The Money Cafe with Kirby and Kohler

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.

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.

The focus might be on interest rates, but the outstanding driver for residential prices is the lack of supply: We already know home building is falling behind, but apartment numbers are also being held back because the numbers don't add up for developers.In today's show, a leading developer explains why he believes investors can bet the momentum in the market will be very hard to stop under current conditions. Max Shifman CEO of residential developer, Intrapac Property joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: It's not about interest rates, it's about supply The future of the one-bedroom investment apartment Should investors concentrate on transport hubs? What happens if rates start rising again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

The Treasurer has finally clarified how the revamped plans for the new super tax will work - including how Capital Gains Tax will work...it's a template for the future, make sure you are up to speed. James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Final cut on the new super tax Is the gold sell-off serious? Tax consequences of renting your home* If annuities are so good...where are the deals? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opening of a 30 km new line across the middle of Sydney should have been a bonanza for investors; But one year later prices inside the rail catchment area have lagged the wider city market.What happened - and what does it mean for investors betting on infrastructure projects across the nation? Tim Lawless, head of research at Cotality joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Why prices along Sydney's new rail line are trailing the market Too late to the party? Inside metro house price history Will Melbourne metro have the same story as Sydney? Brisbane's Olympic outlook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold price records are being smashed. Moreover, the volume of money being sunk into gold ETFs and gold miner shares is also reaching spectacular levels: But does that mean it's the top of the market? Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at nabtrade joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The arguments for a continued escalation in gold prices How Australians are buying their gold What the world's most influential forecasts are predicting Why gold miners can still blow it...even in a boom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors who have held property as the backbone of their retirement portfolios will be the first in line for the new taxes on super…especially at the top end. But what will the ‘final’ template for the new super tax mean for everyone else? Stuart Wemyss of ProSolution Private Clients joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode In today’s show, we cover: Ouch! Super tax on many properties will double Top-end turnover…40% wealth tax will drive sales in luxury property Doing your numbers afresh, super should still beat the alternatives Why this time around the Treasurer will get his tax plan through parliament See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people worry about whether they have enough money to have a comfortable retirement. Financial adviser James Wrigley has a framework to help people better plan and therefore enjoy the retirement they want. In this episode, James Wrigley joins The Australian's Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague to explain his top tips to knowing what you need to retire on and how to get there. Also on this episode: How to work out how much you need to retire on Strategies to build wealth into retirement How James Wrigley became big on social media Super contributions to maximise tax benefits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The major banks don’t usually offer big deals to first home buyers, usually because beggars can’t be choosers. But that's changing. There's big incentives on offer, including massive amounts of frequent flyer points and lower interest rates. So, can you snag a better deal even if you're not a first home buyer? The Australian's wealth reporter Anthony Keane joins Julie-anne Sprague, Wealth Editor at The Australian, to unpack the latest. Also in this episode, we detail how you can build an investment property without parting with a single cent. How much equity do you need in your home to be able to do this, what are the traps to be aware of and how can you maximise returns? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many parents and grandparents want to be able to help their children, and do so while they’re alive rather than leaving a large inheritance. But there are tax implications and gifting rules to be mindful of. In this episode, co-founder and head of financial advice at Leeuwin Wealth Jason Featherby sits down with The Australian’s Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague to explain the tips, tricks and traps to helping your adult children financially. In today’s show we cover: Tax implications by gifting property to family members How to know if you’re financially secure enough to help the kids Why you should never close out your mortgage And why it might not be a good idea to be a secondary credit card holder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House prices across most capital cities are expected to rise over the next 12 months. So how do you pick which is the best one to buy an investment property? How can you pick a stand-out market and what are the traps for investors when buying property in rising markets? Empower Wealth managing director and podcast co-host Ben Kingsley joins The Australian's Wealth Editor, Julie-anne Sprague. In today's show, we cover: The government's expanded First Home Buyer Scheme Is there a potential property bubble forming in parts of the market? What investors should prioritise when buying a property How to choose one suburb over another to maximise profits See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A generation of investors have used Self Managed Super Funds for property investment, but steadily the numbers have changed in this area with higher rates, higher upfront costs and a growing realisation it is not the deal it used to be. Financial adviser James O'Reilly from NorthEast Wealth joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: SMSF property - A sub-optimal performer Survivorship bias - Why SMSF property may lose in the future Would you be better in a standard super fund? The limits of compulsory super rules See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation’s second biggest city is climbing out of a decade-long period of severe property price underperformance - so where are the opportunities? Investors are scouring the inner-city, but our guest today takes a different tack - and as someone who runs a portfolio of 15 residential investments across the city…she should know! Anissa Cavallo of the Eda Property group joins Associate Editor- Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: Melbourne bargain town - where the crowds are not hunting Hospitals and schools - growing wealth in new town clusters Tax and over-supply - two risks in Victoria’s rebound Knowing when to call it quits on a dud investment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private credit, private debt...it's boom time out there for unlisted markets but how do you walk the fine line between shooting in the dark and making the best moves? Charlie Viola, is one of the best known advisers in Australia - he's got a method, it's worth hearing. Charlie Viola of Viola Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: An insider's guide to private markets Knowing the risk difference between private credit and equity The reason banks have left this business wide open Why stocks fall after dividends get paid See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Self Managed Super Fund sector, it is professionals - such as auditors - who are on the front line: They will be dealing with valuations which ultimately determine whether or not investors will be hit with the new super tax. One of the leading voices in the campaign against the new super tax is auditor Naz Randeria, here she lays out the faults of the new super tax regime and reveals how - if you are unlucky enough - you could end up paying unrealised gains tax twice over on a property held inside an SMSF. Naz Randeria of Reliance Auditing Services joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Valuation bunfights and other realities of the new super tax Land tax and Division 296 - how two paper gains taxes can be applied to the one property! Unleashing unrealised gains taxes Where can I find a 'pension eligibilty calculator?" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking very much like 2025 is going to be the year that Artificial Intelligence changes the investment sector beyond recognition. A hot spot of this change is going to be financial advice. So what can AI offer? Today my guest is Microsoft's 'Co-pilot' AI bot (ably assisted by human financial adviser James Gerrard) In this episode, we cover: AI for the investment beginner Testing Ai for advanced investment information Where Ai gets it wrong Ai - The IQ is excellent, the EQ not so much! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renting where you live and investing your spare funds to maximise capital growth is steadily becoming a key factor in the residential market - especially for younger buyers. But the key to success in this area is optimising your position as an investor - rather than a homebuyer. Arjun Paliwal of buyer's agency, InvestorKit joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Perfect Match - How to optimise 'rentvesting' Borderless buying - Overcoming home bias The data points to monitor for success Will the government's universal first home scheme add risk to prices? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It sounds so good: Sophisticated Investor status is open to all investors who have enough money to get across the line. But did you know a financial adviser is no longer legally bound to act in your 'best interests' if you sign along the dotted line? Three million people now qualify for Sophisticated Investor status but the regime is creaking and it's time for serious overhaul of the rules. Peter Burgess, CEO of the Self Managed Super Funds Association joins Associate Editor - James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Sophisticated Investor status- Should you? Why regulators want to lift the $2.5m threshold Dumb money - The case for a knowledge test Where's the legislation? New super tax on hold See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A remarkable 100,000 Australians refinanced their mortgage to a better rate in the three months to June this year. If you have yet to join the party, the pathway to lower mortgage costs is now clear, here's what to do... Mortgage broker, Christian Stevens of the Flint group, joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How to cut your mortgage rate without moving banks Reducing mortgage rates by switching banks Long-term interest-only loans for experienced investors Spare Bedroom tax: You cannot be serious! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Montgomery is the founder of Montgomery Investment Management. While he is into adventure sports, when it comes to investing he's acutely focused on managing risk. From working at a fish and chip shop to managing $1.5bn in funds, he offers his advice on wealth creation for those in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. In this bonus episode of The Money Puzzle, Sydney fund manager Roger Montgomery sits down with The Australian's Wealth Editor, Julie-anne Sprague to chat about how he learnt to invest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment scams empowered by AI are going to get worse in the years ahead - and no amount of regulation is going to stop 'bad actors' inside finance. Self-defence in the form of financial literacy is the answer: investors need it, kids in school need it, but the government has put the issue on the back burner. It’s time for a change. Tracey West, financial education manager at Ecstra, the financial literacy foundation joins Associate Editor - James Kirby in this episode. In today's episode, we cover: Scam watch - What investors need to know Why the First Guardian scandal is a taste of things to come Should schools make financial literacy mandatory? How AI 'fakes' will drive a new wave of investment fraud See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal government is pushing big super funds into the housing market: That market is currently dominated by 'mum and dad' investors - Would big funds do better? Overseas experience of major institutional ownership of housing shows that rents rise when big funds buy into housing because they need a higher running yield. In turn, traditional buyers get priced out. Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at Ray White joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The risk of letting big funds into housing Universal 5 per cent Home Deposit to launch early Investors monitor accelerated housing incentives Good news for renovators - the replacement cost is back to normal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's economic summit coincided with a surprise move by the Albanese government to lift the deeming rate for the first time in four years: The measure reduces access to the pension for wealthier Australians. Moreover, it's exactly the sort of change that advisers have warned are set to come down the line as Treasurer Jim Chalmers exerts his influence in the second term government. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today's episode we cover Deeming rate lift -The first move? Super tax confirmed unchanged CGT and negative gearing - Key risks Save the super performance tests See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration numbers were meant to float lower this year but a surprise pick up in numbers over the last few months coincides with a tightening of the rental vacancy rates across the market. For renters it means any short-term easing in pressure is now off the table, but for property investors it signals a return to rising rental income. Pete Wargent of the AllenWargent Property Buyers joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's episode, we cover The 'you can rent anything market' returns Investors respond to stronger outlook for rental returns The gap between residential and office vacancy rates tells a WFH story Should older property investors change their habits? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new super tax may dominate the headlines, but for most investors with less than $3m in super, a bigger headache is navigating increasingly risky marketing promotions in finance.Off the back of the recent First Guardian scandal - where some investors were offered 'free super reviews' - today we take a hard look at booming business of luring people into switching super funds. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth James Kirby in today's episode. In today's episode, we cover: New super tax facing delays ‘Free Super Reviews’ could turn out expensive An easy way to check if your fund is doing well Optimising tax-free income outside super 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’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus 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 bonus episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.