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Hosted and created by Senior Finance Reporter Gillian Bowen, Making Money Easy looks at finance and economic news and, with the help of some prominent economists and experts, breaks it down to what you need to know. The discussions in this podcast do not refer to your individual circumstances and do not give individual financial advice. You should seek your own independent advice, relevant to you, when making financial decisions.
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We'e got the latest data on consumer prices. So what's going up and what's coming down? And how does all this play into the September RBA interest rate decision. It's a big month - it's the last time Governor Philip Lowe will be in charge before he hands over the top job to Michele Bullock. We take a look at what she's likely to focus on and just h…
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The latest Intergenerational Report is out. It's a large document released by Treasury which projects the outlook of the economy and the Australian Government's budget. The 2023 report looks ahead to 2062-63. This episode goes through the key takeaways (your tax future, your superannuation future, your working future, your old age future, your clim…
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There's been a slight increase in the number of unemployed people (36,000 people) but there's also slight positive. Putting up interest rates while unemployment is worsening, is unlikely to sit right with the Reserve Bank. The economists this episode explain why. We also examine the latest average weekly earnings. They're on the rise. So which stat…
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The August RBA rates decision, the latest lending data and the Australians working multiple jobs to make ends meet - there's a lot to unpack in this episode of Making Money Easy. Find out why one of my economists thinks the RBA is now finished with hiking interest rates. We reveal one of the biggest surprises in the economy this year and what econo…
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There are a lot of lags in the economy right now. The cost of a bag of chips is a good example. The impact of multiple RBA rate hikes on mortgage holders now coming off fixed rates is another. Some of the lags are really hurting. This episode we explore the impact of lags, and whether the RBA will take any of them into account when it makes its Aug…
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The number of new jobs that popped into the Australian economy in June was a surprise. One of our economists this episode has even described the result as 'stellar'. So the big question - will all these extra jobs and the money they deliver consumers, help or fuel inflation? We take a look. We also reveal WHO will lead the Reserve Bank going forwar…
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So the Reserve Bank is taking an opportunity to get some more economic information - thank goodness says mortgage holders who are really starting to feel the results of 12 interest rate hikes since May 2022. The official cash rate remained ON HOLD for July but don't relax just yet. Find out why a rate hike is likely in August. We've got some shock …
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There's been a bit of a win - consumers are tightening their belts. The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 5.6 per cent in the 12 months to May 2023. According to the Bureau of Statistics - that's the smallest increase since April last year. This episode the experts tackle the big question - is inflation going down fast enough to sat…
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There's a sector shedding jobs in Australia right now, so what can it tell us about the economy and whether things are starting to turn in the labour market. This episode we look at how to use the data to see what's around the corner. The Reserve Bank will be looking too. We can also tell you what the RBA was, and wasn't saying, around the board ro…
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A central bank has decided to keep interest rates on hold - what does it mean for Australia and will it inspire the Reserve Bank to follow suit? One of our neighbours is in recession. We explore the impacts here, if Australia is on the path to the same thing and if a recession can help inflation. There are a lot of things at play right now in the e…
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Interest rates has been hiked again. This episode we take a look at the unevenness of the Reserve Bank's main tool to curb high inflation. How are mortgage holders coping and why the RBA is pushing ahead with short term pain, for long term gain. We explain another way to tackle inflation that's NOT interest rates, explain why house prices are risin…
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The monthly inflation figures are out. We pick apart the story behind the high prices, who's doing what and why my economists don't think inflation expectations are out of hand in Australia. Plus - revenge spending - what's that and why is it happening right now. We take a look at the impact of the latest economic data on the pending June Reserve B…
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Cost of living is front and centre right now so here's an episode to help you discover how to bust some bills. Have you noticed increases in your phone plan? How about home and car insurance premiums? Energy bills are an obvious one. We take you through the benefits of comparison websites, the pros and cons of bundling. and tips on how to work out …
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So the dust has settled since Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the May Budget. Making Money Easy thinks this is the best time for a bit of in-depth analysis of what's in it and its impact. This episode's economists explain what they like about it, where the Treasurer could have gone further and the impact of this economic plan on inflatio…
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There's been a shock move - and it's not Gillian on the dancefloor. The Reserve Bank Board decided to lift rates at its May meeting despite many an economist forecasting a pause. So what's going on - this episode we explain the thinking from the RBA and the impact of the rate hike. Plus, the other big economic 'thing' on the horizon - the Federal B…
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So there's been a slowing down in the rate of inflation but don't go celebrating in the streets just yet - the cost of living is still intense. This episode takes you through how consumers are still being impacted despite signs of improvement. From rents, electricity and medical services to those spending up big on domestic travel and accommodation…
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A major shake-up is coming for the Reserve Bank of Australia after its first review in decades. The episode picks apart the 51 recommendations and explains how they impact YOU. When all the changes are rolled out - the RBA should be more transparent when it comes to decision making, have less meetings and even regular news conferences to explain wh…
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There are some key economies forecast to go into recession - what will be the impact on Australia. Unemployment remains near record lows - so that's a plus, for now. And women are participating in the workforce like never before. So what's the story with household income and its struggle to cover high inflation, as well as rising interest rates and…
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So after 10 months of interest rates hikes - the Reserve Bank has decided to PAUSE. Find out the impact for the economy, consumers, renters and mortgage holders. One of our experts this episode worked at the RBA - find out why he thinks it's now suffering from 'confusion-driven paralysis'. Plus we reveal the economy crystal ball - did you know it's…
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If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My economists this week reveal why they're forecasting a pause. But keep listening to find out how long that pa…
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A huge amount of fixed rate mortages are about to expire - almost a million this year alone. There's also a tussle underway as the banks compete for customers looking for the best refinancing deal. This episode we take a look at the impact on mortgage holders - from those on fixed rates, to those locked in 'mortgage prison', to those on variable lo…
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Did you get a whiff of some banks overseas being in trouble and then see sharemarkets react? This episode explains what's going on and why investors get jittery. Plus, what does it mean for Australia's banks and economy. We take a look at the nation's productivity and why it's on the agenda. Is it possible to work any harder, what's getting in the …
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Did you think when the Reserve Bank started lifting rates in May last year - we'd have 10 in a row? This episode of Making Money Easy dives into the March hike, how economists feel about the multiple lifts and what did the the RBA Governor mean exactly when he said 'we are closer to the point where it will be appropriate to pause interest rate incr…
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The March Reserve Bank Board meeting is upon us - so what economic data is going to be KEY to its decision on interest rates? This episode examines what's at play, from economic growth and retail spending to household savings, building approvals and monthly CPI. It's a passionate discussion as we get 'deep and meaningful' about the economy and why …
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Plenty of big companies have released their company's results in the past 7 days, giving a useful insight into the behaviour of consumers. From the big supermarkets, to takeaway chains and airlines - what are we up to when it comes to spending? And how does that impact inflation and future rate rises? Plus, want to know what's going on with your wa…
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Find out what a slight rise in the unemployment rate means for the Australian economy and why this episode's economists aren't too worried about a significant deterioration. We've got the latest data on international visitors Down Under and how it'll help small businesses and companies looking for workers. The PAIN coming for renters and why we can…
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Nine months in a row of interest rate hikes. We've got the lowdown on why the Reserve Bank isn't shying away from making plenty of households uncomfortable while it tries to bring down high inflation. We explain why the RBA is ok with that, and where to look to see if the multiple rate rises (and the upcoming ones) are working. Plus, there's an upd…
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The RBA is about to have its first meeting of 2023. This episode of Making Money Easy uses the latest economic data to explain what will happen on Tuesday and how it'll be felt by households, consumers and businesses. Plus, find out where the economists expect interest rates to be by the middle of the year. Also, did you know the price of 76% of yo…
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This may be the last episode of Making Money Easy for the 2022 but there's still plenty of economic data to pick apart. The latest unemployment figures, what older workers are up to, Australia's latest population figures and the Federal Government's plan to keep energy prices lower. Plus we reveal the states where the most people are moving to, and…
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Yes we pick apart the latest interest rates decision by the Reserve Bank but as we wrap up the year ...what's over the horizon in 2023? My economists in this episode of Making Money Easy have an idea. Plus what's going on with the savings buffers of Australian households - we've got the latest data. We reveal if the economy is growing or not. And w…
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There’s a lot of good data informing out interest rate crystal ball this week. Monthly inflation data has turned slightly lower and the latest retail spending figures show consumers are starting to open their wallets less. There’s a chance the Reserve Bank is about to hit pause on interest rates rises after multiple hikes since May. Mortgage holder…
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You might want a wage rise right now but the Reserve Bank Governor is rejecting the idea for the sake of the economy. So is he on the money and how realistic are his expectations of Australians to stop asking for one, to help stop rising inflation? The bigger question is what will inflation look like in the future? My economists this episode have s…
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Unemployment in Australia has returned to its lowest level in almost 50 years. People looking for full time jobs are snapping them up faster than part-timers but there are still plenty of vacancies. So what are the surprise industries calling out for workers? And how is it impacting small businesses? Plus - there’s been a jump in wages but is it ac…
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So consumers are feeling as bad as they would, if we were in an actual recession. Australians are employed at record levels, economic conditions are pretty strong but sentiment is glum. You might think that’s bad - but one of my experts this episode argues consumers feeling glum right now is a victory. Huh? Hint - it’s linked to rising prices. We’v…
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Interest rates may still be rising and mortgage holders are yet to feel the full pain of them but this week’s expert still believes Australia is the best place to be right now. In this one-on-one with CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick, we explore the latest Reserve Bank rate hike, the financial strain coming for Australians and what major …
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Federal Budget analysis - there's so much of it but now the dust has settled, are you ready to find out what it means for you and the Australian economy? What about the impact of the budget on inflation, your job, your wage, your grocery and energy bills and future interest rate rises. There's a lot to digest and some of it isn't pretty, especially…
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Let’s dive into money behaviour and why understanding it will improve your financial freedom. Sound too tricky? It’s not! Mind Over Money author Evan Lucas has done all the hard work and written an easy-to-read book to help. To give you a taste, Gillian and Evan pick apart what drives your money decisions and why your finances are intertwined with …
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There's a lot of gloom and doom talk surrounding the Australian and global economy right now. The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has headed overseas to attend a key finance ministers' meeting to get more information about what's going on while the International Monetary Fund has released its latest updates on what we're facing. But there's more to …
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We’ve had a smaller interest rate hike from the RBA but don’t let that fool you - the hiking cycle is NOT OVER YET. Despite 6 rises in a row, inflation is still way too high. We’ve got the latest figures on the cost of your groceries and when prices may start to budge. Plus which supply chains are starting to improve and how that’s impacting those …
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We're living longer but are you prepared for what that might look like if you lose your capacity to make decisions for example through a condition such as dementia or an accident? What about if it happens to your loved ones? That's where Power of Attorney comes in. This episode we take a look at what it is, how it works, legally and the best person…
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Want to know what the vibe is with the Australian economy right now? This is the episode for you. We pick apart the recent economic news and data and the latest speeches and comments from the Reserve Bank Governor and Deputy Governor and give you the ANSWER. Plus should we be worried the RBA is in 'negative equity' - heck what does that even mean? …
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Do you have a link in the bio of your social media accounts? Here's my instagram if you want to know I mean. Ever wondered about one of the main companies behind it? LinkTree - is the brainchild of Australians Anthony Zaccaria, Alex Zaccaria and Nick Humphreys. Founded in 2016, and the first of its kind, Linktree is now utilised by more than 25 mil…
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Five months in a row of hikes - you feeling it yet and what's ahead? If you're a mortgage holder - listen up - it's not about you! Want to find out WHY?! Listen to this episode of Making Money Easy. We've also got the latest on how the hikes are impacting inflation and when you'll start to notice a difference on prices. Plus there's been a Jobs Sum…
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When did you learn what you know about money? How did you learn the basics and from WHO? Is the knowledge you have - any good? For many Australians - particularly teenage girls and young women - they leave home with no idea how to manage their money. This episode we meet Michelle Bowes - a personal finance writer. She’s written a book for teenage g…
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The RBA rate rises and your bank passing them on, have been coming thick and fast. This episode of Making Money Easy dives into what the increases mean for your repayments, what a 'good rate' looks like in August 2022, how to get a good deal, the cost of loyalty (or laziness), the latest forecasts on what the Reserve Bank will do next and what's ah…
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Residential vs commercial property. How much do you know about how it all works? Which one is BETTER? There are plenty of people who want to increase their cash flow in the face of rising interest rates and inflation but don't know how to get ahead. Positive gearing vs negative gearing? Know the difference and how to make it work for you? What abou…
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Consumers are funny. Their confidence levels are like we're in a recession and yet they're still spending up a storm despite the fourth interest rate hike in a row. So what does the Reserve Bank think about the behaviour, especially as it tries with all its might to bring down soaring inflation? And how bad is the financial 'stress' at the moment (…
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Inflation is so hot right now. The rise in June 2022 is the second highest since the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2000. Ouch. The latest CPI shows the price of goods is rising more strongly than services - so you'll definitely be noticing it in your food bill, your essentials. This episode we pick apart the rises, the im…
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Are you a sharemarket old hand or thinking about getting involved and don't know where to start. In this episode of Making Money Easy - Gillian picks the brain of Louise Bedford - a share market guru and author of FIVE books, a behavioural finance expert and trader trainer and mentor. They explore what's holding people back, the importance of educa…
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What a strong unemployment result for June 2022! You're now living in a time when the unemployment rate in Australia is the best it's been since the mid-1970s. As Chief Economist - and friend of the show Jo Masters puts it - there's now 1 vacancy for every unemployed person in Australia. So why are consumers and businesses feeling so glum? The resu…
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