Friends With Money

Hosted by Money Magazine

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284

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Jun 2026

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We all have questions about money; how to earn it, how to spend it, and the best ways to invest so we can watch it grow. The Friends With Money podcast, created by Money Magazine (Australia’s longest-running and most-read personal finance magazine), shares its extensive network of finance experts, in-depth knowledge of markets and timely advice to help you understand the world of money. Hosted by senior writer, Tom Watson, Managing Editor, Vanessa Walker and editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, Friends With Money is a weekly chat with a variety of credentialed guests that you won’t want to miss. Listening and learning will help you on the path to financial freedom.

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June 16, 202614 min

Commercial property: Buy or pass?

REITs explained - A property expert explains the next investment hotspotsThis week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's editor-in -chief Michelle Baltazar speaks with Justin Blaess, principal and portfolio manager at REIT specialist Quay Global Investors, to explain real estate investment trusts (REITs) and how investors can earn investment income through them.They discuss REITs as listed businesses that owns buildings and collect rent, how the sector has evolved since the late 1990s and the GFC, and new opportunities beyond traditional retail, office, and industrial.01:05 What Is a REIT?01:48 How REIT investing evolved03:29 Investment hotspots: data centres, storage and senior living05:59 Expected returns basics09:34 Interest rates myth12:43 How to start investingPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

June 9, 202614 min

Helping kids buy property with super

Summary: Thinking of helping your kids buy their first home? Discover the potential risks to your retirement & explore smart strategies like the First home super saver schemeWant to help your kids buy their first home? Learn how it could pose a risk to your retirement plans and the smarter ways to help.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Michelle Baltazar speaks with Aware Super's Kate Rolfe about new research showing most parents and grandparents are willing to help younger family members buy a first home, often by gifting cash, reducing their mortgages or offering low to no-interest loans, but how their good intentions could potentially put their retirement savings at risk.They discuss how giving financial support without proper planning can affect tax outcomes and Centrelink age pension eligibility, including potential consequences such as losing access to their benefits for years.Rolfe recommends getting professional financial advice before money changes hands, considering whether to gift the funds or to structure it as a loan, and weighing lump sum versus drawdown payments.01:09 How families can help02:45 Retirement and pension risks05:26 Tax advice and structuring gifts06:43 First home super saver explained08:32 Lump sum vs drawdown11:09 Where to startLinks: First home super savers schemePodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbRDisclaimer“To find out more from Aware Super, go to aware.com.au/member/what-we-offerGeneral advice only. Consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, which have not been accounted for in this information, and read the relevant PDS and TMD before deciding to acquire, or continue to hold, any financial product. Consider if Aware Super is right for you and access the PDS and TMD on their website, aware.com.au/firsthomebuyer Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super. Aware Super’s research involved a national online survey of 1,094 Australians aged 45 and over who indicated they were open to financially supporting younger family members. Fieldwork was completed in December 2025. All research was carried out in accordance with ISO 20252:2019 and ISO 27001:2013 quality and data-security standards.”

June 2, 202619 min

Tax Time 2026!

Tax Time Shake-Up: What Every Aussie Needs to Know for 2026–27!Tax time is just around the corner, with a number of changes set to kick in from July 1. So what do you need to know and how can you prepare?On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Mark Chapman, director of tax communications at H&R Block, to break down the key updates and the moves to make before and after June 30.00:00 Introduction01:07 Federal budget tax changes overview01:36 What’s changing with negative gearing?03:09 Capital gains tax overhaul04:50 Family trusts and the 30% minimum tax06:22 $1,000 instant deduction08:24 Working Australians Tax Offset09:51 Lower income tax rates and super changes11:42 Who the ATO is targeting this year14:49 EOFY checklist: practical steps to take now17:10 — Common mistakes when preparing a tax return18:30 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #markchapman #taxPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

May 26, 202617 min

ASX update: Winners and losers

Market Madness: The Stocks Flying and FailingIt’s been a volatile start to 2026 for the Australian share market, with some stocks surging and others struggling.On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to discuss the standout stocks, underperformers and what investors should look for in the months ahead.00:00 Introduction01:52 A tale of two markets04:24 Macro forces and the market07:09 Resource sector shines10:02 CSL slump and other underperformers12:33 Investor playbook for the second half of 202616:15 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investingPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

May 19, 202613 min

Downsizing the family home

Two million households are expected to consider downsizing in the next five years — but is it always the right move financially or emotionally?On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Catriona Graham, financial planner at Bridges Financial Services, to explore the costs, trade-offs and timing of downsizing, and what Australians should consider before making a move.00:00 Introduction01:19 What is downsizing?02:56 Key benefits and motivations04:38 Hidden costs and risks05:50 Downsizer super contributionsClarification: To be eligible to make downsizer contributions from the sale of your home, your home must have been owned by you and/or your spouse for at least ten years before the sale. The sale must also qualify for the main residence capital gains tax exemption – either fully (e.g. you’ve lived in it the whole time) or partially (you’ve both lived in it and rented it out). 07:50 Downsizing and the Age Pension08:53 The importance of timing10:33 Lifestyle options and retirement living11:23 Final tips#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #catrionagraham #downsizingPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

May 12, 202611 min

Federal Budget 2026

Federal Budget 2026: CGT discount ends, negative gearing tightens & new tax offsets explainedFrom major tax changes to new housing initiatives, the 2026 federal budget was packed with measures set to shape Australians’ finances.On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, managing editor Vanessa Walker is joined by senior journalist Tom Watson to break down the key financial measures outlined in the budget and what they mean for your money.00:36 CGT discount overhaul01:46 New CGT rules explained03:20 Negative gearing shakeup04:33 Housing Supply Measures07:03 Working tax offset08:43 Instant $1000 deduction09:40 Trust tax minimum rateLinks:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

May 5, 202623 min

Love, lies, and money

Romance Scams: ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe on Red Flags, AI Risks & How to Protect Yourself | Friends With MoneyRomance scams are evolving fast, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission wants Australians to recognise the warning signs earlier.On this week’s Friends With Money podcast, managing editor Vanessa Walker speaks with ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe about the regulator’s romance scam awareness campaign and why these crimes cause serious financial loss and long‑lasting emotional harm.Lowe explains that romance scams involve fake relationships designed to steal money and personal data. They often start on dating apps or social platforms before quickly moving to encrypted messaging services. She outlines two common scam models, fast investment pitches and long‑running “slow burn” requests, and reveals Australians reported more than $28.6 million in losses to Scamwatch through 2025.The episode also explores the ACCC’s taskforce approach, a new online relationship health check tool, the incoming scams prevention framework for banks, telcos and digital platforms, the role of organised crime and trafficking, and how AI could help ddefeat reverse image searches.Links: ACCC Scamwatch00:30 What are romance scams?02:42 How big the losses are04:45 How scams move online06:18 Industry crackdown tools07:49 Scams prevention framework11:13 Who runs these rings13:47 AI and future scams16:08 Who Is most at risk19:02 Warning signs and next stepsPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

April 28, 202620 min

Fuel crisis: Is it time to buy an EV?

Should You Switch to an EV? Fuel shortages, charging costs & best electric cars in AustraliaThe war in Iran and resulting oil shortages are driving petrol and diesel supply anxiety in Australia, while more EVs from Asia, better home charging options, and typical fuel savings of $1200–$2000 per year are boosting interest in electric vehicle sales.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's managing editor, Vanessa Walker, is joined by motoring contributor Matt Campbell to discuss the pros and cons of buying an EV.Campbell explains the main barriers that held Australians back — price, range anxiety, resale and battery concerns, fit-for-purpose models, and charging infrastructure — then outlines what has changed, including emissions rules, improved plug-in hybrid and EV ranges, and growing price parity.They cover economical charging (EV plans, solar and home batteries), insurance and resale considerations, suggested EV models across sizes, and why faster charging speeds are the next major battleground.01:38 Why Aussies hesitated03:14 Policy shifts and better range05:23 Charging network bottlenecks08:04 Cheapest ways to charge09:19 Affordable EV price points12:07 Must-have features vs gimmicks13:46 Hidden costs insurance and resale16:01 Top picks small to large18:27 Future faster charging techLinks:Matt's Youtube channelPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

April 21, 202619 min

Family trusts

Family Trusts Explained (Australia): Tax Flexibility, Asset Protection & Who They’re For | Friends With MoneyThis week on The Friends With Money podcast, Money Magazine’s Ryan Johnson speaks with licensed Australian financial adviser and author Helen Baker to explain family trusts in plain english and challenge the idea they’re only for the ultra-wealthy. They break down how a family trust is its own entity, the roles of beneficiaries, trustees and the appointor (who holds ultimate power), and why separation of control matters for potential asset protection. Helen clarifies that the trust owns the assets and beneficiaries generally have rights to income or capital distributions, not ownership, and discusses when a trust may be worth considering (often with significant funds, varying household incomes, or positive income/capital), how tax flexibility works via distributing income across beneficiaries, the need to distribute to avoid the trust being taxed at the top rate, costs to set up and run, risks of poor management, and why investment suitability and liquidity matter.00:00 Family trusts explained02:03 Trust roles breakdown05:12 Who owns what06:13 When trusts make sense08:23 Tax flexibility in action10:25 Your advisory team11:57 Risks and penalties12:56 Costs to run and unwind14:55 Choosing investments16:49 Who trusts are forPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

April 14, 202626 min

One year out from retirement

Retirement Planning in Australia: What to Do 5 Years Out, 1 Year Out & On Retirement DayThis week on Friends With Money, Money Magazine host Ryan Johnson speaks with financial adviser Nick Bruining (Netplan) about preparing for retirement from five years out through to “R-day.”They cover assessing family arrangements, assets and cash flow, likely lifestyle spending, and creating a wishlist while prioritising paying off non-deductible debt. Nick explains why life insurance often becomes less necessary as assets grow, and how to reduce investment risk in super as retirement nears while still keeping some growth for a 20–30 year retirement.They discuss boosting super via salary sacrifice, personal deductible contributions, carry-forward concessional rules for balances under $500,000, and debunk the “million-dollar myth,” noting Centrelink can meaningfully top up income. The episode also covers downsizer contributions, part pension rules while working, concession cards, and applying via myGov within 13 weeks.00:57 Five years out checklist03:25 Rethinking life insurance05:24 Super strategy and risk08:54 One year out planning11:28 Boosting super smartly14:35 Downsizing and centrelink17:10 Purpose and part pension21:10 Applying for pension cards23:55 Retirement day logisticsPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: podcast@moneymag.com.auGet stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR