Making Money Easy

Gillian Bowen
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  • BUSINESS NEWS
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Making Money Easy

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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  1. EPISODE 1

    The First Reserve Bank Board Meeting of 2023: What Economists forecast for your Finances

    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 your day to day goods are moving up too quickly - hear what that means for YOU, what relief is ahead, and why there are signs inflation may have peaked. Plus a pep talk for consumers and there's something for SAVERS. ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbrell and Barrenjoey Senior Economist Johnathan McMenamin join Gillian for a jam-packed Episode 1 of Season 3. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    No pain, no gain - inside the first of many interest rate rises this year

    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 update on unemployment on Thursday. The labour market is really tight - how will what happens impact the next RBA decision. We dive into what would be the RBA's nightmare scenario. Also what are the chances of receision and will you feel it? Peter Munckton, Bank of Queensland Chief Economist and Emma Grey, Manager Economics at Impact Economics join Gillian to explain. National Debt Helpline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Unemployment, overseas visitors, renting, rates and inflation: the impact on consumers and business

    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't forget about them in the interest rates/inflation discussion. Find out whether mortgagees are falling behind on minimum repayments and an update on the wage-price spiral. It's a packed 22 minutes. ANZ Senior Economist Catherine Birch and Westpac Group Senior Economist Pat Bustamante join Gillian to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Why people spending less is a good news story

    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 wage and earnings? We've got that data too. And we explain why your wage not keeping up with the surging cost of living right now, is a positive. We take a look at why superannuation is on the radar, and some STARTLING figures about the more than a million households facing increasing mortgage repayments. Stephen Koukoulas, Market Economics Managing Director and Diana Mousina, AMP Australia Senior Economist join Gillian to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Australia is at an economic crunch point

    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 people are still spending. Plus we ask, and try to answer, if we've managed to 'build back better' post COVID. Whatever happens - the economy is at a 'crunch point' - so is a recession coming or not? Impact Economics Lead Economist Angela Jackson and Independent Economist Nicki Hutley join Gillian to explain. Email: makingmoneyeasy2021@outlook.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Close to pausing?

    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 increases to allow more time to assess the state of the economy.' We dive into data from Australia's biggest bank to see how customers are doing and find out what ELSE is going on in the economy that's worth knowing about BESIDES interest rates. Think population growth, China reopening and the return of foreign students. Barrenjoey Chief Economist Jo Masters and CommBank Senior Economist Belinda Allen join Gillian to explain.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Bank Troubles Abroad: How will Australia be affected?

    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 way of being more productive and what happens if we don't. Plus, the February unemployment figure is out - it's back at a record low, so will that mean a rate hike or is a PAUSE still on the cards at the next Reserve Bank Board meeting. CommBank Senior Economist Kristina Clifton and Westpac Group Economist Jameson Coombs join Gillian to explain. email: makingmoneyeasy2021@outlook.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Expiring Fixed Rate Mortgages: Your Essential Guide and the Ripple Effects

    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 loans facing into at least 10 interest rate hikes in a row. We analyse the rates on offer at the moment, what a 'good deal' looks like (and how to haggle) and what to do if you're in financial stress. And we haven't forgotten the SAVERS. Find out what's being offered to them now interest rates are on the rise, and how to do a health check on your savings account. RateCity Research Director Sally Tindall joins Gillian to explain this intriguing data story. Linked Episode: How to avoid 'mortgage prison' Resources for people in financial stress (thanks RateCity for compiling these): National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Good Shepherd no interest loans Services Australia Payment and Service Finder State-based resources: Service NSW Savings Finder Service Victoria Savings Finder Queensland Govt Concessions Finder SA Govt Concessions Finder Concessions WA Concessions NT Tasmanian Govt Discounts and Concessions ACT Savings Finder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
See All Season 3 (28)

4.7
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Gillian Bowen
  • Episodes
    98
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Gillian Bowen

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