The Money Cafe with Kirby and Kohler

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our show on the incentives available (federal and state) on turning your home into a clean energy powerhouse brought in a flood of questions.Today we return to the issue with top questions from listeners. Financial adviser James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. -----In this episode, we cover... The best way to go solar at home Do second hand electric cars have any value The future of battery power at home The latest on the new super tax See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most original ideas in property investment is the ThirdHome group, a global exchange club for holiday home properties that opens up what in many cases is an under-utilised asset to the wider world: Just quietly, the group has signed up more than 500 Australian luxury holiday homes - it's a fascinating story. Wade Shealy, founder and CEO of the ThirdHome group, joins Associate Editor Wealth James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover... * The upmarket holiday home swap * The rules of luxury property * Wade Shealy on how he built a global property enterprise * New directions for the luxury holiday home market See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyday shareholders have always been at the back of the queue when it comes to takeovers, but this year global private equity players have clearly emerged as the 'Barbarians at the gate'.Healthscope, once a $5 billion stock is now in receivership along with its chain of 37 hospitals after a private equity deal went very wrong...what's next? Eric Johnston, Associate Editor- Business, joins James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover... How do we navigate around private equity plunder?Can social infrastructure such as hospitals ever make useful listed investments?Have we been unfair to Bitcoin?How productivity makes a difference to your share portfolio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

pmarket property is, well, in a league of its own: Shane Smollen is a specialist in the area…and the creator of some of the most impressive heritage-focussed developments in the country.In today’s episode, we cover…* Quality first - Setting your property ambitions higher* Expect the unexpected - surviving whatever gets in your way* The distinct business of luxury property* Can I live in my SMSF-owned property ?Shane Smollen of the Central Element group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors at all levels are up in arms over the new super tax largely because it is based on 'paper gains' and it will not be indexed for inflation. Don't miss this special edition... In today's show, we cover...* The essential problems with the new super tax Why it will affect you faster than you may realise Alternative options to keeping money in super What is likely to happen next with so-called 'Division 296'? Hugh Robertson of the Centaur Financial Services group joins Associate Editor- Wealth James Kirby in this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holding residential property inside your super fund has always been demanding - but also lucrative. Higher rates, higher deposits, and a shortage of lenders have always restricted this activity to the most determined investors: Now, the new super tax adds another layer of challenges for property investors. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover * Property investment inside super...all too hard?* The threat to borrowing inside super from the Greens* How to negotiate a lower mortgage rate with your bank* Should sharemarket listed property funds be classified as shares or property? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hottest investment of the year has been one of the oldest known investments... Gold! It's increased at ten times the pace of the wider ASX 200 over the year to date... and that's after years of 20 per cent plus returns.Is it for you..and how might a new investor get started? In today's episode, we cover: Why has the gold price raced higher? The ETF versus bullion debate Can gold keep going up if Trump settles down? A clarification on concessional (pre tax) super contributions Jordan Elesio, general manager of ABC Bullion joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The re-elected Albanese government is offering to effectively cut the price of home batteries for solar by half. That's on top of the generous tax incentives it has already rolled out for electric cars: It's time to cash in on the greening of Australia. In today's show we cover The new federal incentive to cut home battery costs in half How to have a fully tax deductible electric car Renting your home and Capital Gains tax Is the deeming rate now 'deemed' untouchable? James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor- Wealth, James Kirby in this episodeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ALP is back with a renewed mandate for government - what does it mean for your portfolio, or your SMSF or your investment property?In the space of the last few days we have got a much clearer picture of what the election result will imply for the active investor.. today we take you through what you must know.Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor- Wealth James Kirby in this episode we cover...* The risk of new tax changes* The latest on the super 'paper gains' tax * A clear threat to borrowing in SMSFs * Getting to know the new power of 'The Greens'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like a good idea - rent your home and buy an investment property where you can deduct the mortgage payments against your annual income tax. In fact, it all works...to a point: But this increasingly popular investment strategy does not mean you get to buy your own home...worse still, it may mean the bank won't lend you any more funds. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor-Wealth, James Kirby in this week's episode as we cover... * The problem with 'rentvesting'* A predictable pick up in house prices * The new government's menu for first-home buyers * How HECs changes will also boost the housing market See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fund manager Geoff Wilson is at it again...campaigning for investors against poorly designed tax changes...and this time he has a major fight on his hands. Taxing unrealised gains (or paper gains) in super is a shocker, but it's a key policy for the government...and the government is set to be returned after the election. Geoff Wilson of Wilson Asset Management joins James Kirby, Associate Editor-Wealth in this episode ------In today's show, we cover... * The problem with the new super tax...and how it could be fixed * Why Australian interest rates may fall a lot further than the market expects * The case for sticking with US shares * Defensive stocks for the months ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to tax affairs, it's never easy: Many investors believe they do not get a fair deal: But some people clearly suffer financial abuse (which often begins with how a partner has behaved in the past). Sometimes too, the issues don't fit neatly for a financial adviser or a financial counsellor: That’s where the Tax Clinic, an experiment at UNSW, fills the gap. Ann Kayis-Kumar of the Tax Clinic at UNSW joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ------In today's episode, we cover How to spot financial abuse Planned legal changes that could make a difference The short straw of being a secondary credit card holder Tax pitfalls and financial literacy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can spend half a lifetime working and investing only to hit a financial earthquake with a divorce. But there are ways to ensure the best possible outcome. Financial adviser Nathan Fradley joins James Kirby, Associate Editor - Wealth in this episode. In today's episode, we cover: What you must know about divorce and money The issue of 'valuations' How crypto accounts are increasingly relevant to settlements How a couple can find the best way to split See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The markets are wild and cash rates are dropping quickly at the major banks: Investors of every type need cash. Here's a guide for the investor who wants to be ready for the next opportunity. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Group joins Associate Editor- Wealth James Kirby in this episode. -------In today's episode, we cover: Finding the best cash rates Optimising offset accounts Reviewing Dividend Reinvestment Plans Sorting your super inheritance (and that does not mean your Will) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bargain hunters are in the market but many big funds and family offices are concentrating more on building cash: That’s because investment markets are more than 'uncertain' just now - in reality they are unfathomable.Today's guest spot goes to one of the best-known investors (and philanthropists) in Australia, Chris Cuffe. --------- In today's episode, we cover: * Asset allocation in an age of extreme uncertainty * What investors at the big end of town are doing now * Philanthropy for the active investor * Tax optimisation in charitable giving See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Falling interest rates, a wild share market and an election campaign where both parties are falling over each other to throw money at first-home buyers...it's the perfect conditions for a lift in residential prices throughout 2025. Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor- Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ….In today's show, we cover Green light for price growth in the residential market An investor's guide to the election promises made to home buyers Why apartments may do better than stand-alone homes Keeping up with the ATO clampdown on property investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes, the current market crisis has been 'caused' by the US: You could say the same for the dot.com crash and the GFC. But is that an argument for stepping away from the country which represents more than 60 per cent of the global share market - and hosts the world's most important bond market? Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. -----In today's show, we cover: Buying the dip Why retreating to the ASX will cost you in the long run How gold paid off in the market rout The winning ways of unhedged funds See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The share markets have dropped hard following a severe bout of selling by institutional investors, but share-broker data suggests that everyday investors are bargain hunting.What's really going on? Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at NABtrade joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ------ In today's show, we cover: * What bargain hunters are buying * Gold drops from the favoured list * In a Covid-style replay, ETFs underpins the action* Getting rid of unwanted shares See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's upending of world trade happens to coincide with challenging times for Big Super: The major funds face weak share markets while battling a range of administrative failures that have put Australian Super and CBUS in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.It might be time to take control. Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. -----In today's show, we cover: Tariff turmoil triggers a second look at Self Managed Super Funds The Banks are offering 7 per cent yields again The minimum you need for an SMSF Learning about education bonds See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's unleashing of his tariff program through the Liberation Day plan has the share market reeling - and the US market is reeling the most with the weakest numbers so far this year. As Trump's old colleague, Steve Bannon, calls for Liberation Day to be made a public holiday in the US, it's time to take a serious look at Trump and your investments. Cameron Stewart, Chief International Correspondent of The Australian joins Associate Editor Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. ----In today's show episode, we cover: Liberation Day - A milestone or a millstone? How long will Musk last at the top table with Trump? The role of crypto in Trump's plans* In defence of Defined Benefit Super schemes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Budget managed to squeeze in a few pre-election surprises. A teeny tax cut, a decision to 'do nothing' on pension access (with unchanged deeming rates) and a genuine move to upgrade the government's signature Shared Home Ownership program.The so-called Help To Buy scheme will be very popular, but what are the risks? In this episode, Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby. ----- In today's show, we cover * The biggest thing for First Home Buyers in years- Help To Buy* Why bracket creep undermines all tax cuts * Is the $3m super tax dead or alive?* Should long-term investors be influenced by today's dividend yields? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tug of war between property and shares never ends: But for many investors, one area is more attractive. My guest in this episode has spent a lifetime investing - along with commenting on investment markets - and has come to a clear conclusion.You may not agree, but you should definitely hear him out. Anthony Keane, personal finance writer for News Corporation joins James Kirby in this episode. -------In today's show, we cover Trouble-free' share market investing versus 'bricks and mortar' Why property investing should be kept outside of super Holding costs - the swing factor for the everyday investor Should Adelaide really be more expensive than Melbourne? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It now takes more than $600m to even feature on the Australian’s Rich 250: But what does it take to build a fortune of that size in 2025? Today we get an inside view on the people behind Australia’s greatest fortunes. John Stensholt, Rich 250 editor joins James Kirby Associate Editor - Wealth in this week’s episode In this episode, we cover Rich 250 - The Chemist Warehouse family arrives Rich 250 - Offshore gambling empires: A new way to make money Billionaires might be impressive, but are they happy? Should you listen to ‘wealth coaches’? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most popular features of the Money Puzzle podcast has been listener questions which we read on air: Now we want to hear you asking your questions! We're asking listeners to send in a voice memo from their phone and share it on the show to themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au. Also in today's show, we cover the problem with quirky properties. Buyer's advocate Cate Bakos warns lovers of converted churches and renovated show factories that standing out from the crowd is not always profitable. Bakos explains what makes a property valuable : It appeals to the widest possible audience. ----------------- In today's show, we cover: Irregular properties - quirky can be costly Closed tenders - Good or bad? Tricky tax arrangements around 'granny flats' Why lending rates will keep falling See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen: Tariffs, recession indicators and an overpriced Wall Street: The sharemarket has taken a tumble. As luck would have it, the Money Puzzle has a top value investor on the show this week and he names three top stocks that can survive just about anything! Roger Montgomery of Montgomery Investment Management joins James Kirby in this episode. -----In today's show, we cover... The sharemarket sell off - why did it happen? Ai and Tech face a new reality Three stocks with a value 'moat' The conditions we need for a positive year on the ASX See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally, after much flipping and flopping the government has decided to go ahead with a pre-election budget on March 25: What will it mean for your investment plans? James Gerrard of financialadviser.com.au joins James Kirby in this episode. ----- In today's show, we cover: What's the Coalition deal on tapping super to buy a home? How the ALP plans to offer a 20% discount on student debt Could financial advice be made fully tax deductible? The reality of taking out a reverse mortgage Why advisers are sceptical about annuities See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US sharemarket has lost all of the gains it racked up since the Trump election and the spectre of a tariff war is casting gloom across global trade. What to do? First of all, give up on those stocks you were hoping would 'turn' and then do a full 'clean out' of your share portfolio. Rudi Filapek-Vandyck of FNArena joins James Kirby in this episode ----In today's show, we cover: Why is confidence seeping out of the US sharemarket Can the ASX hold up if the dividend yield is fading? The reason why CBA is the best bank stock Goodman asks for more retail money - should you come to the party? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upper end of the market - defined by properties which rank in the 25 per cent of most expensive sales - is the layer that is moving up after the rate cut. And that means the post-rate cut bounce is concentrated in the two largest cities of Sydney and Melbourne. In fact, Melbourne might finally be turning a corner. Property analyst Eliza Owen of Corelogic joins James Kirby in this episode. -----In today's show, we cover... What investors must know about property trends after the rate cut Melbourne manages a one-month rebound..is there more to come? The window for first-time home buyers may be closing Queensland towns notch up remarkable price activity - take a look at Townsville! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The superstar CEO is a complex package: You might love what they can do with the share price, but you might equally feel unsure about their behaviour day-to-day. What to do? Author and family office adviser, Jacqui Clarke, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. ------ On today’s show, we cover: Passive investing …it’s not what it used to be Wealthy investors are getting cautious about the sharemarket How top investors deal with key person risk Big super funds under pressure on private investments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many property investors stand-alone homes will always win: Similarly, there is an investor bias towards the metropolitan centres of Sydney and Melbourne.But Hotspotting expert, Terry Ryder, sees the market differently: He offers a fresh view on the prospects for investors in the year ahead and may challenge some cherished assumptions. Terry Ryder, director of the Hotspotting group, joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The powerful forces pushing Queensland higher How units are outperforming stand-alone homes nationwide Signs of a slowdown in the Perth Market Defending 'property pre-nups.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every investor needs to digest the changed direction of rates after the first cut in four years from the RBA: The headlines are all about mortgage cost reductions but for many investors the big question is - What to do now that risk-free investing is a fading feature of the market? James Gerrard of financialadviser.com.au joins wealth editor James Kirby in this episode. -------- In today's show, we cover The alternatives to cash deposits Perfect timing for A-REITs and private credit? The true cost of franked dividends Is super biased against younger Australians? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.