218. The Hidden Cost of Being Good With Money
360 Money Matters
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...
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217. Curing the New Year overspending hangover
360 Money Matters
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. ...
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216. Renovate or Relocate - The Financial Equation Behind the Decision
360 Money Matters
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...
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215. The Hidden Costs of Raising Children
360 Money Matters
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. -...
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214. Difference Between Offset and Redraw Accounts
360 Money Matters
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...
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213. The Power of Catch Up Super Contributions
360 Money Matters
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...
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212. How to Protect Your Family’s Future Without Overpaying for Insurance
360 Money Matters
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...
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211. Retirement Planning Has Changed - Why 60 Is the New 50
360 Money Matters
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...
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210. Market Wrap
360 Money Matters
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...
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209. The Power of Compounding - Why Starting Now Beats Starting Big
360 Money Matters
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...
info_outlineWelcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! We are back again with our monthly ‘Market Wrap’ segment.
In this episode, we explore into a comprehensive market wrap covering July’s economic movements and global financial trends. We discuss the S&P 500's slight dip despite reaching record highs, highlight that 88% of reporting companies exceeded expectations, and analyze the market’s reaction—or lack thereof—due to preemptive pricing. We explore the stabilizing impact of key international trade deals, like those between the U.S. and the EU, Japan, and the Philippines, and assess the ongoing uncertainty in U.S. housing due to oversupply and affordability. We then shift focus to China’s slowed GDP growth and persistent property issues, with hopes pinned on further government stimulus.
Closer to home, we examine the ASX 200’s modest rise, the Reserve Bank of Australia's surprise rate hold, and the likelihood of an upcoming interest rate cut. We also note strengthening in the Victorian property market, supported by high clearance rates and spring demand, and touch on how resilient commodity demand from China is boosting Australia’s mining sector and northern property markets.
Tune in to this episode for a sharp, engaging breakdown of global markets, interest rates, property trends, and what it all means for your money.
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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
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S&P 500 hits all-time highs in July despite a slight monthly dip of 0.66%
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88% of reporting U.S. companies beat market expectations—the strongest result since Q2 2021
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Trade deal clarity with the EU, Japan, and China helps stabilize global markets
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U.S. housing data shows softening trends amid rising supply and affordability concerns
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China’s GDP growth slows to 5.2%, with ongoing property price declines and stimulus hopes
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ASX 200 rises 0.41% as the RBA surprises by holding rates steady in July
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Markets anticipate an August rate cut, with 50% odds priced in for a 50 basis point drop
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Victoria’s property market shows strength with clearance rates around 70% amid spring demand
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Australian mining and northern property markets benefit from steady Chinese commodity demand
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