Money: Faith & Finance

Hosted by Hope 103.2

Investing Religion Spirituality Christianity

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Money: Faith & Finance explores the profound and practical of everyday finances. In every episode, we explore the real-life impact of everything from superannuation to stewardship, the World Bank to your wallet – and what does God have to say about money? Welcome to the profit, loss and real balance sheet of wherever money intersects with you. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia. Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202622 min

Gambling's Real Cost in Australia

Key Takeaways: Australia experienced around $31.5 billion in gambling losses in 2022-2023, indicative of a growing nationwide concern and need for robust policy intervention. Pete Burrows emphasises the importance of understanding the opportunity cost associated with gambling, suggesting it can detrimentally affect essential household finances. The episode addresses how digital platforms have simplified gambling, raising stakes and altering traditional perceptions and social behaviors. Practical strategies such as self-exclusion, accountability partnerships, and understanding net losses can help manage gambling habits effectively. The conversation explores the ethical considerations surrounding gambling profits and losses, urging a reflective perspective on its societal impacts. Notable Quotes: "There was a Melbourne Cup sweep at work and I put in 50 bucks once a year. Problem gambling might be a line item as we talk about in the family budget." - Pete Burrows "31.5 billion in annual gambling losses. That's about $1,500 per person in Australia." - Pete Burrows "It feels like we're shoehorning a lot into an episode, but those big-ticket items at the start are going to be just 'whoa.'" - Ben McEachen "If you keep the money in your house, you're more likely to win." - Pete Burrows "The ads could be… the frequency of ads - how often and where - that's where reforms are falling short." - Ben McEachen  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 9, 202615 min

Spouse Earns More: Who Controls the Money?

Key Takeaways: Income disparity should not define contribution value in household finances; consider all types of work and responsibilities. Establishing open, continuous financial dialogues between partners can prevent misunderstandings and foster unity. Approach household finances with a focus on cooperation and equality rather than dominance, regardless of income size. Differences in income levels can raise relational and decision-making issues, but these can be mitigated by recognising each partner's comprehensive contributions. Society's shift to dual-income households necessitates more inclusive conversations around financial responsibility and contribution. Notable Quotes: "Money's more visible, but that doesn't necessarily make it the most valuable contribution to a relationship." - Pete Burrows "As long as you can own why you do it and you're comfortable with the reasons that you do it, but you need to have thought it through as well." - Pete Burrows "A big part of me wants to encourage everybody if it works for them." - Ben McEachen "The danger is money seems like the most visible contribution to a relationship but it's not necessarily the most valuable." - Pete Burrows "Value the other person's contribution." - Pete Burrows  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 2, 202628 min

How a Single Mum Budgets for 5 Kids

Sara is a single mother residing in Sydney, Australia, who impressively manages the household dynamics of five children, aged 12 to 19. Additionally, Sara is a devoted foster carer, providing a nurturing environment not only for her children but also for those in need. Her life is a testament to community support, resourcefulness, and unyielding faith, offering her both challenges and a profound sense of fulfillment. Key Takeaways: The importance of community support and resourcefulness when managing finances under rental stress. Utilizing resources like church pantries and fostering allowances to supplement limited income efficiently. The role of faith in financial decision-making, offering both support and guidance through difficult times. Effective budgeting strategies include prioritizing rent, engaging with support organizations like Hope Economy, and prudently building an emergency fund. The impact of avoiding credit card debt and making intentional spending decisions to ensure long-term financial stability. Notable Quotes: "Without faith, I would not be able to do this. It comes back to having five kids and a foster child and realizing that these kids are more God's kids than they are mine." "Each dollar actually has a value and to be purposeful for where that dollar goes." "My biggest advice? Rent is always first, has to be, that's the biggest stone." "Once you get over three or four, it's just another kid." "Volunteering helped me show more gratitude in what was around me."  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 26, 202616 min

Wealth, Tax & the Heart Behind Your Money - Budget 2026

Key Takeaways: Recent changes in Australia's federal budget could significantly affect wealth building, specifically through adjustments to capital gains tax and negative gearing. The government may aim to make property a less attractive investment over time to address broader housing affordability challenges. Small business owners and startups could be particularly impacted by these tax changes due to adjustments in how capital gains are calculated. It's crucial for individuals to engage with financial advisors to understand the personal impact of these fiscal changes and to adjust strategies accordingly. The upcoming changes underscore the importance of evaluating the socio-economic implications of wealth accumulation practices in Australia. Notable Quotes: "The government's come out and said negative gearing going forward. If you bought a property after budget night, you'll only be able to claim negative gearing on new properties." — Pete Burrows "We have moved from wanting to maybe tax owners the same that we tax earners." — Pete Burrows "I've never told clients to do anything motivated by tax. Your investment should be good regardless of tax, not because of tax." — Pete Burrows "Legislation hasn't been introduced. The changes to trusts are three years away." — Pete Burrows "We do have deficits, and those tax dollars get spent on things that benefit all of us." — Pete Burrows  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 20269 min

Protecting Our Children from Betting Ads - Tim Costello Speaks Out

About the Guest: Tim Costello is an Australian advocate known for campaigning against gambling harm. A former CEO of World Vision Australia and regular contributor to the Centre for Public Christianity, he now leads the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a leading national advocacy group working to reduce gambling-related harm. Costello has long been an outspoken critic of gambling practices and policy, advocating comprehensive reforms to better protect Australians. Key Takeaways: Tim Costello criticises the Australian federal government's "timid" response to the 2023 Murphy report on gambling reforms. Costello highlights a lack of a national gambling regulator as a significant flaw in current governmental policies. The federal government’s response includes partial restrictions on gambling advertisements. The Alliance for Gambling Reform calls for unified public action to pressure governments for comprehensive reforms. Costello urges stronger policies to protect children from the pervasive influences of gambling advertisements in sporting events and media. Notable Quotes: "It was a timid response and dropping it while the budget was on was of course a smokescreen…" - Tim Costello "It's unbelievable that in the nation with the greatest gambling losses per head… we have no national gambling regulator." - Tim Costello "This is not protecting kids. Imagine if 80% of kids knew Marlborough cigarettes…" - Tim Costello "The only job for parents is to protect kids." - Tim Costello Resources: Gambling Harm | Alliance For Gambling Reform - Alliance for Gambling Reform Australians share the moment they realised gambling had changed their lives forever - ABC News Calls grow for total ban on gambling ads as Australia’s annual losses surge to $32bn | Gambling | T… Government accused of 'burying' response to landmark gambling report with budget day release - ABC … Australian Government response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy … Report released You win some you lose more – Parliament of Australia Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 20269 min

Budget 2026 - Pete's Hot Take and A Christian Angle

Key Takeaways: The Federal Budget 2026 primarily benefits workers and the lower middle class by targeting tax reforms over monetary handouts. Major tax reforms target capital gains and negative gearing, aiming to make housing more accessible and affordable. The budget reflects a shift towards providing benefits for earners as opposed to owners, potentially leading to long-term societal gains. Current investors relying on negative gearing and capital gains concessions might find themselves at a disadvantage with the new reforms. Despite mild immediate effects, the budget aspires to address overarching issues like cost of living and housing affordability. Notable Quotes: "This is a budget more for earners than owners." – Pete Burrows "We need to think about what is better for the country and the community." – Pete Burrows "The government's trying not to pour more money out into the economy because that could fuel inflation." – Pete Burrows "We have to look beyond how does this affect me personally." – Pete Burrows "This is the most important and ambitious budget in decades." – Pete Burrows  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 6, 202614 min

Australia's Rent Crisis: Only 3 Homes Affordable on Min Wage!!

Anglicare's Rental Affordability Snapshot - National Report Anglicare's Rental Affordability Snapshot - NSW and ACT   About the Guest: Rob Stokes is the Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare Sydney. With a distinguished background as a former Member of Parliament in New South Wales, Rob has transitioned to focus on housing affordability and social welfare. At Anglicare, he oversees initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisis in Sydney and beyond. His efforts emphasize the importance of governmental policy changes to support housing affordability. Episode Summary: Australia's rental crisis is hitting hard — and the numbers don't lie. Ben McEachen sits down with Rob Stokes, Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare Sydney, to unpack the findings of their 16th Annual Rental Affordability Snapshot. If you're renting, know someone who is, or simply care about where this country is headed, this one's worth your time. Rob puts it plainly: housing collapse leads to social collapse. So what needs to change — and who's responsible? Practical, confronting, and deeply relevant for everyday Australians navigating the real cost of keeping a roof over their heads. Key Takeaways: The 2026 Anglicare Sydney Rental Affordability Snapshot reveals catastrophic levels of rental unaffordability post-pandemic, with availability dropping by 86%. Single individuals on minimum wage have drastically limited affordable housing options, with just three properties across Greater Sydney meeting affordability criteria. Vulnerable populations, such as those on income support or single parents with children, are facing even harsher conditions in the rental market. Rob Stokes advocates for governmental action and progressive tax policies to reallocate funds towards housing solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of community and governmental support to avert a broader social collapse due to unmet housing needs. Notable Quotes: "Statistics provide a very, very bleak picture this year." - Rob Stokes "Once you've got a housing collapse, it's not long before you end up with a broader social collapse." - Rob Stokes "We've gone from housing crisis to housing catastrophe." - Rob Stokes "If taxes on people with multiple homes are going to be changed or increased, then it stands to reason that that tax revenue should go to support people who don't have anywhere to live." - Rob Stokes "This is a problem for everyone, because if people can't find decent housing, everything else starts to fall apart." - Rob Stokes Resources: Anglicare Sydney: Anglicare Sydney's website Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 21, 202621 min

Worth of Wisdom - The Hidden Financial Superpower

Key Takeaways: Wisdom vs. Wealth: Wisdom can offer more sustainable benefits than wealth, providing a foundation for making sound financial decisions. The Biblical Perspective: Applying biblical principles, such as those found in the Book of Proverbs and the Book of James, can guide financial decision-making. Wisdom in the Workplace: The notion of "wisdom work," especially in the age of AI, emphasizes the importance of human judgment in complementing technological tools. Learning from Experience: Real-life experiences and past financial decisions should form the bedrock for future financial planning and strategies. Intergenerational Wisdom Sharing: Encouraging conversations between different generations can foster wisdom-sharing and improve financial literacy and decision-making for all parties. Notable Quotes: "Most of the value in what we do is coming from the wisdom of knowing which button to press." "We should be seeking wisdom, not the answer." "Wisdom's worth more than we're ever going to earn from our investments." "If you haven't got the bedrock, if you haven't got the wisdom underneath, well, then each decision could be right, could be wrong." "Seeking wisdom and wise people in your life is more valuable than just seeking earnings." Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 14, 202622 min

Capital Gains Tax: Who Really Pays for Your Tax Break?

Key Takeaways: Capital gains tax in Australia was established in 1985 to tax profits made from asset sales, excluding the primary residence. The current 50% discount on CGT, introduced by the Howard government in 1999, was intended to foster investment but has led to disproportionate effects on the housing market. There's ongoing speculation about potential changes to tax policy in the upcoming federal budget, possibly affecting negative gearing and broader investment strategies. Intergenerational inequality is partially linked to capital gains tax policies, affecting the housing market and subsequent financial opportunities for future generations. Tax policies should guide, but not fully dictate, investment behaviors; long-term investment perspectives are encouraged over short-term gains. Notable Quotes: "The effective rate of tax on a capital gain for most individuals for the last 25 years plus has been about 23%." "Investors can probably afford to pay more… The problem is those people that are living in them one day want to buy a house." "Tax laws are not set in stone forever. They do change, governments change, circumstances change." "You're asking someone in the future to pay more for it than today." "If you're not comfortable with that, you need to think about the investment."  Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 7, 202639 min

Money Struggle? Hope Economy Has Answers!

Rosie Kendall is the CEO of Hope Economy, formerly known as Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Australia. Originally from the UK, Rosie joined CAP Australia in 2013 after working with its parent organization in the UK. She has over 19 years of experience in financial services and community development, dedicating her career to helping churches support individuals facing financial distress. Under her leadership, Hope Economy focuses on equipping churches with the tools to address financial difficulties within their communities. Key Takeaways: Rebranding for Impact: Hope Economy evolved from Christians Against Poverty to better reflect a positive mission and offer practical help to a broader range of financial struggles. Financial Challenges Awareness: The importance of understanding the changing financial landscape, impacting communities and churches in guiding financial literacy initiatives. Community-Centric Approach: Emphasis on the church’s role in community support, serving as a vital conduit in offering help and fostering financial literacy. Hope and Empowerment: Even small steps like conversation and community connectedness can provide hope and lead to significant financial behavior changes. Simplicity in Resource Access: Anyone interested can become a money mentor, with resources and support from Hope Economy for those willing to help others in financial distress. Notable Quotes: "Going from hopelessness to feeling hope is often the bit that's transformational." — Rosie Kendall "People don't need kind of generic advice. They actually want someone to listen to their unique story." — Rosie Kendall "None of us are immune. We all manage money and come into difficulty." — Rosie Kendall "We're here to have a conversation. I'm here for you." — Rosie Kendall "To have a money conversation is to look at how we're using our money to reflect our discipleship with Jesus." — Rosie Kendall Resources: Hope Economy: HopeEconomy.org.au Christians Against Poverty: capuk.org Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.