Friends With Money

Money Magazine
  • 3.5 (2)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We all have questions about money; how to earn it, how to spend it, and the best ways to invest so we can watch it grow. The Friends With Money podcast, created by Money Magazine (Australia’s longest-running and most-read personal finance magazine), shares its extensive network of finance experts, in-depth knowledge of markets and timely advice to help you understand the world of money. Hosted by senior writer, Tom Watson, and editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, Friends With Money is a weekly chat with a variety of credentialed guests that you won’t want to miss. Listening and learning will help you on the path to financial freedom.

  1. From $100k to 10M: Your windfall game plan!

    1D AGO

    From $100k to 10M: Your windfall game plan!

    In this week's Friends With Money episode, host Ryan Johnson speaks with financial adviser David Sharpe, chair of the Financial Advice Association Australia FAAA) about how to react to a sudden windfall—from $100,000 to $1 million, $10 million and even $1 billion. Sharpe advises first confirming the money is real, then slowing down to avoid emotional decisions, and keeping the news private (limited to a spouse and trusted professionals). They discuss balancing lifestyle spending with long-term goals, and how priorities shift by amount and life stage: using $100,000 for a home deposit or improving retirement cashflow, weighing debt repayment by interest cost (credit cards first; student debt is typically lower-cost), and the tax advantages versus access restrictions of superannuation. 00:38 First steps after a windfall: Verify, pause, and avoid emotional moves 01:53 Who to tell (and who not to): Keeping your windfall private 02:33 Spend vs save: Building a plan that matches what you value 04:00 Windfall playbook: What to do with $100,000 05:05 Debt, HECS and priorities: Paying down the right loans first 06:13 Superannuation trade-offs: Tax benefits vs access to your money 07:30 If the $100k came from selling an investment: Reinvesting and tax 08:05 Scenario two: How $1 million changes the plan 09:43 Mortgage vs shares: Tax smarts, borrowing back and debt recycling 11:43 Inheritance checks: Asset types, CGT and what you actually keep 12:21 Scenario three: $10 million—Financial freedom, purpose and relationships 14:26 Trusts and SMSFs explained: When structures help (and when they don’t) 16:06 Intergenerational wealth transfer: Common estate and entity mistakes 18:00 Just for fun: What to do with $1 billion (and the responsibility) Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    20 min
  2. Super switching: Are you being misled?

    MAR 3

    Super switching: Are you being misled?

    ASIC Warns on Super “Health Check” Ads: How Lead Gen Funnels Push Risky Switches | Alan Kirkland Money Magazine’s Friends With Money podcast host Ryan Johnson speaks with ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland about online “free super health check” sites, quizzes, and social media ads used as lead‑generation funnels that collect contact details, trigger telemarketing, and can pressure people to switch super into riskier, more expensive products. Kirkland explains ASIC’s review and its transparency list (44 firms so far), noting that listing is not a finding of wrongdoing and the list will be updated while the review continues. He outlines common funnel tactics, investor harms seen in cases like First Guardian and Shield, and why switching into platform products or self‑managed super funds can reduce protections. Key red flags include unsolicited calls, pressure to act quickly, and offers to “find lost super.” Consumers are directed to ASIC’s MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for trusted guidance and complaints. 00:43 What lead generation means 01:42 ASIC transparency list explained 03:52 Who ASIC Is targeting 04:58 Inside the sales funnel 06:52 When marketing breaks laws 08:12 Case study: First Guardian 10:28 APRA vs ASIC and SMSFs 12:51 Red flags for consumers 14:15 Where to get help Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    16 min
  3. IPOs to watch in 2026

    FEB 24

    IPOs to watch in 2026

    Welcome to another episode of the Friends With Money podcast. Hosted by Ryan Johnson, filling in for Tom Watson. In today’s episode, we unpack the world of IPOs (initial public offerings) with Simon James from HLB Mann Judd Sydney. We break down why companies choose to list on the ASX, analyse how the IPO market performed in 2025, and look ahead to the sectors and standout companies to watch in 2026 — including major global names like SpaceX, Canva and Guzman y Gomez. Simon also shares expert insights and practical tips for anyone considering investing in IPOs. 00:24 Understanding IPOs: Basics and importance 01:50 2025 IPO market analysis 03:08 Materials sector dominance in iPOs 04:08 Private capital vs public listings 05:31 Top Performers and Future Prospects 09:38 Global IPO landscape 14:13 Investing in IPOs: Practical tips Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    17 min
  4. From savings to settlement: First-time buyer's roadmap

    FEB 17

    From savings to settlement: First-time buyer's roadmap

    Are you looking to buy a new home? This week on the Friends with Money podcast, Vanessa Walker, managing editor of Money, and journalist Ryan Johnson dive deep into the home buying process for first-time buyers. They discuss the essential steps from initial research, engaging with mortgage brokers and financial advisors, to pre-approval, making offers, and the final settlement. Get practical tips for navigating real estate websites, understanding mortgage pre-approval, and the importance of conveyancers. #friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #ryanjohnson #homehunting #firsthomebuyers 00:20 First steps for first-time home buyers 01:38 Researching and narrowing down your options 03:05 Engaging with professionals: Mortgage brokers and financial advisors 05:42 Understanding mortgage pre-approval 07:51 Making an offer and preparing for settlement 10:25 Settlement day and moving in Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    12 min
  5. Spare cash: Mortgage, super or shares?

    FEB 10

    Spare cash: Mortgage, super or shares?

    Should you put extra money into your mortgage, super or personal investments? It’s not always a simple decision. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined Terry Vogiatzis, director of wealth management at Omura Wealth Advisers, to discuss the pros, cons and trade-offs involved with making use of extra funds. 01:11 Why people find the decision tricky 02:11 Factors to consider before diving in 03:50 Assessing extra mortgage contributions 06:33 Superannuation vs other personal investments 11:38 The benefits of seeking financial advice 14:04 Final thoughts and additional tips #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #terryvogiatzis #investing #super #mortgages Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    18 min
  6. Scam alert: How to keep your cash secure

    FEB 3

    Scam alert: How to keep your cash secure

    Hundreds of thousands of Australians lose money to scams each year, but there are simple steps everyone can take to better protect their money. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Olivia McArdle, head of payments and deposits at Macquarie Bank, to discuss account safety and scams to watch out for. 01:48 Built-in security features in banking apps 03:39 Basic phone and computer security tips 05:32 Common financial scams to watch out for 07:45 What to do if you've been scammed 09:54 How banks detect and prevent scams 12:12 Future technology in banking security #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #oliviamcardle #banking #scams Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    15 min
  7. Will getting professional financial advice pay off?

    JAN 27

    Will getting professional financial advice pay off?

    Considering seeking financial advice, but not sure what to expect? We explore the process, the costs involved and what to look for in an advisor. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Abood, chief executive of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), to run through some of the most frequently asked questions about financial advice. 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Benefits of financial advice 05:07 Is advice worth it for younger Australians? 12:14 How much does advice cost? 14:02 Finding the right financial adviser 19:43 What to expect from the financial advice process 25:20 Final thoughts #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahabood #financialadvice Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    28 min
  8. Bank of mum and dad

    JAN 20

    Bank of mum and dad

    The Bank of Mum and Dad is booming, but without the right planning a generous gesture can turn into a legal and financial headache. On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by William Moore, partner and head of private client advisory at Hall & Wilcox, to discuss gifts, loans and the potential pitfalls of the Bank of Mum and Dad. 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Family financial support: Trends and options 04:52 Gifts vs loans: Key differences and considerations 10:10 Legal and financial structures for family loans 14:19 Family loans and estate planning 16:46 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #williammoore #property #bankofmumanddad Podcast Links: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Money Website YouTube Podcast Playlist Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au Get stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

    18 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We all have questions about money; how to earn it, how to spend it, and the best ways to invest so we can watch it grow. The Friends With Money podcast, created by Money Magazine (Australia’s longest-running and most-read personal finance magazine), shares its extensive network of finance experts, in-depth knowledge of markets and timely advice to help you understand the world of money. Hosted by senior writer, Tom Watson, and editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, Friends With Money is a weekly chat with a variety of credentialed guests that you won’t want to miss. Listening and learning will help you on the path to financial freedom.

Information

  • Creator
    Money Magazine
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    271
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Money Magazine
  • Show Website
    Friends With Money

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