Money Mechanics with Scott Malcolm

Not every money decision looks smart on a spreadsheet, but that doesn’t always mean it was a mistake.

 

In this episode we unpack the so-called “dumb” money decisions people make (Scott included) and why some of them are still worth it. From spending on experiences, taking career risks, helping family, buying convenience or choosing joy over optimisation, we explore the difference between careless spending and conscious spending.

 

This is a lighter, honest conversation about money choices, hindsight, values and the lessons that come from decisions we probably wouldn’t reverse, even if they weren’t perfectly rational.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year Budget night brings big headlines, hot takes and a whole lot of confusion. In this episode of the Money Mechanics Podcast, Scott Malcolm CFP® and Ara Jansen unpack the 2026–27 Federal Budget and translate it into real‑world implications for everyday Australians.

We break down the key tax changes in plain English – from income tax cuts and the new “no‑receipts” work deduction, to the Working Australians Tax Offset and what it actually means when an offset is “non‑refundable”. We then move into the big structural shifts: capital gains tax reform, tighter rules on negative gearing, the new 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts, and what all of this could mean for investors, business owners and family groups.

Scott and Ara also explore the superannuation side of the Budget, including payday super, Division 296 for balances over 3 million, and why some people are suddenly asking if they should move property into an SMSF. Through real‑life style scenarios, they show how these changes might land for a typical family with a home, one investment property and plans for a family trust – and why rushing to restructure purely for tax reasons can backfire.

If you’ve felt overwhelmed, anxious or tempted to make a big move after hearing this year’s Budget coverage, this conversation is for you. No spin, no panic – just clear guidance on what’s changing, who needs to pay attention, and how to use the next couple of years to make calm, intentional decisions.

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Receiving an inheritance can bring up a mix of emotions, decisions and responsibilities. In this episode of Money Mechanics, Scott and Ara unpack what to think about if money, property or other assets come your way, from pausing before making big decisions to understanding tax, super, debt, investing and family considerations.

 

We also look at the other side of the conversation: how to plan your own giving well. Whether you want to support loved ones, leave a legacy, reduce future stress for your family or make sure your wishes are clearly understood, this episode explores how thoughtful planning can help money move with purpose.

 

A practical conversation about inheritance, estate planning conversations, financial choices and using money in a way that reflects your values.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing a super fund can feel simple on the surface, until you start comparing fees, performance, insurance, investment options and member services.

 

In this episode we unpack how super comparison tools work, what they can help you see, and where they can fall short. We look at the difference between comparing a fund on headline performance and understanding whether it actually suits your life outcomes, risk profile, time frame, insurance needs and retirement strategy.

 

We also explore “free” super comparison offers. What are they comparing? Who is behind the offer? What information do they need from you? And when does a free comparison become a lead-in to advice, product switching or a sales conversation?

 

A practical guide to using super comparison tools with curiosity, caution and context, so you can ask better questions before making changes to one of your biggest long-term assets.

 

Resources:

https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-super-works/choosing-a-super-fund

https://www.ato.gov.au/single-page-applications/yoursuper-comparison-tool

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 1 July 2026, super is getting a shake‑up—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the detail and sometime the complexity of the language.

In this episode, we walk through key questions covering Payday Super, Division 296 tax, and indexation of the contribution caps and total super balances.

We’ll help you sense‑check whether your current super strategy still lines up with your long‑term goals— because awareness today can make a big difference for future you!

Have you checked your super lately?

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, thousands of Australians hit the same financial crossroads:

Should I put extra money into super? Pay down debt? Or start investing?

In this episode, Scott and Ara unpack the emotional tug‑of‑war behind each choice — the security of reducing debt, the satisfaction of future‑you decisions through super, and the excitement (and sometimes anxiety) that comes with investing. We break down the biggest misconceptions, explore why the “maths” doesn’t always match how we feel, and share a practical framework to help you balance all three without overwhelm.

Plus, we answer a listener’s question:

“Which of these choices officially counts as ‘being an adult’?”

And we finish with a mindfulness moment to help you reconnect with clarity, confidence, and your own lived experience of making good decisions.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is hitting households hard — but what’s actually behind it, and what can you actually control?

In this episode, we break down how global events (including rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions) flow into fuel costs, supermarket prices, and everyday expenses. Scott and Ara explore how interest rates affect far more than mortgages, what’s pushing up the cost of living, and the steps anyone can take right now to strengthen their financial position.

We’ll unpack:

• The spending habits that change most during inflationary periods
• What rising rates really mean for households
• Three practical actions you can take today — no matter what the RBA does next
• How to separate what’s in your control from what isn’t

Plus, we tackle a listener question

“Why do I think I’m saving money buying things on sale that I never planned to buy?”

And Scott closes with a grounding mindfulness moment to help you stay centred in uncertain times.

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Money Mechanics Podcast is back for 2026! Scott Malcolm and Ara Jensen jump straight into one of the hottest topics in the media right now: Capital Gains Tax. After a year off-air, they’re breaking down what CGT really is, why everyone’s suddenly talking about it, and how the rumoured changes in the upcoming 2026 Federal Budget could affect you.

 

From discounts and holding periods to property, shares, cyrpto, super, and long-term wealth strategy, Scott and Ara separate fact from noise so you don’t get swept up in the hype. They’ll unpack what’s being floated, what it could mean for everyday people, and—most importantly—whether you should be doing anything now.

 

If you own an investment property, are thinking about selling, or just want the jargon translated into practical guidance, this episode gives you the clarity to move through 2026 with confidence—not panic.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Snoop Dogg to Sting and prize scones to long distance swimmers and now Scott Malcolm!   Ara Jansen has met, interviewed or written about the famous and the rest during her extensive career as a freelance writer and rock journalist. Words, deep blues, swimming pools, books, music and good conversation with interesting people make her deeply happy.

Today we are discussing investment and our money framework.  What to be thinking about making decisions on Investment, making extra super contributions and or debt repayments.

Resources:

https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest

https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest/choose-your-investments

https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income/retirement-planner

 

Connect with Ara here:

Website: www.arajansen.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ara-jansen-8075163/

Podcast:  Totally Sucked In! https://www.instagram.com/totallysuckedin/

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabe Trew is the young founder of the iconic retail destination, POP Canberra, which he established at the age of 25. Under his leadership, POP Canberra has become a beloved retail and community hub, supporting over 300 individual small and micro businesses. POP Canberra has the largest selection of all local goods in one store, anywhere in the Country. Each year POP Canberra injects millions of dollars into the local community - with expansion set for national growth. Gabe is also the creative force and founder behind Thirsty Skincare, an all-natural handmade skincare company that supplies 200 Australian retail shops. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Gabe is deeply immersed in the music industry as a Foley artist and producer, with a portfolio spanning over 150 film and TV projects. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys gardening (with a particular love of citrus trees) and playing music.

 

Connect with Gabe here:

Website: http://www.popcanberra.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-trew-b7773b282?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcanberra?igsh=MTg0enFiMXlrcXJnbw==

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.