if you should pay off your HECS bill or your mortgage first, dud super funds andrew forests' big experiment in green energy

Financial adviser and Spirit Super director Sue Dahn joins James Kirby on this weeks episode of The Australian's Money Cafe.They discuss if you should pay off your HECS bill or your mortgage first, dud super funds and what it means for a fund at the bottom of the ATO scorecard, and who's paying for andrew forests' big experiment in green energy.

To read articles on the topics covered in this episode of The Australian's Money Cafe, take out a subscription to The Australian or download The Australian's app at your app store.

Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle.

Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets.

Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth.

Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au. 

Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle.
Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets.
Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth.
Submit your questions at <a href="mailto:themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au">themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au</a>.&nbsp;

The Australian’s Money Puzzle covers all important finance and property topics.

The Money Puzzle

Every week, The Australian's James Kirby delivers two power-packed episodes featuring in-depth analysis of property markets and smart money-making strategies.

Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle.

Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets.

Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth.

Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au.

Unlock your wealth potential with The Money Puzzle.
Featuring two power-packed episodes each week packed with smart money-making strategies, from superannuation to investing in shares, plus in-depth analysis of property markets.
Get tips from leading experts and practical tools to help build lasting wealth.
Submit your questions at themoneypuzzle@theaustralian.com.au.

Should you pay your HECS or your Mortgage?

Maximize your fy 2026 tax deductions: transport, wfh, and super tips

You've only got a few months to go before the end of the financial year: It's time to plan your tax returns...and yes, this year - with soaring transport costs and changing super caps - it will be different.

You've only got a few months to go before the end of the financial year: It's time to plan your tax returns...and yes, this year - with soaring transport costs and changing super caps - it will be different.

'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode 

In today's show, we cover:
Don't miss the chance to claim your soaring transport costs 
How to optimise your work from home deductions
The excellent deal available to anyone leasing an electric car
Why superannuation is not the only deduction for the salaried investor 

You've only got a few months to go before the end of the financial year: It's time to plan your tax returns...and yes, this year - with soaring transport costs and changing super caps - it will be different.
'Mr Taxman' Dr Adrian Raftery author and tax adviser joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode&nbsp;
In today's show, we cover:
<ul>
<li>Don't miss the chance to claim your soaring transport costs&nbsp;</li>
<li>How to optimise your work from home deductions</li>
<li>The excellent deal available to anyone leasing an electric car</li>
<li>Why superannuation is not the only deduction for the salaried investor&nbsp; </li>
</ul>

Your top tax hacks for FY 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/0ce7130d-0ecd-44cf-a8b6-b42e0054bf6a/transcript

Rental market shock: Why residential rental income is rising (again) despite flat forecasts

Property investors are suddenly grappling with a reshaped market where forecasts have been turned upside down

It was not supposed to happen this year: Vacancy rates were meant to rise in 2026 and income was expected to flatten…not at all. Property investors are suddenly grappling with a reshaped market where forecasts have been turned upside down.

Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.

In today’s episode, we cover:
As you were! The upset trend of the year for property investors 
The downgrades keep coming for house prices
CGT looks set to increase
Will a two-property negative gearing limit hurt?

It was not supposed to happen this year: Vacancy rates were meant to rise in 2026 and income was expected to flatten&hellip;not at all.&nbsp;Property investors are suddenly grappling with a reshaped market where forecasts have been turned upside down.
Louis Christopher of SQM Research joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode.
In today&rsquo;s episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li>As you were! The upset trend of the year for property investors&nbsp;</li>
<li>The downgrades keep coming for house prices</li>
<li>CGT looks set to increase</li>
<li>Will a two-property negative gearing limit hurt?</li>
</ul>

Why residential rental income is about to move higher (again) 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/e6c0a4e1-ec88-4292-b94f-b42c009b37d5/transcript

Separately Managed Accounts: Advisers love them, but should you?

SMAs are booming inside the financial advice sector: But if they are so terrific, then why is regulator ASIC asking so many probing questions around fees and conflicts of interest?

SMAs are booming inside the financial advice sector: But if they are so terrific, then why is regulator ASIC asking so many probing questions around fees and conflicts of interest?

Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.


In today's show, we cover...
The good, bad and potentially ugly side of the SMA boom
Will SMSFs get a fair deal in the new Compo scheme of last resort
Reward points and super funds- a marriage made in the marketing department
Why are financial advice fees not coming down if AI cuts costs?

SMAs are booming inside the financial advice sector: But if they are so terrific, then why is regulator ASIC asking so many probing questions around fees and conflicts of interest? Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.
 In today's show, we cover...
<ul>
<li>The good, bad and potentially ugly side of the SMA boom</li>
<li>Will SMSFs get a fair deal in the new Compo scheme of last resort</li>
<li>Reward points and super funds- a marriage made in the marketing department</li>
<li>Why are financial advice fees not coming down if AI cuts costs?</li>
</ul>

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/11f9fb9b-c65b-4b19-aae9-b4270058047b/transcript

Should you pay your HECS or your Mortgage?

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