

The Money Puzzle
The Australian
Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle.
Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets.
Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth.
Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au.
Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets.
Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth.
Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2025 • 31min
Do I really need that much? The problem with superannuation calculators
ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland is the top cop for consumers in the investment markets - and he wants you to know that those superannuation calculators that suggest you need very large amounts of money to retire can be unreliable.In Kirkland's view, those calculations often tend to be too high.Sure, aspire to having as much as you can in super - but don't believe all you read... especially if it's compiled by someone who gets paid for getting your money on the books. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: What you need to know about superannuation calculators The First Guardian Super Fiasco - can we stop it happening again? A fresh warning on the private credit boom Moneysmart updates its offering See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 25, 2025 • 29min
The Olympic-sized property opportunity
Anyone who remembers the powerful escalation in prices for the Sydney 2000 games does not need to be convinced that Brisbane is going to be a very good opportunity in the run-up to the 2032 games. So what's the catch? Today we look at the recent history and challenges of the nation's third biggest residential market... Sam Price, buyer's advocate with Templeton Property joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Brisbane - Where are the bargains? Why you will need a flood map in the Sunshine State Property 'finfluencers' force Macquarie Bank clampdown Negative gearing reforms - this idea may have legs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 20, 2025 • 29min
Special Edition - Australia's Top Financial Adviser tells all
Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group has just taken the top spot in this year's Barron's Top 150 Advisers List. He offers a unique perspective on what you need to know about advice, and how to deal with an investment market that is clearly at the top of the cycle. Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: What you should expect from a top financial adviser How to prepare for a sharemarket downturn Sequential risk - The biggest financial threat to the pre-retiree Taking profits off the table See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 2025 • 27min
Lending limits return as a risk in a red-hot residential market
It had to happen, just as the residential property market is rebounding, there are concerns that regulators may 'remove the punchbowl.' NAB has revived talk of rules that would limit investor lending. Meanwhile, the tax office is threatening to deny tax deductions on holiday homes unless investors make their properties available at peak times such as Christmas. Anissa Cavallo of the Eda Property Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: 'Rentvestors' are riding the upsurge in residential prices Big banks raise the possibility that lending limits could be back on the agenda The ATO's 'Big Brother' threat on holiday homes New ideas on negative gearing and See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 13, 2025 • 29min
Private equity - Are you getting the crumbs from the table?
The avalanche of unlisted private funds aimed at retail investors is at full tilt. It's been a seriously profitable activity for endowment funds: So why have they been getting out of late? It's time to take a hard look at a boom that's raising a lot of questions. Andy Darroch of Independent Wealth Advice joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby In today's show, we cover: Why are you being sold private equity funds anyway? Disturbing trends in the unlisted market Big Super does unlisted better - can you ever rival it? Clarifying some key issues around the new super tax See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 2025 • 25min
Nowhere to move: The hidden driver of rising house prices
We tend to discuss the nation's rental crisis in terms of the difficulties faced by young renters: But a one per cent vacancy rate also means anybody selling a home will find it difficult to rent in between selling and buying.This relatively new dynamic in the market also explains why it's Australia's hottest markets such as Brisbane and Perth where there is the least number of homes for sale.No wonder investors are returning to the property market. Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins James Kirby - Associate Editor, Wealth in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hidden factor that keeps pushing home prices higher Standby for a lengthy interest rate freeze The damage caused by a universal first home deposit scheme Why the 'Millionaire next door' still has a message for all investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 6, 2025 • 26min
'Expense Creep': The silent killer of investment dreams
Most active investors are pretty good at making money: After all, if they were no good at it, then they would leave the work to someone else. But what about holding onto it? Does your investment success convert to long-term accumulation? Author Jacqui Clarke joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hidden cost of 'expense creep' to your life plans Translating the principles of good management to investment choices Asset-rich and cash-poor - It doesn't have to be this way Cash ETF are worth a look See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 26min
Why house prices will keep going higher... even without further rate cuts
This week, Max Shifman, CEO of Intrapac Property Group, dives into the housing market dynamics redefining property prices. He emphasizes that the core issue isn't interest rates but a significant supply shortage. Max explains why the ambitious national housing targets are unlikely to be met and discusses the challenges of apartment construction costs. The conversation highlights the future of investment in one-bedroom units, the impact of transport infrastructure on market prices, and how ongoing tight rental markets will persist amid population growth.

Oct 30, 2025 • 31min
The Critical Minerals boom - how to play it?
Australian investors are perfectly placed to profit from the critical minerals boom.In fact, fortunes have already been made and lost on the market.Now the game enters a new phase as both the Australian and US agree to bankroll the sector. Where to start? Josh Chiat, mining correspondent with Stockhead joins Assoicate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Critical minerals - what you need to know? Are you ready to ride the roller-coaster Key stocks in the sector The ETF route into critical minerals See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28, 2025 • 29min
Time to think about fixing rates?
It's hard to believe that during the Covid crisis, nearly half of all mortgages were being 'fixed' - today the level is less than 5 per cent. With economists calling the end of the cutting cycle for the RBA, early movers could gain a serious competitive advantage if they fix their borrowing costs in the months ahead. Sally Tindall, data insights director at Canstar joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Back from the dead: Fixed rates return to centre stage Why we may already be looking at the bottom for bank mortgage rates 'Split mortgages'- a bet both ways? The outlook for deposit rates See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


