Money: Faith & Finance

Is taking out insurance a sin, or just wise? Hope Mornings host Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows tackle the questions they couldn’t get to on their recent livestream. Is retirement Biblical? What should someone renting do with a $150,000 inheritance a year out from retirement? Should a Sydneysider buy regional now or wait? Plus, join Ben and Pete live on Thursday 3 December for a Christmas special. You’ll hear why housing comes before investing, and why a windfall shouldn’t be spent on day one.

 

Key Takeaways:

* Insurance Isn't Distrust: Taking out insurance can be part of how God provides when something goes wrong, rather than a sign of weak faith.

* Cover Protects Others Too: Insurance isn't only about you, because policies like car cover and CTP protect other people when accidents happen.

* You Never Retire From Serving: Paid work may stop, but volunteering, cooking a meal or minding the grandkids are still acts of service.

* Plan Retirement Years Ahead: Thinking five to ten years out about what you'll do, and who you'll do it with, shapes the retirement you end up with.

* Housing Comes First: Before a windfall is invested, it helps to know where you'll live and what it costs, because rent can swallow a retirement income.

* Regional Property Still Carries Risk: Buying in the regions before you move can lock in a price, but higher yields often come with higher vacancy risk and questions about services.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Every year you don't die or something doesn't flood or there's no fire insurance seems like a waste of money." — Pete Burrows
2. "The insurance might be there as part of God's provision for looking after you once that accident or whatever occurs." — Ben McEachen
3. "You definitely don't retire from loving God." — Ben McEachen
4. "The people that are in your circle generally influence your behaviour and how your retirement ends up." — Pete Burrows
5. "You can't live inside your ETF." — Pete Burrows

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Should Christians sell everything and give it all away? Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows dig into Acts chapter 2, where the early church shared everything, and admit how tempting it is to wiggle out of it. They weigh it against Paul's blunt call to work, and Ben opens up about the generosity fund in his own family budget. You'll hear why generosity takes practice, why your skills and time count too, and the small first step anyone can take.

Key Takeaways:

• Different Times, Same Challenge: Acts 2 describes a very different world, but its challenge to hold our possessions loosely still applies today.
• Work Fuels Generosity: Nothing in the passage suggests the early believers gave everything away and stopped working, and 2 Thessalonians makes work part of the picture.
• Hold Your Stuff Lightly: A house, super or a job can feel like security, but any of them could go.
• Give More Than Money: Hospitality, practical skills and time are gifts too, and they're meant to be shared.
• Generosity Takes Practice: The world pushes us towards holding on, so giving freely has to be learned on purpose.
• Start Small, Heart First: Generosity begins with attitude rather than amount, so start with something you can do now.

Notable Quotes:

1. "If you're not sharing the gift, is it really a gift?" — Pete Burrows
2. "I'm not trying to wiggle out of it, but I really sound like I am." — Ben McEachen
3. "We're looking for all these external things to give us security when in fact they could all go." — Pete Burrows
4. "Is there still money in that generosity fund? Because I don't think I've actually been that generous." — Ben McEachen
5. "It's not necessarily what's in your wallet, but it's what's in your heart." — Pete Burrows

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Do you still need an accountant now that AI can answer almost anything? Ben McEachen puts that question to Pete Burrows, an accountant with Lower Russell Farr in Penrith. Pete's quick answer: AI is okay, but sometimes you need actual intelligence. He shares when a simple tax return is fine to do yourself, the red flags of a dodgy accountant, and why a phone call before a big purchase beats fixing a costly mistake. Plus, a client who went all in on crypto, and a super tip many couples miss.

 

Key Takeaways

• Actual Intelligence Over Artificial: AI can process your numbers, but an accountant interprets them and helps you act on them.
• Complexity Is the Trigger: Simple PAYG returns may not need an accountant. Investments, capital gains, negative gearing, a new business or an SMSF usually do.
• Ask Before You Act: A quick call or email costs far less than fixing a big financial mistake after the fact.
• Honesty Is Non-Negotiable: A good accountant won't help you hide income or stretch deductions. One who will is a red flag.
• Welcome the Pushback: Much of the value in advice comes from someone testing your ideas and naming the risks before you commit.
• Conversations Uncover Opportunities: Face-to-face discussions surface tax and super strategies, such as spouse contributions, that you may not think to ask about.

Notable Quotes

1. "Artificial intelligence is okay. I think occasionally you will need actual intelligence." — Pete Burrows
2. "A phone call to us is cheaper than a big bad mistake that you're going to make if you don't." — Pete Burrows
3. "Doesn't always mean they're going to like the answer, but you need to work with the truth." — Pete Burrows
4. "If I went to an accountant and they were supportive of my dodginess, I should really, at that point be walking out the door." — Ben McEachen
5. "The advice you gave at the time was right for the time. But circumstances and life is dynamic and does change." — Pete Burrows

 

 

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Card surcharges disappear on 1 October 2026. Tap for a $100 purchase, pay $100. Simple enough, until you ask the question accountant Pete Burrows keeps coming back to: the business still has to pay to process that card, so who ends up wearing the cost? Ben McEachen and Pete sort out what's actually changing on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa, what isn't, and what to watch for at the till.

Key Takeaways:

• From October 1st, Australia will implement a ban on surcharges for payments made with Eftpos, MasterCard, and Visa cards.
• The policy aims to enhance price transparency, allowing consumers to see the full cost of their purchases at the point of sale without additional surcharges.
• Businesses must decide how to handle transaction costs moving forward, possibly through pricing adjustments.
• Surcharges for services like Amex, UnionPay, and PayPal will also be removed, expanding the global shift toward reduced transaction costs.
• The episode highlights the need for consumers and businesses to stay informed about these regulatory changes and their broader financial impact.

Notable Quotes:

• "Technically, that fee is meant to go towards helping the business, but the reality is that business still has costs." - Pete Burrows
• "They’re trying to say, look, it's transparency. When you go and pay for something, that’s the full price." - Ben McEachen
• "Depending on the size of the business too, they may have different costs." - Pete Burrows
• "Most people are using plastic. Really, the question is why should that cost me more every time?" - Pete Burrows
• "Amex has traditionally been one of the higher cost cards…that’s a big win." - Ben McEachen

Resources

The RBA's weblink on removal of credit card surcharges here: RBA

https://www.cardsurcharge.com.au/

 

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Should you be able to access your super before retirement? One Nation says yes, and its own modelling puts the figure at $44 a week. Accountant Pete Burrows and Ben McEachen weigh that against what it costs later: around $25,000 forgone, a one-time window you can never use twice, and billions of dollars flowing into an already stretched housing market. Ben argues we're adults who can be trusted with our own money. Pete has watched clients treat early super access like an ATM. Two fair cases, and one answer.

Key Takeaways

• Super is already accessible, but only just. Compassionate grounds, serious illness or six months on Centrelink. The proposal's real change is widening that gate, not creating access where none existed.
• The trade is $44 a week now against roughly $25,000 later. Pete's test is the practical one: before you touch super, is there a pay rise, a tax refund or a cost saving that gets you to the same place?
• The discipline is the product. Super works partly because you cannot get at it. Take the money out and it is spent. Leave it and it compounds for twenty or thirty years.
• Covid is the precedent nobody planned for. Two financial years of early access, and by Pete's account a minority used it well while many treated it as an ATM.
• Putting super into housing may not help housing. Billions moving out of retirement savings and into rent and mortgages could push prices up for everyone, including the people the policy is meant to help.
• It is a one-shot, and the design has gaps. Three years, once in a working life. It does not appear to be means tested, and the tax treatment could favour people who least need it.

Notable Quotes

1. "Only in exceptional circumstances should you be accessing your super before retirement." — Pete Burrows
2. "My question would be, is the $44 a week worth it now versus what you could lose?" — Pete Burrows
3. "It was like an ATM. They wanted it. At the moment, that's what the ATM stood for. I want the money now." — Pete Burrows
4. "The one nation proposal is also indicating that we're adults and we can make decisions about our own money." — Ben McEachen
5. "If you didn't really need it, has it just poured more fuel on the housing fire by throwing more money at housing?" — Pete Burrows
6. "You take out three grand, five grand from your super today, that money's spent and gone." — Pete Burrows

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

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Key Takeaways:

• The equity market provides expansive coverage of the economy, emphasizing transparency and ease of entry.
• Start investing early, even with small amounts, to gain experience and benefit from long-term growth.
• A Chief Investment Officer curates suitable investment strategies, even for those with limited funds.
• Diversify investments, considering options like government bonds, ETFs, and private credit for stable returns.
• Balance fiscal goals with faith-driven generosity, acknowledging that wealth should advance personal and communal well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• "The equity market is probably the best place to invest your money for two reasons. One, there is no other market out there that encompasses the entire economy better." – Joe Youssef
• "Hold your money lightly because you can't take it with you. Coffins don't have pockets." – Pete Burrows
• "Invest in is good and invest for good." – Joe Youssef
• "If you have a good advisor, particularly one with a strong Christian moral compass, that helps not just with education and professionalism but also with discipline." – Joe Youssef
• "It's the time in life where you can afford to make a mistake and you will come back from it." – Pete Burrows

 

Resources:

• Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO
• Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr
• Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice

 

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways:

• Investing is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their income level; the focus should remain on strategic allocation and balanced risk management.
• Ethical considerations can significantly shape investment strategies, with options like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds aligning well with Christian values.
• Debt should be managed carefully – while not inherently wrong, it should be taken on responsibly, ensuring it does not lead to financial enslavement.
• True financial growth aligns with the principles of stewardship found in Christian teachings, emphasizing balance, generosity, and responsible management.
• Investing isn't solely about financial gain; channels such as education or charitable giving can offer alternative avenues for growth and contribution.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The risk is actually what you're investing in. It doesn't matter if you have $10,000 or multimillions." - Joe Youssef
2. "Investing is not gambling. It's actually very astute, to be honest with you." - Joe Youssef
3. "You need to be taking your time doing the work, paying other people to do the work." - Pete Burrows
4. "One of the best investments you could do is in yourself." - Pete Burrows
5. "Balance is crucial. The best advice often comes from those whose focus isn't solely on money." - Joe Youssef

Resources:

• Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO
• Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr
• Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice

 

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:

Joe Youssef is an experienced investment professional and the Chief Investment Officer of Vado Private. With more than 30 years’ experience across financial markets, investment management, and the not-for-profit sector, his career has included senior roles at AMP and Macquarie Bank, as well as serving as CEO of the Sydney Stock Exchange. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to discussions about finance, investment, and the relationship between financial stewardship and the Christian faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Investing is not only about financial gain but about aligning with quality assets and long-term growth strategies.
• A comprehensive understanding of financial instruments and investment vehicles is crucial for effective and ethical investing.
• Christians are encouraged to integrate their faith into financial decisions, ensuring investments align with core values.
• Financial literacy is indispensable, urging individuals to engage in self-education alongside professional advice.
• Ethical investments should consider the broader impact on society and personal beliefs, avoiding sectors that conflict with faith and values.

Notable Quotes:

• "Investing is Quality assets, long term perspective." – Joe Youssef
• "You can't con Jesus and you can't con yourself." – Joe Youssef
• "Coffins don't have pockets." – Common saying from Pete Burrows
• "Ignorance is no alibi." – Lenny M, highlighting the importance of financial literacy
• "God gives us the opportunity to make money to provide for our families, but to also use that in the service of others." – Joe Youssef

Resources:

• Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO
• Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr
• Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice

 

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook, Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investment.

Looking forward to you being part of the live Money: Faith and Finance fun at 7pm on Tuesday August 18, 2026. Get your questions and comments in early here.

Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.

Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook, Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investment.

Looking forward to you being part of the live Money: Faith and Finance fun. Get your questions and comments in early here.

Key Takeaways:

• Intergenerational Support: Families are encouraged to explore the potential of intergenerational support, which doesn't solely rely on financial help but also includes time, skills, and resources.
• Open Communication: Pete emphasizes the importance of early and open conversations among family members about financial and logistical help, breaking the paradigm of having these discussions as reactive rather than proactive.
• Cultural Shifts: There is a significant cultural element to support strategies, with differences between traditional Anglo-Australian mindsets and those of other cultures that embrace family collectivism more readily.
• Housing and Living Costs: Rising living costs are affecting the ability of younger generations to live independently, prompting a need for families to revisit living arrangements and financial aid strategies.
• Financial Planning: Pete highlights the necessity of integrating potential parental or grandparental help into long-term financial planning, ensuring realistic expectations and strategic resource allocation.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think if they can, it would be great." - Pete Burrows on whether parents should help their children financially.
• "Most families will need help when they're running a family because they may not be working." - Pete Burrows discussing the importance of support during family-building years.
• "It's expensive to move out, man. They don't want to move out." - Pete's take on the challenges young adults face in achieving independent living.
• "We have a heart where, of course, you want to help your kids." - Pete articulates the natural inclination of parents to support their children.
• "Don't limit what you think your ability to give is." - Pete urging not only monetary but varied forms of giving within families.

Resources: 

Jenna Price  (Nine News) - The Joys of Being a Grandparent

 

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.