Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the August 2025 ASX earnings season—a month packed with surprises as hundreds of listed companies revealed how they’re navigating higher rates, easing inflation, and shifting consumer behaviour.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or simply curious about how your Aussie stocks performed, this episode gives you the insights you need to understand not just the results—but what the market is really pricing in.

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🌐 For more on SWU Group, visit: simonwu.com.au

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down one of the sneakiest threats to a secure retirement—sequencing risk.

It’s not just about how much your portfolio earns over time, but when those returns happen that can make or break your retirement. From real-world examples of retirees who faced the Global Financial Crisis, to practical strategies like the bucket approach, flexible withdrawals, gradual retirement, and diversification, this episode gives you the tools to safeguard your nest egg.

Whether you’re planning for retirement soon or just want to understand how market timing affects your superannuation, this is a must-listen. Don’t leave your future to chance—learn how to beat sequencing risk before it beats you.

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Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Christopher Joye, Chief Investment Officer of Coolabah Capital, known for his sharp market insights and data-driven take on Australia’s housing sector and fixed income markets.

They dive into the RBA’s recent rate cuts and what they signal for homebuyers, investors, and property prices in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Chris breaks down how structural shifts—like the decline of the bank hybrid market—are reshaping income investing, and why old rules like “always hold bonds” may no longer hold up.

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Follow us for more expert takes and portfolio-ready strategies.

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In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the ultimate generational showdown: Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z. Who really had it tougher—those who faced 17% interest rates, those crushed by HECS and housing prices, or those navigating burnout and a broken gig economy?

It’s not about pointing fingers—it’s about understanding the structural forces that shaped our lives. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time we stop blaming each other and start fixing the system.

Liked this one? Share it with your family or that one uncle who still thinks avocado toast is the reason you don’t own a house.

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Welcome back to The Finance Garage.

In this episode, Jonathan is joined by John Stavleiotis, Portfolio Manager at Antipodes, to unpack what’s really happening in China—beyond the headlines—after both recently visited the country themselves.

Together, they challenge common investor assumptions and explore why slower economic growth doesn't necessarily mean weaker equity returns. John shares insights from his recent research trip through Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, where he observed a mix of resilience, innovation, and ongoing challenges. The discussion covers China’s deflationary pressures, the impact of falling property prices on consumer confidence, and how robotics, AI, and automation are reshaping the market landscape.

Whether you’re an investor or simply curious, this is the episode that helps you see China through a fresh lens. Tune in now and explore this nation where risk and opportunity go hand in hand with us!

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Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode of The Finance Garage, we tackle one of the most misunderstood parts of the Australian tax system: the difference between the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). You’ve likely seen both on your tax return and wondered—why am I paying two health-related taxes?

Jonathan helps you to break it all down—what each levy means, who has to pay them, how the income thresholds work, and most importantly, how you can legally avoid the surcharge by having the right type of private hospital insurance.

Whether you’re navigating tax time for the first time or reassessing your private health cover, this episode gives you the tools to make smarter decisions.

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Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by guest Matt Brown, CEO of Advice for Fortnum and PFS (part of the Entireti group). Together, they tackle the pressing issue of the financial advice gap in Australia.

Matt breaks down why only about 20% of Australians receive professional, personalized financial advice—even when the need is huge. They explore common misconceptions, such as the belief that financial advice is only for the ultra-wealthy or overly complex individuals, and discuss how the abundance of online information can never truly replace tailored guidance. The conversation dives into the allure of property investment in Australia, revealing how tangible assets are marketed as “safe” investments despite not being regulated as financial products. They also share real-life examples, including personal anecdotes and challenges, to illustrate how proactive financial planning can prevent costly mistakes and provide peace of mind.

Tune in now for an in-depth look at how understanding your own financial needs, risk tolerance, and long-term goals can empower you to make smarter decisions for both today and tomorrow!

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📊 Welcome back to The Finance Garage!

This week, Jonathan unpacked the Division 293 tax — that extra 15% superannuation tax that’s quietly catching more Australians off guard each year. While many assume it’s only for the ultra-wealthy, Jonathan explains why even regular professionals, business owners, or SMSF members can suddenly find themselves hit with this charge after a big financial year.

From contribution caps and fringe benefits to release authorities and SMSF reporting, Jonathan breaks down the mechanics, real-life examples, and the common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you're planning a salary sacrifice, selling an investment property, or simply trying to avoid a surprise tax bill, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about smarter super contributions.

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💡Welcome back to The Finance Garage!

This week, Jonathan is joined by Yehuda Gottlieb, Managing Director of Centuria Bass, to explore the ins and outs of Australia’s private credit landscape. With over 15 years in the space, Yehuda brings a wealth of insights into why developers turn to non-bank lending, what risks investors need to watch for, and how his team navigates rising costs, liquidity crunches, and builder defaults. From first mortgages to managing distressed deals, this episode dives deep into how private credit fills key gaps in Australia’s funding ecosystem.

Whether you’re an investor looking for high-yield alternatives or simply curious about how these behind-the-scenes deals work, this conversation will broaden your view of modern lending.

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Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Matt Brand, founder of CarSauce and a rising voice in the auto world, to break down the rise of Chinese EVs in Australia. From BYD to GWM, are these brands shaking up the market—or just misunderstood?

If you’re following the rise of Chinese EVs, global car manufacturing shifts, or just want to understand how pricing, innovation, and brand perception play into what ends up in your driveway—this episode is for you.

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