Simplifying Investing

Simplifying Investing

The Simplifying Investing series helps to de-mystify the often-complex world of investing. Whether it’s big or small, we are all invested in something, that's why we're drawing on the knowledge of AMP’s experts to answer the big questions in superannuation, retirement, home loans and beyond. Podcasts provided by AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group. They contain general advice only and have not considered your personal circumstances. You should consider seeking professional advice before deciding to act on any information in these podcasts.

  1. 1970s Vs Now - Is Life Actually Harder: Episode #177

    20h ago

    1970s Vs Now - Is Life Actually Harder: Episode #177

    Shane Oliver and Diana Mousina unpack the gap between perception and reality in today’s economy. From inflation and interest rates to housing affordability, wages and lifestyle changes, they compare life now versus the 1970s to ask a bigger question: are we actually worse off, or just feeling it? The conversation explores rising expectations, the impact of choice, social media, and government support—and why resetting expectations and focusing on long-term fundamentals could be key to financial wellbeing.Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 29 June 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group 00:00 – Intro 00:01 – Inflation update and fuel price impact 00:39 – Will the RBA hike rates again? 01:14 – Why people feel worse off today 01:47 – Cost of living pressures explained 02:20 – Nostalgia: was the past better? 02:43 – Housing, wages and affordability then vs now 04:33 – Workforce changes and female participation 05:32 – Choice, stress and modern life 06:32 – Inflation in the 1970s vs today 07:26 – Income growth vs real purchasing power 08:15 – Travel, lifestyle and spending changes 09:29 – Globalisation and diversity in Australia 12:56 – Shift to services and experiences 13:56 – Education, careers and delayed earnings 14:44 – Is too much choice making us unhappy? 16:06 – Work ethic, jobs and expectations 17:09 – Government spending and welfare dependence 18:15 – Life expectancy and quality of life 19:24 – Safety improvements over time 20:22 – Why confidence is still low 21:02 – Expectations vs reality 22:10 – Social comparison and social media impact 23:29 – Community decline and social connection 24:49 – Work-life balance pressures 25:02 – Can we go back to simpler times? 25:43 – Productivity and income stagnation 26:11 – Practical steps: spending, saving, expectations 27:25 – Final thoughts: gratitude and perspective

    29 min
  2. Can Australia Fix Housing, Energy and Tax Together: Episode #176

    Jun 19

    Can Australia Fix Housing, Energy and Tax Together: Episode #176

    In this episode, My Bui and Shane Oliver are joined by independent MP Nicolette Boele to unpack Australia’s biggest economic challenges—from the slow rollout of clean energy and the road to electrification, to housing affordability, tax reform, and the unintended consequences of recent budget changes. They explore how regulation, superannuation, and political decisions are shaping productivity, investment, and cost of living—plus whether the “sensible centre” still has a place in today’s shifting political landscape. Important information: This podcast is general in nature and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important you consider your personal circumstances and speak to a financial adviser before deciding what’s right for you. Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only. Remember the value of investments may go up or down and you may not get back the amount you invested. The opinions and views featured in this podcast reflect the individual’s own. Date of publication 19 June 2026. AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group 00:00 - Intro 01:00 Clean energy finance and investment challenges 02:00 Red tape and delays in energy projects 03:20 Regulation, risk appetite and super funds 04:45 Energy prices, gas vs renewables debate 06:00 Electrification and future energy system 07:30 Cost of living pressures emerge 10:45 Budget discussion: housing, productivity, tax 12:00 Capital gains tax changes and impact 14:20 Tax fairness and generational inequality 16:00 Startups, venture capital and innovation risks 17:40 Investment behaviour and market impacts 18:50 Need for broader tax reform 20:30 Resource taxes and government revenue 22:30 Incentives, productivity, and business growth 24:30 Political reaction and voter sentiment 26:30 Housing crisis: supply vs demand 27:50 Density vs decentralisation debate 30:40 Regulation and housing costs 31:20 Superannuation and affordable housing solutions 33:40 Immigration and labour shortages 36:20 Political shifts and rise of minor parties 38:00 The “sensible centre” in modern politics 40:20 Closing remarks

    41 min

About

The Simplifying Investing series helps to de-mystify the often-complex world of investing. Whether it’s big or small, we are all invested in something, that's why we're drawing on the knowledge of AMP’s experts to answer the big questions in superannuation, retirement, home loans and beyond. Podcasts provided by AWM Services Pty Ltd ABN 15 139 353 496, AFSL No. 366121, part of the AMP Group. They contain general advice only and have not considered your personal circumstances. You should consider seeking professional advice before deciding to act on any information in these podcasts.

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