The Money Cafe with Kirby and Kohler

The Federal Budget will be a landmark moment for investors if it all goes through parliament as planned. Investors need to know what happened but also... what might happen next. Liam Shorte of Sonas Wealth joins Associate Editor James Kirby, in this episode In today's show, we cover: CGT changes and your share portfolio A surprise boost for gold investors The new attraction of the family home Negotiables? Budget measures that may be up for review See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors are trying to piece together the cumulative effect of the bad news in the Budget.How much will the combined CGT changes and negative gearing clampdown hit returns? For the everyday investor with the average established investment property the expected internal rate of return is set to plunge from 11 per cent to 8.4 per cent. Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Office group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: How to tackle the tax challenge for property investors Warning... Get your property revalued How come so few investors negatively gear new properties? New tax games emerge with exemptions from the new rules See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Budget has introduced the biggest tax changes seen in decades: Every investor in Australia will be affected by the measures. Here's what you need to know...and what to do. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The Capital Gains Tax changes: How negative gearing works from here Goodbye to the good old days for family trusts Self Managed Super Funds - If you don't have one, think again... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian investors have fully embraced Exchange Traded Funds. Now, as the gap between managed funds and index funds narrows, investors want to know what's next on the menu? Daniel Shrimski, CEO of Vanguard Australia joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The changing shape of ETFs Industry leaders warn on CGT changes Vanguard's ISA plan for Australia The ETF dilemma - Selling a stock that's done too well See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment property and high-dividend-paying shares are about to get a tax hit in the Budget: So, it's the perfect time to look wider for the active investor. Jack Tossol of the Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The persistence of private equity How 'growth' shares get hit with planned CGT changes Are start-ups really disadvantaged in the tax system? How to find the purchase price of very old shares See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rate hikes are just not the same anymore: Once upon a time, they hit the mortgage belt, that fictionalised housing strip in the outer suburbs populated by young families. Today the RBA’s weapon of choice lands heavily instead on older Australians. What does it mean for the property investor? Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at Ray White Group, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Investing with rising rates The case against two more rate hikes Why banks are offering longer-lasting mortgages Will negative gearing be effectively restricted to new houses? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iran crisis oil shock is creating winners and losers in the sharemarket, but it may not be playing out as you expect. Yes QANTAS is hit, but diesel-guzzlers BHP and Rio re big winners. How's that? And why is Wall Street streaking ahead of the ASX once more even though both markets are facing the same energy issues? Business columnist Eric Johnson joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: New realities of the sharemarket after an oil price spike The AI boom resumes...where are the Aussie players? Firmus - The biggest IPO from a company you've never heard about If EVs are now red hot...is lithium about to boom again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once you get on top of the basics, then investing should get a lot easier. But the hidden factors that make a difference between winning and losing inside the investment market - including the property market - often have more to do with bias. Rasti Vaibhav of the Get RARE property group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's episode, we cover: The six signs you're a biased investor The specific issues where bias hits the property investor How lessons from the sharemarket transfer to property CGT - If the reforms are only for residential property, what about A-REITs? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private credit boom is having a shake-out: But not before many Australian investors - and big super funds - placed a lot of money into what has been, until very recently, a boom business. What's on the line and where is the exposure? Andy Darroch of Independent Financial Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The problems plaguing private credit How local wealth managers and big funds are linked with the crisis Liquidity - If you did not know what it meant, you will now How to assess private credit as an asset class from here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upside of higher interest rates is that you might get more on your money in the bank. But it turns out that anyone who uses a 'bonus' account (which is where the banks offer the best rates) must satisfy the terms and conditions each month.And guess what? More than 40 per cent of savers in this category don't meet their T&Cs each month - that means they don't get the rate rise. With rates rising it’s time to get across the numbers. In today's show, we cover: Sally Tindall, data insights director at Canstar joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The best cash and borrowing rates in the market How the other half gets short-changed - with bonus rates Should you ever use a bank you never heard of? The NDIS...is there a way out of the mess for the government? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've only got a few months to go before the end of the financial year: It's time to plan your tax returns...and yes, this year - with soaring transport costs and changing super caps - it will be different. 'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: Don't miss the chance to claim your soaring transport costs How to optimise your work from home deductions The excellent deal available to anyone leasing an electric car Why superannuation is not the only deduction for the salaried investor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was not supposed to happen this year: Vacancy rates were meant to rise in 2026 and income was expected to flatten…not at all. Property investors are suddenly grappling with a reshaped market where forecasts have been turned upside down. Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today’s episode, we cover: As you were! The upset trend of the year for property investors The downgrades keep coming for house prices CGT looks set to increase Will a two-property negative gearing limit hurt? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMAs are booming inside the financial advice sector: But if they are so terrific, then why is regulator ASIC asking so many probing questions around fees and conflicts of interest?Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover... The good, bad and potentially ugly side of the SMA boom Will SMSFs get a fair deal in the new Compo scheme of last resort Reward points and super funds- a marriage made in the marketing department Why are financial advice fees not coming down if AI cuts costs? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can’t have a run of interest rate hikes and expect property to shoot out the lights. The chances are we are going to see a price slowdown in the major cities later this year…especially at the top end. But a string of factors point to serious resilience at the other end of the market. Independent housing analyst, Eliza Owen, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today’s show, we cover: The key factors keeping demand strongest at the entry level How the 5% home deposit scheme skewed house prices A new CGT discount rate of 33% is now the most likely Budget change The problem with ‘grandfathering’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are investors doing in reaction to the shocking turn in markets during the first three months of 2026? One of the first moves is a distinct retreat from Wall Street back to the ASX, as investors seek mining and energy stocks along with blue chips that can deliver reliable dividends. It's early days but we are also seeing a pick-up in defensive investments such as infrastructure and a little less enthusiasm for gold. David Bassanese, chief economist at ETF provider Betashares, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The surprise swing back to the ASX Where to invest now? The continuing case for gold (despite a bad run) CGT - To grandfather or not to grandfather? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to get advice from today's guest, Ben James of Escala Partners, you need to have at least $5m in your investment portfolio. In other words, his clients are strictly from the top end of town. So what have his clients been doing since the Iran crisis broke in February, and what is he telling them to do next? Ben James, CEO of Escala Partners, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The inflation shock to markets and what you must do next? Liquidity beyond cash for the everyday investor The next hot spots for active investors Are dividends vulnerable in the months ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buyer's agents armed with rubber-stamp qualifications are herding investors into overpriced regional hot spots just in time for a looming wave of rate rises...it's an accident waiting to happen. Veronica Morgan from Good Deeds Property Advisors joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover A warning for investors buying outside their home markets The off-the-shelf buyer's agent qualification you should know about Crunch looms for first home buyers on the 5% home deposit scheme Why property owners may sell up prior to CGT Budget change See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the super-rich have in common? The everyday investor might never be a dealmaker, but they can learn a lot from the discipline, focus and confidence common to the cohort on this year's Rich 250 list. John Stensholt, Rich 250 Editor joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The common traits among the Rich 250 Who's who on the list and why they make the cut How the share market AI v Software battle reshapes the list Couple-power...the underrated factor in building wealth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash rates are now more than 4 per cent and your mortgage is around 6 per cent: What's more, it looks very much like the hiking cycle is far from over, so should you fix at these levels? Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: To fix or not to fix...the dilemma bites Surprise good news for older cash hoarders SMSF property lending cleared for take off How much insurance do you really need? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFL star Chris Judd has become a fund manager specialising in 'small cap' stocks: No surprise, he's got some clear views on the share market and what investors should be doing as higher interest rates loom. Chris Judd of the Cerutty Macro Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode .In today's show, we cover: The share market according to Chris Judd How Judd's Cerutty Macro Fund finds stocks The stocks he is concentrating on in 2026 A once-in-blue-moon Money Puzzle footy tip! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Rentvesting' is increasingly popular where wannabe home owners move first to buy a rental property and later to use their accumulated equity to buy 'a forever family home.' But putting some of your capital into the sharemarket, rather than the property market may be much more lucrative...and even better if CGT tax is raised in the near future. Author Jacqui Clarke, Your Personal CFO joins associate editor, James Kirby on this podcast episode. In today's show, we cover: Rentvesting - It takes longer than you think CGT changes - How they will impact house prices, according to CBA Fixed rate mortage break costs - The bank that is not charging at all Medicare Levy Surcharge...watch out for this trap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are very early days in the Iran war and the impact on share markets is far from clear. But already we can see there is upward pressure on interest rates around the world, there is also a clear risk of an inflation spike due to oil supply. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Why the Iran war will push rates higher The bull market for global shares is now under serious pressure How AI is especially vulnerable to increased energy prices Private credit is a flash point in a volatile market See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though 80,000 investors own more than two negatively geared properties, the reaction to news that the government is planning to ‘cap’ the tax break has been low-key. Perhaps that’s because losing money on an investment property should not be the first aim of an investor. Jarrod McCabe of the Wakelin Advisory Group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today’s show, we cover: How will a negative gearing cap affect the market? Finding value where first-home buyers have reached their limits Can Adelaide hang on to its promotion as a top investor location? Defence site sales loom across the nation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyday investors have been heavily sold private credit funds as an alternative investment and now the reality of this opaque, often illiquid market is starting to bite. Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Problems with private credit spook investors Have commissions for financial advisers returned? Why government bonds are back The best way to buy a US market ETF See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we looking the wrong way? As property investors fret over likely lifts in Capital Gains Tax, the bigger issue for long term investors is interest rates: Despite the industry-wide assumption that we are in a new rate hike cycle, it is looking increasingly likely that rates are not going to go through the roof, in fact some already believe we should be thinking about lower rates in the near future. Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group and Melbourne Business School joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The CGT scare - How will if affect you How share investing may have a tax advantage over property soon* Interest rate hiking cycle...maybe not? Is super recontributing a form of money laundering? asks a listener See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More investors are coming to realise that inherited super is taxed at 17 per cent, but the government has stirred a hornet's nest in adding a de facto death tax into the new super tax legislation. What to do? Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Inheritance tax changes : What you need to know Understanding your super caps for the year ahead How the kids raise your Medicare Levy Surcharge Dealing with overseas shares and ETFs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the very core of wealth building is the dilemma of setting up your super or making sure you own a home; The long-term returns on both investment choices are broadly similar, but the tax system is hugely in favour of the home-owner. So what to do? James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The in-built bias against renters in the tax system If you already contribute 12% to super by law- should you add more? The lesser-known bias against renters in pensions and super Optimising the tax system to your life-stage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are moving higher again as the RBA renews its battle with inflation: It's time to think seriously about inflation-proofing your investments, and that means a lot more than buying some gold. Chris Brycki of the Stockspot group joins Associate Editor - James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The full menu for inflation-proofing your investments Big super funds don't have gold, but should you? Why Japan is back on the radar for sharemarket investors Dangers of market timing your superannuation choices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'You can't get into the property investment market for less than $1m' is something you may hear regularly...but is it true? High-profile investor Nathan Birch says not only can you get into the market for $300,000 or less, but you can do it without negative gearing. Nathan Birch of the B Invested group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Buying cheap - how to get started in property Why entry-level property is the hot spot Property types that fit the bill Locations across Australia still offering good value See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you are with a big super fund - or run your own SMSF - the outstanding risk for your long-term return is whether your portfolio is appropriate for your age? The chances are that you are being too conservative because you are going to live a lot longer than you realise. Anna Shelley, chief investment officer at AMP joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Are you taking enough risk? The end of traditional age-based rules for investors A new era of inflation could shrink your spending power Getting to know the 'bucket strategy' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold prices jumped dramatically last year and then soared through the $US5,000 milestone last month: Now the price is suddenly heading south as profit takers push the price down closer to $US4,660. Some listeners may have missed the gold rally, our guest today - a specialist gold mining stock picker - says this might be a time to reconsider. David Franklyn of the Argonaut Gold Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Gold prices drop as rally stalls...how to play the pullback? Why gold miners are set to boom in the next phase of the gold rally Managed funds versus ETFs for gold investors Top gold stocks to consider now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sharemarket is surging and we are trading like it's late 2007, which makes it a very good time to review how your portfolio would fare if things turn sour.It's also time to catch up on new changes in super. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: Cash, annuities and hybrids Stings in the new super tax bill US investments and Australian tax Should I transfer my UK pension back to Australia? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are planning to put more money in the property market this year, be warned the risks of tax changes are now clearly on the table: Top of the agenda is a wind back in Capital Gain Tax concessions. Peter Esho of Flexdoc joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The biggest tax risk for property investors this year How Victoria's Airbnb tax has backfired Property's role as a 'hard asset' in a time of currency debasement Our 'listener questions' segment returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many years can a bull market last? What will it take to dampen investor sentiment in the year ahead, and what should you, the active investor, be doing? Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor-Wealth, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The risks and opportunity in the 2026 listed markets How to defend against the looming risk of inflation Gold - do you have it, how much should you have ? Fading into rallies - the art of taking profits at the right time See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property prices are tipped to rise by 5 per cent in 2026 : But where will investors really make their money?In our property investment outlook show for the year ahead, we identify the property sector that is ready to rebound...and we pinpoint the best location too. Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Higher rates and tighter lending - the risks this year The property sector which is ready to rebound Why the bottom end of the market is the hottest patch Adelaide running out of puff, Melbourne due it's day in the sun See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX can return 10 per cent again in 2026...or maybe even more, says star stockpicker Jun Bei Liu...but what to buy? In this second part of our 2026 investment outlook, she outlines very clearly the red-hot sectors offering the top stock picks and also the parts of the market to avoid. Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: How miners will make you money in the year ahead Banks, REITs and retailers could let you down Can CSL return to its glory days? Liu's stand out stock to consider...and one to avoid See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks like the sharemarket will once again be the place to make money in 2026, especially on Wall Street. But it's not going to be a smooth ride: In the first weeks of the year, the US has unleashed a wave of foreign interventions - and President Trump has subpoenaed Fed Reserve chair Jay Powell - triggering alarm bells on Wall Street. Marc Jocum, investment strategist at GlobalX ETFs joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover The outlook for investment markets in 2025 Forecasts for the ASX in the year ahead Key predictions for Wall Street The improved prospects in wider global markets See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Money Puzzle, The Australian’s Wealth Editor, Julie-anne Sprague, unpacks what it takes to be a great investor with one of the nation's top stockpickers, Jun Bei Liu. How did Liu learn to invest? What did she learn when things went wrong and what's her advice for everyday investors wanting to build their wealth?Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap joins Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague in this episode. Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in December 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it wasn’t said by a top financial adviser, you might dismiss it as a quote out of context, but Partners Wealth Group Jack Tossol is not kidding: He says a generation that has ‘sunk everything’ into the family home will miss the chance to have a successful tax-deductible investment plan. It’s a provocative notion, challenging die-hard principles of money management, but with house prices moving higher again...you have to listen. Financial adviser Jack Tossol of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today’s show, we cover No tax deduction, no income…Is home ownership overrated? Why ‘Rentvesting’ is worth revisiting Are you facing decades of ‘dead money' in your home mortgage? Challenging the ‘retirement sweet spot’ Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in August 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the FIRE movement and how did it get started? It's not a club or a cult: It doesn't have a headquarters, rather it's a set of investment principles: And it just might be a breakthrough for you in the year ahead. Lionel Lee joins James Kirby in the episode. --------In today's show, we cover: The key principles of FIRE Getting the best from what the movement has to offer A case study that spans a lifetime The realities of 'firing up' Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in December 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't love a good movie? Power, romance, ambition, betrayal...actually, that sounds more like a classic 'money movie'. In this special holiday show, The Australian's film critic Stephen Romei, guides us through the best movies about money. Stephen Romei, The Australian's film critic joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this special episode. In today's edition, we cover: Money movies - Do they tell us anything useful? Margot Robbie's double act - How she features in two all-time greats 'The Bank' - Australia's unique contribution to money movies Movies you never thought were about money (but tell you more than Wall Street) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment markets are sliding in the final days of the year with the ASX 200 looking like it will manage just 8 per cent in total returns: Even Wall Street has softened in the final quarter of the calendar year bringing home about 16 per cent. What a year for the active investor! How was it for you? James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Global markets pull us up The ASX - Large caps bad, small caps good Winners and losers in a volatile year Gold V Bitcoin - No further questions your honour! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.