Friends With Money

After a stellar 2025, cryptocurrency has endured a difficult start to 2026. So what's behind the downturn and where do investors go from here?
On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Justin Lin, investment strategist at Global X ETFs, to discuss the latest price movements and what could lie ahead for the crypto market.

00:00 Introduction
01:45 Bitcoin and Ethereum performance in 2026
02:55 What's been driving the downturn?
05:15 How Australian investors are reacting
07:45 Crypto battles AI for investor attention
09:20 Institutional demand and ETF adoption
11:00 The long-term investment case
13:45 Outlook for the second half of 2026 and beyond
14:55 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #justinlin #crypto #bitcoin

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Self-managed super funds now hold more than $1 trillion in assets, yet many Australians still aren't sure how they work or whether they could be an option worth considering.

On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Marisa Broome, certified financial planner and principal of wealthadvice.com.au, to explain the mechanics, benefits and risks of self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

00:00 Introduction
01:45 What an SMSF is and how it differs from retail and industry funds
03:25 Why fees and asset allocation matter
05:00 Why people choose SMSFs
06:20 Who SMSFs are best suited to (and who should avoid them)
08:45 How much money you should have before starting an SMSF
10:00 The practical steps involved in setting up a fund
15:00 Why investors should do their homework before setting up an SMSF
16:15 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #marisabroome #super #smsf

Podcast Links:
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Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au

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Debt can help fund life's big purchases. But for some, it can become a major source of financial stress. So where should people start if they want to get on top of it?
On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Deb Shroot, financial counsellor and Financial Counselling Australia sector advocate, to discuss prioritising debt, freeing up cash flow and working towards becoming debt free.

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Rising debt stress: mortgages, credit cards and utilities
03:00 First steps when debt feels overwhelming
04:30 How to prioritise multiple debts
07:00 The danger of the debt spiral
08:00 Common debt repayment mistakes and hardship options
09:00 Where to find extra money in a tight budget
12:00 Why you should seek help before reaching breaking point
14:00 Building healthy financial habits that last
15:00 Seeking trustworthy financial advice
16:05 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #debshroot #debt

Podcast Links:
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Money Website
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Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au

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Live where you want, buy where you can – that’s been the idea behind rentvesting. But are policy tweaks and market swings changing the equation?

On this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money’s Tom Watson is joined by Arjun Paliwal, founder and chief executive of InvestorKit, to discuss the latest rentvesting developments.

00:00 Introduction
02:43 Who is rentvesting used by?
04:15 The tax changes impacting rentvesting
06:02 Is rentvesting still worth it?
06:27 Sydney case study and numbers
12:04 The rentvesting decision checklist
15:34 How investors should adapt to policy changes
19:49 Final lessons for long-term investors
22:05 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #arjunpaliwal #property #rentvesting

Podcast Links:
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Money Website
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The hidden costs that could sink your budget!
Question:
What are the real, often overlooked costs of owning a home in Australia and how can buyers avoid nasty surprises?
Short answer:
Owning a home is much more expensive than just paying the purchase price. According to Georgia Madden, new homeowners face steep mortgage interest, rising insurance premiums, energy bills, maintenance, council rates, and if buying an apartment, strata fees and surprise levies. Many underestimate costs like rebuilding insurance, ongoing repairs, and the impact of rate rises. Smart strategies include reviewing insurance annually, fixing small problems early, and checking apartment sinking funds before buying.
Why it matters:
For first-time buyers and anyone budgeting for a home, missing these hidden costs can lead to financial stress. Understanding the full picture means you can plan, save, and protect your investment rather than being caught out by “budget sinkholes.”
Sources:
• Vanessa Walker, Managing Editor, Money Magazine
• Georgia Madden, Home & Property Journalist
• Mortgage brokers, insurance experts, property managers
• Money magazine, June issue

Timestamps:
01:31 Mortgage breakdown: interest vs equity
02:46 Insurance: costs and common mistakes
03:59 Energy bills & efficiency tips
04:55 Solar: upfront costs and payback
05:45 Maintenance: how much to set aside
06:51 Hidden repair costs: plumbing, wiring, roofing
07:51 Council rates & water charges
08:37 Strata fees & apartment levies
09:47 Cautionary tales & advice for buyers
10:16 Wrap-up & where to find more info

Podcast Links:
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Money Website
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Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au

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