Friends With Money

The 2024-25 financial year is almost over, which means tax time is just around the corner. So what can taxpayers do to prepare?

On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Mark Chapman, director of tax communications at H&R Block, to discuss key tax dates, contributions, deductions, documents and more.

00:00 Introduction

00:28 Key dates for the 2025 tax season

03:08 The taxpayers under ATO scrutiny

05:39 Last-minute deductions and contributions

10:41 Preparing for the new financial year

12:15 Upcoming tax changes and final thoughts

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #markchapman #tax

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In this bonus episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar talks with Janine Young, Ombudsman at Energy and Water Ombudsman New South Wales, about effective strategies to manage and reduce winter energy bills.

The discussion includes insights on recent energy price hikes, understanding market contracts, and tips for finding the best energy deals. 

01:43 Understanding energy price increases 

04:18 Tips to save on your energy bill 

06:19 Affordability programs and final tips 

07:30 Conclusion and contact information

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #janineyoung #energycosts

Story link: https://www.moneymag.com.au/how-to-get-your-energy-bills-ready-for-winter

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Feeling stuck in your career and wondering if you should be earning more?

Are there steps you can take today to boost your future prospects?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar chats with employment expert and author Roxanne Calder about how you can improve your salary and career opportunities.

• How to earn an extra million dollars
• Salary tips in your 20s, 30s and 40s
• Steps to a better career and salary
• Dig deep and apply yourself

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #roxannecalder #gendergap

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On this episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, we delve into how the family home can play a critical role in retirement planning for older Australians

Money's Vanessa Walker chats with Telstra Super's Rebecca Cheevers and Sophie McRae about downsizing contributions, the impact of selling your home on pension entitlements, and strategies for couples where one partner is still working.

They also explore the benefits and drawbacks of reverse mortgages and the Home Equity Access Scheme for retirees.

00:15 Exploring the role of the family home in retirement

01:00 Downsizing and super contributions

03:34 Impact on age pension and financial strategies

05:54 Home equity access schemes and reverse mortgages

07:56 Using the family home for aged care

#friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #rebeccacheevers #sophiemcrae #familyhome

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*Proudly brought to you by Telstra Super

Disclaimer:

Rebecca Cheevers and Sophie McRae are financial advisers with Telstra Super Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 74 097 777 725 AFS Licence No. 218705. TelstraSuper Financial Planning provides financial advice service to members of TelstraSuper ABN 85 502 108 833. Telstra Super Pty Ltd ABN 86 007 422 522 is the trustee of TelstraSuper and wholly owns TelstraSuper Financial Planning. Advice that Rebecca or Sophie gives is of a general nature and does not take into account the particular circumstances or needs of any specific person and because of that, you should consider your own circumstances before acting on any advice . Additionally, the scenarios discussed are based on the relevant superannuation rates and thresholds for 2024/25 and may change in future years. If you are considering acquiring a financial product from TelstraSuper you should read the relevant product disclosure statement and target market determination before making a decision which are available at www.telstrasuper.com.au. The financial services guide for TelstraSuper Financial Planning is available at www.telstrasuper.com.au

Market jitters got you worried?

Tune into the Friends With Money podcast as Money's Michelle Baltazar and Money magazine founder Paul Clitheroe unpack recession-proof investing strategies.

Discover how to safeguard your savings and investments, the power of diversification, and why a cool head can be your best asset.

Paul also shares his expert perspective on historical market cycles and actionable tips for weathering economic storms.

00:20 Recession proof investing: can we protect our savings?

00:41 Market volatility and historical perspectives

02:57 The importance of common sense in investing

05:51 Global population growth and economic demand

07:42 Recession proof strategies and personal experiences

14:17 Final thoughts and practical advice

Link: https://www.worldometers.info/

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #paulclitheroe #recession

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So you’re retired, what now?

In this episode of the Friends with Money podcast, Money’s Michelle Baltazar is joined by Adam Nettheim, chief customer officer at Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). They discuss the transition from traditional retirement planning to a more holistic approach, integrating both digital and human elements, early retirement coaching, and understanding the continuum of retirement.

They also explore the importance of financial and emotional preparedness, the role of super funds as retirement partners, and practical advice for current and future retirees.

00:56 Exploring global retirement trends

03:18 Retirement planning for Australians

06:21 Becoming a retirement partner

11:54 Practical tips for a successful retirement

Links: worldometers.info

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #adamnettheim #retirement

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*Proudly brought to you by Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC)

The current stock market is turbulent – what's the smartest way to safeguard your investments?

In this week's episode of the Friends With Money Podcast, Money Magazine's Michelle Baltazar chats with Juliana Rajkovic, investment advisor at Escala Partners, about managing investment portfolios during these uncertain times.

They explore the market shocks sparked by U.S. tariffs, the crucial practice of stress-testing and rebalancing, and strategies for incorporating defensive assets such as fixed income and gold. They also delve into how economic changes are influencing various asset classes, including global and Australian shares, property, and private debt.

00:00 Friends with Money podcast open

00:20 Meet Juliana Rajkovic, investment advisor at Escala Partners

01:23 Market uncertainty and volatility

02:15 Recession forecasts and portfolio rebalancing

06:37 Defensive assets and fixed income

09:37 Exploring private debt and credit strategies

11:04 Australian equities and property investments

14:47 Currency considerations and final advice

17:45 Recap and closing remarks

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #julianarajkovic #stockmarket

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On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, we tackle the confusing world of superannuation fees. 

Money's Michelle Baltazar talks with Daniel Shrimski from Vanguard Australia about how a lack of transparency and awareness around these fees can hurt people’s retirement savings.

Shrimski shares practical tips and provides an example on how to potentially save $1,500 each year on fund fees.

00:00 Introduction

00:20 Understanding superannuation fees

00:58 Guest introduction: Daniel Shrimski

01:53 Vanguard Australia's role in superannuation

02:06 The fund with 50 million investors

03:08 The six types of super fees

06:57 Reading your superannuation statement

09:00 Pushing for transparency

11:51 Are you overpaying?

14:00 The average super fund fee

15:31 Conclusion and final thoughts

#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #danielshrimski #supersavings

Links:

YourSuper Comparison Tool

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*Proudly brought to you by Vanguard Australia

Many will appreciate the importance of retirement planning, but getting started can feel daunting. Fortunately, technology is helping to change the game.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Jeremy Lack, financial adviser with TelstraSuper Financial Planning, to chat about the emerging digital tools assisting superannuation members with retirement planning. They discuss:

• The types of digital super tools already out there
• Which super members can benefit from using them
• Navigating investment options and risk
• Working out how long super will last in retirement
• How digital tools fit in with traditional financial advice

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #jeremylack #superannuation

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*This episode is proudly brought to you by Telstra Super.

Jeremy Lack is a financial adviser with Telstra Super Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 74 097 777 725 AFS Licence No. 218705. TelstraSuper Financial Planning provides financial advice service to members of TelstraSuper ABN 85 502 108 833. Telstra Super Pty Ltd ABN 86 007 422 522 is the trustee of TelstraSuper and wholly owns TelstraSuper Financial Planning. Advice that Jeremy gives is of a general nature and does not take into account the particular circumstances or needs of any specific person and because of that, you should consider your own circumstances before acting on any advice . If you are considering acquiring a financial product from TelstraSuper you should read the relevant product disclosure statement and target market determination before making a decision which are available at www.telstrasuper.com.au. The financial services guide for TelstraSuper Financial Planning is available at www.telstrasuper.com.au

Cryptocurrency has piqued the interest of many Australians in recent years. So for those looking to access the likes of Bitcoin, is there any advantage to using ETFs over buying directly?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Marc Jocum, senior investment strategist at Global X ETFs, to dig into cryptocurrency exchange traded funds and what they are all about. They discuss:  

• Crypto ETFs versus buying directly
• The crypto assets available through ETFs
• How crypto ETFs actually work
• The recent performance of cryptocurrency
• What the future could hold for crypto ETFs

friendswithmoney #tomwatson #marcjocum #cryptocurrency #ETFs

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