

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

Jul 10, 2025 • 33min
Two things you must do as the $US drops
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.

Jul 8, 2025 • 26min
Here comes the property rebound
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.

Jul 3, 2025 • 33min
Too good to be true? A closer look at the 10% return on the ASX
Is it really this easy? You buy a share market index fund and it goes up by 10 per cent every year.....Hmm...Well, actually, the ASX 200 index is comprised of 50 per cent banks and miners: When they rise together, an index fund will fly high. But if the going gets tough, your share portfolio will not be as diversified as you may think. What's more, major problems are forming in the market where enormous amounts of money are pouring into stocks often because ETF algorithms are blindly following market momentum...how will it end? Adviser Jack Tossol from the Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover... The hidden dangers of index funds Polluting the pond - New wave ETFs reintroduce risk Ethically oblivious passive investing Sophisticated investor rules should be scrapped See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 1, 2025 • 38min
New financial year - Get ready to reset your portfolio
It's the first week of the new financial year: Time to reset your portfolio for the year ahead. Hot share markets, patchy property prices and new rules for super: You need to get up to speed but more than that, you need to stick with your investment principles. Author Noel Whittaker joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: Property - Challenging the positive outlook After double-digit returns for shares, prepare for the Black Swan Yes, Super rules are changing, but be careful, don't overreact! Crypto - This sceptic remains...ahem, very sceptical See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 31min
Why AMP bought crypto (with Shane Oliver)
Our recent show on crypto, which was openly sceptical about Bitcoin, triggered a storm of response from listeners who believe Bitcoin is a very worthy asset.Today, we hear another point of view: AMP recently invested $27m in Bitcoin and that decision has returned around 40 per cent in profits. In today's show, we cover... The bull case for Bitcoin from a mainstream investor Must you understand something to invest in it? The widening 'use case' for crypto FY 2025 investment wrap - too good to be true? Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP joins Associate Editor- Wealth, James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 2025 • 26min
A surprise pocket of property opportunity
The residential property market is about to be split into very clear segments thanks to a wave of generous home loan incentives. For investors, there is a clear opportunity here: Competition will be slim and values will improve in the market categories just above the incentive thresholds. In fact, the government has usefully provided a guide to how and where the opportunities will arise. Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins Associate Editor, Wealth James Kirby. In today's episode, we cover: * The new opportunity for investors in a distorted market * Queensland takes the prize for loan incentives with a 2% deposit scheme* The bad news for those waiting for the apartment gap to narrow * Capital Gains and Land tax tipped as new tax targets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 19, 2025 • 34min
A billion reasons to reconsider crypto
One in three Australian investors now have crypto, and that includes an estimated $1 billion inside the SMSF sector alone.Bitcoin is up more than 40 per cent over the last year...it's time to reconsider 'digital gold'. Author and family office director Jacqui Clarke joins Associate Editor-Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ---------In today''s show, we cover Why has crypto jumped again? The big end of town gets involved How it still fails the 'intrinsic value' test Beyond betting...the post-Trump scenario See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 17, 2025 • 32min
The Secret to Buying Your House
Buyer's advocates spend their entire time professionally working on the business of buying residential property: As our guest today suggests: "It's both a science and an art." In fact, the secret is that you can make compromises to get what you want.But those compromises can be quite different for the home buyer compared to the residential investor. Jarrod McCabe of Wakelin Property Advisory joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ---- In today's episode, we cover: The compromises you can make in buying propertyThe mistakes to avoid in having a property managed for youMaking the big jump to owning more than one propertyHow does the First Home Buyer Guarantee scheme work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 11, 2025 • 20min
The number 1 secret to selling your house
McGrath’s Tony O’Doherty is one OF Australia’s top real estate agents: He has sold more than $270m worth of residential property over the last year…and he’s got some very useful information to impart, one secret in particular will fascinate you. Tony O’Doherty of the McGrath property group in Bulimba joins Associate Editor -Wealth, James Kirby in this edition. ------ In today’s show, we cover: * The biggest risk facing today’s property investors * Hottest areas for long-term property investment * Queensland - Why it’s so popular right now * Oh yes, the secret..well, you’ll just have to listen… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 2025 • 31min
Trumped or stumped…your sharemarket dilemma
The second term of Donald Trump has been marked by a roller coaster global sharemarket: Even the biggest players among Australian industry funds are openly debating whether it's worth sticking with Wall Street. But you have to make a decision... Nick Griffin, chief investment officer at Munro Partners joins Associate Editor Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ---- In today's show, we cover: * It's the earnings, stupid! - Trump or no Trump * Why global software giants will keep winning * The case against banks, airlines and consumer fashion stocks * AI -It's the real deal for long-term investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.