It's the question that weighs upon every parent: where do I send my kids to school?
But with yearly tuition fees for private schooling reaching truly staggering numbers, another question often follows: is it worth it?

In this eye-opening episode, Skye Predavec, researcher behind the Australia Institute's recent report on private schooling unpacks the data and the stark structural realities of our school system, including:
Does private schooling equate to better outcomes?
How does Australia's school system compare to the other parts of the world?
A look at how private fees consistently outpace inflation, and what it will realistically cost to educate a child born today within the private system
Why current trends suggest most Australian high school students will be in private systems within a few decades, and what that means for societal inequality

 

It's the question that weighs upon every parent: where do I send my kids to school? But with yearly tuition fees for private schooling reaching truly staggering numbers, another question often follows: is it worth it?
In this eye-opening episode, Skye Predavec, researcher behind the Australia Institute's recent report on private schooling unpacks the data and the stark structural realities of our school system, including:
<ul>
<li>Does private schooling equate to better outcomes?</li>
<li>How does Australia's school system compare to the other parts of the world?</li>
<li>A look at how private fees consistently outpace inflation, and what it will realistically cost to educate a child born today within the private system</li>
<li>Why current trends suggest most Australian high school students will be in private systems within a few decades, and what that means for societal inequality</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Money is a constant contradiction. You’ve got to spend money to enjoy life but save every cent for the future. 

It’s why Australians are caught between impossible expectations and an economic system that feels stacked against them. So, how do you keep up the juggling act when the stakes just keep getting higher?

In The Pay Off Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with leading experts and entrepreneurs to uncover tips and tricks from some of the sharpest business minds in the game.

You can listen to The Pay Off wherever you get your podcasts, or you can watch every episode on 9Now, search 'The Pay Off 9Now Podcast'

Money is a constant contradiction. You&rsquo;ve got to spend money to enjoy life but save every cent for the future.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s why Australians are caught between impossible expectations and an economic system that feels stacked against them.&nbsp;So, how do you keep up the juggling act when the stakes just keep getting higher?
In The Pay Off Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with leading experts and entrepreneurs to uncover tips and tricks from some of the sharpest business minds in the game.
You can listen to The Pay Off wherever you get your podcasts, or you can watch every episode on 9Now, search 'The Pay Off 9Now Podcast'

Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with leading experts and entrepreneurs to uncover tips and tricks from some of the sharpest business minds in the game.

The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys

Is Private Education Worth It? with Skye Predavec

What does it take to dedicate decades of your life to a dream that feels out of reach?

In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia’s first qualified astronaut, to explore what it really takes to pursue an extraordinary goal.

From stargazing in her Sydney backyard to completing one of the world’s most demanding astronaut training programs, Katherine shares the mindset, resilience and curiosity that have shaped her remarkable career. She reveals what astronaut training is actually like, why humanity’s return to the Moon matters, and how space research is already improving life here on Earth.

The conversation also explores Australia’s growing role in the global space industry, the country’s STEM skills challenge, and why Katherine believes inspiring the next generation—especially girls—to dream bigger has become one of her most important missions. She also shares an exclusive first look at Mission Sprouts, a new initiative bringing space-flown seeds into Australian classrooms.

Whether you’re fascinated by space, navigating your own ambitious career goals, or simply wondering what’s possible when you commit to a lifelong dream, this episode will challenge the way you think about achieving the seemingly impossible.

You’ll learn:
What astronaut training is really like—and what it takes to qualify.
Why the world is returning to the Moon, and Australia’s role in the next era of space exploration.
How space research is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and sustainability.
Why curiosity, resilience and long-term thinking matter more than natural talent.
How Katherine hopes to inspire more young Australians—especially girls—to pursue careers in science, technology and space.
The story behind Mission Sprouts, bringing space-flown seeds into classrooms across Australia.

Find out more about Mission Sprouts at www.space.gov.au. Applications close Sunday, August 23, 2026.

What does it take to dedicate decades of your life to a dream that feels out of reach?
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia&rsquo;s first qualified astronaut, to explore what it really takes to pursue an extraordinary goal.
From stargazing in her Sydney backyard to completing one of the world&rsquo;s most demanding astronaut training programs, Katherine shares the mindset, resilience and curiosity that have shaped her remarkable career. She reveals what astronaut training is actually like, why humanity&rsquo;s return to the Moon matters, and how space research is already improving life here on Earth.
The conversation also explores Australia&rsquo;s growing role in the global space industry, the country&rsquo;s STEM skills challenge, and why Katherine believes inspiring the next generation&mdash;especially girls&mdash;to dream bigger has become one of her most important missions. She also shares an exclusive first look at Mission Sprouts, a new initiative bringing space-flown seeds into Australian classrooms.
Whether you&rsquo;re fascinated by space, navigating your own ambitious career goals, or simply wondering what&rsquo;s possible when you commit to a lifelong dream, this episode will challenge the way you think about achieving the seemingly impossible.
You&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What astronaut training is really like&mdash;and what it takes to qualify.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why the world is returning to the Moon, and Australia&rsquo;s role in the next era of space exploration.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How space research is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and sustainability.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why curiosity, resilience and long-term thinking matter more than natural talent.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How Katherine hopes to inspire more young Australians&mdash;especially girls&mdash;to pursue careers in science, technology and space.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The story behind Mission Sprouts, bringing space-flown seeds into classrooms across Australia.</li>
</ul>
Find out more about Mission Sprouts at <a href="https://www.space.gov.au">www.space.gov.au</a>. Applications close Sunday, August 23, 2026.

What Astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg Wants You To Know About Achieving the Impossible

Starting a business is exciting. Building one that lasts is something else entirely.

In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys is joined by Edible Blooms Co-founder and Managing Director Kelly Jamieson and Westpac Managing Director of Business Lending Tamara Bryden to unpack what it really takes to launch and grow a successful business.

Kelly shares how she turned a kitchen-table idea into one of Australia’s best-known gifting businesses, while Tamara explains why women still receive just a fraction of startup funding—and what can be done to change it.

Together, they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship: testing an idea before investing heavily, managing cash flow, securing finance, scaling beyond the “messy middle” and why building a business often means working harder than you’ve ever worked before.

Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your corporate job, growing a side hustle or taking your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice from two women who’ve helped thousands of businesses get off the ground.

You’ll learn:
Why women still face bigger barriers when raising capital
How to test a business idea before investing thousands
What banks actually want to see in a business plan
The biggest cash flow mistakes new founders make
How to scale beyond the “messy middle” of business growth
Why your network can be as valuable as your funding
The mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from everyone else
Why “freedom” isn’t the best reason to start your own business

Starting a business is exciting. Building one that lasts is something else entirely.
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys is joined by Edible Blooms Co-founder and Managing Director Kelly Jamieson and Westpac Managing Director of Business Lending Tamara Bryden to unpack what it really takes to launch and grow a successful business.
Kelly shares how she turned a kitchen-table idea into one of Australia&rsquo;s best-known gifting businesses, while Tamara explains why women still receive just a fraction of startup funding&mdash;and what can be done to change it.
Together, they discuss the realities of entrepreneurship: testing an idea before investing heavily, managing cash flow, securing finance, scaling beyond the &ldquo;messy middle&rdquo; and why building a business often means working harder than you&rsquo;ve ever worked before.
Whether you&rsquo;re dreaming of leaving your corporate job, growing a side hustle or taking your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice from two women who&rsquo;ve helped thousands of businesses get off the ground.
You&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why women still face bigger barriers when raising capital</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to test a business idea before investing thousands</li>
<li aria-level="1">What banks actually want to see in a business plan</li>
<li aria-level="1">The biggest cash flow mistakes new founders make</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to scale beyond the &ldquo;messy middle&rdquo; of business growth</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why your network can be as valuable as your funding</li>
<li aria-level="1">The mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from everyone else</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why &ldquo;freedom&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t the best reason to start your own business</li>
</ul>

How to Fund, Start and Scale with Edible Blooms’ Kelly Jamieson and Westpac’s Tamara Bryden

Jun Bei Liu arrived in Australia from China at 16 with little English but big ambitions.

Today, she's the co-founder of Ten Cap, one of Australia's top-performing hedge funds, and one of the country's most respected stock pickers.

In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with Jun Bei to unpack where she's finding opportunities in today's market, why she's avoiding some of the biggest names in AI, and what every investor should understand before buying into the latest hype.

From SpaceX's eye-watering valuation to the future of Australia's banks, Jun Bei shares the frameworks she uses to separate great businesses from great investments — and why the smartest money isn't always going where everyone else is.

You'll learn:
Why Jun Bei is backing the "picks and shovels" powering the AI boom, rather than trying to pick the winning platform.
What the SpaceX IPO can teach everyday investors about hype, valuation and timing.
Why volatility and uncertainty can create the best buying opportunities.
The investing philosophy Jun Bei learnt from her father — and how she's now teaching it to her own children.
Why understanding the business behind the brands you already use can make you a better investor.

Whether you're investing for the first time or looking to sharpen your thinking in a rapidly changing market, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will change the way you look at money, markets and opportunity.

Jun Bei Liu arrived in Australia from China at 16 with little English but big ambitions.
Today, she's the co-founder of Ten Cap, one of Australia's top-performing hedge funds, and one of the country's most respected stock pickers.
In this episode of The Pay Off, Sylvia Jeffreys sits down with Jun Bei to unpack where she's finding opportunities in today's market, why she's avoiding some of the biggest names in AI, and what every investor should understand before buying into the latest hype.
From SpaceX's eye-watering valuation to the future of Australia's banks, Jun Bei shares the frameworks she uses to separate great businesses from great investments &mdash; and why the smartest money isn't always going where everyone else is.
You'll learn:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why Jun Bei is backing the "picks and shovels" powering the AI boom, rather than trying to pick the winning platform.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the SpaceX IPO can teach everyday investors about hype, valuation and timing.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why volatility and uncertainty can create the best buying opportunities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The investing philosophy Jun Bei learnt from her father &mdash; and how she's now teaching it to her own children.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why understanding the business behind the brands you already use can make you a better investor.</li>
</ul>
Whether you're investing for the first time or looking to sharpen your thinking in a rapidly changing market, this conversation is packed with practical insights that will change the way you look at money, markets and opportunity.

Is Private Education Worth It? with Skye Predavec

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