The Money Puzzle
Business & Finance
About
Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle. Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets. Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth. Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au.
Episodes
- Beyond property: Why it's time to widen your investment horizon
This episode of The Money Puzzle explores alternative investment opportunities beyond traditional property and high-dividend shares. Jack Tossol and James Kirby discuss topics such as private equity, the impact of capital gains tax changes…
- Who really gets hit with higher rates?
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses the impact of rising interest rates on different demographics, including older Australians and property investors. It also examines the arguments against further rate hikes and current mortgage tr…
- After the oil shock: Who's really making money?
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses the impact of an oil shock on the sharemarket, identifying winners and losers among companies like QANTAS, BHP, and Rio. It also examines the differing performances of Wall Street and ASX, and tou…
- You're biased! - The six signs of investment bias that hold you back
This episode discusses the six signs of investment bias, detailing how they affect investors, especially in the property market. It also explores lessons from the share market and their applicability to property investments.
- Private credit - How bad is this going to get?
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses the private credit boom and its current shake-out, examining the exposure for Australian investors and super funds. It covers the problems with private credit, its links to wealth managers, and ho…
- What you should be paying on your borrowings (and getting on your cash)
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses interest rates, borrowing, and cash. It covers how bonus accounts work, the challenges of meeting their terms and conditions, and current market rates for savings and loans. The episode also touch…
- Your top tax hacks for FY 2026
This episode of The Money Puzzle features Dr. Adrian Raftery and James Kirby discussing tax planning for FY 2026. Topics include transport costs, work-from-home deductions, electric car leasing, and superannuation.
- Why residential rental income is about to move higher (again)
This episode of The Money Puzzle features Louis Christopher of SQM Research and Associate Editor James Kirby. They discuss the unexpected increase in residential rental income and the current market changes for property investors.
- Separately Managed Accounts: Advisers love them, but should you?
This episode of The Money Puzzle explores Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) with Nathan Fradley and James Kirby, addressing their popularity, regulatory concerns, and related financial topics. Discussions include SMAs, SMSFs, reward point…
- Where investors will hunt in the looming property downturn
This episode of The Money Puzzle features independent housing analyst Eliza Owen and Associate Editor James Kirby discussing the looming property downturn and factors influencing house prices. They cover key factors affecting market demand…
- Bringing it all back home - Why the oil shock is turning investors back to the ASX
David Bassanese and James Kirby discuss how investors are reacting to the 2026 oil shock, turning to the ASX for mining, energy, and blue-chip stocks. The episode covers shifts in investment strategies, including a pickup in defensive inve…
- How wealthy investors are dealing with the Iran crisis
This episode of The Money Puzzle features Ben James of Escala Partners, who advises high-net-worth investors. He discusses how wealthy investors are navigating the Iran crisis, inflation's impact on markets, liquidity options, and potentia…
- 'Pump and dump' warning for interstate property investors
This episode of The Money Puzzle warns interstate property investors about 'pump and dump' schemes, highlighting risks associated with buyer's agents and overpriced regional markets. It also covers potential challenges for first-home buyer…
- The typical traits of the Rich 250 in 2026
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses the common traits of individuals on the Rich 250 list in 2026. John Stensholt, Rich 250 Editor, and James Kirby explore who made the list, the impact of market trends, and the role of "couple-powe…
- Rates up, so should you fix your mortgage now?
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses the dilemma of fixing your mortgage as interest rates rise. It also explores topics such as good news for older cash hoarders, SMSF property lending, and how much insurance is needed.
- Chris Judd on his new game: stock picking
In this episode of The Money Puzzle, former AFL star and fund manager Chris Judd shares his insights on the share market and his approach to finding small cap stocks with James Kirby.
- Rentvesting - A better way to make it work
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses rentvesting, an increasingly popular strategy for aspiring homeowners. It covers the potential impacts of capital gains tax changes on house prices and other financial considerations like fixed-ra…
- Iran crisis special: what you need to know
This episode of The Money Puzzle features a discussion on the Iran crisis, its impact on global share markets, interest rates, and inflation driven by oil supply. The conversation also touches on the vulnerability of AI to increased energy…
- Negative gearing… who needs it anyway?
Jarrod McCabe and James Kirby discuss negative gearing, its impact on the market, and investor strategies. They explore how a negative gearing cap might affect the market, finding value where first-home buyers have reached their limits, an…
- Private credit - the boom boils over
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses the private credit market, its impact on everyday investors, and why government bonds are back. Dr. Doug Turek and James Kirby explore these financial topics.
- Property investors fret over CGT but rate rises may stall soon
The episode features Dr. Sam Wylie and James Kirby discussing property investors' concerns regarding Capital Gains Tax and the influence of interest rates. They explore the possibility of a stall in rate hikes and the potential tax benefit…
- Inheritance tax: Has something changed?
Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial joins host James Kirby to discuss changes to inheritance and superannuation tax legislation. The episode covers topics including super caps, the Medicare Levy Surcharge, and managing overseas shares and…
- Should you put your extra dollars in super or the family home
James Gerrard joins James Kirby to discuss the financial considerations of choosing between contributing to superannuation or paying off a family home. The episode covers the tax system's impact on renters and homeowners, and strategies fo…
- Inflation is eating your investment returns...what to do?
This episode of The Money Puzzle features Chris Brycki of Stockspot to discuss inflation, its impact on investment returns, and strategies for inflation-proofing investments, including alternatives to gold. The conversation also touches up…
- How to become a property investor for $300,000
In this episode of The Money Puzzle, Nathan Birch explains how to become a property investor with an investment of $300,000 or less. He discusses entry-level property, suitable property types, and Australian locations that offer good value.
- Why you must take more risk for longer than you think
Anna Shelley, Chief Investment Officer at AMP, joins host James Kirby to discuss why investors may need to embrace more risk for longer to account for increased longevity. The episode explores reevaluating age-based investment strategies,…
- Gold... is this the pullback you've been waiting for?
David Franklyn of the Argonaut Gold Fund joins James Kirby to discuss the recent pullback in gold prices after a significant rally. They explore strategies for playing the pullback, the potential for gold miners, and top gold stocks to con…
- Listener Questions Answered : Defensive assets, super tax sting and US investment risks
James Kirby and Liam Shorte of Sonas Wealth answer listener questions about defensive assets, recent changes to superannuation tax, US investment risks, and transferring UK pensions to Australia. The discussion also addresses portfolio str…
- Property tax risks rise for the year ahead
This episode of The Money Puzzle discusses rising property tax risks for the year ahead, including potential changes to Capital Gains Tax concessions. It also covers Victoria's Airbnb tax, the role of property as a hard asset, and listener…
- Your complete 2026 investment outlook
Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins James Kirby to discuss the 2026 investment outlook. The episode covers market risks, inflation, gold investments, and strategies for taking profits.
- The outstanding property opportunity in 2026
In this episode of The Money Puzzle, Stuart Wemyss joins James Kirby to discuss property market trends for 2026. The conversation covers interest rates, lending risks, rebounding sectors, and regional market forecasts.
- Top stock picks for 2026 (with Jun Bei Liu)
In this episode of The Money Puzzle, investor Jun Bei Liu discusses her outlook for the ASX in 2026. She identifies potential growth sectors, highlights stocks to consider, and notes parts of the market to avoid.
- Your shares in 2026
Marc Jocum of GlobalX ETFs joins James Kirby to discuss investment market outlooks for 2025, ASX forecasts, and predictions for Wall Street. The episode also addresses market volatility triggered by recent US foreign interventions and poli…
- Summer series: Investing Secrets from $1.5bn Fund Manager Jun Bei Liu
Wealth Editor Julie-anne Sprague interviews fund manager Jun Bei Liu about her investment strategies, personal learning experiences, and advice for individual investors in this repeat episode of The Money Puzzle.
- Summer series: Is your home the worst investment you’ll ever make?
Financial adviser Jack Tossol joins host James Kirby to discuss whether home ownership is an overrated investment. They explore the concepts of 'rentvesting', tax deductions, and the potential risks of tying all finances into a family home.
- Summer series: FIRE - Financial Independence, Retire Early - Could you do it?
Lionel Lee joins host James Kirby to discuss the key principles and realities of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. This episode explores the origins of the movement and provides a professional case study.
- Money Movies - The Australian's film critic picks his all-time favourites
The Australian's film critic Stephen Romei joins James Kirby on The Money Puzzle to discuss the best films about money. They explore various movies, including Australia's own 'The Bank' and films featuring Margot Robbie, while analyzing wh…
- Struggling in the final lap: Your 2025 investment year
Associate Editor James Kirby and financial adviser James Gerrard discuss the 2025 investment year, examining market performance on the ASX 200 and Wall Street. The episode covers market volatility, asset performance, and a comparison betwe…
- The no 1 formula for locating property investment success
Terry Ryder from Hotspotting discusses his investment property formula with James Kirby. The episode covers identifying successful investment locations, market outlooks for 2026, first home buyer trends, and Adelaide's property market.
- Have Aussie shares let you down this year?
Gemma Dale from nabtrade joins James Kirby to analyze the performance gap between the ASX and Wall Street. The discussion covers the factors behind international market trends, the role of gold versus crypto, and potential levies for SMSF…
- YIMBY! Building in the backyard: the intergenerational breakthrough
Financial adviser Nathan Fradley joins host James Kirby to discuss the financial and planning aspects of building in the backyard for intergenerational living. The episode covers the tax implications, planning changes, and the importance o…
- Die with zero: Why you should give it away sooner
Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins James Kirby to discuss the 'Die with Zero' movement and the benefits of transferring wealth to children sooner. The episode covers intergenerational fairness, practical tips for helping child…
- Why fixing your mortgage rate means you will lose money
Stuart Wemyss joins James Kirby to discuss why fixed-rate mortgages may lead to financial losses for borrowers. The episode also covers APRA's new lending limits, the impact of non-banks on the mortgage market, and potential changes to cap…
- Do I really need that much? The problem with superannuation calculators
ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland joins James Kirby to discuss the limitations and potential unreliability of superannuation retirement calculators. The episode also covers the First Guardian Super incident, the private credit boom, and upda…
- The Olympic-sized property opportunity
In this episode of The Money Puzzle, host James Kirby and guest Sam Price examine the Brisbane residential property market ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games. The discussion covers market trends, potential challenges, legislative shifts, and…
- Special Edition - Australia's Top Financial Adviser tells all
Matthew Cassidy of Partners Wealth Group, ranked first in Barron's Top 150 Advisers List, discusses financial advice and market cycle management with James Kirby. Topics include preparing for market downturns, sequential risk for pre-retir…
- Lending limits return as a risk in a red-hot residential market
James Kirby and guest Anissa Cavallo discuss potential lending limits in the residential property market, ATO regulations regarding holiday homes, and the impacts on rentvesting and negative gearing strategies.
- Private equity - Are you getting the crumbs from the table?
In this episode of The Money Puzzle, host James Kirby and guest Andy Darroch examine the rise of private equity funds offered to retail investors. They discuss trends in the unlisted market, compare retail offerings to super funds, and add…
- Nowhere to move: The hidden driver of rising house prices
Cameron Kusher joins host James Kirby to discuss factors contributing to rising house prices, including the impact of low vacancy rates and the return of property investors. The episode also explores interest rate trends, first-home deposi…
- 'Expense Creep': The silent killer of investment dreams
Author Jacqui Clarke joins James Kirby to discuss the impact of 'expense creep' on long-term investment success. They also explore effective management principles, avoiding being asset-rich but cash-poor, and the potential role of cash ETF…