Advertise on podcast: 360 Money Matters

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew draw from real client experiences to expose the hidden financial risks of off-the-plan purchases that most buyers never consider until it's too late. From valuation gaps at settlement to developer insolvencies during COVID, they reveal why buying property you can't see yet might be one of the riskiest financial decisions you can make. Discover what you need to know before signing that contract and committing to a property that won't exist for another two years. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights Valuation gaps at settlement and what happens when banks won't lend Developer and builder insolvency risks (lessons from COVID) How lending conditions can change between signing and settlement Quality defects and contract fine print that protects builders, not buyers Hidden costs: strata fees, special levies, and owners corporation surprises Sunset clauses and how developers can cancel your contract for profit Limited capital growth in high-density apartment markets Why choosing the right builder matters as much as the property itself   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew explore the paradox of over-saving: how being too conservative with your finances can quietly erode your wealth and rob you of life experiences you'll never get back. From the cautionary tale of a 50-year-old with 12 debt-free properties but no hobbies or holidays, to retirees paying unnecessary tax on million-dollar savings accounts, we reveal the invisible costs of financial paralysis. Discover why holding excess cash, avoiding professional advice to save fees, and defaulting to "no" can cost you more than you realize—both financially and personally. Tune in to learn how to find the balance between financial security and actually living the life your money is meant to create. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights The real-life cost of extreme financial discipline without purpose How excess cash savings silently erode through inflation and opportunity cost Why being "60% certain" is enough to make financial decisions The compounding opportunity you lose by waiting for perfect timing Tax traps from holding assets in the wrong ownership structures When saving on fees costs you more in the long run Why being good with money doesn't automatically build wealth   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle the all-too-familiar January reality: opening that credit card statement after the festive season. They share practical strategies for dealing with post-Christmas debt without shame, from conducting a quick 30-minute spending reset to cutting invisible aftershocks like forgotten subscriptions. You'll learn why paying off debt trumps preserving savings balances, how to triage expenses without raiding long-term investments, and the simple math behind building a December buffer.  Tune in to discover how to reset your systems, not just your willpower. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights Acknowledging overspending without shame or avoidance The 30-minute spending reset to categorize December/January expenses Cutting invisible aftershocks: subscriptions, deferred payments, and planned projects Why you should pay off credit card debt immediately, even from savings Triage before optimize: protecting long-term investments while clearing short-term debt Building a December buffer with small, consistent savings throughout the year Resetting financial systems instead of relying on willpower   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew share their real-time experience navigating whether to renovate the family home or relocate. We break down the financial equation behind this major decision, covering the hidden costs most people underestimate and the equity considerations that could save you tens of thousands. We also walk through the all-in costs of both options—from stamp duty and agent fees to construction delays and builder insolvencies. We explore why transaction costs are "sunk costs" that create zero equity, how renovations can add more value than their cost, and the cash flow challenges that can derail even well-planned projects. Tune in to understand the complete financial picture before you make your move. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights True all-in costs: renovating vs relocating Why transaction costs destroy equity How renovations can return more than you invest Cash flow and borrowing capacity considerations Risk factors: construction delays, builder insolvency, and council approvals Lifestyle and livability factors beyond the dollars Tax implications and over-capitalization risks Break-even timelines for your investment   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we break down the real costs of raising children and share practical strategies to balance your kids' opportunities with your own financial security. Drawing from our experience advising families navigating these decisions, we discuss private school alternatives, the danger of over-committing even on high incomes, and why teaching your kids about money matters more than any deposit you give them. Tune in to discover how to future-proof your family's finances without sacrificing your own wealth goals. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights The true lifetime cost: $450K–$600K (and why it's often higher) Education expenses: public vs. private school trade-offs The oxygen mask principle: balancing kids' needs with your financial security Future-proofing for milestones: cars, uni, first home deposits Teaching kids financial literacy to build generational wealth Insurance and risk protection when family expenses increase   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions we receive: what's the difference between offset and redraw accounts? While both reduce the interest you pay on your mortgage, understanding the crucial differences could save you significant money down the track. In this episode, we break down how each account works, explain why your repayments stay the same even with money in offset, and reveal the critical tax implications that catch homeowners off guard when their circumstances change. Using real-world examples, we show how choosing redraw over offset can destroy your tax deductibility if you ever convert your home to an investment property. Whether you're a first-time buyer or refinancing, this episode will help you make the right choice for your situation and avoid costly mistakes. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights How offset and redraw accounts both reduce mortgage interest Why your repayments stay the same regardless of offset balance The critical tax difference between offset and redraw for investment properties Real-world scenario: converting your home to an investment property When redraw accounts might actually be the better choice Maximizing tax deductibility for future flexibility   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we break down catch-up concessional contributions—a government initiative that lets you maximize unused super contribution caps from the past five years. Perfect for anyone who's taken a career break, sold an investment property, or simply wants to optimize their tax position. We show you how to turn a capital gain windfall into retirement wealth at just 15% tax instead of your marginal rate. We explain why timing matters, how to track your unused caps on MyGov, and the critical mistakes that can cost you if you over-contribute. Tune in to find out if this strategy could save you thousands in tax this financial year. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights What catch-up concessional contributions are and who qualifies The $500,000 super balance threshold and five-year rule Converting 47% tax to 15% on high-income contributions Strategic timing for capital gains and career breaks How to track unused caps on MyGov without over-contributing Pairing catch-up contributions with downsizer and other super strategies Balancing tax savings against locking money away until retirement   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we reveal how to find the sweet spot: protecting your family adequately without draining your finances. Drawing from years of reviewing client insurance policies, we expose the most common mistakes—from relying solely on inadequate default super cover to over-insuring for circumstances that no longer apply. You'll discover how insurance needs evolve with life stages, how to structure policies tax-efficiently, and practical strategies to reduce premiums without sacrificing protection. Whether you're just starting out or reviewing existing cover, this episode will help you make informed decisions about one of the most important—yet most misunderstood—aspects of financial planning. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights The four types of personal insurance and when they overlap Why default super cover usually isn't enough How to calculate insurance needs based on your life stage Structuring strategies to reduce premiums (step vs level, waiting periods, super funding) Tax implications of holding policies inside vs outside superannuation Common mistakes that leave families exposed or overpaying Real cost perspective: What you're actually paying per day for peace of mind   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we challenge everything you thought you knew about retirement planning. With Australians now living 25-30 years in retirement instead of 10-15, the old model of "save a lump sum and make it last" is dangerously outdated. We explore why income sufficiency matters more than capital targets, how to structure your drawdown across different lifestyle phases, and why superannuation's tax advantages completely change the game. From bucketing strategies to protect against volatility, to the 4% rule and sequencing risk, discover how to build a retirement plan that actually funds the life you want to live—not just survives until the money runs out. Tune in to discover what modern retirement planning really looks like. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights Why the ASFA benchmark of $690,000 is dangerously misleading Income sufficiency vs. capital targets: Planning for lifestyle phases, not just lump sums The phased retirement trend: Why people are working longer (and happier) Superannuation vs. property: Tax implications that change everything Protecting your retirement from inflation and market volatility using bucketing strategies The 4% rule and sequencing risk: When market timing matters most Warren Buffett's principle applied to retirement drawdowns   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we cut through the noise to explain what's really driving global investment markets. We break down why US markets surged 3.2% despite mixed signals, what inflation trends mean for your money, and why Australian rate cuts aren't coming anytime soon. You'll understand the disconnect between strong corporate earnings and economic uncertainty, plus discover what China's growth and rare earth deals mean for Australian investors. Tune in to get the clarity you need to make smarter investment decisions. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights US market rally: Why the S&P 500 gained 3.2% despite mixed signals Inflation trends and Fed rate cut expectations Australian interest rates: Why cuts are off the table Property market surge and FOMO factors China's GDP growth and the $8.5B rare earths deal Gold's 57% gain and commodity market volatility   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we break down how compounding really works, using real examples to show why starting early matters more than starting big. We explain the Rule of 72, share Warren Buffett's wealth story, and discuss why most people struggle to grasp how powerful compounding can be.  We also cover the psychology behind delaying investment, the importance of dividend reinvestment, and why superannuation works so well as a compounding vehicle. Listen to this episode to understand why the best time to start investing was yesterday, and the second best time is today. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights How compounding interest works (earning returns on your returns) Comparing early versus late investing with real numbers The Rule of 72 for calculating when investments double Why people delay investing until they have "enough" money Dividend reinvestment and automation strategies Why interrupting compound interest is costly How superannuation demonstrates compounding through preservation rules The importance of staying invested and avoiding withdrawals   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we break down the mechanics of upsizing your family home. We walk through the classic dilemma of whether to buy first or sell first, exploring the pressures that come with each approach. We cover bridging loans, equity releases, matching settlement dates, and the hidden costs most people don't anticipate. We also discuss how to fund the gap between properties, what happens when you need to service two mortgages at once, and practical strategies like converting your current home to an investment property or temporarily moving in with family. Listen to this episode if you're planning to upsize and want to understand your options before you commit. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706 Episode Highlights The buy-first versus sell-first decision and the pressures each approach creates How bridging loans work and when they make sense to use Managing settlement timing and the risks of matching dates Using equity release from your current property to fund the new purchase The cost considerations beyond the property price Serviceability requirements and why available equity doesn't guarantee approval   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the tax strategies that help wealthy Australians preserve their wealth. We walk through the importance of after-tax returns, not just what you earn but what you keep after the tax office takes its share. We cover different investment structures available in Australia, from discretionary trusts to superannuation, and why choosing the right structure early matters more than most people realize. We discuss good debt versus bad debt, the timing of asset sales, and how to create tax-efficient income streams. We also touch on estate planning strategies, including testamentary trusts and superannuation recontribution strategies that can minimize tax when passing wealth to the next generation. If you want to understand how to structure your finances more effectively and keep more of what you earn, this episode breaks down the strategies in plain terms. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights After-tax returns and why they matter more than gross investment returns Using discretionary trusts for income distribution Superannuation as the most tax-effective structure in Australia Timing asset sales to minimize capital gains tax Good debt versus bad debt strategies Tax-efficient income streams  Strategies for those over 60 still working to accelerate wealth Estate planning through testamentary trusts  Superannuation recontribution strategies    Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we walk through the reality of property ownership in today's market. We discuss why mortgage means "life debt" in Latin and whether that's more accurate than ever. We cover getting pre-approvals, understanding what you can actually afford versus what banks will lend you, and strategies like rentvesting that never existed before. We explore government schemes, stamp duty concessions, and the debate around paying mortgage insurance now versus waiting to save a larger deposit. We also break down the practical steps: setting auction limits, getting building inspections, using buyer's advocates, and making sure you have money left over after settlement. Thinking about taking the plunge into property? This episode gives you the framework to make the decision that's right for you. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights Is property ownership the right strategy for you? Pre-approvals: borrowing capacity vs actual affordability Government schemes and stamp duty concessions Paying mortgage insurance now vs saving for 20% deposit Rentvesting and alternative property strategies Setting auction limits and using buyer's advocates Building inspections, contract reviews, and insurance   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify  

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, we dive deep into margin lending - a tool that lets you borrow money using your share portfolio as security. We break down how it works, comparing it to  traditional property loans. We explore the benefits like magnifying your investment gains and tax deductibility, but we don't shy away from the serious risks. We also talk about margin calls - the scary scenario where lenders can force you to sell investments or add more money when your portfolio drops in value. We cover practical risk management strategies, from keeping conservative loan ratios to maintaining emergency funds and ensuring job security. Tune in to understand whether margin lending could fit your investment strategy and learn the essential safeguards you need before considering this higher-risk approach to wealth building. - This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights What is margin lending and how it works  Benefits of using debt to invest The risks and downsides of margin lending Margin calls - How lenders can force portfolio sales  Risk mitigation strategies   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify