The Finance Garage

Ep 46 - 2026 federal budget vs reality- what actually changed?

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the 2026 federal budget and cuts through the headlines to reveal what has truly changed—and what hasn’t. He breaks down key promises versus real-world outcomes, from cost-of-living relief and tax adjustments to housing policy and business impacts. With a clear, practical lens, Jonathan explores how these shifts are playing out across Australia, what’s material for everyday households, and where expectations haven’t matched reality. Whether you're tracking inflation pressures, wondering about policy follow-through, or thinking about how it affects your financial decisions, this episode gives you a grounded view of what matters now—without the political noise. 📊 Tune in to stay informed, make smarter financial decisions, and understand the gap between policy announcements and real economic outcomes. 🎧 📲 Subscribe for updates and follow us on: YouTube Facebook 🌐 For more on SWU Group, visit: simonwu.com.au [http://simonwu.com.au]

Ep 45 - Is the housing market about to have a rude awakening? - feat. Louis Christopher

Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research. Together, they unpack whether Australia’s housing market is on the brink of a “rude awakening” and what the latest data is really telling us. They dive into supply constraints, investor sentiment, interest rate pressures, and the disconnect between headlines and on-the-ground trends. Louis shares his outlook for key markets across NSW and beyond, offering a balanced view on risks, resilience, and where opportunities may still exist for informed investors. Whether you're actively investing or simply watching the market, this episode breaks down the noise and gives you a clearer lens on what’s ahead. 📊🏡 If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants smarter insights into property and finance. 📲 Subscribe for updates and follow us on: YouTube Facebook 🌐 For more on SWU Group, visit: simonwu.com.au [http://simonwu.com.au]

Ep 44 - The Iran war, fuel prices and should you buy an EV now? - feat. Adam Morris

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the growing tensions in Iran and what global conflict means for oil markets, fuel prices and everyday Australians. He explores how geopolitical risk flows through to petrol bowsers, inflation and household budgets, and why volatility in energy markets matters for investors and consumers alike. ⚡🚗 The conversation then turns to electric vehicles. With fuel costs rising, EV prices shifting and government incentives still evolving, Jonathan breaks down whether now is the right time to buy, or if waiting could make more financial sense. From running costs and resale value to charging infrastructure and long-term trends, this episode helps you cut through the noise and make a clearer decision. 🌍 If you’re wondering how global events connect to your personal finances and major purchase decisions, this episode will give you practical context and balanced insights. If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone weighing up an EV or worried about fuel prices, and leave us a review to help others find the show. 📲 Subscribe for updates and follow us on: YouTube Facebook 🌐 For more on SWU Group, visit: simonwu.com.au [http://simonwu.com.au]

Ep 43 - Post Budget - Are we facing an entrepreneurial crisis in Australia?

In this episode, Jonathan takes a hard look at Australia’s latest Federal Budget and the growing concern among founders and small business owners around the absence of capital gains tax relief. With no CGT discount on the table, the question many entrepreneurs are asking is whether risk-taking is quietly being discouraged. 💼📉 Jonathan unpacks what the Budget signals for start‑ups, investors, and owner‑operators, and why policy settings matter just as much as funding when it comes to innovation. He explores whether Australia is at risk of losing entrepreneurial talent offshore, how confidence is shaped by tax certainty, and what this could mean for long‑term economic growth. 🇦🇺 Rather than political point‑scoring, this episode focuses on real‑world implications for people building businesses in NSW and across the country, and why the CGT conversation has become a flashpoint for the broader entrepreneurship debate. If you’re a founder, investor, or advisor trying to make sense of the Budget beyond the headlines, this is a timely and practical discussion. If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future conversations. 📲 Subscribe for updates and follow us on: YouTube Facebook 🌐 For more on SWU Group, visit: simonwu.com.au [http://simonwu.com.au]

Ep 42 - Behavioural biases costing investor returns - feat. Anthony Doyle

In this episode, Jonathan unpacks how common behavioural biases quietly erode investor returns, often without people even realising it. From overconfidence and loss aversion to herd behaviour and recency bias, the discussion explores why investors make irrational decisions even when they know better. Jonathan explains how emotions, headlines, and market noise can derail long-term strategies, and why discipline matters more than predictions. 💡📉 The episode also looks at real-world examples and practical ways investors can recognise these traps, build better habits, and improve outcomes over time. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this conversation offers valuable perspective on mastering behaviour as much as markets. If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who’s navigating their investment journey and wants to make smarter, more disciplined decisions. 📲 Subscribe for updates and follow us on: YouTube Facebook 🌐 For more on SWU Group, visit: simonwu.com.au [http://simonwu.com.au]