The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys

How Ex-Journo Talitha Cummins Honestly Disrupted the Diamond Industry

Being honest has done a lot for Talitha Cummins. It's allowed her to pivot her skills as a prominent television journo into becoming the founder and design director of Australian fine jewelry house The Cut. It's generated sales across the world with zero in paid marketing. It's ruffled the feathers of her competition. It's helped her heal from addiction and it's encouraged countless others to do the same.  In this raw and far-ranging chat, Talitha explains: * The myths the diamond industry is based around and the truths they'd rather you didn't hear * The true difference between lab grown and natural diamonds and other FAQs * Her personal investment history and strategy * Her advice for those who run their own business * Her story of entering and maintaining sobriety - what it's meant for her and her message for others who are struggling   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Navigating a "Swirling Economy": Westpac CEO Anthony Miller’s Honest Verdict on the Budget, Housing Supply and More

Australia is caught in a complicated, fast-moving financial landscape—what Westpac CEO Anthony Miller calls a "swirling economy." In this episode, Sylvia sits down with the leader of one of the nation’s Big Four banks for an unfiltered, data-backed assessment of the country's economic future. Anthony shares his candid perspective on the structural hurdles holding Australia back and the massive opportunities waiting to be unlocked, including: * The Budget Verdict & Tax Changes: Why Anthony backs the productivity agenda but argues that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) adjustments need a strict carve-out for small businesses and startups. * The $1M Housing Reality Check: The stark math behind Australia’s supply crisis— and how regional development and flexible work play a role. * Interest Rates & Consumer Stress: Why Westpac is currently forecasting two more rate rises this year, and how Australian mortgage holders are holding up against the pressure. * The Truth About AI & Unemployment: Why Anthony completely rejects the scary predictions of a 15% unemployment rate * Skilled Migration & Nation Building: A look at why a precise, evidence-based immigration debate is vital  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is Private Education Worth It? with Skye Predavec

It's the question that weighs upon every parent: where do I send my kids to school? But with yearly tuition fees for private schooling reaching truly staggering numbers, another question often follows: is it worth it? In this eye-opening episode, Skye Predavec, researcher behind the Australia Institute's recent report on private schooling unpacks the data and the stark structural realities of our school system, including: * Does private schooling equate to better outcomes? * How does Australia's school system compare to the other parts of the world? * A look at how private fees consistently outpace inflation, and what it will realistically cost to educate a child born today within the private system * Why current trends suggest most Australian high school students will be in private systems within a few decades, and what that means for societal inequality   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Tips and Techniques to Make Your Kids Rich, with Sarah Megginson

If you've ever wanted to ensure you're giving your kids the best possible financial start - imparting not just wealth, but the means for them to generate and handle their own wealth throughout their lives, this is the episode for you! Finance expert, mother of three and author of 'How to Raise Rich Kids' Sarah Megginson is here to share her expertise, including: * What rich really means  * Her top tips for pocket money * How to involve your kids in family finances the right way * Navigating dangers of frictionless payments and online influences * Communicating concepts like saving and investing in a way kids can connect to See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why Scott Phillips is Optimistic About Your Financial Future

Between the cost-of-living crisis, a brutal housing market, and the constant "doom-scrolling" of financial news, it’s easy to feel financially disheartened. But today’s guest has a different perspective. In this episode, Sylvia sits down with Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool Australia to explain why (and how) your long-term financial future could be brighter than you think. In this episode, we dive into: * The Power of Simplicity: Why the financial industry thrives on making things look hard just to charge you more—and how Scott’s "One-Page Investing Plan" can change your life. * The Housing Crisis & "Inherited Inequality": A candid look at the structural failures of the property market and why "inheritocracy" is creating a societal divide. * Historical Resilience: How the Australian market has turned $10,000 into $130,000 over 30 years—despite wars, depressions, and recessions. * The Future of Work and AI: Why we shouldn't fear the coming changes Connect with Scott Phillips: Look out for his upcoming book, The One Page Investing Plan, and find him across social media and on The Motley Fool Money podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.