The Savings Tip Jar

This week our special guest was Matt Bowen, the head of consumer & market insights at ING. We chatted about some new research from the bank, which revealed a large swathe of Aussies would team up with a friend to kick their home buying goals. We discuss if it's a good idea, or not!

Plus we chat with Emma Duffy from Your Investment Property Magazine on the latest news in the Aussie property sector.

00:00 – 01:18 – Intro

01:18 – 05:27 – Inflation preview

05:27 – 07:23 – $250 Tasmanian energy bill rebate

07:23 – 16:10 – Emma's property wrap

16:10 – 26:54 – Matt Bowen, ING

26:54 – 28:30 – Outro

In our fortnightly property wrap with Emma Duffy, we discussed the more affordable areas to buy in the capital cities, and which areas are still cheaper to buy than rent. For more in-depth analysis you can visit yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au

This week our special guest was Matt Bowen, the head of consumer & market insights at ING. We chatted about some new research from the bank, which revealed a large swathe of Aussies would team up with a friend to kick their home buying goals. We discuss if it's a good idea, or not!

This week we sat down with Vince Scully from Life Sherpa to discuss the incoming indexation D-day (1 June) for those with tertiary education debts, if it makes sense to pay them off, and if there should be another way that tertiary education is tackled in Australia. Plus we chat with InfoChoice's Bernadette Lunas on the record ongoing rental price growth, and the latest news.

00:00 - 02:26: Intro

02:26 - 05:44: NAB cuts home loan rates

05:44 - 09:43: $4000 solar home rebates in Qld

09:43 - 12:27: New market leader in the term deposit space

12:27 - 19:06: Record rent prices with Bernadette Lunas

19:06 - 38:33: Should you pay off your HECS? With Vince Scully

38:33 - 39:53: Outro

This week, for the very first time, we're joined by InfoChoice financial journalist Bernadette Lunas. We discussed the latest data from Domain that showed some cities hit record high rents this past quarter, while there's been a change in the pecking order of most expensive cities. Is there going to be any reprieve soon?

This week we sat down with Vince Scully from Life Sherpa to discuss the incoming indexation D-day (1 June) for those with tertiary education debts, if it makes sense to pay them off, and if there should be another way that tertiary education is tackled in Australia.

This week we spoke to Tom Devitt, senior economist at the Housing Industry Association. We discussed the housing supply and construction woes afflicting the nation at the moment, what led us here, and what's getting us out.

We also unpacked some long-term property forecasts and if they are sustainable with Emma Duffy, editor of Your Investment Property Magazine.

00:00 - 01:48 - Intro

01:48 - 04:16 - Unloan now offering new home loans

04:16 - 10:19 - The latest home loan & term deposit rate moves

10:19 - 12:26 - NSW Government toll road rebates

12:16 - 20:39 - Emma Duffy

20:39 - 34:43 - Tom Devitt

34:43 - 36:51 - Outro

Some recent research from Oxford Economics found Sydney's median house price could surpass $2m in the next few years, while other cities could be well north of $1m. Here to unpack that and if it's sustainable is Emma Duffy, editor of Your Investment Property Magazine.

Perth is also Australia's property darling at the moment, but as Emma explains, investors should tread with caution before putting all their eggs in one basket.

This week we spoke to Tom Devitt, senior economist at the Housing Industry Association. We discussed the housing supply and construction woes afflicting the nation at the moment, what led us here, and what's getting us out.

This week on the pod we spoke with Justin Dowd from Australian Family Lawyers on the huge $350 billion wealth transfer (NAB figures) that's set to happen over the next couple decades. Baby Boomers are set to pass on their inheritances to their offspring, so Justin talked us through the importance of getting this right, as well as if this is fair and what this means for the Australian economy.

Plus we speak with Harry O'Sullivan about kids' savings accounts and junior banking, and we also cover off the most important news from the past week.

00:00 - 01:52 - Intro

01:52 - 06:16 - Home values hit new record high

06:16 - 10:10 - Some banks cut savings account rates

10:10 - 13:20 - Inflation below expectations but stubborn

13:20 - 23:19 - Kids' savings accounts with Harry

23:19 - 38:51 - Inheritance, with Justin Dowd

38:51 - 40:27 - Outro

With high interest rates and low deposit criteria, kids have a lot to choose from in the under-18s savings account space. However, parents should be wary not to use it for their own benefit! We spoke to resident finance journo Harry O'Sullivan about some hot products in the market and the ins and outs of junior banking.

This week on the pod we spoke with Justin Dowd from Australian Family Lawyers on the huge $350 billion wealth transfer (NAB figures) that's set to happen over the next couple decades. Baby Boomers are set to pass on their inheritances to their offspring, so Justin talked us through the importance of getting this right, as well as if this is fair and what this means for the Australian economy.

This week Haz and Dom sat down with Ben Zyl, the CEO of payments platform Waave. The brand released some new findings showing the majority of Australians are concerned about a cashless society and its effects on more marginal demographics in society.

Plus we chat to Emma Duffy from Your Investment Property Magazine to talk about immigration's effect on the rental and housing markets.

And of course all the latest news.

00:00 - 01:25 - Intro

01:25 - 04:02 - BOQ boosts savings rate to 5.50% p.a.

04:02 - 08:42 - Strong jobs figures quashing calls for an early RBA rate cut

08:42 - 11:53 - New rental bond subscription service Bondable

11:53 - 18:13 - Emma Duffy

18:13 - 26:40 - Ben Zyl

26:40 - 28:59 - Outro

This week we sat down with Ben Zyl, the CEO of payments platform Waave. The brand released some new findings showing the majority of Australians are concerned about a cashless society and its effects on more marginal demographics in society.

This week we sat down with friend of the pod Emma to discuss how 548,000 arrivals in the 12 months to September 2023 is affecting the property and rental markets, sending vacancy rates to record lows, and property prices to record highs. But it's not all about new arrivals - a lot of this was seeded during the pandemic!

This week Dom and Haz spoke with Peter Munckton, fresh after the March RBA decision to hold the cash rate, on what's going on at the central bank and why the 'last mile' inflation fight isn't over.

Plus we spoke with resident finance journalist Brooke Cooper on one glaring issue with the government's help to buy scheme, plus all the latest news.

00:00 – 02:12 – Intro

02:12 – 05:07 – WA $250 handout

05:07 -  11:05 - New report on mortgage struggles

11:05 – 14:05 - Cheaper homes increasing In value fastest, Perth leading the way

14:05 – 24:07 -  Brooke Cooper on Help to Buy

24:07 – 37:56 – Peter Munckton BOQ

37:56 – 39:15 – Outro

Unsurprisingly, the RBA in March elected to keep the cash rate on hold. Here to discuss the ins and outs and the whys and hows is Peter Munckton, the chief economist at Bank of Queensland. Good chat!

The government's Help to Buy scheme, which provides up to 40% of the home's value for first home buyers, looks like a clear winner. However - on top of philosophical debates about government intervention - there's one glaring issue our finance journalist Brooke Cooper has pointed out: income caps. They have the potential of keeping you in a low income trap, otherwise the government could withdraw its support because you got a pay rise!

This week, with Haz back in the hotseat with Dom, we were joined by Anthony to talk about the latest developments in the life insurance space, including some of NobleOak's latest survey findings. The insurer found some interesting trend changes since Covid!

Plus we were joined by Emma Duffy, who you all know by now, to discuss the latest movements in the property investment sector.

And all the latest titillating news.

00:00 – 02:38: Intro

02:38 – 06:05: Bankwest closing all branches

06:05 – 11:02: Some milquetoast GDP figures

11:02 – 13:44: Tariffs on certain imports cut

13:44 – 19:49: Investor lending up, with Emma Duffy

19:49 – 29:34: New life insurance findings, with Anthony Brown

29:34 – 31:38: Outro

This week Emma ran us through some ABS figures that indicated investors could be coming back into the market, or at least taking out more home loans. This goes against the grain of rental reforms and taxes supposedly scaring them off.

This week, with Haz back in the hotseat with Dom, we were joined by Anthony to talk about the latest developments in the life insurance space, including some of NobleOak's latest survey findings. The insurer found some interest trend changes since Covid!

Mortgage broker and finance educator Max Phelps joins Dom and Em to chat about his recently published book - Spending Fast and Slow. If you've ever wondered how all your hard-earned money seems to disappear so quickly, this episode is for you.

Savings journalist Denise Raward joins Dom and Em for part two of their discussion on the rental crisis after new figures revealed the national rental vacancy hit another new low of 0.7%.

This week, Dom and Em spoke with Max Phelps, who dives deep into the strategies he outlines in his book "Spending Fast and Slow", including how to overcome spending challenges and build better financial habits.

Next, we're joined by Savings journalist Denise Raward for part two of our discussion of the rental crisis after new figures revealed vacancy figures have hit another depressing new low.

Plus, all the latest finance and property news.

Aussies are getting squeezed out of rentals! Sky-high prices and almost no vacancies are creating a full-blown housing crisis. Louis Christopher, owner and managing director of SQM Research discusses what's fueling this rental nightmare – and the potential solutions.

Singles are out in the cold in today's rental market, with a new report showing you need a dual income just to afford the rent these days - let alone to buy a house.

Thousands of Aussies are struggling to find affordable and secure housing, as skyrocketing rents and tight vacancy rates create a nationwide crisis. With Haz in Japan, Editor of Your Investment Property Magazine Emma Duffy joins Dom to unpack what's behind the rent crisis and what could be done to solve it with Louis Christopher, owner and managing director of SQM Research.

Plus, Em highlights the increasing need for dual incomes to afford rent nowadays (time to get back on the dating apps!), how regional property prices are outperforming capital cities, plus all the latest news.

We don't usually do share trading or wealth content, but this week on our fiftieth episode, Dom and Haz were joined by Jessica Leung to discuss what ETFs (exchange traded funds) are, and how they can form part of an interesting concept called the 'core-satellite' investment strategy.

Plus, we chat to Harry O'Sullivan about Coles and Woolies, and grocery prices more broadly, plus all the latest news.

• 00:00 - 01:50 - Intro
• 01:50 - 04:26 - ANZ approved to takeover Suncorp Bank
• 04:26 - 08:05 - House vs unit price gulf wider than ever
• 08:05 - 11:00 - Subi, new annual leave cash-in fintech app
• 11:00 - 21:46 - Harry's Grocery Price Index
• 21:46 - 33:13 - Jessica Leung on ETFs
• 33:13 - 35:45 - Outro

Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. The content in this podcast should not be considered financial advice and all discussions are general in nature. Consult product and ETF platforms' target market determinations (TMD) and product disclosure statements (PDS), and consult a financial adviser, before embarking on your investment journey.

This week Dom and Haz were joined by Jessica Leung from Global X ETFs to discuss what 'exchange traded funds' are exactly, how they fit into a share portfolio, and how to construct a 'core-satellite' investment strategy. 2024 is shaping up to be a year to watch for share traders!

This week on the podcast we had our friend and colleague Harry O'Sullivan on to discuss grocery prices. Over the past few months he's been tracking them and building Savings.com.au's Grocery Price Index. We also discussed the big two's profit margins versus the UK's supermarket chains, and about competition more broadly in Australia. It's a timely discussion...

This week Dom and Haz spoke to Corinne Ng, the Vice President and General Manager of Travel & Lifestyle Services at AMEX. She explained some recent research that found Aussies are prioritising wellness, health and sport experiences in 2024. Plus we spoke with podcast friend Emma Duffy, editor of Your Investment Property Magazine, to discuss the latest policy changes afoot in federal parliament. Yes, the debate on negative gearing is rearing its head again.

Plus all the latest news.

• 00:00 - 01:17 - Intro
• 01:17 - 04:01 - Melbourne property price stagnation
• 04:01 - 08:24 - First home buyers benefitting from raised stamp duty threshold in NSW
• 08:24 - 11:31 - TikTok influencers providing dud financial advice
• 11:31 - 20:34 - Emma Duffy
• 20:34 - 33:58 - Corinne Ng
• 33:58 - 35:10 - Outro

This week Dom and Haz spoke to Corinne Ng, the Vice President and General Manager of Travel & Lifestyle Services at AMEX. She explained some recent research that found Aussies are prioritising wellness, health and sport experiences in 2024.

The headlines are pointing to some browbeating from the Greens, suggesting that negative gearing be limited to one property and for new builds. It's a contentious topic that seems to rear its head every few years, and Emma is here to take us through it!

This week Dom and Haz spoke with Adam Trouncer, from Sucasa - a new mortgage lender. We spoke about how the lender is able to offer home loans up to 95% LVR without having to pay LMI, as well as what the name is about - 'Your House' - and launching a business in a challenging funding environment.

We also spoke with our finance journalist Brooke Cooper about if young people pay too much income tax - an interesting and newsworthy topic!

Plus all the latest news.

• 00:00 - 01:40 - Intro
• 01:40 - 04:59 - RBA holds cash rate at 4.35%
• 04:59 - 09:54 - TD and home loan rates coming down
• 09:54 - 15:13 - Rent reforms in Queensland
• 15:13 - 26:24 - Brooke Cooper on tax reform
• 26:24 - 39:07 - Adam Trouncer on Sucasa
• 39:07 - 43:24 - Debrief and outro

This week we spoke with Savings.com.au finance journalist Brooke Cooper on a topic she's covered recently - income tax, and if young people are paying too much of it. It's not just the income tax that matters, but deductions and the ability to grow wealth. In light of the stage 3 tax cuts amendment, it's high time we take a serious look at income tax in this country.

This week we spoke to Adam Trouncer, the founder of new mortgage lender on the block, Sucasa. Spanish for 'your home' Sucasa has a few interesting features that make it stand out, including a 'no LMI' offer. So if you want to be like Ken and step into your first Mojo Dojo Casa House, it's worthwhile comparing your lending options. Bien!

Welcome to season 3, and 2024! To kick off our new podcast season and year, Dom and Haz were joined by financial services veteran Vince Scully to discuss the financial themes of 2024, and how to prepare for them.

This includes: Good debts vs bad debts, HECS/HELP repayments, fixed vs variable home lending, and yes, tax cuts. It was a longer one, so sit back and enjoy the chill vibes of this one. Maybe put on some jazz and have a wine?

Plus we were joined by Emma Duffy from Your Investment Property Magazine to discuss property and rent forecasts for the year, and we also discussed the two major news items dominating the personal finance space.

• 00:00 - 03:03 - Intro and welcome to season 3
• 03:03 - 10:25 - What the income tax cuts mean for you
• 10:25 - 15:26 - Interest rate changes in term deposits & home loans
• 15:26 - 23:03 - Emma Duffy property roundup
• 23:03 - 53:36 - Vince Scully from Life Sherpa

Fresh from a mammoth overseas trip, Emma Duffy from Your Investment Property Magazine joined us to discuss what's in store for the property market in 2024. Long story short: More price rises, albeit at a slower pace, and continued clouds on the horizon for renters.

In our first guest interview of 2024, Dom and Haz spoke with Vince Scully on the emerging themes of 2024 and how to financially prepare for them. It was a longer chat, so sit back and relax, and enjoy the chill vibes of this one.

Wow, 2024 is upon us! Dom and I will likely have very different holiday breaks - how about you?

Thank you to our sponsors Savings.com.au and InfoChoice.

Find Savings.com.au on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Or email enquiries@savings.com.au with your thoughts, feedback, and musings.

In the last guest appearance of 2023, the Tip Jar boys spoke to Anthony Caneva, the general manager of member engagement and wellbeing at Insignia Financial about money mindsets.

We discussed the philosophies behind changing your money mindsets, and practical tips on how to get there so you can budget better, fight impulse purchases, and more.

These included:

1. Kakeibo Japanese money management philosophy

2. Prioritise happiness and experiences over goods

3. Urge surfing - ride the impulse wave man!

4. Daily or weekly budgeting goals/calendar

5. Visualise your goals

6. Count your blessings

Especially relevant in the lead up to Christmas! We also discuss the latest news, including if the latest foreign investment tax proposal will be the silver bullet for solving the housing crisis with our finance journalist Brooke Cooper.

00:00 - 01:44 - Intro

01:44 - 04:14 - Aus Unity's savings account switcharoo

04:14 - 09:17 - GDP results in, per capita recession confirmed

09:17 - 17:42 - Foreign investment taxes, with Brooke Cooper

17:42 - 30:38 - Changing money mindsets, with Anthony Caneva

30:38 - 33:40 - Outro and goodbye 2023

In recent days the government announced it intends to increase fees for property investors, including drastically jacking up the vacant property tax. At the same time the government will also reduce taxes for foreign investors using build-to-rent schemes. But is this the silver bullet? The jury is out and critics are cynical. Joining us to discuss is Savings.com.au finance journalist Brooke Cooper.

In the last guest appearance of 2023, the Tip Jar boys spoke to Anthony Caneva from Insignia Financial about money mindsets. We discussed the philosophies behind changing your money mindsets, and practical tips on how to get there so you can budget better, fight impulse purchases, and more. Especially relevant in the lead up to Christmas!

As the ladder is drawn up on the Apache helicopter that was 2023, Haz and Dom spoke to Dr Nicola Powell from Domain about home price forecasts. They've come through thick and fast from different directions, and Nicola was kind enough to not only outline the key figures but the reasons as to why.

Think, listings, immigration, tax and government policies, supply, and a belief we're at the top of the interest rate cycle as reasons for sustained growth in 2024.

Plus we have Harry O’Sullivan joining us to discuss building approvals, which are up recently but still at 10 year lows. We’ll discuss how this feeds into the government’s goal of 1.2 million homes built in the next five years, and if this even outpaces immigration.

• 00:00 - 01:23 - Intro
• 01:23 - 02:44 - RBA holds at 4.35%
• 02:44 - 05:14 - Property prices reach record high, CoreLogic
• 05:14 - 06:28 - MOVE Bank has a 5.70% p.a. savings account
• 06:28 - 12:51 - Home building stats, with Harry O'Sullivan
• 12:51 - 27:28 - Dr Nicola Powell from Domain
• 27:28 - 29:16 - Outro

We have Harry O’Sullivan joining us to discuss building approvals, which are up recently but still at 10 year lows. We’ll discuss how this feeds into the government’s goal of 1.2 million homes built in the next five years, and if this even outpaces immigration.

As the ladder is drawn up on the Apache helicopter that was 2023, Haz and Dom spoke to Dr Nicola Powell from Domain about home price forecasts. They've come through thick and fast from different directions, and Nicola was kind enough to not only outline the key figures but the reasons as to why.

Think, listings, immigration, tax and government policies, supply, and a belief we're at the top of the interest rate cycle as reasons for sustained growth in 2024.

This week Dom and Haz were joined by Kevin James from Equifax to talk about how more Aussies are using credit cards and personal loans to smooth over the cost of living crunch, while also falling behind on their mortgage. Some sobering stuff, but there's solutions to the problem - consumers need to get on the front foot!

Plus we chat to Brooke Cooper, Savings.com.au finance journalist, on the nuance behind the headline: This week, the so called 300k income needed for 'housing affordability'.

All that and the latest news

• 00:00 - 01:43 - Intro
• 01:43 - 04:09 - Australian Unity 5.50% highest unconditional savings rate in market
• 04:09 - 06:38 - Suburbs where it's cheaper to buy than rent
• 06:38 - 10:17 - NAB grandfathering Citi products
• 10:17 - 20:10 - Brooke Cooper
• 20:10 - 29:58 - Kevin James
• 29:58 - 31:20 - Outro

There was a report released the other day about how Aussies need to earn $300k on average for our housing market to be considered 'affordable'. How on earth did the research arrive at this figure? Well, let Brooke take us through it.

These week Dom and Haz were joined by Kevin James from Equifax to talk about how more Aussies are using credit cards and personal loans to smooth over the cost of living crunch, while also falling behind on their mortgage. Some sobering stuff, but there's solutions to the problem - consumers need to get on the front foot!

In this week's guest interview, a little pertinent advice and tips for Dom, as Ana Kresina discusses her new book. Yes, kids ain't cheap, but there's more to it than that! Ana is also host of the podcast Get Rich Slow Club.

We also chatted to our friend of the pod Harry O'Sullivan on what's happening in Queensland with its doubled first home owner grant - now $30k. Not everyone's happy!

Plus all the latest news!

• 00:00 - 01:37 - Intro
• 01:37 - 04:13 - Unemployment ticks up slightly, wages growth hits 4%
• 04:13 - 05:45 - 5.75% p.a. from Rabobank the highest savings account rate in the market
• 05:45 - 07:43 - ACT increases stamp duty threshold on some properties
• 07:43 - 13:50 - QLD FHOG doubled, with Harry
• 13:50 - 24:23 - Kids Ain't Cheap with Ana Kresina
• 24:23 - 25:21 - Outro