Money Mechanics with Scott Malcolm

Scott Malcolm

As human beings we share a commonality.  We are all born into the financial system in which we live.  On a daily basis we make decisions on how we earn, spend, save, invest and give away our money as well as how willing we are to get into debt. Welcome to Looking Under the Hood – a podcast all about helping you to unpacking money so you can move towards financial freedom. I’m Scott Malcolm, I’ve always been curious to understand how things work.  When I was a kid there was that one time, I pulled apart our family toaster to see how it worked – sorry again Mum and Dad! When I became a financial planner – fresh out of Uni in 2000 I had the same desire to get a deep understanding of the money stuff and how to make it work for you. What I have learnt and seen working with clients is that the Money stuff is no different.  If you have an understanding of how the system works and how you relate to it, you can empower yourself for a better financial future. My aim of this podcast is to give you money insights as we ‘look under the hood’ and unpack how the financial system works, and provide some stories around clients situations I have worked with over the last few decades to give you greater understanding of you and the money in your life. We will kick of our first series to look under the hood and unpack money in the context of the Australian financial system.  While tax and retirement systems change between countries the fundamentals and foundations of money are a shared human experience. Financial planning weather you are doing it yourself or paying for professional advice, is all about having a decision making framework in place to navigate your life transitions as you move through startup phase, accumulation phase and then into retirement or financial freedom phase. I look forward to taking on you a journey to unpack your money stuff and get the foundations in place to be living your ideal life. Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff! _ Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523 General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.  Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   Ideally we suggest you speak with a licensed financial planner and seek out personal advice!

  1. Jul 31

    Unpacking Winter Spending: have your spending habits changed?

    In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and Ara Jansen explore how winter can quietly reshape household spending. From delivery fees, online shopping and takeaway coffees to heating bills, subscriptions and travel daydreams, they unpack the “convenience tax” that can creep into everyday cashflow. The conversation focuses on practical, low-pressure ways to notice spending patterns, set a weekly convenience cap, build a winter bills buffer and redirect small savings toward goals such as debt reduction, emergency funds, investing or a future holiday. It is not about removing comfort; it is about choosing the comforts that genuinely support the life you want.   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking Winter Spending: have your spending habits changed?
  2. Jul 17

    Unpacking SMSF and LRBAs Post Budget 2026: separating fact from fiction

    In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and Ara Jansen unpack what the post-Budget 2026 SMSF and LRBA conversation may mean for Australians considering property inside super. We will slow down the headlines, explain why limited recourse borrowing arrangements require careful review, and explore the practical questions trustees should ask before establishing, refinancing, restructuring, or exiting an SMSF property strategy. From residential property restrictions and business real property considerations to liquidity, cashflow, compliance and retirement purpose, this episode is a calm reminder that big financial decisions should be strategy-led, documented, and supported by personalised specialist advice.   Resources and Calculators: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/super-for-individuals-and-families/self-managed-super-funds-smsf   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking SMSF and LRBAs Post Budget 2026: separating fact from fiction
  3. Jul 3

    Unpacking the New Financial Year: Reset, Review and Realign Your Money

    In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and co-host Ara Jansen use the start of the new financial year as a practical reset point for your money life. Rather than treating 1 July as just a tax year, they unpack how to review what changed over the past year, reconnect your financial choices with your values, and create a simple framework for better money decisions in the year ahead.   You’ll hear how to build a one-page money framework, use a values filter before making financial decisions, identify the habits that helped or held you back, and choose one practical action that can make your financial year feel calmer and clearer.   This conversation is for anyone who starts the financial year with good intentions but wants a plan that actually sticks — one that supports security, freedom, family, contribution, adventure, or whatever matters most to you.   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking the New Financial Year: Reset, Review and Realign Your Money
  4. Jun 26

    Unpacking Recession: from headlines to your household reality!

    In this episode, we demystify recession by separating economic headlines from household reality and focusing on what listeners can actually control. We explore what recessions are, how they typically affect jobs, markets, borrowing, and confidence, and why thoughtful planning around emergency savings, debt, and investing matters far more than panic-driven decisions.   Demystify recessions, cut through media fear, and empower listeners to focus on what they can control financially.   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking Recession: from headlines to your household reality!
  5. Jun 12

    Unpacking Redundancy: What does it really mean emotionally and financially!

    In this episode, we unpack what redundancy really means, how it affects people emotionally and financially, and the practical steps to take when work suddenly changes. With some focus on public sector employees, we explore genuine redundancy, voluntary redundancies, redeployment rights, and how to make calm, confident decisions about cash flow, debt, and super during a period of uncertainty.   Beyond Blue Link: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/work/job-loss Money Smart Links: https://moneysmart.gov.au/work-and-tax/losing-your-job   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking Redundancy: What does it really mean emotionally and financially!
  6. May 30

    Unpacking Dumb Money Decisions We Don't Regret

    Not every money decision looks smart on a spreadsheet, but that doesn’t always mean it was a mistake.   In this episode we unpack the so-called “dumb” money decisions people make (Scott included) and why some of them are still worth it. From spending on experiences, taking career risks, helping family, buying convenience or choosing joy over optimisation, we explore the difference between careless spending and conscious spending.   This is a lighter, honest conversation about money choices, hindsight, values and the lessons that come from decisions we probably wouldn’t reverse, even if they weren’t perfectly rational.   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking Dumb Money Decisions We Don't Regret
  7. May 15

    Special Episode: Unpacking Federal Budget 2026: What It Really Means For Your Money

    Every year Budget night brings big headlines, hot takes and a whole lot of confusion. In this episode of the Money Mechanics Podcast, Scott Malcolm CFP® and Ara Jansen unpack the 2026–27 Federal Budget and translate it into real‑world implications for everyday Australians. We break down the key tax changes in plain English – from income tax cuts and the new “no‑receipts” work deduction, to the Working Australians Tax Offset and what it actually means when an offset is “non‑refundable”. We then move into the big structural shifts: capital gains tax reform, tighter rules on negative gearing, the new 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts, and what all of this could mean for investors, business owners and family groups. Scott and Ara also explore the superannuation side of the Budget, including payday super, Division 296 for balances over 3 million, and why some people are suddenly asking if they should move property into an SMSF. Through real‑life style scenarios, they show how these changes might land for a typical family with a home, one investment property and plans for a family trust – and why rushing to restructure purely for tax reasons can backfire. If you’ve felt overwhelmed, anxious or tempted to make a big move after hearing this year’s Budget coverage, this conversation is for you. No spin, no panic – just clear guidance on what’s changing, who needs to pay attention, and how to use the next couple of years to make calm, intentional decisions. Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Special Episode: Unpacking Federal Budget 2026: What It Really Means For Your Money
  8. May 8

    Unpacking Inheritance: Receive Well, Give Wisely

    Receiving an inheritance can bring up a mix of emotions, decisions and responsibilities. In this episode of Money Mechanics, Scott and Ara unpack what to think about if money, property or other assets come your way, from pausing before making big decisions to understanding tax, super, debt, investing and family considerations.   We also look at the other side of the conversation: how to plan your own giving well. Whether you want to support loved ones, leave a legacy, reduce future stress for your family or make sure your wishes are clearly understood, this episode explores how thoughtful planning can help money move with purpose.   A practical conversation about inheritance, estate planning conversations, financial choices and using money in a way that reflects your values.   Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!   Check out more about us here: www.moneymechanics.com.au www.scottmalcolm.com.au Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.   Follow and like us on socials: Instagram: @moneymechanics Twitter: @moneymechanics   Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523   General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.    Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Unpacking Inheritance: Receive Well, Give Wisely

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

As human beings we share a commonality.  We are all born into the financial system in which we live.  On a daily basis we make decisions on how we earn, spend, save, invest and give away our money as well as how willing we are to get into debt. Welcome to Looking Under the Hood – a podcast all about helping you to unpacking money so you can move towards financial freedom. I’m Scott Malcolm, I’ve always been curious to understand how things work.  When I was a kid there was that one time, I pulled apart our family toaster to see how it worked – sorry again Mum and Dad! When I became a financial planner – fresh out of Uni in 2000 I had the same desire to get a deep understanding of the money stuff and how to make it work for you. What I have learnt and seen working with clients is that the Money stuff is no different.  If you have an understanding of how the system works and how you relate to it, you can empower yourself for a better financial future. My aim of this podcast is to give you money insights as we ‘look under the hood’ and unpack how the financial system works, and provide some stories around clients situations I have worked with over the last few decades to give you greater understanding of you and the money in your life. We will kick of our first series to look under the hood and unpack money in the context of the Australian financial system.  While tax and retirement systems change between countries the fundamentals and foundations of money are a shared human experience. Financial planning weather you are doing it yourself or paying for professional advice, is all about having a decision making framework in place to navigate your life transitions as you move through startup phase, accumulation phase and then into retirement or financial freedom phase. I look forward to taking on you a journey to unpack your money stuff and get the foundations in place to be living your ideal life. Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff! _ Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523 General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.  Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.   Ideally we suggest you speak with a licensed financial planner and seek out personal advice!

You Might Also Like