360 Money Matters

Welcome to the 360 Money Matters podcast where Financial Planners, Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou talk all things Financial Planning. This podcast aims to increase your knowledge and confidence with all thing’s money. Each week we will cover topics such as investing, cashflow and budgeting, saving, passive income, debt management, and much more so you can live life on your terms without limits.

251. The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Kids, Parents and Money 09/15/2026

251. The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Kids, Parents and Money Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou dig into what's often called the sandwich generation, those who find themselves financially supporting both their children and their ageing parents at the same time. Billy and Andrew explain why this stage of life can be particularly difficult to navigate financially, often landing right in the middle of peak career years, rising school costs, sizeable mortgages, and the added pressure of helping to fund aged care or other support for parents. They introduce the oxygen mask analogy, the idea that you need to secure your own financial position before you're able to genuinely help anyone else, and unpack how Australia's means tested aged care system actually works. This episode is for anyone currently supporting both children and ageing parents, or anyone who can see this stage of life on the horizon and wants to plan for it properly. It's a candid, practical look at how to protect your own financial position while still being there for the people who rely on you. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why the sandwich generation faces such acute financial pressure, and practical strategies for managing it without sacrificing their own financial security. The episode explains how the means tested aged care system works in Australia, why setting boundaries around financial support matters, and how getting family members into the same conversation early can prevent resentment down the track. It also covers alternative ways to support both children and parents, such as offering an income stream instead of a lump sum, and why understanding your own financial trajectory should come before committing to help anyone else. It's a grounded, practical listen for anyone trying to balance competing financial responsibilities across generations. 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, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706. Episode Highlights What the sandwich generation is and why this stage of life often coincides with peak financial pressure. Why the oxygen mask analogy applies to family finances: secure your own position before you can help anyone else. How Australia's means tested aged care system works and why it's based on the parent's assets, not the children's. A real example of how funding aged care to preserve a family home created unexpected tension in a marriage. Why setting clear boundaries around one-off versus ongoing financial support matters from the outset. How supporting one side of the family can create unintended pressure on a spouse and shared household resources. Why getting all family decision makers in the same room early can prevent resentment between siblings. Why understanding your own financial trajectory should come before committing to support children or parents. Why offering an income stream can sometimes be a more sustainable form of support than a lump sum. Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42803145

250. 25 Biggest Money Lessons From 5 Years of Financial Advice 09/08/2026

250. 25 Biggest Money Lessons From 5 Years of Financial Advice Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! To mark a genuine milestone, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou are celebrating five years and 250 episodes of the podcast by distilling everything they've learned into one rapid fire episode: their 25 biggest money lessons. Rather than a deep dive into a single topic, this episode moves quickly through some of the most important ideas Billy and Andrew have shared with clients and listeners over the years. They cover the psychology behind bad financial decisions, why being comfortable with your finances isn't the same as being financially secure, and why there's even such a thing as being too good with money if discipline has no clear purpose behind it. This episode is for long time listeners who want a refresher on the podcast's biggest ideas, as well as new listeners looking for a fast, practical introduction to the topics Billy and Andrew cover most often. It's a genuine highlight reel of five years of financial planning conversations, packed into a single episode. Listeners will come away with a broad, practical snapshot of the financial lessons that matter most, from psychology and behaviour through to debt, property, tax structure, superannuation, insurance and estate planning. Rather than covering one topic in depth, this episode works as a quick reference point for revisiting key ideas or discovering new ones, with real examples drawn from Billy and Andrew's years of experience advising clients. It's a useful listen for anyone wanting a refresher on the fundamentals of building and protecting wealth, or for identifying which areas of their own financial position might be worth a closer look. 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, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706. Episode Highlights Why most bad money decisions come down to psychology rather than the numbers. Why being financially comfortable is not the same as being financially secure. Why property versus shares is the wrong debate, and why leverage can be both a powerful tool and a major risk. Why the purchase price of a property is often the smallest number in the true cost of ownership. Why getting your ownership and tax structure right from the outset can be one of the biggest wealth decisions you make. Why superannuation remains one of the most underused tools for building long-term wealth. Why insurance is less about protecting yourself and more about protecting the people who rely on you. Why your reaction to market volatility matters more for your returns than the investment itself. Why your 40s can be the most important decade for wealth creation, and why retirement isn't the finish line for your portfolio. Why planning your estate and talking to your children about money early can prevent conflict and shape their financial habits. Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42803105

249. Testamentary Trusts Explained: Estate Planning for Australian Families 09/01/2026

249. Testamentary Trusts Explained: Estate Planning for Australian Families Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou unpack a topic that comes up regularly in their estate planning conversations with clients: testamentary trusts. They start with the basics: what a testamentary trust actually is, how it differs from other trust structures, and why it only comes into existence after someone passes away. From there, Billy and Andrew work through some of the main reasons families choose to set one up, including significant tax advantages when assets are left to children or minors, and the ability to stagger when a beneficiary gains access to their inheritance rather than handing over a lump sum at 18. The conversation also covers how testamentary trusts can help protect vulnerable beneficiaries, provide for a spouse in a blended family while still preserving assets for children from an earlier relationship, and reduce the risk of family conflict after someone has passed away. Billy and Andrew are equally upfront about when a testamentary trust might be overkill, and the cost and complexity involved in setting one up. This episode is for anyone thinking about their estate plan, particularly parents with young children, blended families, or anyone with a beneficiary who may not be well placed to manage a large inheritance on their own. It's a practical primer for understanding whether a testamentary trust deserves a place in your own estate planning conversation. Listeners will come away with a clear understanding of what a testamentary trust is, how it can reduce tax on income earned by minor beneficiaries, and how it can be used to stagger access to an inheritance or protect a vulnerable beneficiary. The episode also explains how testamentary trusts can support blended families by providing for a spouse while still preserving assets for children from an earlier relationship, along with the trustee responsibilities involved and when the cost and complexity of a testamentary trust may outweigh the benefit. Real client examples throughout make the concepts easy to follow, whether you already have an estate plan in place or are only just starting to think about one. 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, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706. Episode Highlights What a testamentary trust is and why it only comes into existence after someone passes away. Why leaving assets to a testamentary trust can dramatically reduce tax on income for minor beneficiaries. How a testamentary trust can be used to stagger a young beneficiary's access to their inheritance rather than handing over a lump sum at 18. Why testamentary trusts can help protect beneficiaries who may not be equipped to manage a large inheritance, including those with disabilities or addiction issues. How a testamentary trust can provide for a spouse in a blended family while still preserving assets for children from an earlier relationship. Why planning these decisions in advance can reduce conflict and burden on family members after a death. What's involved in appointing a trustee and the considerations around choosing the right person or professional service. When a testamentary trust may be unnecessary or overly complex for a simpler estate. Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42571865

248. What to Do With a Lump Sum: Inheritance, Bonus or Payout 08/25/2026

248. What to Do With a Lump Sum: Inheritance, Bonus or Payout Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou tackle a question that catches a lot of people off guard: what should you actually do when you receive a lump sum of money? Whether it's an inheritance, a work bonus, a redundancy payout, or any other unexpected windfall, Billy and Andrew explain why the initial instinct to spend or invest it straight away often leads to poor outcomes. They unpack why the source of the money matters, how the emotional weight of a lump sum can cloud good decision making, and why pausing before acting is one of the most valuable things you can do. The conversation moves through practical options for anyone weighing up a mortgage payoff against investing, using an offset account, or exploring a debt recycling strategy, along with a real client example of what can go wrong when a big decision is made too quickly. Billy and Andrew also discuss the psychology behind lifestyle creep and why treating new wealth as permanent can undo years of good financial habits. This episode is for anyone who has recently received, or expects to receive, a lump sum of money, whether that's from an inheritance, a bonus, a redundancy, or another source. It's also a useful listen for anyone wanting a clearer framework for thinking through big financial decisions more broadly. As always, Billy and Andrew bring real client stories and practical, easy to follow advice, helping listeners understand not just what to do with a windfall, but how to think about it. 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, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706. Episode Highlights Why pausing before making any decision is the most important first step after receiving a lump sum. How the source of the money, whether inheritance, bonus, or redundancy, changes the right approach. Why the right question is what you're trying to achieve, not what you should invest in. The difference between paying down a mortgage, using an offset account, and debt recycling. A real example of how an emotional property purchase after an inheritance overlooked cash flow and affordability. Why your past history with money shapes how you're likely to handle a lump sum. How lifestyle creep can quietly erode a windfall if spending isn't deliberate. The long term impact of investing a lump sum, illustrated with a compounding example over 20 years. Why most people end up splitting a lump sum across several goals rather than choosing just one. Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42470005

247. How AI Is Changing Money Management and Financial Advice 08/18/2026

247. How AI Is Changing Money Management and Financial Advice Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou dig into a topic that's front of mind for a lot of people right now: how artificial intelligence is changing the way we manage money. Billy and Andrew are upfront from the outset that AI is not replacing a financial advisor, but it is changing what's possible for everyday Australians who want to get more organised, ask better questions and understand their own finances more clearly. They walk through the practical ways people are already using AI, from analysing household budgets and tracking spending patterns to researching mortgage products and preparing for meetings with a financial advisor. The conversation also covers the darker side of the AI boom, including the rise of convincing scams that use AI generated voices, images and fake celebrity endorsements to target unsuspecting investors. Billy and Andrew share a real world example of how sophisticated these schemes have become and why staying alert to them matters more than ever. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for using AI as a personal financial assistant, including how to analyse a household budget, track tax deductible expenses like fuel receipts on the go, and research mortgage products, interest rates and investment options more efficiently. The episode also outlines the key cautions to keep in mind, from the risk of AI referencing outdated or incorrect information on tax and superannuation rules, to the growing sophistication of AI powered scams involving fake celebrity endorsements and voice cloning. It's a balanced, practical guide to getting real value from AI tools while understanding where human judgement and professional financial advice still make all the difference. 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, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706. Episode Highlights Why AI is best used as a financial assistant rather than a replacement for a financial advisor. How AI can analyse household budgets and detect unusual spending patterns. Practical ways to use AI for mortgage and investment research, including comparing rates and products. Why tracking deductible expenses like fuel receipts through AI can simplify tax time. The risk of AI referencing outdated tax and superannuation rules, and why fact checking still matters. Why entering sensitive information like bank details, TFNs, and dates of birth into AI carries real risk. How AI is fuelling more convincing scams, including fake celebrity endorsements and voice cloning. Why most poor financial outcomes come down to psychology and confidence rather than picking the wrong investment. Why human judgement, empathy, and understanding a client's full circumstances remain essential to good financial advice. Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42469555

246. Financial Mistakes We See Every Week (And How to Avoid Them) 08/11/2026

246. Financial Mistakes We See Every Week (And How to Avoid Them) Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew break down the financial mistakes that catch people out most, not the obvious ones like risky speculation, but the ones made by people who genuinely think they're doing the right thing. These are the quiet, compounding errors that cost the most in dollars and time. They walk through seven of the biggest patterns they see week in, week out: buying assets in the wrong ownership structure, letting insurance go unreviewed for years, holding too much cash instead of putting it to work, treating superannuation as a problem for "future you," investing without any real strategy, mismanaging debt (deductible versus non-deductible, and consumer debt that never truly goes away), and building a financial plan that never actually gets implemented. Using a real client example, they show how one structuring decision on a home purchase led to an eye-watering land tax bill and an unexpected capital gain hit years later. If you've ever wondered whether your investment structure, your insurance, or your cash sitting in the bank is quietly working against you, this episode lays out exactly what to check and why waiting costs more than most people realise. - 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 buying assets in the wrong structure is one of the costliest, least obvious mistakes people make A real client example: a company-owned home that triggered a huge land tax bill and an unexpected capital gains hit The hidden cost of "set and forget" insurance, and what changes without you noticing Why holding too much cash can quietly guarantee you lose money to inflation Treating super as "future you's" problem, and what that really costs over decades DIY investing without a strategy: why it's closer to gambling than investing Good debt vs bad debt, and the offset account mistake that undoes your progress Why a financial plan that's never implemented is the most common mistake of all Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42386450

245. Melbourne Real Estate with Dimitri Damianos 08/04/2026

245. Melbourne Real Estate with Dimitri Damianos Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew sit down with Dimitri Damianos from Buxton in Oakleigh to answer the question every buyer and seller is quietly asking right now: is the Melbourne property market actually falling, or just changing shape? With ten years on the ground selling in Melbourne's south-east, Dimi cuts through the media headlines to explain what's really happening at inspections and auctions, why "wait for prices to drop further" is some of the worst advice a buyer can follow right now, and what the shift away from negative gearing and SMSF borrowing is doing to investor appetite. They also get into the emotional side of property that no spreadsheet can capture, and why timing your purchase around "readiness" beats timing it around the market. If you're sitting on the fence about buying or selling in Melbourne, this episode explains what's driving the hesitation, why it might be costing you, and what to watch heading into spring. - 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 auction clearance rates have dropped to around 50% and what's replacing the traditional auction The apartment slowdown: from four to five buyers per inspection down to one or two Why "I'm not buying because prices might come off" is the worst advice out there right now How the end of negative gearing and SMSF borrowing changes are pushing investors toward commercial property What buyers can do to negotiate respectfully and find out what comparable properties actually sold for Why emotional attachment to a home almost always outweighs the numbers, for both buyers and sellers Dimi's read on where the Melbourne market goes from here as stock stays low heading into spring Connect with Dimitri Damianos Buxton Real Estate, Oakleigh Phone: 0412 092 944 Instagram: Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42309345

244. The Hidden Costs of Buying Your Dream Home 07/28/2026

244. The Hidden Costs of Buying Your Dream Home Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle the question most buyers never ask until it's too late: what does a dream home actually cost once you move past the purchase price? Timed against recent federal budget changes, they break down why more people are pouring money into their own home instead of investment property, and why that decision carries far more hidden expenses than most realise. They walk through the layers that quietly stack up after settlement: rates, insurance, maintenance running 1 to 2% of property value every year, renovation blowouts that routinely exceed budget by 50%+, and the opportunity cost of what that money could have earned elsewhere. Using real numbers, they show how a $1 million mortgage can mean paying back close to $2 million over 30 years, and why "just buy the dream home" is no longer a safe default strategy in this market. If you're weighing up whether to upgrade your home, renovate, or invest instead, this episode lays out the real math and why diversifying beyond one asset class matters more than ever. - 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 it's not the purchase price that gets people, it's the ongoing cost of owning the property The renovation trap: budget for 50% more than you think, because it never stops there Why turnkey properties are winning buyers over on certainty alone The 1-2% rule: what ongoing maintenance really costs on a bigger, more expensive home Insurance, mortgage protection and income protection all climb with a bigger mortgage The opportunity cost most buyers never calculate: investing, education, lifestyle The real math: a $1M mortgage can mean paying back close to $2M over 30 years Why one strategy isn't enough anymore, and how to diversify beyond property Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42236335

243. What Would Happen If Something Were to Happen to Your Business Partner 07/21/2026

243. What Would Happen If Something Were to Happen to Your Business Partner Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle a question most business owners have never stopped to ask: what actually happens to the business, and to the people left behind, if something happens to your business partner? Using their own partnership as a real-world example, they break down why this isn't about replacing a role or keeping operations running. It's about what happens when a grieving spouse suddenly becomes a shareholder, the surviving partner needs to find hundreds of thousands of dollars they don't have, and neither side wants to be in business with the other. They walk through the two-part solution that solves this cleanly: a funding mechanism through life insurance, paired with a buy-sell agreement that guarantees ownership transfers smoothly and both parties get exactly what they need. If you're in business with a partner and have never had this conversation, this episode explains the blind spot, the fix, and why it costs far less than most people assume. - 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 "we'd just replace them" misses the real problem: the value your partner has tied up in the business The hypothetical: Andrew's wife Stacey becomes a shareholder overnight, grieving, with two kids, and no interest in the business Why time is of the essence when a business valuation can rise or fall after the event The funding mechanism: how a modest life insurance premium covers the payout gap The buy sell agreement: how ownership transfers smoothly so no one negotiates value while grieving Why annual business valuations matter to keep the policy in line with what the business is actually worth The real cost: a simple legal setup plus an affordable annual premium, compared to what most people pay for health insurance Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42162480

242. Should you pay off your mortgage before you invest 07/14/2026

242. Should you pay off your mortgage before you invest Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle one of the most common questions they get asked: should you be debt free before you invest? With Australia's 30-year mortgage terms, waiting until the house is paid off before investing can mean losing decades of compound growth — so the real answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. They break down good debt versus bad debt, why psychology often beats mathematics when it comes to money decisions, and how tools like offset accounts and debt recycling can let you pay down your mortgage and build wealth at the same time. Whether you're weighing extra mortgage repayments against investing, or wondering how leverage changes the equation, this episode gives you a framework to figure out what's right for your circumstances. - 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 Good debt vs. bad debt: why not all debt should be treated the same The psychology trap: why "pay it off, then invest" rarely plays out as planned The sleep test: how risk tolerance changes the right strategy for you Offset accounts explained: flexibility without sacrificing interest savings Debt recycling 101: converting non-deductible debt into tax-deductible wealth building How leverage changes the maths on using equity to invest Why financial freedom, not just debt freedom, should be the real goal Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/42052575

241. Changes to Tax Rules - Joined by Ryan Finlay 07/07/2026

241. Changes to Tax Rules - Joined by Ryan Finlay Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew are joined by Ryan Finlay from Willis Partners. Together they unpack the most significant tax reform Australia has seen in 30 years, breaking down what's coming, who's affected, and what you need to do before July 1, 2027. The federal budget introduced sweeping changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing, and trust distributions that will impact investors, business owners, and families planning for retirement. The government says these changes help younger Australians into housing. But the detail tells a different story—and the complexity demands action. If you hold investment property, shares, a family business, or use trusts for wealth building, this episode reveals the real cost of these changes, the strategies that no longer work, and why getting proper advice right now could save you thousands. - 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 50% CGT discount being replaced with indexation (plus a minimum 30% tax rate) hits both established investors and new buyers hard Grandfathering rules: your assets acquired before July 1, 2027 are protected—but only if you understand the two-tiered calculation coming Negative gearing reform: established residential properties acquired after budget night can no longer offset losses immediately—but new builds still can The small business carve-out: extended from $2M to $10M turnover, but does it actually help anyone new? Trust changes and the carve-out that saved testamentary trusts from becoming a "death tax" How the bucket company strategy is now broken, and why company structures are about to become popular again Historical precedent: when Australia tried this before, it lasted two years. Will 2028 bring reversal? The real consequence: rents will likely rise, and everyday investors will get hurt Connect with Billy and Andrew! Connect with Ryan! Director at Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/41990115

240. Investment and education bonds 06/30/2026

240. Investment and education bonds Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew explore investment bonds and education bonds, a tax-effective vehicle most people have never heard of. But with recent federal budget changes, these are about to become far more popular. If you're a high-income earner looking for tax-efficient investing outside of superannuation, or a parent planning to fund school fees, investment bonds offer a compelling alternative. They cap your tax rate at 30% (often reducing to 21-22% effective rate), eliminate capital gains tax when held for 10+ years, and sit perfectly between short-term flexibility and long-term wealth-building. The catch? You need patience. These vehicles require a 10-year horizon and consistent contributions to unlock their full benefits. But if you match the timeframe to your goals, the tax advantages become a hidden weapon against rising government tax rates. - 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 investment bonds create a concessionally taxed environment Why zero capital gains tax after 10 years makes these outperform personal name investments The 10-year timeframe: limitation or feature? Why long-term investing actually wins Annual contribution rules: the 125% escalation trap and how to avoid it Two cohorts who benefit most: education-focused parents and high-income earners bridging to retirement Split strategy: combining flexibility with tax efficiency using $500/month approaches Recent budget changes that make investment bonds even more attractive Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/41859140

239. The Hidden Cost of Being Comfortable 06/23/2026

239. The Hidden Cost of Being Comfortable Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew explore the hidden cost of being comfortable, and why financial comfort can actually sabotage your wealth-building. When your bills are paid, money's left over each month, and life feels good, it's easy to stop pushing forward. But comfort breeds complacency. Andrew and Billy break down why getting comfortable is just the first step, and the real danger lies in mistaking it for financial security. If you're earning solid income and feel like you're doing okay financially, but you're unsure whether you'll actually be able to retire on your terms, this episode reveals what's holding you back, and the simple micro-actions you can start 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 The critical difference between being financially comfortable and financially secure How lifestyle inflation sneaks in and erodes your surplus faster than you realize Why paying yourself first is non-negotiable The compound cost of delaying investment, and how it sets you back years High income doesn't equal wealth: why surplus is what actually matters The psychology of comfort: how it leads to drifting without a plan Why your superannuation alone won't deliver the retirement lifestyle you expect Micro-actions that work: direct debit, starting small with $20/week, and building from there Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/41738645

238. The Next Generation Won't Retire Like Their Parents 06/16/2026

237. Subscription economy - death by a thousand cuts 06/09/2026

237. Subscription economy - death by a thousand cuts Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew unpack the subscription economy and why it has become one of the biggest hidden threats to household budgets. From streaming services and AI tools to meal deliveries, memberships, and recurring payments, they explain how convenience has made spending almost invisible. They share practical strategies for identifying subscription creep, auditing your expenses, and deciding which services genuinely add value to your life. Most importantly, they discuss how to redirect the money you save toward goals that actually improve your financial future. Listen now to discover where your money may be quietly disappearing and how a few small changes could free up hundreds of dollars each month. - 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 subscription services are creating "death by a thousand cuts" for household cash flow How convenience and automation remove the pain of spending The hidden cost of multiple streaming services, apps, memberships, and recurring payments Why higher-income earners often experience the biggest subscription leakage A simple process for reviewing and categorising your subscriptions Why cancelling subscriptions is easier than most people think How to turn subscription savings into wealth-building opportunities The importance of spending intentionally instead of spending by default Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/41584075

236. The government just changed property rules – Does rent vesting still make sense 06/02/2026

236. The government just changed property rules – Does rent vesting still make sense Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! The government just moved the goalposts on property investors and if you're rentvesting, or even thinking about it, you need to know what's changed and whether the strategy still stacks up. Negative gearing on established properties is on the way out. Capital gains tax treatment has shifted. And for the first time in a long time, the rules that made rentvesting such a compelling wealth-building strategy have been tampered with. So is the juice still worth the squeeze? In this episode, Billy and Andrew break down rentvesting in the post-budget environment: what it is, why people do it, and whether the numbers still make sense now that the tax landscape has changed. This episode is for anyone who is rentvesting right now, considering it, or simply trying to figure out which property path — owning or investing — is actually right for them. - 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 rentvesting actually is and why it's become more popular than ever The real financial trade-offs: capital growth, cash flow, and opportunity cost compared side by side How the latest budget changes to negative gearing and CGT shift the calculation for investors Why the emotional pull of home ownership is real and when it's actually the right call The question you must answer before choosing any property strategy: what are you actually trying to solve for? The key risk most people miss: once governments start adjusting property tax rules, what stops them doing it again? Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/41505560

235. Inside a $2M Portfolio How It Should Actually Be Structured 05/26/2026

234. Why Most Financial Plans Fail Within 12 Months — And How to Avoid It 05/19/2026

233. Financial Advice Fees: What Are You Really Paying For? 05/12/2026

232. The Financial Advice myths that cost you money 05/05/2026

231. What would happen if your income stopped tomorrow 04/28/2026

231. What would happen if your income stopped tomorrow Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle one of the most confronting — and most overlooked — questions in personal finance: how long could you actually survive without your income? In a world of rising uncertainty, this isn't hypothetical. It's a question every household should be able to answer right now. Billy and Andrew cut through the assumptions most people make — that sick leave, annual leave, and redundancy entitlements will catch them — and show why that thinking leaves dangerous gaps, especially if an employer goes under overnight. They walk through how to calculate your real financial burn rate, why "asset rich, cash poor" is a genuine trap, and why insurance covers less than you think when job loss is the problem. If you've never stress-tested your finances against a worst-case scenario, this episode is your starting point and your action plan. - 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 your workplace entitlements are not a safety net and what actually is How to calculate your financial burn rate: fixed vs. discretionary expenses The emergency fund question: 3 months, 6 months, or 12? Where insurance helps and where it leaves a gap The stay-at-home parent life insurance blind spot most families miss Passive income vs. personal exertion income: does yours even make a dent? Why you need a Plan B and how to build one before you need it Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/41043760

230. The Financial Checklist for Your 40s (The Critical Decade) 04/21/2026

230. The Financial Checklist for Your 40s (The Critical Decade) Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle the decade that most Australians sleepwalk through and can never get back. Your 40s are when income is climbing, debt is at its peak, and compound interest still has time to do its heavy lifting. Get it right and you build serious wealth. Take your foot off the accelerator — even just for a few years — and you arrive at 50 wondering where the decade went. Billy and Andrew break down the financial checklist every 40-something should be running through right now, from attacking non-deductible debt and using super as a tax weapon, to building a clear investment strategy and protecting everything you've worked for. If you're in your 40s, approaching them, or advising someone who is, this is the episode to listen to. - 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 your 40s are the make-or-break decade for long-term financial security The debt strategy: aggressively clearing non-deductible debt while keeping good debt working for you Debt recycling — how to pay down debt and invest at the same time Super isn't optional anymore — it's your most powerful tax structure Concessional contributions, spouse splitting, and how to use super to pay 15% tax instead of your marginal rate Why a piecemeal investment approach quietly destroys your wealth Protecting your plan — why income protection and insurance matter more than ever in this decade Cash flow creep: how rising expenses quietly erase the benefit of a higher income Why a coordinated plan beats isolated decisions every time Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/40949680

229. Bucket companies explained - The tax strategy most business owners don't understand 04/14/2026

229. Bucket companies explained - The tax strategy most business owners don't understand Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! In this episode, Billy and Andrew demystify one of the most talked-about — and most misunderstood — tax strategies in the business owner playbook: the bucket company. Billy and Andrew cut through the jargon and explain exactly how a bucket company fits into a discretionary trust structure, why it's a tax-deferral strategy (not a tax-avoidance one), and the specific circumstances where it can be genuinely powerful — including when you retire, when your spouse steps back from work, or when your adult children enter the picture. If you're a business owner, self-employed, or running a family trust at high income levels, this episode could reshape how you think about structuring your tax. - 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 a discretionary trust is and why it's the foundation of the strategy How a bucket company becomes a third beneficiary and why that matters Paying 25% company tax today vs. 47% personal tax — the numbers explained Why this is a deferral strategy, not a dodge and when the "top-up tax" kicks in The retirement play: drawing down at 0% tax with franking credit refunds The compounding advantage of investing 75 cents in the dollar instead of 53 Division 7A — the compliance trap that catches people out Who this strategy is actually suited for and who it isn't Connect with Billy and Andrew! Check out our latest episode here: /episode/index/show/360moneymatters/id/40864980

228. The retirement danger zone - The First 5 year risk 04/07/2026

227. What does the war in Iran mean for your portfolio and your financial plan 03/31/2026

226. Should you buy your first home or put it into ETF's - A financial adviser's guide 03/24/2026

225. Pay Yourself Properly Dividends Trust Distributions and Super Strategy 03/17/2026

224. From 2 Properties to 10- Scaling a Property Portfolio Safely 03/10/2026

223. Most common questions we get asked in a Market Decline 03/03/2026

222. Market Wrap 02/24/2026

360 Money Matters

TOPICS