Friends With Money

From super scandals to market swings, 2025 certainly kept us on our toes. So before 2026 begins, it’s time to reflect on the year that was.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, is joined by senior journalist, Tom Watson, to discuss the biggest financial news stories of 2025 and the topics they’ll be watching closely in 2026.00:00 Introduction01:30 Biggest financial news events of 202509:05 Positive and surprising developments in 202511:46 Looking ahead to 202614:10 Closing remarks#friendswithmoney #michellebaltazar #tomwatson #financialnewsPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: [email protected] stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

You’ve booked flights, hotels and activities for your summer trip. But have you considered how you’re going to pay your way?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Tristan Dakin, Wise’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, to discuss travel money options and other tips for your summer holiday abroad.01:42 Choosing the right payment method04:57 Local or home currency?07:07 The most expensive ATM withdrawal fees09:28 Can digital wallets be used everywhere?11:32 How to keep your money safe13:44 Final tips15:51 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #tristandakin #travelPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: [email protected] stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

After a turbulent year for the local market, which Australian stocks could shine in 2026?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to run through the Australian companies that investors may want to consider adding to their Christmas lists.00:00 Introduction02:31 2025 Australian market recap07:54 Large cap picks for 202612:55 The world of micro caps18:43 Concerns about index funds21:04 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investingPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: [email protected] stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Rising property values have left many retirees rich on paper but short on cash, so are there options for those looking to utilise their home equity?This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Chris Grice, chief executive of National Seniors Australia, to discuss reverse mortgages, equity releases schemes and the government-run Home Equity Releases Scheme. 00:00 Introduction00:28 The 'asset rich, cash poor' dilemma01:24 Exploring reverse mortgages07:03 Addressing concerns about reverse mortgages9:24 Equity release schemes10:11 Introduction to the Home Equity Access Scheme13:54 Comparing equity release options16:02 Conclusion #friendswithmoney #tomwatson #chrisgrice #reversemortgages #homeequityPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: [email protected] stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR

Ready to start building a deposit towards your first home? The First Home Super Saver Scheme could help you reach your target faster.This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Derek Gascoigne, private client adviser at UniSuper, to run through the nuts and bolts of the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS).00:00 Introduction00:55 Overview of the First Home Super Saver Scheme05:40 Eligibility criteria09:21 How to access your FHSSS contributions14:36 Planning and important considerations17:23 Final thoughts and advice20:15 Conclusion#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #derekgascoigne #superannuation #fhsssPodcast Links:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyMoney WebsiteYouTube Podcast PlaylistEmail Us: [email protected] stories like this in our newsletter: bit.ly/3GDirbR