Friends With Money

By Money Magazine

We all have questions about money; how to earn it, how to spend it, and the best ways to invest so we can watch it grow.

The Friends With Money podcast, created by Money Magazine (Australia’s longest... more

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The podcast currently has 298 episodes available.

Best of Friends With Money

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: The ETF investing playbook
In August 2001, Australia’s first ETFs were launched. Today, more than two million Australians own them. So what can investors learn from 25 years of ETF investing? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Jonathan Shead, head of investments, Australia, at State Street Investment Management, to discuss the evolution of ETFs and the investing behaviours that matter most. 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Biggest lesson from 25 years of ETFs 03:07 How investors should approach ETFs as investments 04:35 The evolution of diversification over time 06:20 Can you own too many ETFs? 07:37 Which ETFs have been most popular with investors? 09:35 Lessons from the GFC and COVID downturns 11:37 ETF liquidity during market crises 13:47 The future: Active ETFs and tokenisation 15:36 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #jonathanshead #etfs #investingPodcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai
August 25, 202617min
Number 2: How to invest for maximum profit
💰 How can investors maximise returns after Australia's biggest tax shake-up in decades? ❓ Question: With major tax reforms set to begin from July 1, 2027, what investment strategies could help Australians grow wealth more effectively while navigating the end of the 50% capital gains tax discount and changes to negative gearing? ✅ Answer: According to Nicola Field, one of Australia's most significant tax reforms in recent years will reshape the way investors think about property, shares, ETFs and wealth-building. While some traditional strategies may become less attractive, investors still have opportunities to maximise after-tax returns by focusing on income-producing assets, ETFs, investment bonds and superannuation. The key is understanding how the new rules change the tax treatment of different investments and preparing well before the reforms take effect. 💡 The government had two key goals in mind. The reforms aim to improve housing affordability by reducing investor competition for established homes while also ensuring higher-wealth Australians contribute more tax. According to Nicola Field, policymakers were responding to the growing dominance of investors in the housing market and concerns that wealthy Australians derive much of their income from more lightly taxed sources such as capital gains, trusts and dividends. 💡 Investment property rules are changing significantly. From July 2027, investors purchasing established properties will no longer receive the benefits of negative gearing. Capital gains on investment assets will also move away from the long-standing 50% CGT discount, with gains instead indexed for inflation and subject to a minimum tax rate of 30%. New-build investment properties will continue to enjoy more favourable tax treatment. 💡 Income-focused investments could become more attractive. Assets that generate regular income rather than relying heavily on capital growth may gain popularity under the new rules. Nicola highlights private credit funds, income-focused ETFs and high-dividend shares such as Telstra and Transurban as examples that may appeal to investors seeking tax-efficient returns. 💡 Investment bonds are enjoying a resurgence. Often overlooked, investment bonds offer a compelling proposition under the new regime. Earnings are taxed at a maximum of 30% within the bond structure, and withdrawals can be tax-free after 10 years, making them particularly attractive for long-term investors and families planning for future generations. 💡 ETFs may become even more popular. Beyond diversification and low costs, ETFs can offer administrative and tax advantages. Because index-tracking ETFs make relatively few portfolio changes, they typically generate fewer capital gains events. They can also simplify record-keeping, making future tax calculations much easier than managing large portfolios of individual shares. ⚠️ Investors should not wait until 2027 to act. Nicola Field suggests reviewing loss-making investments ahead of the new rules. Capital losses realised before July 2027 may be more valuable because future losses will not receive the benefit of inflation indexation. Investors holding pre-CGT assets acquired before 1985 may also want to consider their options before gains become taxable under the new framework. 👥 Different generations may need different strategies. • Gen Z: The First Home Super Saver Scheme remains a powerful tool, combining tax savings with the potential for stronger returns than traditional savings accounts. • Millennials: ETFs continue to offer diversification, simplicity and tax efficiency while balancing the financial demands of mortgages and young families. • Gen X: With retirement becoming more visible on the horizon, superannuation grows increasingly attractive. Investment bonds may also suit those wanting to build wealth for children. • Baby Boomers: Superannuation remains a standout option, while investment bonds can provide a tax-effective way to invest for grandchildren. 🏦 Superannuation remains the standout winner. Despite all the tax reforms, super continues to offer compelling advantages through concessional tax treatment, tax deductions on contributions and long-term wealth accumulation benefits. The trade-off, of course, is accessibility, as funds remain locked away until preservation age. For many Australians, however, it remains one of the most effective wealth-building tools available. 💡 Why it matters: The federal government's tax reforms will fundamentally change how Australians invest from July 2027. Strategies that have been staples for decades, including negative gearing and the 50% capital gains tax discount, will no longer deliver the same benefits. Investors who understand the changes early can take advantage of emerging opportunities in ETFs, investment bonds, income-producing assets and superannuation. The challenge now is not just growing wealth, but maximising what you keep after tax. 🎙️ Sources: Nicola Field, finance writer Vanessa Walker, managing editor, Money magazine and host, Friends With Money podcast ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the government is reforming Australia's tax system 01:07 – Helping first-home buyers and taxing wealth more fairly 02:28 – Key tax changes that have passed 03:45 – What the reforms mean for shares, ETFs and managed funds 04:12 – Income investments that may benefit under the new rules 05:00 – Why investment bonds are back in focus 05:34 – Are ETFs more tax-effective than individual shares? 07:09 – What investors should do before July 2027 08:43 – Investment strategies for Gen Z 09:29 – Why ETFs suit millennials 09:57 – Opportunities for Gen X investors 10:38 – The best options for baby boomers 10:53 – Is superannuation still Australia's best investment? 12:01 – Money magazine's guide to investing for maximum profitPodcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai
August 18, 202613min
Number 3: Are term deposits back?
With interest rates near their highest levels in years, many savers will be taking a fresh look at term deposits. But are they the right home for your cash? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Olivia McArdle, head of deposits and payments at Macquarie Bank, to unpack everything savers need to know about term deposits. 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Term deposits versus savings accounts 04:10 Are higher rates making term deposits more attractive? 05:50 How banks determine term deposit rates 08:15 Common mistakes savers make with term deposits 10:50 Can you access your money early? 13:10 Term deposits and the Financial Claims Scheme 14:20 Conclusion Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai
September 01, 202616min
Number 4: Is an SMSF right for you?
Self-managed super funds now hold more than $1 trillion in assets, yet many Australians still aren't sure how they work or whether they could be an option worth considering. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Marisa Broome, certified financial planner and principal of wealthadvice.com.au, to explain the mechanics, benefits and risks of self-managed super funds (SMSFs). 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What an SMSF is and how it differs from retail and industry funds 03:25 Why fees and asset allocation matter 05:00 Why people choose SMSFs 06:20 Who SMSFs are best suited to (and who should avoid them) 08:45 How much money you should have before starting an SMSF 10:00 The practical steps involved in setting up a fund 15:00 Why investors should do their homework before setting up an SMSF 16:15 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #marisabroome #super #smsf Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pKl3ai
August 04, 202618min
Number 5: Is rentvesting dead?
Live where you want, buy where you can – that’s been the idea behind rentvesting. But are policy tweaks and market swings changing the equation? On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Arjun Paliwal, founder and chief executive of InvestorKit, to discuss the latest rentvesting developments. 00:00 Introduction 02:43 Who is rentvesting used by? 04:15 The tax changes impacting rentvesting 06:02 Is rentvesting still worth it? 06:27 Sydney case study and numbers 12:04 The rentvesting decision checklist 15:34 How investors should adapt to policy changes 19:49 Final lessons for long-term investors 22:05 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #arjunpaliwal #property #rentvesting Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR
July 21, 202624min