#17 - Interest Rates: Don’t Let Them Control Your Financial Future

#17 - Interest Rates: Don’t Let Them Control Your Financial Future

Everyone’s talking about interest rates—but should they really be driving your financial decisions? In Episode 17 of Here Comes The Money, Peter and Harvey break down what the current interest rate environment means for Australians, why consumer confidence matters just as much as the cash rate, and why waiting for the “perfect time” could cost you more than acting today. In this episode, we discuss: * Where interest rates could be heading * Why headlines don’t always tell the full story * The impact of rates on property prices and borrowing capacity * How to avoid paying the bank’s “loyalty tax” * Why refinancing is about more than just chasing the lowest rate * How to build a financial strategy that works regardless of market conditions If you’re wondering whether to refinance, invest, or simply want to understand what’s really happening in today’s economy, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow the podcast for more practical conversations about building long-term wealth. General Advice Warning The information discussed in this podcast is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything discussed, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional financial advice. Investing and borrowing involve risks, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

#16 - Negative Gearing Explained: What the Budget Changes REALLY Mean for Property Investors

In Episode 16 of Here Comes The Money, Peter Kaleski and Daniel break down the latest negative gearing changes, what they actually mean for investors, and why the media headlines may not tell the full story. They unpack: * What negative gearing actually is * How the proposed changes may impact property prices and rental supply * Why supply and demand still drives the market * The potential effects on first home buyers and investors * Property cycles, interest rates, and market uncertainty * Why long-term strategy matters more than short-term noise If you’ve been confused by the budget announcements, property market commentary, or constant media fear campaigns — this episode helps simplify the conversation and explain what may really happen moving forward. General Advice Warning: All strategies and information discussed in this podcast are general advice only and do not take into consideration your personal circumstances, objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information, you should seek personal financial and taxation advice from a qualified professional. Contact SmartMoney Wealth Management: 🌐 smartmoneygroup.com.au 📧 info@smartmoneygroup.com.au #PropertyInvestment #NegativeGearing #AustralianProperty #FinancePodcast #SmartMoney #PropertyMarket #WealthCreation #InterestRates #InvestingAustralia

#15 - Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: What Most Australians Never Find Out

Most Australians are flying blind with their finances — paying too much tax, stuck in a 30-year mortgage, and heading toward retirement with a gap they don't even know exists. In this episode, Peter and Hobby pull back the curtain on the exact tools SmartMoney uses with every client to turn confusion into clarity — and inaction into results. You'll discover: * The one repayment switch that saves 5 years and $133,000 in interest — without paying a cent more * How an extra $100 a week could cut nearly 7 years off your mortgage * Why throwing money at your home loan might actually be slowing you down * The debt recycling strategy that took one client's 30-year mortgage down to 12 * The retirement shortfall tool that finally connects the dots — and makes people act Plus, a real client win: Cheryl's investment portfolio grew by $820,000 in a single year — built safely, step by step, over six years. Want the tools sent straight to your inbox? Reach out to the SmartMoney team and we'll send them through. General information only. Not personal financial advice. Please seek advice tailored to your situation.

#14 - Self-Managed Super Funds Explained: Risks, Mistakes & What Nobody Tells You

Is setting up a Self-Managed Super Fund really the smart move… or can trying to save money upfront end up costing you much more in the long run? In this episode of Here Comes The Money, Hovig and Peter unpack one of the biggest traps they continue to see: Australians trying to go down the DIY path with Self-Managed Super Funds and financial planning. While SMSFs can be an incredibly powerful strategy when structured correctly, there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes that people often don’t see. From lending structures and bare trusts to contribution caps, insurance pitfalls, liquidity requirements and compliance obligations, one small mistake can create major consequences down the track. Throughout the episode, Hovig and Peter explain why simply setting up an SMSF isn’t the goal — setting it up properly is. Topics discussed include: • Why cheap or “$0 setup” SMSF offers aren’t always what they seem  • The risks of getting structures wrong  • Common mistakes people make trying to DIY their finances  • Insurance issues many Australians accidentally overlook  • Why balance size and income matter more than people think  • Real client examples and lessons learned 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.

#13 - Why the Government Wants Your Capital Gains (And Why It’ll Fail)

In this episode of Here comes the Money, Peter and Hovig dive into the hot-button topic of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)and why it’s currently dominating political headlines. With a $56 billion deficit to plug, the guys break down whether the government is serious about changing the rules or just looking for a distraction from rising interest rates. 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.