Key Takeaways:

• Generosity's Broader Impact: Giving is not just about finances; it encompasses time, effort, and resources, enriching both giver and receiver.

• Cultural Reluctance: There is often stigma associated with asking for help, particularly financially, which can prevent people from seeking support.

• Financial and Spiritual Interplay: Act of giving aligns with core biblical teachings, fostering spiritual growth and community connection.

• Return on Intent: The benefits of giving lie in its intentions and the unexpected blessings that come, not just in financial returns.

• Reflective Practice: Embrace giving as a way to learn about humility, connection, and the shared human experience.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think it has to encompass everything... People don't just give their money; they give their time, their resources, their energy." - Pete Burrows

2. "It is more blessed to give than to receive. That almost suggests that you should expect there to be Blessing coming back." - Ben McEachen

3. "It's okay to hope also means you can ask for help." - Pete Burrows

4. "True givings and true blessings often are long and could be potentially costly and painful." - Pete Burrows

5. "ROI - Return on intent, not return on investment. That is a very neat summary of this." - Ben McEachen

 

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

Wow. Turns out you might have lost treasure (ie, money) and you didn't know. Good thing "Pirate" Pete Burrows and first mate Ben McEachen are here to help you find your forgotten funds. 

Key Takeaways:

• Individuals often lose track of finances due to outdated personal information and inattention to accounts such as superannuation, resulting in billions of unclaimed dollars.

• The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) provides tools like MoneySmart.gov.au to assist in reclaiming lost financial assets.

• Proactive life admin, including regular updates to personal details and account management, is crucial in preventing misplaced finances.

• Government initiatives and resources exist to help reunite lost funds with their rightful owners, benefiting both the individuals and the economy as a whole.

• Financial management isn’t passive; individuals must actively engage with and maintain awareness of their financial situations.

Notable Quotes:

1. "No one's going to be your PA! You have to do your life admin." - Pete Burrows

2. "The government does want to reunite us with our money." - Pete Burrows

3. "Where was the last place you put it? Go back there." - Pete Burrows

4. "Have I gone through every super account I've ever had?" - Ben McEachen

5. "It's easier to find a place for something you have rather than search for something you've lost." - Pete Burrows

 

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

Joining us again is financial planner Hamish Ferguson, founder and director of Vison Newcastle. Hamish and Money's chief accountant Pete Burrows are often approached for financial assistance that the other profession provides. Given how popular and prominent accountants and financial planners are, Pete and Hamish set the record straight in this episode. They discuss similarities between accountants and financial planners, the main differences, and the benefit to you when you decide who you need.  

Previous Ep featuring Hamish - What is a Good Financial Planner?

Key Takeaways:

• The intersection between financial planners and accountants involves overlapping functions but distinct responsibilities which require specialised expertise.

• Ethical considerations, such as risk-return balance and truthful tax deductions, are crucial in both financial planning and accounting.

• Times of increased financial anxiety, such as during COVID pandemic, highlight the need for professional financial guidance.

• Clients often benefit when accountants and financial planners collaborate, leading to more effective long-term financial strategies.

• Retirement planning questions are common, emphasising the need for clear understanding and planning decades earlier.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The relationship between a good planner and accountant [is] one plus one can equal three." - Pete Burrows

2. "Everyone wants the return, but nobody wants the risk." - Hamish Ferguson

3. "Managing that whole risk-return relationship is very important." - Hamish Ferguson

4. "Don't be afraid to engage a professional but understand why you need them and how far they can help you." - Peter Burrows

Resources:

• Vision Property & Finance: Vision Property & Finance

• Money Smart Website: Money Smart Website

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode.

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.

Ben and Pete dive into the world of financial toolkits, discussing essential elements including budgeting and building a supportive team of financial advisors. They explore how your toolkit can evolve with life stages and personal preferences, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between tools and toys in financial planning. 

Key Takeaways:

• A financial toolkit is personalised and should evolve as one progresses through different life stages.

• Budgeting is foundational—understanding and managing expenses is crucial for financial stability.

• Building a supportive network of financial professionals and informed individuals can vastly improve financial decision-making.

• The difference between tools and toys in financial management is key to optimising your strategy.

• Integrating biblical principles and wisdom can guide financial choices, aligning them with broader life goals.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Financial toolkit is more than just a sound bite. It's your little grab bag. It's your little go-to of how to get things done." - Pete Burrows

2. "A budget should be ground zero. It's the thing you have to have in the toolkit." - Pete Burrows

3. "The application of biblical wisdom can shape how you view money and incorporate it into your financial toolkit." - Ben McEachen

4. "Know the difference between a tool and a toy when you're looking at your finances." - Pete Burrows

Helpful resource

Cost of Living Hub – NSW Government

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

What a question. Pete and Ben know how we all can wrestle with trusting God. When it comes to what we need and ask for, how much should we expect? Using our finances as an example of God's provision, Ben and Pete turn to the Bible, personal experiences and observed outcomes to examine the pointy end of reliance, faith and resources.

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

You are going to want to take notes. Pete provides plenty of ways to cut costs – by letting us know what we should be auditing every year (or more often).

Key Takeaways:

• Annual financial checkups are essential for effective money management and should involve reviewing all expenses and bills.

• Proactively asking for better prices or researching provider alternatives can lead to significant savings without sacrificing quality.

• Understanding the importance of balancing time versus potential financial savings is crucial for effective personal finance management.

• Creating a “financial toolkit” can help structure the processes needed to make informed financial decisions regularly.

• Complacency can harm financial health; staying informed and active in challenging existing costs regularly is beneficial.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You can't correct it if you don't check it."

2. "If you care about where your money goes and what you're spending on, you should check your bills at least annually."

3. "A bit like going to the doctor, you're hopefully healthy and eating healthy [...] once a year you might go to the doctor and say, how am I really doing?"

4. "I've never seen anybody go, 'You know what, just for hanging around here's a discount.' You don't get anything without asking."

5. "You need to look at the bills, not just pay them."

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

Ever been on hold with a call centre about a financial issue that you didn't create? When you finally get through, did things get better – or worse? Our special guest, influencer Jordana Brown ("That British Girl"), had a stressful situation with Centrelink that went viral. She tells Pete and Ben about trying to navigate bureaucracy, standing up for what's right and how faith and kindness improve terrible exchanges.  

Jordana Brown is an influential social media personality known as "That British Girl" on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Before becoming an influencer, Jordana worked extensively in the production field, spending over 15 years behind the camera in a major UK church. Jordana currently hosts the Morning Wake-up Show on Salt1065 on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

Key Takeaways:

• Jordana Brown's Journey: Discover how Jordana moved from behind the scenes in production to becoming a prominent influencer and radio host.
• Navigating Bureaucracy: Learn about Jordana's challenging experience with Centrelink, highlighting the importance of perseverance and clarity in dealing with life admin.
• The Role of Empathy: Maintaining politeness and empathy – even in frustrating circumstances – can lead to resolution and change.
• Faith in Adversity: Explore how Jordana's Christian faith provided comfort and guidance during extensive struggles with public services.
• Financial Awareness: Gain insights into overcoming emotional spending and the benefits of seeking professional financial advice.

Notable Quotes:

• "I became an accidental influencer. I've always worked behind the camera and just started randomly creating videos."
• "The one thing I'll have to say as an influencer—the amount of trolling I get – [but] I try to remember they are human as well."
• "The older I get, the more I think I'm empathetic."
• "From the responses from the video, it was kindness. So, yes, my takeaway is: Be kind."

Resources:

• That British Girl on Instagram: @thejordanagrace

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

Why do we pay tax? Should we? How much? The Bible instructs about tax? Welcome to the Tax Episode you have been waiting for and it's finally arrived. Applause.

Key Takeaways:

• Taxes are the financial backbone which support essential government services such as schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

• The Australian tax system is progressive – higher-income earners pay proportionally more. This allocation of resources from those who can afford to contribute more can be viewed as a fair system.

• Optimising tax payments through eligible deductions and exemptions is encouraged.

• The distinction between high earners and rich individuals is crucial, particularly in discussions about tax equity and avoidance.

• From a Christian perspective, paying taxes is viewed as a civic duty aligned with scriptural teachings which emphasise honesty and respect for governing authorities.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Taxes are the price we need to pay to live in the kind of world that we want." - Pete Burrows

2. "A fair amount is what's correct... calculated within the laws." - Pete Burrows

3. "I think tax is a privilege." - Pete Burrows

4. "The Bible strongly indicates that paying taxes is necessary, 'giving to Caesar what is Caesar's'." - Ben McEachen

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

We know. You can't hardly wait for Season 6. It will drop in November 2024! Before that, listen to this awesome episode from Season 1! To keep helping us to get the most out of our Christmas budget, Pete and Ben offered a tonne of top tips. Listen in again or for the first time to this early Christmas gift that keeps on giving.

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.

Click here for the 'Smarter with Money' handout that you can use to help your household 

Just like you and me, we've got burning questions to ask Pete so we could be one step closer to making sense out of the everyday money matters. We've cherry picked 10 questions (with one BONUS) for you. Press play now to hear Pete's "Smarter with Money" Q&A sesh.

Join the Money: Faith and Finance Group on Facebook here!

We love your questions. Contact the Money: Faith and Finance team and we will aim to get back to you in a future episode. 

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.