The Money Puzzle

Big super funds hedge up to 50 per cent of their offshore investments: The textbooks say you should hedge about one third of any exposure overseas.
But the hedging level of most Australian investors, including ETF investors, is generally close to zilch!

In today's show, we cover...

Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group and the University of Melbourne joins associate editor, James Kirby in this episode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you get a pay rise? Should you join that start-up that promises to go to the moon, or should you simply buy your first home a lot sooner than you had planned?

In today's show, we cover:

Adviser and author, Jacqui Clarke, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are moving higher worldwide, but this time around it's for
good reason: The AI boom is fuelling tremendous returns on global share markets.
As the game gets riskier, your cash is now returning nearly 5 per cent risk-free; it's getting
hard to beat

In today's show, we cover...

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you don't have a Will, that's plain stupid. If you have a Will, you should also consider a Testamentary Discretionary Trust...and if you have done that too, you'd better watch the new Budget reforms because you may have to make changes.

In today's edition, we cover...

Estate planning lawyer, Rachael Rofe,+ joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the biggest investment upsurge we have seen since the LNG gas expansion of more than a decade ago: Data centre construction will make or break investors in the years ahead...how to play it?

Emanuel Datt of Datt Capital joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

* Your jungle guide to the $150bn data centre boom
* The hottest stocks at the centre of the action
* "Picks and shovels' - the service companies investors prefer
* Proxy bets - how money is raised behind the scenes to fuel the boom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gold price bounced in August, suggesting the yellow metal may soon recommence the rally that enthralled investors across 2025: It might be time to top up....

In today's show, we cover

Cameron Judd of the Victor Smorgon Partners Resources Gold Fund joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House price falls have some way to go, and now that we have the clear and present danger of more rate hikes, bargain hunters have time to kill.  

In today's show, we cover;

Cameron Kusher of Kusher Consulting joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the hot-button question for so many investors - how to optimise any spare cash they may have on hand. For younger investors it's often the mortgage; for older investors it's often putting the money into super (before it's too late) But which is it for you?

Olivia Maragna of Aspire Retire joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I want to help the kids, how do I start?' It's one of the most common questions we get on the podcast, and it's time to tackle it head on.

Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX 200 is enjoying a solid earnings season, but the healthcare sector is shooting the lights out. Believe it or not, the market sector that offered the fastest way to lose money last year is suddenly red hot.

Jun Bei-Liu of the Ten Cap Alpha Plus funds joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here comes Spring! Welcome to most, except perhaps to residential property sellers, who will be adding stock to an already bloated market where prices are falling.

Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The old formula for seeking income in the Australian market is fading: Dividend rates have dropped across the ASX. Yet, recent tax changes mean that investors will want to raise income from local markets. 

Hugh Robertson of the Centaur Financial Services group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors are scrambling to sidestep the new property taxes and taking risks in areas they might never have considered before the May Budget.

Rasti Vaibhav of Get RARE Properties joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the top end of the market, Australia's richest investors are deeplyengaged in the AI boom: Some are betting the house on AI, others are fighting to rescue their reputation as AI sweeps through every industry sector. 

John Stensholt co-author of 'Tech Bros' the extraordinary story of Atlassian' joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first principles for buying property never change. Whether it's your first home or your first move as an investor, you need a pathway. But following this year's landmark federal budget, it will pay to know where the government is aiming to 'help' and where market distortions could create new risks.

Author and host of the 'Money, Money, Money' podcast, Glen James joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The swing towards 'alternative' investing is much more than a fad, it is now a core dimension of most investment portfolios among wealthy investors. But how does the everyday investor get started in this area?

Cathy Ding of the Glory House group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting August 10 Self-Managed Super Funds will be banned from borrowing to buy residential property. The Government's late move will catch many investors offside. But the market is responding quickly, new strategies and new products are emerging for active investors.

Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Office joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

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.

The Federal Budget will be a landmark moment for investorsifit 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:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property investors are trying to piece together the cumulative effect of the bad news in the Budget.
How much will the combined CGT changes and negative gearing clampdown hit returns? For the everyday investor with the average established investment property the expected internal rate of return is set to plunge from 11 per cent to 8.4 per cent.

Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Office group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Budget has introduced the biggest tax changes seen in decades: Every investor in Australia will be affected by the measures. Here's what you need to know...and what to do.

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian investors have fully embraced Exchange Traded Funds. Now, as the gap between managed funds and index funds narrows, investors want to know what's next on the menu?

Daniel Shrimski, CEO of Vanguard Australia joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment property and high-dividend-paying shares are about to get a tax hit in the Budget: So, it's the perfect time to look wider for the active investor.

Jack Tossol of the Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rate hikes are just not the same anymore: Once upon a time, they hit the mortgage belt, that fictionalised housing strip in the outer suburbs populated by young families. Today the RBA’s weapon of choice lands heavily instead on older Australians. 

What does it mean for the property investor? 

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at Ray White Group, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iran crisis oil shock is creating winners and losers in the sharemarket, but it may not be playing out as you expect. Yes QANTAS is hit, but diesel-guzzlers BHP and Rio re big winners. How's that? And why is Wall Street streaking ahead of the ASX once more even though both markets are facing the same energy issues?

Business columnist Eric Johnson joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once you get on top of the basics, then investing should get a lot easier. But the hidden factors that make a difference between winning and losing inside the investment market - including the property market - often have more to do with bias.

Rasti Vaibhav of the Get RARE property group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's episode, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private credit boom is having a shake-out: But not before many Australian investors - and big super funds - placed a lot of money into what has been, until very recently, a boom business. What's on the line and where is the exposure? 

Andy Darroch of Independent Financial Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upside of higher interest rates is that you might get more on your money in the bank. But it turns out that anyone who uses a 'bonus' account (which is where the banks offer the best rates) must satisfy the terms and conditions each month.And guess what?  More than 40 per cent of savers in this category don't meet their T&Cs each month - that means they don't get the rate rise. With rates rising it’s time to get across the numbers. 

In today's show, we cover:

Sally Tindall, data insights director at Canstar joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've only got a few months to go before the end of the financial year: It's time to plan your tax returns...and yes, this year - with soaring transport costs and changing super caps - it will be different.

'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was not supposed to happen this year: Vacancy rates were meant to rise in 2026 and income was expected to flatten…not at all. Property investors are suddenly grappling with a reshaped market where forecasts have been turned upside down.

Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s episode, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMAs are booming inside the financial advice sector: But if they are so terrific, then why is regulator ASIC asking so many probing questions around fees and conflicts of interest?

Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can’t have a run of interest rate hikes and expect property to shoot out the lights. The chances are we are going to see a price slowdown in the major cities later this year…especially at the top end. But a string of factors point to serious resilience at the other end of the market.

Independent housing analyst, Eliza Owen, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today’s show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are investors doing in reaction to the shocking turn in markets during the first three months of 2026? 

One of the first moves is a distinct retreat from Wall Street back to the ASX, as investors seek mining and energy stocks along with blue chips that can deliver reliable dividends. It's early days but we are also seeing a pick-up in defensive investments such as infrastructure and a little less enthusiasm for gold.

David Bassanese, chief economist at ETF provider Betashares, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to get advice from today's guest, Ben James of Escala Partners, you need to have at least $5m in your investment portfolio. In other words, his clients are strictly from the top end of town. So what have his clients been doing since the Iran crisis broke in February, and what is he telling them to do next?

Ben James, CEO of Escala Partners, joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buyer's agents armed with rubber-stamp qualifications are herding investors into overpriced regional hot spots just in time for a looming wave of rate rises...it's an accident waiting to happen.

Veronica Morgan from Good Deeds Property Advisors joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do the super-rich have in common? The everyday investor might never be a dealmaker, but they can learn a lot from the discipline, focus and confidence common to the cohort on this year's Rich 250 list.

John Stensholt, Rich 250 Editor joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash rates are now more than 4 per cent and your mortgage is around 6 per cent: What's more, it looks very much like the hiking cycle is far from over, so should you fix at these levels?

Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former AFL star Chris Judd has become a fund manager specialising in 'small cap' stocks: No surprise, he's got some clear views on the share market and what investors should be doing as higher interest rates loom.

Chris Judd of the Cerutty Macro Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby, in this episode .In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Rentvesting' is increasingly popular where wannabe home owners move first to buy a rental property and later to use their accumulated equity to buy 'a forever family home.' But putting some of your capital into the sharemarket, rather than the property market may be much more lucrative...and even better if CGT tax is raised in the near future.

Author Jacqui Clarke, Your Personal CFO joins associate editor, James Kirby on this podcast episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are very early days in the Iran war and the impact on share markets is far from clear. But already we can see there is upward pressure on interest rates around the world, there is also a clear risk of an inflation spike due to oil supply.

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though 80,000 investors own more than two negatively geared properties, the reaction to news that the government is planning to ‘cap’ the tax break has been low-key. Perhaps that’s because losing money on an investment property should not be the first aim of an investor.

Jarrod McCabe of the Wakelin Advisory Group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode

In today’s show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyday investors have been heavily sold private credit funds as an alternative investment and now the reality of this opaque, often illiquid market is starting to bite.

Dr Doug Turek of Minchin Moore joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we looking the wrong way? As property investors fret over likely lifts in Capital Gains Tax, the bigger issue for long term investors is interest rates: Despite the industry-wide assumption that we are in a new rate hike cycle, it is looking increasingly likely that rates are not going to go through the roof, in fact some already believe we should be thinking about lower rates in the near future.

Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group and Melbourne Business School joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More investors are coming to realise that inherited super is taxed at 17 per cent, but the government has stirred a hornet's nest in adding a de facto death tax into the new super tax legislation. What to do?

Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the very core of wealth building is the dilemma of setting up your super or making sure you own a home; The long-term returns on both investment choices are broadly similar, but the tax system is hugely in favour of the home-owner. So what to do?

James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are moving higher again as the RBA renews its battle with inflation: It's time to think seriously about inflation-proofing your investments, and that means a lot more than buying some gold.

Chris Brycki of the Stockspot group joins Associate Editor - James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'You can't get into the property investment market for less than $1m' is something you may hear regularly...but is it true? High-profile investor Nathan Birch says not only can you get into the market for $300,000 or less, but you can do it without negative gearing.

Nathan Birch of the B Invested group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you are with a big super fund - or run your own SMSF -  the outstanding risk for your long-term return is whether your portfolio is appropriate for your age? The chances are that you are being too conservative because you are going to live a lot longer than you realise.  

Anna Shelley, chief investment officer at AMP joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold prices jumped dramatically last year and then soared through the $US5,000 milestone last month: Now the price is suddenly heading south as profit takers push the price down closer to $US4,660. Some listeners may have missed the gold rally, our guest today - a specialist gold mining stock picker - says this might be a time to reconsider.

David Franklyn of the Argonaut Gold Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sharemarket is surging and we are trading like it's late 2007, which makes it a very good time to review how your portfolio would fare if things turn sour.It's also time to catch up on new changes in super. 

Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 
In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are planning to put more money in the property market this year, be warned the risks of tax changes are now clearly on the table: Top of the agenda is a wind back in Capital Gain Tax concessions. 

Peter Esho of Flexdoc joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many years can a bull market last? What will it take to dampen investor sentiment in the year ahead, and what should you, the active investor, be doing?

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property prices are tipped to rise by 5 per cent in 2026 : But where will investors really make their money?In our property investment outlook show for the year ahead, we identify the property sector that is ready to rebound...and we pinpoint the best location too.

Stuart Wemyss of the ProSolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX can return 10 per cent again in 2026...or maybe even more, says star stockpicker Jun Bei Liu...but what to buy? In this second part of our 2026 investment outlook, she outlines very clearly the red-hot sectors offering the top stock picks and also the parts of the market to avoid.

Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks like the sharemarket will once again be the place to make money in 2026, especially on Wall Street. But it's not going to be a smooth ride: In the first weeks of the year, the US has unleashed a wave of foreign interventions - and President Trump has subpoenaed Fed Reserve chair Jay Powell - triggering alarm bells on Wall Street.

Marc Jocum, investment strategist at GlobalX ETFs joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Money Puzzle, The Australian’s Wealth Editor, Julie-anne Sprague, unpacks what it takes to be a great investor with one of the nation's top stockpickers, Jun Bei Liu. How did Liu learn to invest? What did she learn when things went wrong and what's her advice for everyday investors wanting to build their wealth?

Jun Bei Liu of Ten Cap joins Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague in this episode.

Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in December 2024.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it wasn’t said by a top financial adviser, you might dismiss it as a quote out of context, but  Partners Wealth Group Jack Tossol is not kidding: He says a generation that has ‘sunk everything’ into the family home will miss the chance to have a successful tax-deductible investment plan.

It’s a provocative notion, challenging die-hard principles of money management, but with house prices moving higher again...you have to listen.

Financial adviser Jack Tossol of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby,  in this episode.

In today’s show, we cover

No tax deduction, no income…Is home ownership overrated?

Why ‘Rentvesting’ is worth revisiting

Are you facing decades of ‘dead money' in your home mortgage?

Challenging the ‘retirement sweet spot’

Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in August 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the FIRE movement and how did it get started? It's not a club or a cult: It doesn't have a headquarters, rather it's a set of investment principles: And it just might be a breakthrough for you in the year ahead.

Lionel Lee joins  James Kirby in the episode.

--------
In today's show, we cover:

Please note, this is a repeat episode of The Money Puzzle. It originally aired in December 2024.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't love a good movie?  Power, romance, ambition, betrayal...actually, that sounds more like a classic 'money movie'. In this special holiday show, The Australian's film critic Stephen Romei,  guides us through the best movies about money. 

Stephen Romei, The Australian's film critic joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this special episode.

In today's edition, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment markets are sliding in the final days of the year with the ASX 200 looking like it will manage just 8 per cent in total returns: Even Wall Street has softened in the final quarter of the calendar year bringing home about 16 per cent. What a year for the active investor! How was it for you? 

James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, Wealth James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group is Australia’s top expert in choosing locations for investors.Today he spells out his ‘simple formula’ for the everyday investor that offers opportunity across the national market.

Terry Ryder of the Hotspotting group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It sounds reasonable at first glance: Shares on the ASX are up more than 5 per cent over the year to date - add your dividends and you might get close to a 9 percent total return. But then we have a 17 per cent year-to -date return on Wall Street. This is not a once-off: Wall Street has beaten the ASX out the door for more than decade, will it ever change? 

Gemma Dale, head of investor behaviour at nabtrade joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone is feeling the squeeze of sky-high property prices: At the same time, state governments across Australia are actively encouraging 'densification'. No wonder, more investors are looking at optimising the land value of their homes by building out the back.

Financial adviser Nathan Fradley joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

Here's a guide:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are you holding on to that investment property to help your kids buy a house one day? This question captures the broader concept raised by the 'Die with Zero' movement, which calls for investors to transfer wealth sooner rather than later.

Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor, Wealth - James Kirby, in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks won't tell you if you're better off with a fixed-rate mortgage. But strong evidence shows most borrowers will lose when they bet against the bank by settling on a three-year fixed rate. With expectations building that RBA rates may rise, fixed rates seem attractive once more, but you need to know why the odds are against you.

Stuart Wemyss of the Prosoluton Private Clients group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland is the top cop for consumers in the investment markets - and he wants you to know that those superannuation calculators that suggest you need very large amounts of money to retire can be unreliable.In Kirkland's view, those calculations often tend to be too high.Sure, aspire to having as much as you can in super -  but don't believe all you read... especially if it's compiled by someone who gets paid for getting your money on the books.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone who remembers the powerful escalation in prices for the Sydney 2000 games does not need to be convinced that Brisbane is going to be a very good opportunity in the run-up to the 2032 games. So what's the catch? Today we look at the recent history and challenges of the nation's third biggest residential market...

Sam Price, buyer's advocate with Templeton Property joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group has just taken the top spot in this year's  Barron's Top 150 Advisers List. He offers a unique perspective on what you need to know about advice, and how to deal with an investment market that is clearly at the top of the cycle.

Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen, just as the residential property market is rebounding, there are concerns that regulators may 'remove the punchbowl.' NAB has revived talk of rules that would limit investor lending. Meanwhile, the tax office is threatening to deny tax deductions on holiday homes unless investors make their properties available at peak times such as Christmas.

Anissa Cavallo of the Eda Property Group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The avalanche of unlisted private funds aimed at retail investors is at full tilt. It's been a seriously profitable activity for endowment funds: So why have they been getting out of late? 
It's time to take a hard look at a boom that's raising a lot of questions.

Andy Darroch of Independent Wealth Advice joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby 

In today's show, we cover:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.