From super scandals to market swings, 2025 certainly kept us on our toes. So before 2026 begins, it’s time to reflect on the year that was.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, is joined by senior journalist, Tom Watson, to discuss the biggest financial news stories of 2025 and the topics they’ll be watching closely in 2026.

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Biggest financial news events of 2025

09:05 Positive and surprising developments in 2025

11:46 Looking ahead to 2026

14:10 Closing remarks

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #tomwatson #financialnews

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You’ve booked flights, hotels and activities for your summer trip. But have you considered how you’re going to pay your way?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Tristan Dakin, Wise’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, to discuss travel money options and other tips for your summer holiday abroad.

01:42 Choosing the right payment method

04:57 Local or home currency?

07:07 The most expensive ATM withdrawal fees

09:28 Can digital wallets be used everywhere?

11:32 How to keep your money safe

13:44 Final tips

15:51 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #tristandakin #travel

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After a turbulent year for the local market, which Australian stocks could shine in 2026?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to run through the Australian companies that investors may want to consider adding to their Christmas lists.

00:00 Introduction

02:31 2025 Australian market recap

07:54 Large cap picks for 2026

12:55 The world of micro caps

18:43 Concerns about index funds

21:04 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investing

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Rising property values have left many retirees rich on paper but short on cash, so are there options for those looking to utilise their home equity?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Chris Grice, chief executive of National Seniors Australia, to discuss reverse mortgages, equity releases schemes and the government-run Home Equity Releases Scheme.

00:00 Introduction

00:28 The 'asset rich, cash poor' dilemma

01:24 Exploring reverse mortgages

07:03 Addressing concerns about reverse mortgages

9:24 Equity release schemes

10:11 Introduction to the Home Equity Access Scheme

13:54 Comparing equity release options

16:02 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #chrisgrice #reversemortgages #homeequity

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Ready to start building a deposit towards your first home? The First Home Super Saver Scheme could help you reach your target faster.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Derek Gascoigne, private client adviser at UniSuper, to run through the nuts and bolts of the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS).

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Overview of the First Home Super Saver Scheme

05:40 Eligibility criteria

09:21 How to access your FHSSS contributions

14:36 Planning and important considerations

17:23 Final thoughts and advice

20:15 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #derekgascoigne #superannuation #fhsss

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With the festive season fast approaching it's time to get serious about budgeting, spending and avoiding post-Christmas debt.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Meggison, personal finance expert at Finder, to run through a survival guide and a host of financial tips for the 2025 festive season.

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Financial hurdles of the festive season

02:14 Black Friday: The perfect time for Christmas shopping?

05:55 Budgeting and planning for Christmas expenses

13:37 Avoiding post-Christmas debt

16:50 Are these festive season scenarios faux pas or fair play?

23:16 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahmegginson #christmas

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In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Alex Homer, chief customer and brand officer at insurance group TAL, about navigating life and living insurance.

They discuss the importance of insurance for younger people, different types of living insurance, and how superannuation funds can help.

Alex also shares practical tips for young workers and the self-employed on obtaining and managing insurance.

01:19 Defining life and living insurance

01:54 Understanding living insurance types

05:23 Insurance in superannuation funds

11:02 Practical tips for young workers

14:24 Bonus Round: Superannuation payments for gig workers

15:57 Conclusion and final thoughts

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A new wave of superannuation changes is on the horizon, so what could they mean for your retirement?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Shane Hancock, general manager of retirement at AustralianSuper, to unpack proposed changes to higher super balances and the low income super tax offset (LISTO) and provide an update on payday super.

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Tax changes on higher super balances

05:31 Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) explained

10:44 Payday super update

13:40 The importance of staying informed about super

16:40 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #shanehancock #superannuation

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In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Vanessa Walker, managing editor of Money Magazine, delves into the topic of franking credits with Matthew Gibbs, the author of 'Frankly Speaking' in Money Magazine's October issue.

Matthew explains the concept of franking credits, how they work, and their implications for shareholders in Australia. He discusses the benefits and potential downsides, highlighting the impact of corporate tax rates and providing examples to illustrate these points.

#friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #matthewgibbs #frankingcredits

00:20 Understanding Franking Credits

00:54 Detailed Explanation of Franking Credits

03:56 Tax Implications for Shareholders

07:37 Examples and Calculations

11:52 Potential Changes in Corporate Tax Rates

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One of the great uncertainties in retirement is how long your savings will need to last. So, could annuities provide an answer? 

On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Aaron Minney, head of retirement income research at Challenger, to unpack everything annuities.

00:00 Introduction

00:50 What are annuities?

01:33 Understanding how annuities work

04:40 Annuities vs account-based pensions

06:32 Pros and cons of annuities

09:02 Which retirees could annuities suit?

13:23 Sequencing risk and annuities

16:42 Perceptions and awareness

20:20 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #aaronminney #annuities

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