Here Comes The Money

SmartMoney Wealth Management

We all want to be smarter with our money, but with all the noise and abundance of mixed information out there most people often become overwhelmed with where to start. As a result, most people choose to do… nothing! In this podcast, Peter and Hovig, share practical, no-BS tips and strategies to help you make smart decisions about your personal finance and investing in Australia. Each week we will explore current topics, answer our listeners questions, and guide you through how to confidently make your money go further, use your tax dollars to help you build your wealth, pay off your mortgage sooner and achieve financial freedom sooner.

Episodes

  1. FEB 6

    #12 - The Real Cost of Your Car Repayment

    The Real Cost of Your Car Repayment Why “normal” car loans delay wealth more than people realise In Episode 12 of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig unpack one of the most common — and least questioned — financial decisions Australians make: car repayments. With car loans and vehicle leases now considered “normal” household expenses, this episode breaks down what those repayments are really costing you over time — and why they often prevent people from ever creating surplus, investing consistently, or getting ahead financially. In this episode, they cover: The real long-term cost of car loans and vehicle leasesWhy people underestimate what car repayments cost them over timeHow “normal” lifestyle decisions quietly delay wealth creationWhy spending first and trying to invest later almost never worksThe behavioural trap of upgrading lifestyle before building assetsA simple money rule Hovig teaches his kidsWhy investing first removes reliance on willpowerHow letting investments fund lifestyle changes long-term outcomesThey also share real-world examples and conversations showing how car repayments don’t just impact cashflow — they shape behaviour, limit opportunity, and keep people stuck in “normal” financial patterns. This episode is essential listening for anyone who: Has a car loan or vehicle leaseFeels like they earn good money but have little left overWants to invest but struggles to create surplusHas never questioned the true cost of lifestyle debtWants practical, real-world financial insight — not theory📩 Have a question you want answered on the show? Email info@smartmoneygroup.com.au All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    14 min
  2. FEB 2

    #11 - The Power of Leverage: How Borrowing Can Multiply Wealth (When Done Right)

    In Episode 11 of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig dive deep into financial leverage and explain why borrowing, when used correctly, can be one of the most powerful tools for wealth creation. Using clear, simple examples, they compare: • Investing $100,000 without leverage • Investing the same $100,000 with borrowed funds • The compounding impact over 10 and 20 years • Why leverage can turn modest growth into life-changing outcomes They also cover: • The psychological fear of debt and why it holds people back • Property vs shares and volatility differences • How income and tax benefits can offset borrowing costs • Why leverage is about discipline — not speculation • Real client wins achieved through long-term strategy All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    16 min
  3. JAN 7

    #10 - This Is Why You’re Always Broke (Even on a Good Income)

    Cashflow Management Explained: Why Budgeting Fails (And What Actually Works) In Episode 10 of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig tackle one of the most important — and most ignored — foundations of financial success: Cashflow management. With rising mortgage repayments, rent stress, and cost-of-living pressure across Australia, this episode breaks down what you can control — and why failing to manage cashflow keeps people stuck, no matter how much they earn. In this episode, they cover: * Why cashflow is the foundation of every financial strategy * The difference between fixed expenses and variable expenses * How lifestyle creep quietly destroys surplus cash * Why budgeting fails when money has no direction * A simple mental framework to understand where your money goes * Why “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it” is always true * How automatic transfers and account separation create discipline * Why removing access to money is often more effective than willpower * The role cashflow plays in reducing debt, building buffers, and investing They also share real client examples showing how getting control of cashflow doesn’t just improve finances — it reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and creates real optionality. This episode is essential listening for anyone who: * Feels like money disappears each pay cycle * Wants to build savings without feeling restricted * Is trying to reduce debt or invest but can’t create surplus * Wants practical, real-world financial control — not theory 📩 Have a question you want answered on the show?Email info@smartmoneygroup.com.au All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    20 min
  4. 12/29/2025

    #9 - I Want To Invest In Property… But Where Do I Start?

    In Episode 9 of Here Comes The Money, Peter and Hovig tackle the question almost every Australian eventually hits: “I want to invest in property… but where do I start?” This episode breaks down the things you must understand before jumping into the market — not hype, not ‘hotspot’ traps, not advice from your neighbour who bought a duplex in 2009 and “reckons it’ll boom again.” Just the real fundamentals that matter. We unpack: 📍 Why affordability and cash flow clarity come before suburb hunting💰 How to build buffers so a job loss or rate rise doesn’t sink you🏠 Why “buy the house next door” is usually the wrong move📊 Understanding growth vs yield (and why chasing one breaks the other)🏗 The 8-point approach: infrastructure, population, vacancy, rental reality & more🚢 “Cruise ship vs speedboat” — property cycles vs stock market volatility💡 The power of leverage and why the bank is effectively your business partnerProperty investing is less about finding the ‘perfect suburb’ and more about building a structure that lets you sleep at night.Perfect for anyone about to buy their first investment property — or someone who already owns one and wants clarity before moving again All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    28 min
  5. 12/17/2025

    #8 - You’re Refinancing Wrong (And It’s Costing You)

    In this episode of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig answer one of the most common (and misunderstood) mortgage questions in Australia: If you refinance your home loan, do you really go backwards and reset your mortgage to 30 years? Many homeowners avoid refinancing because they’re worried it will undo years of progress — but the reality is far more nuanced. Using real client examples, this episode breaks down: What actually happens when you refinance a mortgageWhy a 30-year loan term is often just an administrative labelHow maintaining your existing repayment can shorten your remaining loan termMonthly vs fortnightly repayments and how frequency impacts interestWhy chasing the lowest interest rate alone is a mistakeHow banks think about serviceability and equityWhen refinancing improves your position — and when it doesn’tHow parallel investing can accelerate mortgage reductionThis episode is essential listening for anyone with a home loan, thinking about refinancing, or wanting to pay off their mortgage faster without relying on guesswork or bank-driven advice. Topics covered: Mortgage refinancing Australia, home loan terms, interest rates, mortgage strategy, equity, serviceability, offset accounts, fortnightly repayments, financial strategy, wealth building, smart money decisions. 📩 Have a question you want answered on the show? Email: info@smartmoneygroup.com.au General Advice Warning: All strategies and information provided are general advice only and do not take into consideration your personal circumstances. You should seek personal financial and taxation advice before acting. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    11 min
  6. 12/08/2025

    #7 - Good Debt vs Bad Debt: The Strategy That Can Save You Thousands

    Why do smart investors always pay principal & interest on their home loan… but interest only on their investment properties? In this episode, we break down the real difference between good debt and bad debt, how banks quietly penalise loyal customers through the lazy tax, and why your investment loan’s actual interest cost is far lower than the number you see on paper. We also share a real client example: A $1M home, a $500k mortgage, and how using good debt to invest — instead of just refinancing — became the key to paying off the home faster without squeezing his lifestyle. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why your home loan is your most expensive debt ✔️ Why investment debt becomes “easy debt” when structured correctly ✔️ How tenants + tax benefits reduce your investment loan to near 1% ✔️ Why winning $500k should pay off your home — NOT your investment ✔️ How interest-only periods work (and why they quietly switch to P&I) ✔️ How to avoid the hidden “lazy tax” banks hit you with ✔️ Why property is one of the most tax-effective wealth tools in Australia If you’ve ever wondered how to structure your loans to build wealth faster, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    10 min
  7. 11/14/2025

    #5 - Invisible Money: The Wealth Hidden in Your Super, Equity & Tax

    In this episode, Hovig and Peter break down one of the biggest misconceptions everyday Australians have about money: “I need more before I can start.” …when the truth is, most people already have the ingredients — they just don’t know where to look. From super, to equity, to tax dollars you’re already paying, this episode uncovers the “invisible money” sitting right under your nose — and how everyday mums and dads can use it to build wealth sooner, instead of waiting years to “save enough”. They unpack: 💡 Why you don’t need to be rich to start building wealth 💡 The three main types of invisible money almost everyone has 💡 Why doing nothing is often the most expensive mistake 💡 How simple tweaks (home loan structure, cashflow clean-ups, using tax dollars smarter) can accelerate your financial position 💡 Real client stories — from people who started with little and still transformed their future 💡 The real cost of procrastination: renting vs buying, missing compounding, retiring on the pension 💡 Why advice needs to be personalised — not from Google, not from ChatGPT, not from guesswork 💡 What the top 5% of Australians do differently Packed with straight talk, humour, and real-world examples, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible — no matter your income, age or starting point. 📞 Want to chat with our team? Email us at info@smartmoneygroup.com.au or visit 👉 https://smartmoneygroup.com.au A quick 10-minute conversation can show you whether there are areas we can help with — and the worst case? You learn something valuable. All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    17 min
  8. 11/05/2025

    #4 - $2 Million Retirement Reality Check: Why Doing Nothing Is Riskier Than You Think

    💰 Episode #4 — The $2 Million Retirement Reality Check: Why Doing Nothing Is Riskier Than You Think Most Australians underestimate how much they’ll actually need to retire comfortably — and the reality might shock you. In this episode, Hovig and Peter break down the real math behind the so-called “$2 million retirement number,” the dangers of lifestyle creep, and why letting your money sit idle could be the riskiest decision of all. From inflation to income planning, they reveal practical steps you can take today to close your retirement gap and secure your financial future — without giving up your lifestyle. 🎙️ Relatable stories. Straightforward insights. A few laughs along the way. This is your wake-up call to start building wealth that works for you — not against you. 👉 Learn more or get in touch at smartmoneygroup.com.au All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846. Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

    15 min

About

We all want to be smarter with our money, but with all the noise and abundance of mixed information out there most people often become overwhelmed with where to start. As a result, most people choose to do… nothing! In this podcast, Peter and Hovig, share practical, no-BS tips and strategies to help you make smart decisions about your personal finance and investing in Australia. Each week we will explore current topics, answer our listeners questions, and guide you through how to confidently make your money go further, use your tax dollars to help you build your wealth, pay off your mortgage sooner and achieve financial freedom sooner.

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