Making Money Easy

Interest rates has been hiked again. This episode we take a look at the unevenness of the Reserve Bank's main tool to curb high inflation. How are mortgage holders coping and why the RBA is pushing ahead with short term pain, for long term gain. We explain another way to tackle inflation that's NOT interest rates, explain why house prices are rising in the face of rising rates, and why a slowing economy is a good news story. Plus - learn something new: we explain unit labour costs. Who cares you say? Well it's directly linked to you as a worker or as a business owner and the RBA is WATCHING it. ANZ Senior Economist Felicity Emmett and Westpac Group Senior Economist Pat Bustamante join Gillian to explain.

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The monthly inflation figures are out. We pick apart the story behind the high prices, who's doing what and why my economists don't think inflation expectations are out of hand in Australia. Plus - revenge spending - what's that and why is it happening right now. We take a look at the impact of the latest economic data on the pending June Reserve Bank Board meeting - HINT - a risk of another rate rise is HIGH. And can you become more productive? The RBA Governor has been talking about wage rises and productivity, but the experts this episode aren't convinced it's an issue. Bank of Queensland Chief Economist Peter Munckton and AMP Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina join Gillian to explain

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Cost of living is front and centre right now so here's an episode to help you discover how to bust some bills. Have you noticed increases in your phone plan? How about home and car insurance premiums? Energy bills are an obvious one. We take you through the benefits of comparison websites, the pros and cons of bundling. and tips on how to work out if you're getting a bad deal. Plus, have you looked at what energy rebates you might qualify for? One state is paying its households $250 just for visiting its energy comparison site! OneBigSwitch Campaigner and Easy Money: 7 steps to Bust Your Bills  author Joel Gibson joins Gillian to explain.

Joel's Twitter

Joel's TikTok

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Victorian Energy Compare

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So the dust has settled since Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the May Budget. Making Money Easy thinks this is the best time for a bit of in-depth analysis of what's in it and its impact. This episode's economists explain what they like about it, where the Treasurer could have gone further and the impact of this economic plan on inflation. Plus - how did we get a surplus? Does it really matter? Is it a one-off? You won't find any winners and losers analysis here - instead the experts highlight danger zones and the role of this budget, in any future reform plans. EY Oceania Chief Economist Cherelle Murphy and Market Economics Managing Director Stephen Koukoulas join Gillian to explain.

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There's been a shock move - and it's not Gillian on the dancefloor. The Reserve Bank Board decided to lift rates at its May meeting despite many an economist forecasting a pause. So what's going on - this episode we explain the thinking from the RBA and the impact of the rate hike. Plus, the other big economic 'thing' on the horizon - the Federal Budget. What can we expect and what are economists looking for. Superannuation changes, welfare support and the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)* are among some of the measures under the spotlight. Manager Economics, Impact Economics Emma Grey and Barrenjoey Senior Economist Johnathan McMenamin join Gillian to explain.

*This episode was recorded, just ahead of the announcement by the Government confirming its changes to the PRRT.

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So there's been a slowing down in the rate of inflation but don't go celebrating in the streets just yet - the cost of living is still intense. This episode takes you through how consumers are still being impacted despite signs of improvement. From rents, electricity and medical services to those spending up big on domestic travel and accommodation - we explain the wealth inequality in parts of the Australian economy. Plus the May interest rate decision is pending - what's coming your way this month AND in August. And we've the latest ANZ research on the housing market that will leave you surprised, or actually - maybe it's just what you expect from property prices in this country. ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbrell joins Gillian to explain.

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A major shake-up is coming for the Reserve Bank of Australia after its first review in decades. The episode picks apart the 51 recommendations and explains how they impact YOU. When all the changes are rolled out - the RBA should be more transparent when it comes to decision making, have less meetings and even regular news conferences to explain what's what. We also answer the critical question - if there are less interest rate meetings, will your personal bank move on its own when it comes to rates? If you haven't read about what's coming - listen to Making Money Easy for a sprinkling of what you need to know, now. Head of strategy at InvestSMART and Mind Over Money author Evan Lucas joins Gillian to explain.

Here's the episode on Evan's book from Season 2: 'Mind Over Money'

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There are some key economies forecast to go into recession - what will be the impact on Australia. Unemployment remains near record lows - so that's a plus, for now. And women are participating in the workforce like never before. So what's the story with household income and its struggle to cover high inflation, as well as rising interest rates and taxes. Another thing is on the rise - the number of international students returning Down Under. What does this mean for the housing market? And on housing - we've got the latest ANZ Property Council report to go through. Plus - why my economists this episode are split on whether the Reserve Ban will raise or pause rates in May. ANZ Senior Economist Felicity Emmett and CommBank Economist Stephen Wu join Gillian to tell this economic story.

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So after 10 months of interest rates hikes - the Reserve Bank has decided to PAUSE. Find out the impact for the economy, consumers, renters and mortgage holders. One of our experts this episode worked at the RBA - find out why he thinks it's now suffering from 'confusion-driven paralysis'. Plus we reveal the economy crystal ball - did you know it's possible to see the future, find out where to look. And we examine the housing situation (shortages, prices, construction) in Australia. Hear why one of my experts thinks we're not building enough houses, building others in the wrong places and what's getting in the way. What can be done to help? The Centre for Independent Studies Chief Economist Peter Tulip, and Economy Editor, The Conversation and Crawford School of Public Policy Peter Martin join Gillian to explain.

Peter Tulip's housing paper

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If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My economists this week reveal why they're forecasting a pause. But keep listening to find out how long that pause will last. Job vacancies are also out and worth analysising. And we've got a rare 20 year snapshot from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Permanent Migration. It's really interesting reading/listening. We ask the big questions - what has it done for the economy, is the flow right, what's the impact on essential services (housing, health, roads) and how will it impact on inflation into the future. CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick and Westpac Group Senior Economist Jarek Kowcza join Gillian to discuss.

ABS Permanent Migration Release

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