360 Money Matters

Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou

Welcome to the 360 Money Matters podcast where Financial Planners, Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou talk all things Financial Planning. This podcast aims to increase your knowledge and confidence with all thing's money. Each week we will cover topics such as investing, cashflow and budgeting, saving, passive income, debt management, and much more so you can live life on your terms without limits.

  1. 10h ago

    258. Money Lessons to Teach Your Kids at Their First Job

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou turn their attention to a topic close to home for both of them, with kids of their own approaching working age: the money lessons worth teaching when a young person starts their first job.  Billy and Andrew work through some of the practical basics that often get overlooked, starting with how to read a payslip, understanding the difference between gross and net pay, and why tax is withheld in the first place. They explain why the superannuation fund a young person ends up with, whether chosen or simply assigned by an employer, can follow them for years if they never take the time to review it, and why even small differences in fees or performance can make a significant difference by the time retirement comes around.  The conversation also covers when salary sacrificing into superannuation makes sense, and when it doesn't, particularly for someone just starting out on a lower income. Billy and Andrew spend time on the importance of building good money habits from day one, including setting up a simple savings system and learning to pay yourself first, along with the risks of taking on car finance, buy now pay later, or other forms of credit too early in life. They also touch on how instant access to spending and shrinking patience for delayed gratification is adding financial pressure to younger generations in a way previous generations didn't experience.  This episode is for parents wanting to prepare their kids for their first job, as well as young people starting out in the workforce who want to get their financial habits right from the beginning. It's a practical, grounded conversation about the lessons that often aren't taught in school but can make a real difference over a working life.  Listeners will come away with a practical checklist of money lessons worth passing on to a young person starting their first job, from understanding a payslip and superannuation through to building good savings habits and avoiding early debt. The episode explains why a first superannuation fund isn't necessarily the right one for life, when salary sacrificing makes sense and when it doesn't, and why establishing a simple savings system early is far easier than trying to build one later. It also covers the risks of car finance and buy now pay later schemes for young earners, and why delayed gratification has become harder to practise in an age of instant access to spending. It's a useful listen for parents and young workers alike.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why learning to read a payslip, including gross pay, net pay and tax withholding, is a foundational money lesson for any first job.  How a first superannuation fund can follow a young person for years if they never take the time to review or choose it.  Why workers under 18 doing fewer than 30 hours a week don't automatically receive superannuation guarantee contributions.  Why even small differences in superannuation fees or performance can compound into a significant difference over a working life.  Why checking that superannuation contributions are actually landing in the fund matters, and how Payday Super makes this easier to track.  When salary sacrificing into superannuation makes sense, and why it isn't always the right move for a lower income earner.  Why building a simple savings system and learning to pay yourself first from day one is one of the most valuable financial habits.  Why financing a car or taking on buy now pay later early in life can limit future borrowing power and life flexibility.  Why shrinking patience for delayed gratification is adding financial pressure to younger generations. Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  2. Oct 27

    257. 10 Money Myths Busted: Mortgages, Super and Investing

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou put on their myth busting hats and work through 10 of the most common money myths they hear from clients and listeners.  From the idea that rent money is dead money, to the belief that you should pay off your mortgage completely before you start investing, Billy and Andrew unpack why these commonly repeated ideas don't always hold up once you look at the full picture. They work through myths about superannuation, including the idea that it's a problem for future you to worry about, as well as the popular belief that property values simply double every 10 years regardless of market conditions.  The conversation also tackles some widely held beliefs about cash, insurance and investing, including why cash feels safe but can quietly lose value to inflation, why default insurance through superannuation often isn't enough, and why trying to time the market by waiting for a downturn rarely works out in practice. Billy and Andrew round things out with a look at negative gearing and whether it really is the wealth building strategy it's often made out to be.  This episode is for anyone who has heard one of these pieces of money advice repeated as fact and wants to understand where it actually stacks up. It's a fast moving, practical episode that challenges some of the most common assumptions people make about their money.  Listeners will come away with a clearer, more accurate understanding of 10 commonly repeated money myths, from renting versus buying and paying off a mortgage before investing, through to cash, insurance, market timing and negative gearing. Rather than simply dismissing these ideas, Billy and Andrew explain the reasoning behind each myth and where it tends to fall apart once personal circumstances and the full financial picture are taken into account. It's a practical episode for anyone wanting to question some of the financial assumptions they've picked up over the years and make more informed decisions as a result.    This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why "rent money is dead money" overlooks the true cost of owning property and the opportunity cost of your money.  Why paying off your mortgage completely before you start investing can cost you valuable time in the market.  Why treating superannuation as a "future you" problem is one of the most common and costly money mistakes.  Why you're never too young to start paying attention to your superannuation and retirement savings.  Why the belief that property values double every 10 years doesn't hold up once you factor in specific markets, legislation and costs.  Why you don't need a lot of money to benefit from seeing a financial advisor.  Why cash feels safe but can quietly lose value once inflation is taken into account.  Why default insurance cover through superannuation is often far less than what you actually need.  Why waiting for the market to drop before investing rarely works out compared to investing consistently over time.  Why negative gearing isn't a guaranteed wealth building strategy, especially following recent changes to property tax rules.    Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  3. Oct 20

    256. Stagflation Explained: What It Means for Your Money

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou take on a word that's starting to resurface in economic commentary: stagflation.  Billy and Andrew walk through the latest interest rate, inflation and unemployment data at the time of recording, explaining why the combination of rising prices, slowing growth and rising unemployment is such a difficult problem for the Reserve Bank to manage. Unlike a typical economic downturn, where cutting interest rates can help stimulate growth, or high inflation that can be tackled by raising rates, stagflation presents a situation where neither lever works cleanly, since cutting rates risks fuelling inflation further while raising rates risks slowing the economy even more.  The conversation also looks back at Australia's last experience with stagflation in the 1970s, drawing out the similarities and the important differences between that period and today, including a much lower starting point for inflation and a more diversified energy mix. Billy and Andrew break down who is most affected in a stagflation environment, from mortgage holders and renters through to retirees living off their investments and younger workers entering the job market, and explain why almost everyone feels some impact in one way or another.  They close with practical guidance for navigating this kind of environment, emphasising the importance of cash flow, avoiding panicked financial decisions, staying diversified, and sticking to a long term financial plan rather than reacting to short term headlines.  This episode is for anyone trying to make sense of current economic conditions and what they might mean for their own finances, whether that's a mortgage, investments, or day to day cost of living. It's a timely, practical breakdown of a term that's likely to keep coming up in the months ahead.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  What stagflation actually is, and why it combines slowing growth, rising inflation and rising unemployment at the same time.  Why stagflation is such a difficult problem for the Reserve Bank to solve, since cutting or raising rates both carry risks.  How today's conditions compare to Australia's last experience with stagflation in the 1970s.  Why mortgage holders are being squeezed from both higher repayments and rising living costs at once.  Why renters, retirees and younger workers are also exposed to a stagflation environment in different ways.  Why protecting your cash flow and understanding your spending levers matters more than ever in this kind of environment.  Why panic selling investments during periods of market volatility can lock in losses rather than protect you.  Why diversification, rather than chasing a single inflation proof asset, remains the more reliable long term strategy.  Why sticking to a long term financial plan, rather than reacting to short term headlines, is the most important takeaway.   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  4. Oct 13

    255. What to do with Old Employer Super Funds: Should You Consolidate Them?

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou tackle a question a lot of people have sitting quietly in the background of their finances: what should you actually do with an old employer superannuation fund?  Billy and Andrew start by explaining how these old funds usually come about, often set up by default through a workplace with little to no thought behind which fund was chosen, and why the odds of that default fund actually being the right one for you are pretty slim. From there, they unpack the common advice to simply consolidate multiple super funds into one, and why that's not always as straightforward as it sounds.  The conversation focuses heavily on the insurance attached to superannuation accounts, an area Billy and Andrew describe as one of the biggest traps in the consolidation process. They share a real client example of how consolidating funds unexpectedly cancelled an income protection policy, and why replacing that cover wasn't as simple as reapplying. They also explain why comparing superannuation performance figures from a fund's website can be misleading, and how to track down and consolidate lost or old super through myGov and the ATO.  This episode is for anyone with more than one superannuation fund, or anyone who has an old fund from a previous employer sitting there untouched. It's a practical, cautionary look at a task that seems simple on the surface but can carry real consequences if it's not done properly.  Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why old employer super funds exist, and why the usual advice to simply consolidate them isn't always the full picture. The episode explains how to weigh up cost savings against the insurance cover you might lose in the process, why comparing superannuation performance figures from a fund's marketing isn't a reliable way to judge a fund, and how to track down lost or unclaimed super through myGov and the ATO. It's a practical guide for anyone wanting to tidy up their superannuation without accidentally losing valuable cover or making a decision based on misleading numbers.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  How old employer super funds usually come about, and why they're rarely chosen with your best interests in mind.  Why the usual advice to simply consolidate multiple super funds overlooks some important risks.  How insurance attached to a superannuation account can be lost if you consolidate without checking it first.  A real example of how consolidating super funds led to a client losing income protection cover they couldn't replace.  Why comparing insurance across super funds is far harder than comparing fees or investment performance.  Why published superannuation performance figures are more of a marketing tool than a reliable comparison.  Why your probability of getting favourable insurance terms diminishes as you get older and health issues arise.  How to find lost or unclaimed superannuation through myGov and the ATO.  Why understanding your overall superannuation strategy matters more than simply chasing lower fees.  Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  5. Oct 6

    254. What to Do With $50K in Savings? A Practical Framework

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou tackle one of the most common questions they hear from people just starting out with financial advice: I've got some savings sitting there, now what do I do with it?  Using $50,000 as an example figure, Billy and Andrew walk through the decision making process they actually use with clients before any investment is ever chosen. They start with the basics, checking whether that amount sits on top of a proper emergency fund, and whether any high interest consumer debt should be cleared first. From there, they explain why job security, ongoing cash flow, and your time horizon all shape the right approach long before the conversation turns to where the money should actually go.  The episode also breaks down the three broad options most people are weighing up, paying down a mortgage, contributing to superannuation, or investing outside of those structures, and why the right answer is often a blend of all three depending on personal circumstances. Billy and Andrew share a real example of how someone in their forties with a mortgage and kids might split their money across an offset account, a growth investment, and other structures at the same time.  They also tackle one of the biggest mistakes they see, analysis paralysis, and share some practical thoughts on when it makes sense to do your own research versus when to get professional advice.  This episode is for anyone sitting on a decent amount of savings and wondering where to start, whether that's $10,000 or $100,000. It's a genuinely practical framework for thinking it through properly, rather than jumping straight to the question of what to invest in.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why checking your emergency fund should always come before deciding what to do with extra savings.  Why paying off high interest consumer debt almost always makes more sense than investing it.  How job security and cash flow shape both your emergency fund and your investment options.  Why understanding your time horizon is essential to setting the right risk profile for your money.  The three broad options most people weigh up: paying down a mortgage, superannuation, or investing outside those structures.  A real example of how someone in their forties might split savings across an offset account, an investment bond, and personal name investments.  Why the underlying investment choice should come last, not first, in the decision making process.  Why doing nothing with your savings is still a decision, and often the costliest one.  How to know when it's worth getting professional advice versus researching your options on your own.  Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  6. Sep 29

    253. TPD And Income Protection Insurance Claims Explained

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew take a closer look at an important part of financial planning that many people hope they never have to deal with: making an insurance claim. The focus is on permanent disability (TPD) and income protection insurance, including what happens when something goes wrong, how a claim begins and some of the key factors that can influence the process.  For many Australians, insurance may be held through superannuation or as a retail insurance policy. But understanding that you have cover is only one part of the equation. The type of policy you have, whether it has gone through underwriting, what you disclosed when the cover was established and the definitions contained within the policy can all become important if you eventually need to make a claim.  Billy and Andrew explain why the claims process generally begins with notifying the insurer and completing the required documentation, as well as why medical records and other evidence are used to assess whether a claim meets the relevant policy definition. They also discuss the importance of being transparent when taking out insurance, particularly where a pre-existing medical condition may later be relevant to a claim.  The episode also explores some of the practical differences between income protection and TPD claims. For income protection, the amount ultimately paid can depend on the income being earned around the time of the claim, while TPD policies can have significantly different definitions, including own occupation and any occupation.  The discussion is particularly relevant for anyone who has personal insurance, insurance through superannuation, or is reviewing their broader financial planning and risk management strategy. It also highlights the potential value of having professional support during a claim, when dealing with insurers and managing the administrative requirements may be difficult while someone is focused on their health and recovery.    This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why full underwriting can matter: Understand how insurance that has been assessed upfront can differ from automatically accepted or default cover when it comes to the claims process.   How an insurance claim begins: Learn why notifying the insurer and starting the required documentation are important early steps after an insured event.   Why accurate disclosure matters: Understand how insurers can compare medical information and records with what was disclosed when the policy was established.   How income affects income protection: Discover why the benefit amount shown on an income protection policy does not necessarily mean that amount will automatically be paid at claim time.   The importance of TPD definitions: Understand the distinction between own occupation and any occupation definitions and why they can produce different outcomes.   Why your work history can matter: See how previous training, education and occupational experience can affect how an any occupation TPD definition applies.   The role of an adviser during a claim: Learn how professional support can help with paperwork, insurer communication and interpreting medical or policy-related information.   Why claims timing matters: Understand why the length of time required to approve a claim can have significant financial and emotional consequences.   Consider the tax outcome: Learn why tax treatment can affect the amount ultimately available from a TPD or income protection claim.    Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  7. Sep 22

    252. Grey Divorce: Protecting Your Finances After Age 60

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou take on a topic they're seeing more and more of in their work with clients: grey divorce, or separations happening later in life, typically after the age of 60.  Billy and Andrew explain why divorce rates for people over 60 have been climbing even as overall divorce rates fall, and why this stage of life brings a unique set of financial challenges. Unlike a younger couple with decades ahead of them to rebuild and let compounding work in their favour, an older couple separating has far less time and far fewer options to recover financially.  The conversation covers how superannuation and the family home are usually the two biggest assets in play, the different ways superannuation can be split, and why focusing purely on the percentage split can lead to a worse outcome than focusing on the actual income and lifestyle result at the end of it. Billy and Andrew share a real client example of how prioritising the family home during a separation led to a costly downsizing decision years later.  They also discuss the emotional side of separating later in life, why rushing into big financial decisions during an emotionally charged period can backfire, and why collaborative law can be a more cost effective and less adversarial alternative to a traditional legal battle. The episode closes with practical tips for anyone going through a separation, from record keeping and asset valuations to setting clear interim arrangements.  This episode is for anyone going through, or supporting someone going through, a separation later in life, as well as anyone wanting to understand how these decisions can affect long term financial security. It's a candid, practical look at a topic that doesn't get talked about often enough.  This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  Why divorce rates for people over 60 are rising even as overall divorce rates fall.  Why older couples have far less time and fewer options to financially recover from a separation than younger couples.  How superannuation and the family home are typically the two main assets divided in a separation.  The difference between a payment split and a flagging order when dividing superannuation.  Why focusing on the percentage split rather than the actual income outcome can leave someone financially worse off.  A real example of how prioritising the family home during a separation led to a costly downsizing decision years later.  Why rushing into big financial decisions during an emotionally charged separation can backfire.  How collaborative law can reduce legal costs and lead to a fairer outcome than an adversarial legal process.  Practical steps to take during a separation, including record keeping, asset valuations, and setting clear interim arrangements.  Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

  8. Sep 15

    251. The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Kids, Parents and Money

    Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast! This week, hosts Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou dig into what's often called the sandwich generation, those who find themselves financially supporting both their children and their ageing parents at the same time.  Billy and Andrew explain why this stage of life can be particularly difficult to navigate financially, often landing right in the middle of peak career years, rising school costs, sizeable mortgages, and the added pressure of helping to fund aged care or other support for parents. They introduce the oxygen mask analogy, the idea that you need to secure your own financial position before you're able to genuinely help anyone else, and unpack how Australia's means tested aged care system actually works.  This episode is for anyone currently supporting both children and ageing parents, or anyone who can see this stage of life on the horizon and wants to plan for it properly. It's a candid, practical look at how to protect your own financial position while still being there for the people who rely on you.  Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why the sandwich generation faces such acute financial pressure, and practical strategies for managing it without sacrificing their own financial security. The episode explains how the means tested aged care system works in Australia, why setting boundaries around financial support matters, and how getting family members into the same conversation early can prevent resentment down the track. It also covers alternative ways to support both children and parents, such as offering an income stream instead of a lump sum, and why understanding your own financial trajectory should come before committing to help anyone else. It's a grounded, practical listen for anyone trying to balance competing financial responsibilities across generations.    This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorised representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706.    Episode Highlights  What the sandwich generation is and why this stage of life often coincides with peak financial pressure.  Why the oxygen mask analogy applies to family finances: secure your own position before you can help anyone else.  How Australia's means tested aged care system works and why it's based on the parent's assets, not the children's.  A real example of how funding aged care to preserve a family home created unexpected tension in a marriage.  Why setting clear boundaries around one-off versus ongoing financial support matters from the outset.  How supporting one side of the family can create unintended pressure on a spouse and shared household resources.  Why getting all family decision makers in the same room early can prevent resentment between siblings.  Why understanding your own financial trajectory should come before committing to support children or parents.  Why offering an income stream can sometimes be a more sustainable form of support than a lump sum.    Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists  Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

About

Welcome to the 360 Money Matters podcast where Financial Planners, Billy Amiridis and Andrew Nicolaou talk all things Financial Planning. This podcast aims to increase your knowledge and confidence with all thing's money. Each week we will cover topics such as investing, cashflow and budgeting, saving, passive income, debt management, and much more so you can live life on your terms without limits.

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