The Money Puzzle

Inside the advice sector, they call it ‘the sweet spot’: The perfect amount of money to have in super that also guarantees you access to a government pension. With the majority of Australians accessing full or part-time pensions, it’s a big game and the rules have been clear for a long time. But those ‘pension access’ rules may soon be overhauled as the government launches a major tax review this month at the so-called ‘productivity summit. Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins Associate Editor - Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover... The retirement sweet spot for optimising pension access The retirement black spot - just missing out on a pension  Why the pension asset test may soon be tightened Dividend Reinvestment Plans - Not for everyone See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors have watched the Melbourne market sink for a decade. But the tide is turning, early investors are being rewarded as the latest numbers for Victoria show green shoots in the nation’s second biggest city. Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Green shoots for Melbourne as city prices lift  A long way to go, how Victoria did nothing for a decade Property tax - Victoria no worse than interstate rivals The townhouse opportunity in our major cities  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's special edition to mark the online launch of The Australian's 'Wealth Vertical', wealth editor Julie-anne Sprague joins James Kirby to talk about how an experienced financial journalist sets about investing. Wealth editor Julie-anne Sprague joins Associate Editor-Wealth in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Do the very rich tell us anything useful? Financial advice: Getting it is one thing, using it is another Taking risks when you know how often things go wrong  The way to start your wealth journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the story goes, you buy inside the 'zone' of a top public school and your property purchase can only be a winner. Well actually... the numbers don't really say that: In fact, as an investor you may do better somewhere else! Eliza Owen, head of research at Cotality Australia, joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.  In today's show, we cover: Are public school zones hot property or not?  School fees versus property price premiums Underquoting is back with a vengeance Downsizing into apartments  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The markets are overheating : Records are being made on the ASX while profits are actually falling. As we inch towards the most dangerous time of the year for the share market, you should be rebalancing your investment portfolio. Adviser and family office chair, Dr Doug Turek joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. -----In today's show, we cover: Rebalancing time - whether you like it or not The alternatives to shares...especially gold A very obvious way to avoid the new super tax  Could the AI boom throw up a new Enron?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 started slowly for house prices - and the absence of a second rate cut mid -year might have cooled sentiment - but economists are now upgrading their forecasts as prices move significantly higher.Bank of Queensland is now calling a 6 per cent price increase for houses across the nation this year and next year. Peter Monckton, chief economist at Bank of Queensland joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ----- In today's show, we cover:Property prices get upgraded...but it's only for houses Will apartments catch up this time? The cities set to rebound Why is negative gearing on shares shunned?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The extensive wealth of triple murderer Erin Patterson is almost certain to now be the subject of claims from the estates of her victims: The extraordinary story highlights some key changes in the world of wills and inheritance.  In today's show, we cover: Rich from inheritance, Erin Patterson now set to face money claims  The rapidly changing rules for wills and inheritance Why Wills left on iphones will become more common  What you need to know about inheriting super Lawyer and financial adviser Chris Hill of Inherit Australia joins Associate Editor Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If buying off the plan property is so long associated with later problems, why do investors ever do it?Today we take a look at the value proposal offered by off the plan property with its discounts, tax breaks and guarantees... In today's show, we cover... The best and worst of off the plan investments Who is offering the guarantee? Buying through Self-Managed Super funds A listener wants to construct their own index fund. James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it the end of the US markets as we once knew them? No way! But the US dollar is fading and that creates a major shift in global investment markets.For Australian investors it's time to hedge and it's also time to look at two key investments you may not have considered until now.    Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ----------------- In today's show, we cover: Gold...the outlook from here  Emerging Markets present an opportunity Are European shares really going to pay at last? Is there an inheritance tax on super or not?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rates are falling, demand is strong and rental vacancy levels remain at rock bottom: No wonder auction clearance rates across Australia are returning to normal. What happens next? It's looking like we are at the start of a rebound. Louis Christopher, managing director of the SQM Research Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth,  James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Why property experts believe a recovery in the property market is underway  Will Melbourne come to the party? Brisbane's Olympic run-up New super tax casts a cloud on SMSF property investment  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.