Dollars & Making Sense

We welcome back Natasha Panagis, Superannuation subject matter expert from the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to discuss a raft of changes to superannuation law that comes into effect from 1 July 2024.  Contributions caps, forward payments, NALE, Div296 and everything in between.  IFPA's recent annual conference is a gold mine of information now available and as always, if you're not sure, contact your tax accountant or your authorised financial adviser.

Does your superannuation need a health check?  Well EOFY is a great time to plan for that check (yes - the end of the financial year), and we're joined by Natasha Panagis, super expert at the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to work though an easy to understand check list of things you can do to make your super work harder for you, and ensure you retire with the best possible situation for you and your loved ones.  Tune in to learn about concessional and non-concessional contributions and the super guarantee so you guarantee a secure and comfortable retirement.

It's never too early to start planning for the EOFY (end of financial year), and we're joined by specialist Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to discuss an easy to understand checklist of things to help be ready for the close of the tax year, and also make the most of the tax incentives and opportunities to manage your tax compliance, here on Dollars & Making Sense.

What's the difference, debt is debt right?  Maybe not so.  This week, Victor Lagos from Lagos Financial, a registered mortgage broker and holder of an Australian Credit License joins us to discuss what is good debt and what is bad debt.  Are we stealing from ouselves or are we saving for ourselves.  Great notions to ponder when you are looking at that purchase and deciding whether to wait and save, or buy now pay later?  Is borrowing against your future always the best option.  And what does it take to step up and move into your first home or apartment.

20th March has come and gone and many of you may notice there's an increase in your rate of pension.  That's because Services Australia has applied the increases to payments, including pensions, which have been indexed by the Department of Social Services, like they do on 20 March and 20 September each year.  When the rate of pension goes up, that changes the income and assets limits for the pension meaning some people might become eligible when they weren't before.  Justin Bott, Community Information Office for Services Australia joins us today to discuss these changes and work through the income and assets tests that apply.

ASX listed company Annual General Meetings are a place of interest for any shareholder, and this week we meet one of the Australian Shareholders Association's key company monitor.  Peter Gregory is a volunteer that monitors a number of listed companies and we discuss what that means, how its done, and why it is of incredible value to you as an investor and potential shareholder of these companies.

Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money Magic joins us this week to discuss budgeting.  A timely reminder from a recent article that highlights the government's MoneySmart website and really helpful calculators and guides.  Whether it be a piece of paper, or a mobile app, tracking the ins and outs of your budget can possibly make your life so much better, join us to find out how and why.  Click on this link for MoneySmart's guide.

When investing in commercial projects, it is important to understand where your money sits in relation to payday.  Depending on where you are in the "Capital Stack" varies greatly in relation to risk, returns and when you get paid if something possibly goes wrong.  This week, Joe Christie, Exec Director of Capital Property Funds explores the "Capital Stack" and what it means when you have "equity parading as debt".  All real estate investors, please take note!

Justin Bott, Community Information Officer from Services Australia (Centrelink) is a welcome return to the show, and this week we're covering off the impact of Real Estate on the Aged Pension.  Justin explains there are a number of considerations when drawing an aged pension from the government, and in our conversation, we're covering many of these including lodgers, student homestays, investment properties, rural farms as well as the principle family home.  Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about finance, money and investing.

We welcome back Natasha Panagis from IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) to discuss the changes in super laws that will require bosses to pay their worker's super at the same time they pay their salary and wages.  There's a 2 year transition time, so there'll be time, and there are many issues to consider.  Bottom line though, far better outcomes for all including less wage theft.  Join us on Dollars & Making Sense a weekly show about money, finance and investing.

Can never know too much about money, right?

This week we welcome back Philippa Hunt, our resident expert and financial planner to the many women out there that need help and assistance.  Financial literacy is always needed, and we discuss ways to get on the road to better education and understanding about money and finance, and how it all works.

We welcome Peter Johnstone, executive director of the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals to chat about their December industry conference where a number of notable politicians will be invited to posit their views on the finance industry, advice sectors and various policies that are currently the subject of much debate including accreditation, regulation, industry fees and charges and taxation policy.  Sounds early but Peter is suggesting the election cycle is about to commence, and its usually prudent to get in early.

It can happen to anyone, and when you least expect it.  Internet, email, phone scams are rife, Justin Bott from Services Australia (Centrelink, Human Svcs etc) details over $430m lost so far in 2023 to fraudsters, and it can happen to even the smartest, most savvy people you know.  We chat about what types are out there, and how to protect yourself, and importantly, what to do if you think you've been scammed.  https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams and https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/active-scams are great resources to check out.

Utes are the biggest selling class of vehicles in Australia presently, and we've all seen the advertising showing the great outdoors towing caravans or boats.  Many of these utes are used for work purposes as well, and today we welcome back Frank Drenth from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to discuss the tax implications on both tradies and their employers who provide and use these vehicles for work purposes.  The ATOs guidelines are clear and yet, we see in this chat, there are different understandings

Finish work on Friday, have some farewell drinks and then come Monday, you start a 30 year holiday.  Sounds like a dream scenario, right?  Maybe not if you haven't planned.  This week we chat with Nick Freedman about Retiring on Purpose, a path to education and transition from full time work to full time retirement, and whatever that looks like.  There's a lot more to it than just money, be assured.  Tune in for a life changing show, literally!

Natasha Panagis, superannuation expert from IFPA (ifpa.com.au) rejoins us to continue discussions on SMSFs borrowing rules and common misconceptions, and we also follow up on our recent interview on the upcoming review of the new $3m super cap tax being proposed.  There is still work to be done in the legislative halls of power, remembering the 2 things we shouldn't see being made ... sausages and laws. www.ifpa.com.au

We're all about education, and what better way than to invite the Australian Shareholders Association convenor of the year, Keith Ready from Sydney to join us.  Keith is a volunteer within the ASA as are many hundreds that not only participate in monthly activities, but also assist in company monitoring, meeting organisation as well as convene Investment Discussion Groups, the focus of today's interview.  With over 50 locations to chose from both city, regional and virtual, there is an option open to almost everyone.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/australianshareholdersassociation/

https://twitter.com/AustSharesAssoc

https://www.facebook.com/AustSharesAssoc/

https://www.instagram.com/australianshareholdersasn/

US bonds are on the news all the time, ever wondered why?  Liz Moran, Editor of Fixed Income News Australia joins us to explain the importance of understanding a little bit about government bonds, and their impact on global markets and share prices.  All the way down to how much we pay for our home mortgages too.

Neil Sparks from the SMSF Association joins us to continue our discussion on how to invest in your retirement using a self managed fund.  DIY or destroy it yourself as Neil's recent article explains can be a recipe for disaster if you don't know what you're doing.  Being educated in the detail will help you avoid this complex area, and especially when buying property and using borrowed funds in super requires particularly detailed knowledge.  Tune in to understand this is one area you'll need advice from a licensed planner, not a property salesperson.

It's back to basics this week as we chat to Justin Bott from Services Australia about how to budget and the free resources available from the Australian federal government that are there to assist you in financial education, understanding industry jargon, and getting started if you don't have anything to begin with.  We also cover a great free resource called the Financial Information Service that is delivered online as well as in person.  Your taxpayer money hard at work helping everyone that needs it.

Neil Sparks, Corporate Development at the SMSF Association is with us this week discussing whether SMSFs are for you or not.  Given their increasing popularity, a self managed retirement option is attractive, but there are many pitfalls, and chatting to one of the leading experts from the industry, we tackle some of the common errors made by unwary entrants and older investors alike.  There is much to be gained from having your own SMSF, so join us to better understand whether DIY super is for you or not.

Grant Hackett is a household name to those of us old enough to remember and relive the highlights of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.  Grant won gold in the 1500m swim there and in Athens in 2004.  Grant did some broadcast work later but ended up pursuing this passion in finance and is now CEO of Generation Life, a Melbourne based investment company.  Today we discuss tax aware investing, and what that means to people of any age really, and we delve into achieving goals and life's aspirations for a comfortable retirement.  Grant's view of simplicity being the key and being "tax aware" is vitally important, and "yes" - we agree!

So much media hype recently surrounding a proposed $3m cap on Superannuation balances.  Natasha Panagis, resident expert on Super at IFPA joins us to work through at least 6 nasty elements of this proposed legislation, and what the ramifications potentially are.  While many might argue this is a "rich person's tax", yet we learn this will impact far more people than first thought, and also potentially impact tax laws in other arenas as well.  Dollars & Making Sense maybe, but maybe this doesn't make sense at all.

"We're from the government and we're here to help" - Justin Bott from Services Australia (Centrelink) is welcomed back to explain the impact of pension income streams on the government aged pension.  Thankfully the policies are getting simpler to understand for those about to retire or on the cusp.  Justin explains there are a number of different options and things to consider, and as always on Dollars & Making Sense, we're trying to make money, finance & investing easier with better education.  There are some great tips & tricks to pick up, so tune in!

Neville Birthisel, from IFPA joins me this week to discuss an insidious sharp edge to WFH (working from home) taxation rules.  Last time we spoke, the rate was coming down, and becoming more complex to administer, but Land Tax implications have all of a sudden have become front & centre because is certain States, the laws are positively draconian, while others get off scot free.  Join us as we learn along the way, there is much to be wary and concerned about, and having Neville from the Institute explain the way forward will certainly assist here on Dollars & Making Sense.

Much was made during the last election about a Death Tax, and this week, we chat with Peter Bobbin again to ponder whether there are in place today (and it turns out for over 30 years now), de facto death taxes.  Always willing to be convinced with a logical argument, Peter's view is hard to disagree with - Capital Gains Tax and Superannuation have by design or unintended consequence, potentially fit that description of a "death tax".  Tune in to find out more.

Listed Investment Companies and Trusts Association.  Wow, what a mouth full, but Ian Irvine, CEO of LICAT comes on board this week to help explain what this non-profit organisation is all about.  Investors of all types across many asset classes will want to find out more about LICAT and their members.  Ian's explanation will provide an excellent introduction, and as always, we're about financial education and we have some great resources for you to check out at the end of the show.

Peter Bobbin is a lawyer and accountant with extensive experience over many years, and we recently crossed paths at the Australian Shareholders Association.  Peter's estate planning Master Class is well known in ASA circles and today, we're going to start looking at some of the excellent content that he covers, and in doing so, let's discover first off, what the five important documents you need to consider.  And to make things easy, all we need in the first instance is a piece of paper and a pen!

We welcome back Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money to discuss a rather concerning trend in relationships in Australia post-pandemic.  Divorces are trending upwards, there are more and more isolated divorcees who after surviving the stress and trauma of marriage breakdown, then have to deal with the financial ramifications.  And to make things worse, we're enduring interest rate hikes and cost of living pressures.  Tune in to find out what's happening and maybe some great ideas on how to cope.

Services Australia is a government agency better known by many as Centrelink (as well as other groups too).  This week, Community Officer, Justin Bott joins Dollars and Making Sense to discuss the latest changes in the Aged Pension, the assets and income test that now apply to the Aged Pension, and the fact that you now have to be 67 years old to retire and qualify for this payment.  Justin is well versed in this subject and has the inside on a number of free, excellent resources you can access to find out all the rules, the changes, and whether you or someone you love might be eligible.

We welcome back to the microphone, Peter Johnstone, Executive Director of the Association Independently Owned Financial Professionals to discuss how to select a Financial Adviser.  Given the adviser population has reduced from over 30,000 some 5 years we have less than 16,000 now, and that number is dropping.  We discuss why this has happened and what's changing in the advice industry.  Still like dealing with humans when it comes to investing, this will be interest particularly to our listeners/readers about to retire with a large nest egg.

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We recently interviewed Ben Simpson from Collective Shift at the IFPA conference, and this topic was so compelling, we had to have him back on the show for a full interview.  Today we cover of the basics of what crypto and Bitcoin is all above.  We also love free, so we're handing out a lot of free information and education that you'll be able to learn about this interesting yet still new way of investing - even though it is over 12 years old now.  We are still skeptics here at Dollars and Making Sense, but we are always willing to learn new ways.

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Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money Academy joins us to discuss women's financial literacy, and see gents ... there are some not so subtle differences. Man or woman, join us to learn something about finance, and making your dollars work harder for you.

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From Super Guarantees to pension age, pension drawdowns and home loan scheme eligibility, there are a raft of changes that have come in from 1 July 2023.  Today, Ray Trevisan will present and discuss this list of major changes, its impact, and also provide some food for thought.  Do you agree with him or not?  Let us know, we're always happy for a vibrant discussion here on Dollars & Making Sense, a show about finance, money and investing.

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When a large membership of tax agents and accountants gather, we're sure to have some great content to discuss and ponder for thought. This episode we grab some excerpts and post presentation interviews with some of the presenters on the day of the IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) conference held in Melbourne in 2023. Topics include succession planning, Crypto currency, mental health, compliance & regulatory as well as a number of legislative and tax updates. Sounds dry? Not if you're keen to save time and money!

The Australian Shareholders Association represents the interests of retail investors, however did you know they also provide valuable advice on how to vote your shares at a company AGM, and can also proxy on your behalf!  Today we chat with Steven Mabb, Chair at the ASA about this valuable service provided by this not-for-profit advocacy group, and how it might be of value to investors, large and small, beginners and seasoned.  Here Steven talk about the good and the not-so-good companies out there.

We chat with Fiona Balzer, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Australian Shareholders Association, a ground roots not-for-profit organisation that has been representing the interests of retail shareholders for over 60 years now.  Fiona's area of expertise focuses on ESG (environment, social & governance) policy, as well as ASA Advocacy Manager who works with everyday shareholders in listening and presenting their views to company boards, government and the general public. Tune in to find out what's on Fiona and the ASA's radar next.

This week Scotty North from Real Property Advice gives us the "good oil" on why engaging a buyer's agent will help you buy your family home or investment property.  The benefits could potentially outweigh the initial costs by quite some.  Scotty has extensive experience in the field and during our show he explains how buyers agents operate and save.

Contesting a Will
You believe you're entitled to a share of some's estate, and yet you're in the dark or worse still, you're not in the will at all.  What do you next?  We chat with our visiting expert on all matters Estate Planning, Jonathan Elcombe from ElGen Estate Services to work through a myriad of situations, some awkward, some easy on what to do if you're going to contest a will.

You're the executor of a will and the funeral arrangements are now sitting in your lap.  What's next?  We meet Scott Duncombe from Sydney Funerals to discuss what you need to do, how you work through some tangled discussions around coffins, arrangements, music, a funeral director, caskets and everything in between.  Tune in to find out Scott's key message, and yes we talk about cost as well.

Being an Executor of a Will
You've been asked to be an executor for someone's last will & testament.  What does that mean, and what do I have to do?  Jonathan Elcombe, specialist from Elgen Estate Planning talks through the myriad of responsibilities that face an executor, before and after someone dies.  Departing the mortal coil is not that simple for those left behind, and this show is a must for those planning their estate and provides much to think about.

Temporary Full Expensing
TFE is a great way for businesses (up to $5bn turnover!) to be able to fully expense their company purchases.  Josh McMullen from IFPA joins us to work our way through this simplified and very generous way to write-off / depreciate assets that you use in your business, and understand the pros and cons.  There are rules to heed, and they are constantly changing, so tune in to listen to the latest from the experts at IFPA.

Conscious competence - called the "learning stage", but are you aware of your competence level when trading shares?  Louise Bedford from Trading Game joins us this week to talk about trading with confidence and competence. Unconscious competence when you're a "master", but may in fact be unconscious incompetence. When an individual is unaware of their lack of skill or knowledge (ouch!). Louise is an award winning author of 5 books on the subject of share trading, join us to understand if you're easily distracted, have a volatility bias or "distraction sickness"!

Company expenses getting mixed up with your personal expenses, sound familiar? The traps of doing so and the penalties for not correctly accounting is one of the long standing matters the Tax Office has issue with company directors, in particular Mum & Dad operators and tradies. Let's do a deep dive with tax expert David Jonavicious from IFPA.

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests.  Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au).  Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

Frank Drenth, tax expert has a deep understanding of Family Trusts, and given there are close to 800k of them handling almost $3T, this is worth finding out more. Listen in to find out the latest in the ATO rulings and what to be looking out for.

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests.  Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au).  Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

Simon Madden, 389 games at all Essendon and one of the legends of AFL who now travels the country talking to people about being better humans. Be the best you can, and in so we discuss what it means to be a man, particularly when looking at societal expectations surrounding money management and being the "bread winner".

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests.  Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au).  Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

Estate planning, what is it and where do I start?  Jonathan Elcombe joins us to work through the basics of wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and more, to leave us with a solid starting point to commence our journey in ensuring we don't leave our loved ones stranded.

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests. Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au). Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

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We've moved through the pandemic, and last year, the ATO provide a simple way to calculate our tax deductions for our work from home costs. Same again, right? Think again... We talk with Neville Birthisel at the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) as to what the ATO is expecting this year from all of us that work from home (and that's a darn lot of people, people!).

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests.  Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au).  Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

Kirk Wilson, Tax specialist from the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia joins us to work through some excellent Capital Gains Tax concessions available to small business owners and many farmers. There are four key ways to take advantage of perfectly legal ways to minimize your tax liabilities when running your small business.

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests.  Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au). 

Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

With 23% of all mortgages in the market today being fixed (yes that's correct!), we are facing interesting times when coming to refinance after many years of record low interest rates.  We discuss this dilemma with Todd O'Neill from Xenium Partners what's going on and what to do about it.

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests. Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rnb.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au). Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

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We welcome back Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money to chat about protecting your most important asset - you!

Life insurance is a rather boring subject but there are real needs as to why we should be talking about it. Tune in to find out more, especially working women.

Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance & investing, with your host Ray Trevisan from OTG Capital and special guests. Broadcast weekly on community Radio Northern Beaches (www.rng.org.au), and nationally throughout Australia on the Community Radio Network (www.cbaa.org.au). Check out our blog and details at www.otgcapital.com.au.

Natasha Panagis, Superannuation Expert from the Institute of Finance Professionals Australia chats to us this week to work through the recent changes in superannuation law that impacts virtually all Australians.

More information can be found at www.ifpa.com.au and our blog at www.otgcapital.com.au

Pippa McKee, CEO of Tax & Superannuation Australia joins me this week at Dollars & Making Sense to discuss what's happening at TSA now there is a new look, new logo, new website - the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia.  The implications for the advocacy group are big and auger well for 2023 and the prospects for the year ahead.  Delve in to find out about what services are expanding, what's staying the same, and what's to come next year.

Dollars & Making Sense a weekly program about money, finance and investing.

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We're joined by my regular collaborators this week for our final get together before the silly season gets into full swing.  Phil Osborne and Philippa Hunt discuss the most important issues they've been grappling with 2022 and the potential for 2023 for your money, finance and investing options.

A voice from the past, Henry Jennings from Marcus Today returns to reprise our first forays into DMS over 3 years ago!  And to get the tongues wagging, we venture down some old content and rediscover our musings over Brexit, Bitcoin and the current state of the global markets.  Henry is a favoured commentator on many a TV show and commentators including Oz Biz, Kochie, ABC News Breakfast and SBS, and its a real pleasure to have him back.

Neville Berthisel from Tax & Super Australia expounds all things digitisation at the ATO and specifically all about DINs - no not noise, but Director Identification Numbers and what they mean and WHY they are going to be so important to you when running a company or being a trustee in your SMSF.

We're joined this week by Rachel Waterhouse CEO of the Australian Shareholders Association.  Rachel discusses what the ASA does across many facets of the Australian investing landscape, and why, if you are serious investor, you should consider joining.

We're joined this week by Sophie Gerber, founder and CEO of Sophie Grace, Legal & Compliance specialists to discuss CFDs - Contracts for Difference.  If you're not sure that CFDs are, what they do and who they're suited for, tune in, and like me, get schooled on a different way of investing your hard earned funds.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, US Supreme Court juror (and a Republican no less) famously said "taxes are the price we pay for a civilised society".  We discuss taxes with the Head of Tax, Phil London at Tax & Super Australia, in our ongoing collaboration with TSA.  The ethics of whether we should pay tax or avoid them is a curly conundrum.

Following on from our BNPL revisit, Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money tackles the thorny issues surrounding how Debt can bring about so much Negativity in your life it can at times be debilitating. We've covered this subject a lot because it hurts many people - a lot!.

https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-negativity-bias/
Dollars & Making Sense a weekly program about money, finance and investing.

We dig back into our archive to explore BNPL again (buy now pay later) to understand better what it is and why it is so popular.  Angel or devil?  Well we think devil so tune in to find out why, and how we'll dissect this over the next few programs as well.  Dollars & Making Sense a weekly program about money, finance and investing.

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Beyond Blue have definitively linked poor mental health outcomes to financial stress - no surprises.  Philippa Hunt discusses the outcomes this week on Dollars & Making Sense.  Tune in to this week's show or podcast.  We've provided the link to Beyond Blue's article as well.

Life insurance can be purchased both inside and outside of super, but what are the pros and cons?  Tune in as we quiz Natasha Panagis from Tax & Super Australia on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly program about finance, money & investing.

The Quality of Advice Levy consultation paper is before Treasury for consideration. We discuss the outcomes here on Dollars & Making Sense.

The Quality of Advice Levy consultation paper is before Treasury for consideration. We discuss the outcomes here on Dollars & Making Sense.

We have a new guest this week, Alicia Pevely from Sophie Grace, Lawyers and specialists in financial industry compliance.  Why is this important to you?  When ever any financial product is sold in Australia, it has to be within a fully licensed environment.  That is the first thing all consumers should be checking and looking for.  This week, we explore the world of compliance with Alicia here on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly program about money, finance and investing.

Philippa Hunt & I delve into an excellent paper produced by KPMG recently, click here for a free copy.  It is fascinating reading and we discuss the options and recommendations here on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly program about money, finance and investing.

When you buy shares, do you have a plan?  Are you failing to plan or planning to fail?  Joining me this week as acclaimed and best selling author on buying and selling shares, Louise Bedford discuss trading plans.  We explore a range of ideas on how to better buy and sell shares here on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly program about money, finance and investing.

Have you done your taxes yet?  Well have a listen this week because a raft of changes have come into effect from 1 July 2022.  Join me with Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money and we discuss these changes and their impact.

A broad range of sweeping changes have come into effect from 1 July 2022.  Natasha Panagis from Tax & Super Australia joins our show to discuss what these changes are, their impact, and why continuing to focus on super is so important to your long term financial goals.

We continue our program on financial stress this week. Phillipa Hunt and I work through part 2 discussing the physiological impact of financial duress on the human body.  It is tough out there, and some kindness can go a long way.  Listen in to find out how.

Much has been said about stress in the workplace and its impact on health outcomes.  This week, Phillipa Hunt and I work through a 2 show format discussing the physiological impact of financial duress on the human body.  It is tough out there, and some kindness can go a long way.  Listen in to find out how.

We say hello to Philippa Hunt this week to discuss financial education.  The cost of advice is now through the roof, so is there a DIY way to get this happening, or are we to be fed to the wolves?  The Advice Industry changes are having an impact - and not always good.

Phil Osborne and Ray wrap up AIOFPs recent conference in Darwin.  What's happening with the Advice Industry in relation to the change of government and how does this affect you?

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Continuing our theme on estate planning, we are joined by Kirk Wilson, tax specialist from Tax & Super Australia to discuss the impact of Capital Gains Tax on assets and in particular inherited homes.  Kirk is a subject matter expert with over 30 years of hands on experience, and his views and guidance are invaluable.

This educational interview is easy to understand and may save you bundles!

We catch up with Wise Girls Money's Phillipa Hunt and discuss her recently completed mental health survey* of the Advice community.  Sobering reading and the output will be shortly presented to the incoming Fin Svcs Minister, Stephen Jones as part of a new Albanese Labor government.

Will the advice industry get lost in the noise?  So listen in and find out why FPs are invaluable on Dollars & Making Sense.

FASEA = Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority

* 900 participants

Finfluencers, who are they, WHAT are they.  ASIC has recently taken a rather large stick to them, and killed the online "advice" overnight.  Tune in this week as Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money and I dissect this online phenomena and why they were shut down.

An introduction to Bonds.  This week we're joined by Liz Moran from Fixed Income News Australia (FINA) to talk all about bonds and what's involved.  You know I'm an enthusiast when it comes to investing in this asset class, so who better to have talk about it than someone other than me!  Liz is a long time player in this space, and has some great ideas and tips around Bonds.

Wise Girls Money's Phillipa Hunt has recently completed a mental health survey* of the Advice community and it makes for fascinating, if not very concerning reading, particularly as we complete this current election cycle.

Will the advice industry get lost in the noise?  After last weekend's debacle of a "leaders debate", highly likely so listen in and find out why FPs are invaluable on Dollars & Making Sense.

FASEA (Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority)

* 900 participants

We're back, refreshed and fired up about BNPL - buy now, pay later.

Devil or angel?  Phillipa Hunt and I explore the pros and cons of this incredibly popular way to purchase goods and services.

Or is this yet another debt trap?  Have a listen and take the opportunity to listen to the experts on Dollars & Making Sense.

Financial advisers are an endangered species and the current government has done little to allay their fears nor abate their decline in membership and spiraling costs.  Why should you care?  Because having access to value for money advice will become increasingly important as we retire with more funds than ever before thanks to Keating's superannuation reforms.  Listen in as we chat to Peter Johnston, Exec Director at the Assoc of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP).

Take the opportunity to listen to the experts on Dollars & Making Sense.

Elderly women are being forced into more estate planning / end of life situations today because they are simply out living their male counterparts.  Couple this with the disturbing fact that elderly women are also more likely to be homeless and be subject to potentially abusive situations.  Join Phillipa Hunt from Wise Girls Money and Deena Janes from Elgen Estate Planning as we untangle this intricate web.

Compliance in the advice & finance industry, is the "tail wagging the dog"?  This week we return to Phil Osborne, compliance expert and Responsible Manager, who has been taking a closer look.  There is more than meets the eye as we explore the wagging dog, fleas and all.

Philippa Hunt & Deena Janes join me this week to discuss women and wills.  Dying used to be easier and following on from last week's show, we focus on matriarchs continuing to bear the burden of having to manage estates in their final years and why this is happening.  Take the opportunity to listen to the experts on Dollars & Making Sense.

Over 75% of Australians today don't have a valid will.  This week we chat with Jonathan Elcombe and Deena Janes from LGen Estate Planning to find out why, and what we can do about it.  Dying used to be easier I'm sure, there is much to consider so take the opportunity to listen to the experts on Dollars & Making Sense.

So many people are now investing in Bitcoin & cryptocurrencies, but there are many traps for those who run their own Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), and we're not just talking about the tribulations of crypto investing alone.  This week we draw upon Natasha Panagis from Tax & Superannuation Australia, a superannuation expert on the pros and cons for SMSF trustees to ponder over.  Don't miss the opportunity to listen to expert opinion on Dollars & Making Sense.

Its been almost 30 years since compulsory superannuation was legislated by the Keating government, so why is it that so many people still don't have super with retirement around the corner, or already upon them?
This week we delve into what and why we are in this situation with Philippa Hunt, founder of Wise Girls Money Magic, a website dedicated to financial education.

Can your mind set help or hinder your financial success?  This week we delve into what makes a great "money mind set" with Philippa Hunt, founder of Wise Girls Money Magic, a website dedicated to financial education.

Welcome back to 2022 Dollars & Making Sense is on air again.  This week we venture into Financial Therapy, based on a website that Philippa Hunt discovered.  Amazingly, the Americans have formalised this role as an official association and qualifications/calling, just like a Financial Planner, doctor or lawyer!  We discuss how this applies in an Australian setting.

We continue from last week's theme on "Couples & Money", and get back to Phillipa Hunt to continue her discussion and analysis of this subject.  Our final of this 3 part series and what an education this has been. Join us as we provide some excellent tips and advice about money and couples.

This is our last recorded show for the year, we will revert to a "summer series" from next week until early Feb'22.

We continue from last week's theme on "Couples & Money" part 2, this time the man's perspective with Phil Osborne and his take on this subject.  Part 2 of a 3 part series talking about money and couples.  What an education for me!! Join Phil Osborne and Ray Trevisan as we tackle some funny and thorny issues that surround money and couples.

When is it the right time to talk to your new love (or even your old love!) about money?  This week we start the first of a 3 part series talking about money and couples.  What an education for me!! Join Philippa Hunt and Ray Trevisan as we tackle some funny and thorny issues that surround money and couples.

How can you tell if the investment you're looking at is legit or not?  This week we tackle a question that is often asked of us, how can you tell if you're being scammed or not?  We're joined by Phil Osborne from Dirigere Advisory, a Compliance specialist who has seen more than his fair share of good investments and bad.  We'll cover off some of the obvious and less obvious "red flags" that you should be on the look out for when choosing your next investment.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!  This week we discuss ACTUALLY reaching your financial goals, because a goal without a plan is just a wish - sound familiar?  Join me with Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money Magic to put some reality around your goals and plan and really make a difference

Join us on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance and investing.

Peter Johnston from the AIOFP joins us again after our last discussion about the Hayne Royal Commission.  This time we discuss the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort and why the CSLR is so important to be critically reviewed before it is legislated by the Morrison government.  Find out if this scheme applies to you, and how you file a compliant if you feel wronged by a financial institution.

Phil Osborne joins me at the microphone this week to discuss how to deal with Covid Stress, and come out the other side in better shape than coming in.  Did we plan well for this one in a 100 year event or not?  What lessons can we learn for the next time, and will we have to wait another 100 years for an equally momentous occasion or something big just around the corner?  Join us on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about money, finance and investing.

How to cope with the unexpected? We all should be pretty good at this by now given the past two years.   

Reflecting this back drop, we welcome Philippa with some great ideas and thoughts about short and long term ways to prepare for the financial bumps.

This week, we have a special guest, Peter Johnston from the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP)

The AIOFP recently wrote an open letter to Sen. Jane Hume, the Financial Services Minister in the current government and Mr Longo, the head of ASIC (Australian Securities and Investment Commission).  Peter is passionate about his members and representing their best interests.  Tune in to find out what's riled the AIOFP up, and why some action is needed.

This week, we're joined by Phil Osborne from Philborne Consulting in discussing Ethics and FASEA - another one of our favorite TLAs (in fact a 5 letter acronym!).

Are Ethics still considered and are they important?  We recently talked about ESG investing, the "E" standing for Ethical, but is it all its cracked up to be, and can we trust the Financial Services Industry to be ethical?  All this and more about FASEA and why it's important to your long term financial health.

Join Ray & Phil this week on Radio Northern Beaches, or your favorite podcast platform.