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Hundreds of thousands of Australians lose money to scams each year, but there are simple steps everyone can take to better protect their money. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Olivia McArdle, head of payments and deposits at Macquarie Bank, to discuss account safety and scams to watch out for. 01:48 Built-in security features in banking apps 03:39 Basic phone and computer security tips 05:32 Common financial scams to watch out for 07:45 What to do if you've been scammed 09:54 How banks detect and prevent scams 12:12 Future technology in banking security #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #oliviamcardle #banking #scams Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Considering seeking financial advice, but not sure what to expect? We explore the process, the costs involved and what to look for in an advisor. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Abood, chief executive of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), to run through some of the most frequently asked questions about financial advice. 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Benefits of financial advice 05:07 Is advice worth it for younger Australians? 12:14 How much does advice cost? 14:02 Finding the right financial adviser 19:43 What to expect from the financial advice process 25:20 Final thoughts #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahabood #financialadvice Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

The Bank of Mum and Dad is booming, but without the right planning a generous gesture can turn into a legal and financial headache. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by William Moore, partner and head of private client advisory at Hall & Wilcox, to discuss gifts, loans and the potential pitfalls of the Bank of Mum and Dad. 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Family financial support: Trends and options 04:52 Gifts vs loans: Key differences and considerations 10:10 Legal and financial structures for family loans 14:19 Family loans and estate planning 16:46 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #williammoore #property #bankofmumanddad Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Help to Buy is finally here. So how do shared equity schemes work and are they a solution to unlocking homeownership? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Jack Elliott, mortgage broker and national first home buyer specialist at Alcove and First Home Unlocked, to discuss shared equity schemes and the first home buyer market. 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Understanding shared equity schemes 03:27 The federal government's Help to Buy scheme 03:55 Eligibility and key points of Help to Buy 06:43 Considerations and drawbacks of shared equity schemes 13:35 Market insights for first home buyers 16:19 Final words of advice 18:03 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #jackelliott #property #sharedequity Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

After a turbulent 12 months for markets, how are Australian stocks shaping up heading into 2026? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Jun Bei Liu, co-founder and lead portfolio manager at Ten Cap, to discuss the key factors likely to influence local markets in the year ahead and the sectors worth watching. 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Reflecting on the surprises and volatility of 2025 04:11 Previewing 2026: Key themes for Australian equities 10:01 Sector and company insights for 2026 11:01 US equities outlook 13:38 Final thoughts on the year ahead 15:00 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #junbeiliu #investing #shares Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Coming up with financial resolutions for the new year is easy. Setting realistic goals – and following them through – is the real challenge. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by behavioural economist and psychologist, Phil Slade, to discuss financial goals and the psychology behind goal setting.  00:00 Introduction 01:30 Why resolutions fail 03:02 Reflecting on past goals 05:38 Setting new goals 12:23 Accountability and shared goals 13:40 Conclusion and final thoughts #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #philsalde #financialgoals Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

From super scandals to market swings, 2025 certainly kept us on our toes. So before 2026 begins, it’s time to reflect on the year that was. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, is joined by senior journalist, Tom Watson, to discuss the biggest financial news stories of 2025 and the topics they’ll be watching closely in 2026. 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Biggest financial news events of 2025 09:05 Positive and surprising developments in 2025 11:46 Looking ahead to 2026 14:10 Closing remarks #friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #tomwatson #financialnews Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

You’ve booked flights, hotels and activities for your summer trip. But have you considered how you’re going to pay your way? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Tristan Dakin, Wise’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, to discuss travel money options and other tips for your summer holiday abroad. 01:42 Choosing the right payment method 04:57 Local or home currency? 07:07 The most expensive ATM withdrawal fees 09:28 Can digital wallets be used everywhere? 11:32 How to keep your money safe 13:44 Final tips 15:51 Conclusion   #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #tristandakin #travel Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

After a turbulent year for the local market, which Australian stocks could shine in 2026? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to run through the Australian companies that investors may want to consider adding to their Christmas lists. 00:00 Introduction 02:31 2025 Australian market recap 07:54 Large cap picks for 2026 12:55 The world of micro caps 18:43 Concerns about index funds 21:04 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investing Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Rising property values have left many retirees rich on paper but short on cash, so are there options for those looking to utilise their home equity? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Chris Grice, chief executive of National Seniors Australia, to discuss reverse mortgages, equity releases schemes and the government-run Home Equity Releases Scheme.   00:00 Introduction 00:28 The 'asset rich, cash poor' dilemma 01:24 Exploring reverse mortgages 07:03 Addressing concerns about reverse mortgages 9:24 Equity release schemes 10:11 Introduction to the Home Equity Access Scheme 13:54 Comparing equity release options 16:02 Conclusion    #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #chrisgrice #reversemortgages #homeequity Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Ready to start building a deposit towards your first home? The First Home Super Saver Scheme could help you reach your target faster. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Derek Gascoigne, private client adviser at UniSuper, to run through the nuts and bolts of the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Overview of the First Home Super Saver Scheme 05:40 Eligibility criteria 09:21 How to access your FHSSS contributions 14:36 Planning and important considerations 17:23 Final thoughts and advice 20:15 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #derekgascoigne #superannuation #fhsss Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

With the festive season fast approaching it's time to get serious about budgeting, spending and avoiding post-Christmas debt. This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Meggison, personal finance expert at Finder, to run through a survival guide and a host of financial tips for the 2025 festive season. 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Financial hurdles of the festive season 02:14 Black Friday: The perfect time for Christmas shopping? 05:55 Budgeting and planning for Christmas expenses 13:37 Avoiding post-Christmas debt 16:50 Are these festive season scenarios faux pas or fair play? 23:16 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahmegginson #christmas Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Alex Homer, chief customer and brand officer at insurance group TAL, about navigating life and living insurance. They discuss the importance of insurance for younger people, different types of living insurance, and how superannuation funds can help. Alex also shares practical tips for young workers and the self-employed on obtaining and managing insurance. 01:19 Defining life and living insurance 01:54 Understanding living insurance types 05:23 Insurance in superannuation funds 11:02 Practical tips for young workers 14:24 Bonus Round: Superannuation payments for gig workers 15:57 Conclusion and final thoughts Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

A new wave of superannuation changes is on the horizon, so what could they mean for your retirement? This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Shane Hancock, general manager of retirement at AustralianSuper, to unpack proposed changes to higher super balances and the low income super tax offset (LISTO) and provide an update on payday super. 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Tax changes on higher super balances 05:31 Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) explained 10:44 Payday super update 13:40 The importance of staying informed about super 16:40 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #shanehancock #superannuation Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Vanessa Walker, managing editor of Money Magazine, delves into the topic of franking credits with Matthew Gibbs, the author of 'Frankly Speaking' in Money Magazine's October issue. Matthew explains the concept of franking credits, how they work, and their implications for shareholders in Australia. He discusses the benefits and potential downsides, highlighting the impact of corporate tax rates and providing examples to illustrate these points. #friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #matthewgibbs #frankingcredits 00:20 Understanding Franking Credits 00:54 Detailed Explanation of Franking Credits 03:56 Tax Implications for Shareholders 07:37 Examples and Calculations 11:52 Potential Changes in Corporate Tax Rates Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: [email protected] Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR