Unpacking SMSF and LRBAs Post Budget 2026: separating fact from fiction

In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and Ara Jansen unpack what the post-Budget 2026 SMSF and LRBA conversation may mean for Australians considering property inside super. We will slow down the headlines, explain why limited recourse borrowing arrangements require careful review, and …

Unpacking the New Financial Year: Reset, Review and Realign Your Money

In this episode of Unpacking Money, Scott Malcolm and co-host Ara Jansen use the start of the new financial year as a practical reset point for your money life. Rather than treating 1 July as just a tax year, they unpack how to review what changed over the past year, reconnect your financial choice…

Unpacking Recession

In this episode, we demystify recession by separating economic headlines from household reality and focusing on what listeners can actually control. We explore what recessions are, how they typically affect jobs, markets, borrowing, and confidence, and why thoughtful planning around emergency savin…

Unpacking Redundancy

In this episode, we unpack what redundancy really means, how it affects people emotionally and financially, and the practical steps to take when work suddenly changes. With some focus on public sector employees, we explore genuine redundancy, voluntary redundancies, redeployment rights, and how to …

Unpacking Dumb Money Decisions We Don't Regret

Not every money decision looks smart on a spreadsheet, but that doesn’t always mean it was a mistake.   In this episode we unpack the so-called “dumb” money decisions people make (Scott included) and why some of them are still worth it. From spending on experiences, taking career risks, helping f…

Special Episode: Unpacking Federal Budget 2026: What It Really Means For Your Money

Every year Budget night brings big headlines, hot takes and a whole lot of confusion. In this episode of the Money Mechanics Podcast, Scott Malcolm CFP® and Ara Jansen unpack the 2026–27 Federal Budget and translate it into real‑world implications for everyday Australians. We break down the key ta…

Unpacking Inheritance: Receive Well, Give Wisely

Receiving an inheritance can bring up a mix of emotions, decisions and responsibilities. In this episode of Money Mechanics, Scott and Ara unpack what to think about if money, property or other assets come your way, from pausing before making big decisions to understanding tax, super, debt, investi…

Unpacking Super Comparison Tools and Strategy

Choosing a super fund can feel simple on the surface, until you start comparing fees, performance, insurance, investment options and member services.   In this episode we unpack how super comparison tools work, what they can help you see, and where they can fall short. We look at the difference b…

Unpacking Super Changes from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, super is getting a shake‑up—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the detail and sometime the complexity of the language. In this episode, we walk through key questions covering Payday Super, Division 296 tax, and indexation of the contribution caps and total super balances. We’l…

Unpacking Super Vs Debt Reduction Vs Investment: Where Should Your Next Dollar Go? The Battle of Super, Debt & Investing

Every year, thousands of Australians hit the same financial crossroads: Should I put extra money into super? Pay down debt? Or start investing? In this episode, Scott and Ara unpack the emotional tug‑of‑war behind each choice — the security of reducing debt, the satisfaction of future‑you decisio…