Inflation is hitting households hard — but what’s actually behind it, and what can you actually control?

In this episode, we break down how global events (including rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions) flow into fuel costs, supermarket prices, and everyday expenses. Scott and Ara explore how interest rates affect far more than mortgages, what’s pushing up the cost of living, and the steps anyone can take right now to strengthen their financial position.

We’ll unpack:
The spending habits that change most during inflationary periods
What rising rates really mean for households
Three practical actions you can take today — no matter what the RBA does next
How to separate what’s in your control from what isn’t

Plus, we tackle a listener question

“Why do I think I’m saving money buying things on sale that I never planned to buy?”

And Scott closes with a grounding mindfulness moment to help you stay centred in uncertain times.

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

Inflation is hitting households hard &mdash; but what&rsquo;s actually behind it, and what can you actually control?
In this episode, we break down how global events (including rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions) flow into fuel costs, supermarket prices, and everyday expenses. Scott and Ara explore how interest rates affect far more than mortgages, what&rsquo;s pushing up the cost of living, and the steps anyone can take right now to strengthen their financial position.
We&rsquo;ll unpack:
<ul>
<li>The spending habits that change most during inflationary periods</li>
<li>What rising rates really mean for households</li>
<li>Three practical actions you can take today &mdash; no matter what the RBA does next</li>
<li>How to separate what&rsquo;s in your control from what isn&rsquo;t</li>
</ul>
Plus, we tackle a listener question
&ldquo;Why do I think I&rsquo;m saving money buying things on sale that I never planned to buy?&rdquo;
And Scott closes with a grounding mindfulness moment to help you stay centred in uncertain times.
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. &nbsp;

As human beings we share a commonality.  We are all born into the financial system in which we live.  On a daily basis we make decisions on how we earn, spend, save, invest and give away our money as well as how willing we are to get into debt.

Welcome to Looking Under the Hood – a podcast all about helping you to unpacking money so you can move towards financial freedom.

I’m Scott Malcolm, I’ve always been curious to understand how things work.  When I was a kid there was that one time, I pulled apart our family toaster to see how it worked – sorry again Mum and Dad!

When I became a financial planner – fresh out of Uni in 2000 I had the same desire to get a deep understanding of the money stuff and how to make it work for you.

What I have learnt and seen working with clients is that the Money stuff is no different.  If you have an understanding of how the system works and how you relate to it, you can empower yourself for a better financial future.

My aim of this podcast is to give you money insights as we ‘look under the hood’ and unpack how the financial system works, and provide some stories around clients situations I have worked with over the last few decades to give you greater understanding of you and the money in your life.

We will kick of our first series to look under the hood and unpack money in the context of the Australian financial system.  While tax and retirement systems change between countries the fundamentals and foundations of money are a shared human experience.

Financial planning weather you are doing it yourself or paying for professional advice, is all about having a decision making framework in place to navigate your life transitions as you move through startup phase, accumulation phase and then into retirement or financial freedom phase.

I look forward to taking on you a journey to unpack your money stuff and get the foundations in place to be living your ideal life.

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

_

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.

Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

Ideally we suggest you speak with a licensed financial planner and seek out personal advice!

As human beings we share a commonality.&nbsp; We are all born into the financial system in which we live.&nbsp; On a daily basis we make decisions on how we earn, spend, save, invest and give away our money as well as how willing we are to get into debt.
Welcome to Looking Under the Hood &ndash; a podcast all about helping you to unpacking money so you can move towards financial freedom.
I&rsquo;m Scott Malcolm, I&rsquo;ve always been curious to understand how things work.&nbsp; When I was a kid there was that one time, I pulled apart our family toaster to see how it worked &ndash; sorry again Mum and Dad!
When I became a financial planner &ndash; fresh out of Uni in 2000 I had the same desire to get a deep understanding of the money stuff and how to make it work for you.
What I have learnt and seen working with clients is that the Money stuff is no different.&nbsp; If you have an understanding of how the system works and how you relate to it, you can empower yourself for a better financial future.
My aim of this podcast is to give you money insights as we &lsquo;look under the hood&rsquo; and unpack how the financial system works, and provide some stories around clients situations I have worked with over the last few decades to give you greater understanding of you and the money in your life.
We will kick of our first series to look under the hood and unpack money in the context of the Australian financial system.&nbsp; While tax and retirement systems change between countries the fundamentals and foundations of money are a shared human experience.
Financial planning weather you are doing it yourself or paying for professional advice, is all about having a decision making framework in place to navigate your life transitions as you move through startup phase, accumulation phase and then into retirement or financial freedom phase.
I look forward to taking on you a journey to unpack your money stuff and get the foundations in place to be living your ideal life.
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
_
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. &nbsp;
Ideally we suggest you speak with a licensed financial planner and seek out personal advice!

Money Mechanics with Scott Malcolm

Unpacking Inflation: Cost of Living Crunch: What’s Driving It & How to Stay in Control

The Money Mechanics Podcast is back for 2026! Scott Malcolm and Ara Jensen jump straight into one of the hottest topics in the media right now: Capital Gains Tax. After a year off-air, they’re breaking down what CGT really is, why everyone’s suddenly talking about it, and how the rumoured changes in the upcoming 2026 Federal Budget could affect you.

 

From discounts and holding periods to property, shares, cyrpto, super, and long-term wealth strategy, Scott and Ara separate fact from noise so you don’t get swept up in the hype. They’ll unpack what’s being floated, what it could mean for everyday people, and—most importantly—whether you should be doing anything now.

 

If you own an investment property, are thinking about selling, or just want the jargon translated into practical guidance, this episode gives you the clarity to move through 2026 with confidence—not panic.

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

The Money Mechanics Podcast is back for 2026! Scott Malcolm and Ara Jensen jump straight into one of the hottest topics in the media right now: Capital Gains Tax. After a year off-air, they&rsquo;re breaking down what CGT really is, why everyone&rsquo;s suddenly talking about it, and how the rumoured changes in the upcoming 2026 Federal Budget could affect you.
&nbsp;
From discounts and holding periods to property, shares, cyrpto, super, and long-term wealth strategy, Scott and Ara separate fact from noise so you don&rsquo;t get swept up in the hype. They&rsquo;ll unpack what&rsquo;s being floated, what it could mean for everyday people, and&mdash;most importantly&mdash;whether you should be doing anything now.
&nbsp;
If you own an investment property, are thinking about selling, or just want the jargon translated into practical guidance, this episode gives you the clarity to move through 2026 with confidence&mdash;not panic.
&nbsp;
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. &nbsp;

Unpacking Capital Gains Tax (CGT) : Facts, Noise & the Federal Budget Buzz

From Snoop Dogg to Sting and prize scones to long distance swimmers and now Scott Malcolm!   Ara Jansen has met, interviewed or written about the famous and the rest during her extensive career as a freelance writer and rock journalist. Words, deep blues, swimming pools, books, music and good conversation with interesting people make her deeply happy.

Today we are discussing investment and our money framework.  What to be thinking about making decisions on Investment, making extra super contributions and or debt repayments.

Resources:

https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest

https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest/choose-your-investments

https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income/retirement-planner

 

Connect with Ara here:

Website: www.arajansen.com.au 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ara-jansen-8075163/

Podcast:  Totally Sucked In! https://www.instagram.com/totallysuckedin/

 

Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!

 

Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.

 

Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics

 

Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523

 

General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 

 

Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

From Snoop Dogg to Sting and prize scones to long distance swimmers and now Scott Malcolm! &nbsp; Ara Jansen has met, interviewed or written about the famous and the rest during her extensive career as a freelance writer and rock journalist. Words, deep blues, swimming pools, books, music and good conversation with interesting people make her deeply happy.
Today we are discussing investment and our money framework.&nbsp; What to be thinking about making decisions on Investment, making extra super contributions and or debt repayments.
Resources:
<a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest">https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest</a>
<a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest/choose-your-investments">https://moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-invest/choose-your-investments</a>
<a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income/retirement-planner">https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income/retirement-planner</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with Ara here:
Website: <a href="http://www.arajansen.com.au">www.arajansen.com.au </a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ara-jansen-8075163/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ara-jansen-8075163/</a>
Podcast:&nbsp; Totally Sucked In! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/totallysuckedin/">https://www.instagram.com/totallysuckedin/</a>
&nbsp;
Thanks for listening!&nbsp; We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
&nbsp;
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
&nbsp;
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
&nbsp;
General Advice Warning&nbsp;Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. &nbsp;Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. &nbsp;Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance. &nbsp;Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast. &nbsp;

Unpacking Your Money Framework and what to be thinking about when it comes to Investment Vs Super Vs Debt with Ara Jansen

Gabe Trew is the young founder of the iconic retail destination, POP Canberra, which he established at the age of 25. Under his leadership, POP Canberra has become a beloved retail and community hub, supporting over 300 individual small and micro businesses. POP Canberra has the largest selection of all local goods in one store, anywhere in the Country. Each year POP Canberra injects millions of dollars into the local community - with expansion set for national growth. Gabe is also the creative force and founder behind Thirsty Skincare, an all-natural handmade skincare company that supplies 200 Australian retail shops. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Gabe is deeply immersed in the music industry as a Foley artist and producer, with a portfolio spanning over 150 film and TV projects. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys gardening (with a particular love of citrus trees) and playing music.



Connect with Gabe here:

Website: http://www.popcanberra.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-trew-b7773b282?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popcanberra?igsh=MTg0enFiMXlrcXJnbw==


Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!



Check out more about us here:

www.moneymechanics.com.au

www.scottmalcolm.com.au

Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.



Follow and like us on socials:

Instagram: @moneymechanics

Twitter: @moneymechanics



Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523



General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 



Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.  

Gabe Trew is the young founder of the iconic retail destination, POP Canberra, which he established at the age of 25. Under his leadership, POP Canberra has become a beloved retail and community hub, supporting over 300 individual small and micro businesses. POP Canberra has the largest selection of all local goods in one store, anywhere in the Country. Each year POP Canberra injects millions of dollars into the local community - with expansion set for national growth. Gabe is also the creative force and founder behind Thirsty Skincare, an all-natural handmade skincare company that supplies 200 Australian retail shops. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Gabe is deeply immersed in the music industry as a Foley artist and producer, with a portfolio spanning over 150 film and TV projects. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys gardening (with a particular love of citrus trees) and playing music.
 
Connect with Gabe here:
Website: <a href="http://www.popcanberra.com.au/">http://www.popcanberra.com.au/</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-trew-b7773b282?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app">https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-trew-b7773b282?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/popcanberra?igsh=MTg0enFiMXlrcXJnbw==">https://www.instagram.com/popcanberra?igsh=MTg0enFiMXlrcXJnbw==</a>
 Thanks for listening!  We love your support, please subscribe, review, comment and share this episode to help empower and educate more folks around the money stuff!
 
Check out more about us here:
<a href="http://www.moneymechanics.com.au">www.moneymechanics.com.au</a>
<a href="http://www.scottmalcolm.com.au">www.scottmalcolm.com.au</a>
<a href="https://www.platformplus.com.au/OfficeLegal.aspx?t=ozltyLOCOx3CUEprGCaV%2fv0Y5Vt2DhXlheKWWnXu7ziOrbFGhs4OES6xbWD9dkK4zsu%2bH9MFqmSRctEzB6KzTw%3d%3d">Check out our Financial Service Guide and Privacy Policy here.</a>
 
Follow and like us on socials:
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/moneymechanics/">@moneymechanics</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/MoneyMechanics">@moneymechanics</a>
 
Money Mechanics Pty Ltd (ABN 64 136 066 272) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 097 797 049) AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 236523
 
General Advice Warning Information in this podcast has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. 
 
Any advice contained is General Advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.  Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a qualified adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.  Past performance of financial products is no assurance of future performance.  Product Disclosure Statements contain information necessary for you to make a decision whether or not to invest in financial products which may be mentioned in this podcast.

Unpacking Inflation: Cost of Living Crunch: What’s Driving It & How to Stay in Control

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