Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future

Today we're having a bit of fun – but there's a serious insight behind it too   We're going to be talking about "8 things Boomers refuse to stop doing that drive younger generations absolutely crazy."   Now you've probably seen those memes and TikToks poking fun at Boomer habits – from insisting on paying with cash to overusing ellipses in text messages.   But these quirks reveal something deeper about how different generations see the world – shaped by the times they grew up in.   So whether you're a proud Boomer, a frustrated Millennial, or a Gen Z rolling your eyes – stick around. You might just see yourself reflected in this conversation   Takeaways    ·         Understanding generational differences is crucial for effective communication. ·         Boomers' attachment to cash stems from their upbringing during financial hardships. ·         Younger generations prefer texting for its convenience and control over time. ·         The ellipsis in texts can create misunderstandings between generations. ·         Physical records provide a sense of security for Boomers. ·         Job loyalty has shifted, with younger generations valuing flexibility. ·         Lifestyle choices, like avocado toast, reflect deeper financial struggles. ·         Boomers often view younger generations' work ethic with skepticism. ·         Nostalgia influences Boomers' consumer behavior, leading to hoarding. ·         Generational habits evolve but are rooted in historical contexts.   Chapters    00:10  Why boomer habits formed and why younger generations react to them. 05:20  Cash, checks, phone calls and the generational communication divide. 10:40  Texting styles, ellipses, emojis and digital misunderstandings. 16:00  Physical media, paper records and shifting consumer preferences. 21:10  Work ethic, loyalty, job-hopping and changing economic realities. 26:30  What generational habits reveal about values, identity and ageing.   About Simon Kuestenmacher   Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group   Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.     He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.   Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.     About Michael Yardney   Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders.     While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.   Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.   Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram     Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.   Join Michael and Simon at Wealth Retreat 2026, where Australia's most ambitious investors and businesspeople gather to think bigger, invest smarter, and build intergenerational wealth. MAY 30th – JUNE 4th 2026 – find out more here: http://www.wealthretreat.com.au/ Here is the original article we based this podcast on. https://vegoutmag.com/lifestyle/gen-8-things-boomers-refuse-to-stop-doing-that-drive-younger-generations-absolutely-crazy/

Imagine being told that after a lifetime of working hard, paying taxes, saving diligently, and raising a family, you've somehow become part of Australia's problem.   That your success – owning a home, saving in superannuation, or simply living longer – is now evidence of "intergenerational unfairness."   That's the message emerging from the Albanese government's latest policy buzzword – the so-called "intergenerational lens."   But is this really about fairness… or about finding new ways to tax those who've worked, saved, and contributed for decades?   In this episode of Demographics Decoded, leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and I unpack what "intergenerational equity" actually means — and whether this new policy approach is based on sound data or simply political theatre.   If you care about Australia's economic future, housing affordability, and intergenerational trust, this episode is essential listening.   Takeaways    ·         Intergenerational equity is a complex issue that requires careful measurement. ·         Older Australians may not necessarily be better off than younger generations. ·         Housing market dynamics significantly impact intergenerational wealth. ·         Government policies can inadvertently favor property owners over first home buyers. ·         Superannuation was designed to reduce reliance on the pension system. ·         Generational envy can lead to political distractions and ineffective policies. ·         Real fairness comes from growing the economy, not shifting wealth between generations. ·         Younger generations need to feel positive about their economic prospects. ·         Taxing mining wealth could provide a solution for funding intergenerational fairness. ·         Cooperation between generations is essential for Australia's prosperity.   Chapters    00:10 – What "Intergenerational Fairness" Really Means  03:11 – How Governments Measure Equity Across Age Groups  06:19 – Income, Wealth and Why Generational Comparisons Mislead  10:32 – Housing Affordability, Envy Narratives and Asset Gaps  15:13 – First-Home Buyer Policies, Superannuation and Tax Debates  21:47 – Real Solutions: Productivity, Migration and Avoiding Generational Conflict   About Simon Kuestenmacher   Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group   Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.     He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.   Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.     About Michael Yardney   Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders     While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.   Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.   Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram     Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.   Join Michael and Simon at Wealth Retreat 2026, where Australia's most ambitious investors and businesspeople gather to think bigger, invest smarter, and build intergenerational wealth. MAY 30th – JUNE 4th 2026 – find out more here: http://www.wealthretreat.com.au/

In this episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney discuss the changing landscape of retirement in Australia, focusing on the widening wealth gap between homeowners and renters.   For generations, Australians assumed they'd retire in their own home. It was the cornerstone of our national dream.   But new evidence from the HILDA survey shows that the dream is slipping away — and with it, the safety net for a secure retirement.   Today, two in three retirees who rent privately are living in poverty. And the wealth gap between homeowners and renters in retirement is only widening.     Takeaways    ·         Two in three retirees who rent privately are living in poverty. ·         The wealth gap between homeowners and renters is widening. ·         Homeownership is crucial for avoiding poverty in old age. ·         Superannuation alone is not enough for a secure retirement. ·         Government policies need to adapt to the changing demographics. ·         Intergenerational wealth transfer plays a significant role in homeownership. ·         Rent assistance is insufficient to cover rising housing costs. ·         The current housing market is increasingly unaffordable for younger generations. ·         Innovative ownership models could help address housing issues. ·         The government must increase social and affordable housing stock.   Chapters    01:47 - What the HILDA Survey Reveals About Retirement Inequality  04:33 - Why Owning a Home Is the Best Insurance Against Poverty  07:24 - How Migration and Intergenerational Wealth Shape Housing Gaps  10:42 - The Future of Homeownership and Government Policy Failures  15:37 - The Bank of Mum and Dad: Early Inheritance and the New Divide     About Simon Kuestenmacher   Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group   Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.     He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.   Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.     About Michael Yardney   Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders     While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.   Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.   Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram     Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.

Picture this: you take your kids to a museum in 2045, and instead of dinosaurs and ancient artefacts, they're staring at remote controls, plastic packaging, and wheelchairs.   They ask, 'Did you really use these every day?'   In this episode Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney explore the technologies, jobs, and habits that will vanish from our lives - sooner than you might think.   We delve into the implications of these changes on daily life, the economy, and the environment, providing insights into what the future may hold for generations to come.     Takeaways    ·         In 20 years, people may question our reliance on cars. ·         The traditional 9-to-5 workweek is likely to disappear. ·         Family structures will become smaller and more diverse. ·         Aged care will need to adapt to an aging population. ·         Self-driving cars will become the norm, reducing the need for ownership. ·         Retail will shift towards online and automated services. ·         Healthcare will leverage technology for better diagnostics and care. ·         Education systems will need to adapt to new learning methods. ·         Political structures may evolve towards more algorithmic governance. ·         The internet will require users to be more media savvy.   Chapters    01:44 - The Everyday Items Vanishing from Modern Life  04:25 - How Technology Quietly Replaces Old Habits  07:33 - The Disappearing Professions and What Comes Next  12:06 - Cash, Keys and the End of Tangible Convenience  17:58 - What Future Generations Will Never Experience      About Simon Kuestenmacher   Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group   Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.     He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.   Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.     About Michael Yardney   Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders.     While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.   Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.   Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram     Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.   Our discussion today was inspired by this blog by Steve Samartino https://stevesammartino.substack.com/p/whats-in-the-museum-of-the-future

What if we could all work just four days a week with no pay cut  and still get the same results?   It sounds like a fantasy, but carefully monitored trials across the globe show that it's not only possible, but in many cases, productivity actually goes up. Stress levels fall, staff turnover drops, and companies become more efficient.   But is this a workplace revolution Australia can afford? Or just wishful thinking?   In this episode, Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney explore the concept of a four-day work week, discussing its feasibility, benefits, and challenges in the Australian context.     We delve into international data supporting the model, the innovative 180-100 approach, and the implications for various industries.     The conversation highlights the potential for improved productivity and employee well-being, while also addressing the scepticism surrounding its implementation in certain sectors.     Takeaways    ·         The four-day work week can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress levels. ·         International trials have shown overwhelmingly positive results for the four-day work week. ·         The 180-100 model offers a framework for balancing pay and productivity. ·         Certain industries may struggle to implement a four-day work week due to operational challenges. ·         The four-day work week can serve as a powerful retention tool for employers. ·         Leadership buy-in is crucial for the success of a four-day work week trial. ·         The model encourages businesses to optimize workflows and reduce waste. ·         Employee well-being is enhanced with a shorter work week, leading to fewer sick days. ·         The four-day work week may not be suitable for all job types, particularly in retail and healthcare. ·         The future of work may see more companies adopting flexible work arrangements.   Chapters    02:02 - Why the Four-Day Workweek Is Gaining Momentum  04:35 - Productivity Myths and the Science of Rest  07:18 - How Shorter Weeks Could Reshape Family and Leisure Time  11:03 - Generational Shifts: What Younger Workers Really Want  15:42 - Can Australia Afford a Four-Day Future?      About Simon Kuestenmacher   Simon Kuestenmacher  is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group   Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.     He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.   Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.     About Michael Yardney   Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders     While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.   Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.   Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram     Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.