In this week's episode, James and Alan get to the bottom of what a first homebuyer grant really achieves, give an update on the Altair debacle, and try to unpick the contradictions of where Australia's renewable energy landscape. 
 

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.

In this week's episode, James and Alan get to the bottom of what a first homebuyer grant really achieves, give an update on the Altair ...

Was that GDP figure good or bad? Bunnings backs its sausages against Amazon's raids.  Why is Resources Minister Canavan so keen to back Adani?

Beaten by the T&Cs: why over 40 per cent of savers don't get a rate rise

The upside of higher interest rates is that you might get more on your money in the bank. But it turns out that anyone who uses a 'bonus' account (which is where the banks offer the best rates) must satisfy the terms and conditions each month.

The upside of higher interest rates is that you might get more on your money in the bank. But it turns out that anyone who uses a 'bonus' account (which is where the banks offer the best rates) must satisfy the terms and conditions each month.And guess what?  More than 40 per cent of savers in this category don't meet their T&Cs each month - that means they don't get the rate rise. With rates rising it’s time to get across the numbers. 

In today's show, we cover:

Sally Tindall, data insights director at Canstar joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.

In today's show, we cover:


The best cash and borrowing rates in the market
How the other half gets short-changed - with bonus rates
Should you ever use a bank you never heard of?
The NDIS...is there a way out of the mess for the government? 

 

The upside of higher interest rates is that you might get more on your money in the bank. But it turns out that anyone who uses a 'bonus' account (which is where the banks offer the best rates) must satisfy the terms and conditions each month.And guess what?&nbsp; More than 40 per cent of savers in this category don't meet their T&amp;Cs each month - that means they don't get the rate rise. With rates rising it&rsquo;s time to get across the numbers.&nbsp; In today's show, we cover:
Sally Tindall, data insights director at Canstar joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode.
In today's show, we cover: 
<ul>
<li>The best cash and borrowing rates in the market</li>
<li>How the other half gets short-changed - with bonus rates</li>
<li>Should you ever use a bank you never heard of?</li>
<li>The NDIS...is there a way out of the mess for the government?&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

What you should be paying on your borrowings (and getting on your cash) 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/48d6f2a3-896d-4654-a6b3-b433006848b5/transcript

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

Was that GDP figure good or bad? Bunnings backs its sausages against Amazon's raids. Why is Resources Minister Canavan so keen to back Adani?

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