The Money Puzzle

Hosted by The Australian

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Episodes

644

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle. Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets. Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth. Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 13, 202634 min

How rich listers are investing in the AI boom

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: Rich pickings in an AI bonanza How Atlassian's 'tech bros' are pivoting towards AI Wes Maas bets the house on Firmus Why did Gina Rinehart invest heavily in SpaceX? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 11, 202633 min

How to buy your first property (post-Budget)

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: The quick-start guide to your first property Looking at the home from an investor perspective Getting to know the home grants system Warning on new property after negative gearing changes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 6, 202633 min

Why it's time to get into alternative investing

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: The basics of alternative investing Getting started in private credit and private equity The enduring role of gold Advanced alternatives: Royalty streams and coupon notes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 4, 202636 min

Getting around the SMSF borrowing ban

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: Yes, you can still use your SMSF in residential property: Here’s how Taking a second look at residential property finance options Market responds to negative gearing ban with new products The way forward for active property investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 30, 202638 min

How to build your own ETF portfolio

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

July 28, 202629 min

How much will house prices fall?

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

July 23, 202621 min

Your retirement plan’s CGT shock (with Adrian Raftery)

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

July 21, 202638 min

Commercial property suddenly looks attractive: Should you go near it?

There is still a property sector where the outlook is improving, where yields are strong and anyone can negatively gear. Hey, you can even use borrowed funds in your Self-Managed Super Fund: It's time to take a second look at the commercial property sector. James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The pros and cons of commercial property Why Budget tax changes have lit up the sector The best entry points for the everyday investor Cash flow risk - the outstanding danger for new commercial property investors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 16, 202629 min

Why property investing will never be the same again

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

July 15, 202624 min

Building a shock-proof investment portfolio

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