The Money Puzzle

Episod

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  How to build your own ETF portfolio 30.07.2026 38min

  Investors love Exchange Traded Funds; these cheap and low-risk funds, which mirror indices such as the ASX 200, are increasingly popular.But how do you put them together to create a diversified portfolio? Chris Brycki, CEO of the Stockspot group, joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: ETF essentials - what you need to know Who are the main players in the market How to start a 60-40 ETF portfolio Building a deeper understanding of ETF offerings  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How much will house prices fall? 28.07.2026 29min

  Asked in today's episode if the house price downturn is 'a blip or a bust?', one of the market's top residential experts says 'Way more than a blip, as for a bust... It's too early to say.' Tim Lawless, research director at Cotality Australia, joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show we cover: How far will house prices fall Which city looks most vulnerable Can rents keep rising as prices drop The different outlook for homes and apartments  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Your retirement plan’s CGT shock (with Adrian Raftery) 23.07.2026 21min

  For a generation, Australian investors were advised to hold their investments until they retired. Then once they entered tax-free retirement, they could largely sidestep CGT tax. This central plank of financial advice is finished: Every retiree will now pay a minimum 30 per cent tax and nobody will escape.Dr Adrian Raftery, author of '101 ways to save money on your tax - legally' joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The shock change to investor retirement benefits How the CGT new minimum rate is the sleeper issue for long-term investors Examining how tax planning must reflect the wider budget changes My shares have gone to zero - can I claim a tax loss? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Commercial property suddenly looks attractive: Should you go near it? 21.07.2026 38min

  There is still a property sector where the outlook is improving, where yields are strong and anyone can negatively gear. Hey, you can even use borrowed funds in your Self-Managed Super Fund: It's time to take a second look at the commercial property sector. James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The pros and cons of commercial property Why Budget tax changes have lit up the sector The best entry points for the everyday investor Cash flow risk - the outstanding danger for new commercial property investors  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why property investing will never be the same again 16.07.2026 29min

  We are only beginning to digest the full impact of the Budget changes for residential property.In short, it will never be the same again. That doesn't mean you can't invest successfully, but it does mean you need to know the new rules. Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The hunt for yield in residential property Forget the interest-only loan How long-term negatively geared investors will thrive Taking a second look at commercial property  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Building a shock-proof investment portfolio 15.07.2026 24min

  Behind all the market jargon and sophisticated language of wealth managers, there is one gold rule for investors: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's time to dig deep on diversification and portfolio allocation. Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The essentials of portfolio allocation  Tactical portfolio shifts in 2026 The trouble with bonds Why emerging markets are running hot  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Can the economy justify a red-hot sharemarket?  09.07.2026 37min

  The burning question for all investors is whether the global market is running ahead of itself?  Tim Toohey, head of macro strategy for Yarra Capital Management, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The growing gap between GDP and market returns  Could inflation fall from here Emerging value on the ASX The bear case for bank stocks  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Are you prepared for a sharemarket crash? 07.07.2026 30min

  How would you deal with a global sharemarket crash? Because it’s not a question of if, but when. The AI boom, which underpinned the bumper super returns for many investors over the last financial year, has been extraordinary; But in mid-2026 even the most optimistic forecasters expect the markets to cool in the second half, while the doomsayers will suggest exuberant global markets are surely heading for a fall. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Having an opportunity fund for the day the bubble bursts Harold Evensky's 'bucket strategy' for the investors who need cash flow Deleting your Dividend Reinvestment Programs for cash Put Options and 'Bear' ETFs    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Australian shares let you down this year (and what to do about it) 02.07.2026 39min

  The numbers don't lie: The ASX did 3 per cent over the 12 months to June, and the S&P 500 did 20 per cent. Unless - like a big super fund - you had half your portfolio invested offshore, the chances are you underperformed in FY2026. Marc Jocum, investment strategist at GlobalX ETFs, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: * Wall Street smashes the ASX...again Why Big Super funds probably beat your SMSF Which ETFs investors are buying for the year ahead What the hell happened at CSL? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Special episode: Listener questions on new tax changes 30.06.2026 39min

  Sweeping changes to Capital Gains Tax, Negative Gearing and Self-Managed Super Funds are confronting investors. How will they affect you? Stuart Wemyss from the ProSolution Private Clients group joins associate editor, James Kirby on this episode of the Money Puzzle podcast. In today's special episode, we cover: How will the CGT changes work? Winners and losers in negative gearing  Getting around the SMSF borrowing ban  How a tiny government pension can offer a big tax break See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is superannuation still the Budget winner? 25.06.2026 36min

  The government has made sure that superannuation investors did not entirely escape the investment tax overhaul: Is it still the relative winner as parliament prepares to sign off the Budget? Adviser James Wrigley of First Financial joins associate editor James Kirby in the episode. In today's show, we cover: What you need to know about super post-Budget A way you can still borrow and use your SMSF to buy property Investment bonds get another leg up from the government  New twist for new super tax  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  SMSF property ban - an extra Budget sting for investors 23.06.2026 24min

  Already reeling from a lift in CGT tax and a ban on negative gearing for existing properties, the Government is set to give the property market one last punch with a looming ban on borrowing inside Self Managed Super Funds. Beau Arfi of the Maple Property Group joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Not finished with you yet - investors prepare for SMSF property clampdown How the SMSF ban creates another privileged set of investors  Moving offshore - Why this property professional is switching attention to NZ Deducting your body corporate fees   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Bull market bonanzas and back-flipping Budget moves 18.06.2026 32min

  Investors are fully stretched trying to keep up with a remarkable period for markets as a record number of Australians make a 50 per cent profit on the SpaceX IPO, while at home the Treasurer announces the first major Budget backflip with a carve out for testamentary discretionary trusts. Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial Services joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: How the SpaceX bonanza changes Australian share investment forever CGT changes: Can the system handle the changeover?  Trust backflip - A sensible solution Will new homes become the hottest thing in property?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why property investors are turning to the outer suburbs 16.06.2026 29min

  With negative gearing soon to be restricted to new buildings, property economics in the Australian market have been turned upside down: Until very recently, the outer suburbs were the last place investors looked for opportunity. But in the months ahead, the outer suburbs look set to become the new 'hot spot' of the wider market. Anissa Cavallo of Eda Property joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Negative gearing never dies, it just moves to the suburbs Investors still confused over CGT...but it's simple, you will pay more Retirees face a tough choice as forced sellers face a soft market So what constitutes a 'new building' under the Budget changes?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mega floats, market froth, and whether investing in SpaceX risky or smart 11.06.2026 41min

  SpaceX lists today (June 12) and will be followed by two more AI mega-IPOs: OpenAI and Anthropic. Collectively valued at more than $US3.5 trillion, every index fund on the planet will be forced to buy them. Stockspot founder Chris Brycki joins The Australian's Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague to discuss whether this is the opportunity of a generation or the most expensive bag-hold in history. The mega float moment: What the SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic listings mean for your portfolio ETFs vs. stock picking in a concentrated market The ASX's innovation gap and why Australian investors can't afford a home-market bias The CGT shake-up and what it means for your investments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Moving money around the world - Your expat explainer 09.06.2026 30min

  Many Australians move abroad to earn more money - or at least that's the plan - but it doesn't always work out unless you do your homework first. Likewise, Australians returning from overseas can hit tangles with the ATO unless they think the whole project through very thoroughly. Brett Evans, the Dubai-based MD of Atlas Wealth Management, joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode. In today's show, we cover:  How you and your money should move overseas The hidden cost of being an expat The best way to bring money back (including pensions). Is your bank giving you the best deal on international transfers? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What women need to know about super 04.06.2026 39min

  On average, women retire with 25% less superannuation than men, and one in ten have no super account at all. While you might assume this is purely down to career breaks, evidence shows the disparity starts much earlier - with females under 18 already trailing their male peers. What is really driving this, and what steps can women take to supercharge their savings? Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at NAB Trade joins associate editor James Kirby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  ‘Swim between the flags’ : The simple formula for managing money 28.05.2026 32min

  Do you speak the language of money? If you - or anyone close to you - cannot understand what the investment market is telling them, there can be a high price to pay. Investment commentator and Ecstra Foundation chair, Paul Clitheroe joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show, we cover: Financial literacy, why it’s crucial and why Australia is struggling to keep up ‘Swim between the flags’ the simple success formula for managing money  Why ‘financial capability’ is the way forward for investors  A road map for financial literacy success   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How to legally save tax on property investment with Adrian Raftery 26.05.2026 28min

  As a property investor, you may already know the usual tax breaks for properties, like negative gearing, but did you know there are ways to boost your cash flow and tax deductions? 'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today’s show we cover: The benefits of using a PAYG withholding variation Strategies for claiming depreciation What’s deductible and what isn't? Repairs vs Improvements on the holiday rental Please note: this episode was recorded before the recent Federal Budget; check current rules given the slated 2027 changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Budget fallout: Before you do anything, do this  21.05.2026 28min

  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.