Money: Faith & Finance

Hope 103.2
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  • Christianity

Money: Faith & Finance explores the profound and practical of everyday finances. In every episode, we explore the real-life impact of everything from superannuation to stewardship, the World Bank to your wallet – and what does God have to say about money?Welcome to the profit, loss and real balance sheet of wherever money intersects with you. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

  1. 1d ago

    Start a Small Business or Keep Your Job?

    Should small business owners just suck it up when tax changes hit? After listener feedback, Ben McEachen from Hope Mornings and accountant Pete Burrows from Lower Russell and Farr take a fresh look at what working for yourself really costs. Pete shares the tight early years, the unpaid admin nobody sees, and how uncertainty taught him to lean on his faith. You’ll learn how to test a business idea against your current wage, when it’s time to walk away, and why no small business owner should go it alone. Key Takeaways: Absorbing Change Without Support: Small business owners often have to absorb tax and policy changes they didn’t ask for, usually without any help to adapt. Benchmark Against Your Wage: A business idea is worth testing against the salary, leave and entitlements it would replace, not just against whether it sounds good. The Hidden Workload: Much of running a small business is unpaid work done behind the scenes, from BAS and bookkeeping to paying staff properly. Know Your Exit Before You Start: A time frame or dollar target for getting out helps owners avoid throwing good money after bad as industries change. Small Business Can Be Lonely: Mentors, networking groups and contemporaries matter, because owners carry pressures that people on wages rarely see. Faith in the Lean Seasons: The uncertainty of self-employment can push owners to lean on faith and trust when the bills are due and the money isn’t in yet. Notable Quotes: “You need to know your way out of a room when you walk into it.” — Pete Burrows “It does make you lean a bit on your faith and just trust in the sense that, you know, I don’t know how I’m gonna pay the bills this month.” — Pete Burrows “The benchmark should be what your job is now.” — Pete Burrows “You as a small business operator, more than me as an employee, might actually be more painfully, sometimes joyfully aware that you’re not in control as much as you’d like to be.” — Ben McEachen “Just like in life, you’d probably need more friends than you think you need in business.” — Pete Burrows Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 13

    Is Insurance a Sin? Retirement and Inheritance

    Is taking out insurance a sin, or just wise? Hope Mornings host Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows tackle the questions they couldn’t get to on their recent livestream. Is retirement Biblical? What should someone renting do with a $150,000 inheritance a year out from retirement? Should a Sydneysider buy regional now or wait? Plus, join Ben and Pete live on Thursday 3 December for a Christmas special. You’ll hear why housing comes before investing, and why a windfall shouldn’t be spent on day one.   Key Takeaways: * Insurance Isn't Distrust: Taking out insurance can be part of how God provides when something goes wrong, rather than a sign of weak faith. * Cover Protects Others Too: Insurance isn't only about you, because policies like car cover and CTP protect other people when accidents happen. * You Never Retire From Serving: Paid work may stop, but volunteering, cooking a meal or minding the grandkids are still acts of service. * Plan Retirement Years Ahead: Thinking five to ten years out about what you'll do, and who you'll do it with, shapes the retirement you end up with. * Housing Comes First: Before a windfall is invested, it helps to know where you'll live and what it costs, because rent can swallow a retirement income. * Regional Property Still Carries Risk: Buying in the regions before you move can lock in a price, but higher yields often come with higher vacancy risk and questions about services. Notable Quotes: "Every year you don't die or something doesn't flood or there's no fire insurance seems like a waste of money." — Pete Burrows "The insurance might be there as part of God's provision for looking after you once that accident or whatever occurs." — Ben McEachen "You definitely don't retire from loving God." — Ben McEachen "The people that are in your circle generally influence your behaviour and how your retirement ends up." — Pete Burrows "You can't live inside your ETF." — Pete Burrows Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Oct 6

    Should Christians Give It All Away? Acts 2 and Your Stuff

    Should Christians sell everything and give it all away? Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows dig into Acts chapter 2, where the early church shared everything, and admit how tempting it is to wiggle out of it. They weigh it against Paul's blunt call to work, and Ben opens up about the generosity fund in his own family budget. You'll hear why generosity takes practice, why your skills and time count too, and the small first step anyone can take. Key Takeaways: Different Times, Same Challenge: Acts 2 describes a very different world, but its challenge to hold our possessions loosely still applies today. Work Fuels Generosity: Nothing in the passage suggests the early believers gave everything away and stopped working, and 2 Thessalonians makes work part of the picture. Hold Your Stuff Lightly: A house, super or a job can feel like security, but any of them could go. Give More Than Money: Hospitality, practical skills and time are gifts too, and they're meant to be shared. Generosity Takes Practice: The world pushes us towards holding on, so giving freely has to be learned on purpose. Start Small, Heart First: Generosity begins with attitude rather than amount, so start with something you can do now. Notable Quotes: "If you're not sharing the gift, is it really a gift?" — Pete Burrows "I'm not trying to wiggle out of it, but I really sound like I am." — Ben McEachen "We're looking for all these external things to give us security when in fact they could all go." — Pete Burrows "Is there still money in that generosity fund? Because I don't think I've actually been that generous." — Ben McEachen "It's not necessarily what's in your wallet, but it's what's in your heart." — Pete Burrows Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Sep 29

    Why You Still Need an Accountant in the Age of AI

    Do you still need an accountant now that AI can answer almost anything? Ben McEachen puts that question to Pete Burrows, an accountant with Lower Russell Farr in Penrith. Pete's quick answer: AI is okay, but sometimes you need actual intelligence. He shares when a simple tax return is fine to do yourself, the red flags of a dodgy accountant, and why a phone call before a big purchase beats fixing a costly mistake. Plus, a client who went all in on crypto, and a super tip many couples miss.   Key Takeaways Actual Intelligence Over Artificial: AI can process your numbers, but an accountant interprets them and helps you act on them. Complexity Is the Trigger: Simple PAYG returns may not need an accountant. Investments, capital gains, negative gearing, a new business or an SMSF usually do. Ask Before You Act: A quick call or email costs far less than fixing a big financial mistake after the fact. Honesty Is Non-Negotiable: A good accountant won't help you hide income or stretch deductions. One who will is a red flag. Welcome the Pushback: Much of the value in advice comes from someone testing your ideas and naming the risks before you commit. Conversations Uncover Opportunities: Face-to-face discussions surface tax and super strategies, such as spouse contributions, that you may not think to ask about. Notable Quotes "Artificial intelligence is okay. I think occasionally you will need actual intelligence." — Pete Burrows "A phone call to us is cheaper than a big bad mistake that you're going to make if you don't." — Pete Burrows "Doesn't always mean they're going to like the answer, but you need to work with the truth." — Pete Burrows "If I went to an accountant and they were supportive of my dodginess, I should really, at that point be walking out the door." — Ben McEachen "The advice you gave at the time was right for the time. But circumstances and life is dynamic and does change." — Pete Burrows Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.   Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Sep 22

    No More Card Surcharges: Who Really Pays For It?

    Card surcharges disappear on 1 October 2026. Tap for a $100 purchase, pay $100. Simple enough, until you ask the question accountant Pete Burrows keeps coming back to: the business still has to pay to process that card, so who ends up wearing the cost? Ben McEachen and Pete sort out what's actually changing on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa, what isn't, and what to watch for at the till. Key Takeaways: From October 1st, Australia will implement a ban on surcharges for payments made with Eftpos, MasterCard, and Visa cards. The policy aims to enhance price transparency, allowing consumers to see the full cost of their purchases at the point of sale without additional surcharges. Businesses must decide how to handle transaction costs moving forward, possibly through pricing adjustments. Surcharges for services like Amex, UnionPay, and PayPal will also be removed, expanding the global shift toward reduced transaction costs. The episode highlights the need for consumers and businesses to stay informed about these regulatory changes and their broader financial impact. Notable Quotes: "Technically, that fee is meant to go towards helping the business, but the reality is that business still has costs." - Pete Burrows "They’re trying to say, look, it's transparency. When you go and pay for something, that’s the full price." - Ben McEachen "Depending on the size of the business too, they may have different costs." - Pete Burrows "Most people are using plastic. Really, the question is why should that cost me more every time?" - Pete Burrows "Amex has traditionally been one of the higher cost cards…that’s a big win." - Ben McEachen Resources The RBA's weblink on removal of credit card surcharges here: RBA https://www.cardsurcharge.com.au/ Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 15

    Super Early: $44 Now or $25k Later? One Nation's Plan

    Should you be able to access your super before retirement? One Nation says yes, and its own modelling puts the figure at $44 a week. Accountant Pete Burrows and Ben McEachen weigh that against what it costs later: around $25,000 forgone, a one-time window you can never use twice, and billions of dollars flowing into an already stretched housing market. Ben argues we're adults who can be trusted with our own money. Pete has watched clients treat early super access like an ATM. Two fair cases, and one answer. Key Takeaways Super is already accessible, but only just. Compassionate grounds, serious illness or six months on Centrelink. The proposal's real change is widening that gate, not creating access where none existed. The trade is $44 a week now against roughly $25,000 later. Pete's test is the practical one: before you touch super, is there a pay rise, a tax refund or a cost saving that gets you to the same place? The discipline is the product. Super works partly because you cannot get at it. Take the money out and it is spent. Leave it and it compounds for twenty or thirty years. Covid is the precedent nobody planned for. Two financial years of early access, and by Pete's account a minority used it well while many treated it as an ATM. Putting super into housing may not help housing. Billions moving out of retirement savings and into rent and mortgages could push prices up for everyone, including the people the policy is meant to help. It is a one-shot, and the design has gaps. Three years, once in a working life. It does not appear to be means tested, and the tax treatment could favour people who least need it. Notable Quotes "Only in exceptional circumstances should you be accessing your super before retirement." — Pete Burrows "My question would be, is the $44 a week worth it now versus what you could lose?" — Pete Burrows "It was like an ATM. They wanted it. At the moment, that's what the ATM stood for. I want the money now." — Pete Burrows "The one nation proposal is also indicating that we're adults and we can make decisions about our own money." — Ben McEachen "If you didn't really need it, has it just poured more fuel on the housing fire by throwing more money at housing?" — Pete Burrows "You take out three grand, five grand from your super today, that money's spent and gone." — Pete Burrows Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 8

    Shares, Bonds or Super? - Livestream Pt 3

    Key Takeaways: The equity market provides expansive coverage of the economy, emphasizing transparency and ease of entry. Start investing early, even with small amounts, to gain experience and benefit from long-term growth. A Chief Investment Officer curates suitable investment strategies, even for those with limited funds. Diversify investments, considering options like government bonds, ETFs, and private credit for stable returns. Balance fiscal goals with faith-driven generosity, acknowledging that wealth should advance personal and communal well-being. Notable Quotes: "The equity market is probably the best place to invest your money for two reasons. One, there is no other market out there that encompasses the entire economy better." – Joe Youssef "Hold your money lightly because you can't take it with you. Coffins don't have pockets." – Pete Burrows "Invest in is good and invest for good." – Joe Youssef "If you have a good advisor, particularly one with a strong Christian moral compass, that helps not just with education and professionalism but also with discipline." – Joe Youssef "It's the time in life where you can afford to make a mistake and you will come back from it." – Pete Burrows   Resources: Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 1

    Can You Invest With Little Money? - Livestream Pt 2

    Key Takeaways: Investing is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their income level; the focus should remain on strategic allocation and balanced risk management. Ethical considerations can significantly shape investment strategies, with options like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds aligning well with Christian values. Debt should be managed carefully – while not inherently wrong, it should be taken on responsibly, ensuring it does not lead to financial enslavement. True financial growth aligns with the principles of stewardship found in Christian teachings, emphasizing balance, generosity, and responsible management. Investing isn't solely about financial gain; channels such as education or charitable giving can offer alternative avenues for growth and contribution. Notable Quotes: "The risk is actually what you're investing in. It doesn't matter if you have $10,000 or multimillions." - Joe Youssef "Investing is not gambling. It's actually very astute, to be honest with you." - Joe Youssef "You need to be taking your time doing the work, paying other people to do the work." - Pete Burrows "One of the best investments you could do is in yourself." - Pete Burrows "Balance is crucial. The best advice often comes from those whose focus isn't solely on money." - Joe Youssef Resources: Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Money: Faith & Finance explores the profound and practical of everyday finances. In every episode, we explore the real-life impact of everything from superannuation to stewardship, the World Bank to your wallet – and what does God have to say about money?Welcome to the profit, loss and real balance sheet of wherever money intersects with you. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.

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