances control you.  Tune in to find out that every dollar has a job to do before it lands in your pocket, and how a weekly check and having the information changes the focus back on living and having fun.  Dollars & Making Sense is about financial education that frees you and your mind.

Thinking of bringing in Mum and/or into your home via a Granny Flat arrangement?  We welcome back Justin Bott from Services Australia to explain the old truism that "the devil is in the detail".  Having had first hand experience as a FIS officer, Justin has a wealth of experience to bring to our show about anyone considering entering into a granny flat arrangement.  It can be incredibly useful and helpful to all involved - if done correctly.  If not, you could be inviting the devils of Hades into your life with long term consequences for you and your entire family.  A show not to be missed if this situation is on your horizon.

How to teach your kids about money before the habits stick - great opening from our Financial counselor - Jen Richardson, joining us from her accounting practise in the Hunter Valley in NSW.  From an early age, instilling sound life habits around money and managing finances is important.  It doesn't always mean our kids have to be spreadsheet experts in kindergarten, however a grasp of understanding the principles of work/labour in return for money/rewards is an early lesson well instilled for our children for the future.  Associating transactions and work that correlate and coexist in relative harmony if understood.  Jen provides some excellent examples of how kids can learn to handle money from an early age right through to young adults.

Into the new financial year and if you haven't noticed yet, there have been changes afoot, not only in your take home pay, but if you're receiving a government payment, there are changes there as well.  We welcome back Juston Bott, media information officer from Services Australia (CentreLink) to explain what the changes mean to those receiving the age pension, but also for those who have never been near a government office, and what you may be entitled to - yes, even if you're over retirement age and still working.  Justin explains the differences, and the impact.

We welcome back Jen Robinson, an accountant by trade and an experienced Financial Counselor from the Hunter region of NSW.  This week we visit the troublesome topic of debt, how we get into it, and most importantly how to get out of debt.  We cover off "good debt" and "bad debt", and what kind of headspace these discussions can sometimes destructively take up in our brains.  Important tips and tricks on how not to let this get the better of you.  Financial education is what Dollars & Making Sense is all about.

This week, ASA membership manager, Nathan Hood joins us discussing what's near and dear to his heart, using AI when investing.  There are many skeptics out there, (me included), and this discussion is a sobering and realistic view of what AI can really achieve without overstating or promising beyond what is reasonable.  Prompt engineering is a consultant's term - however in my chat with Nathan, framing a question correctly, just like in real life, AI gives a solid reply.  And like the calculators or old, AI is no different to computers or the like - GIGO - garbage in garbage out still applies.  Tune in to find out more.