

The Money Puzzle
The Australian
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 24, 2026 • 28min
Property investors fret over CGT but rate rises may stall soon
Are we looking the wrong way? As property investors fret over likely lifts in Capital Gains Tax, the bigger issue for long term investors is interest rates: Despite the industry-wide assumption that we are in a new rate hike cycle, it is looking increasingly likely that rates are not going to go through the roof, in fact some already believe we should be thinking about lower rates in the near future. Dr Sam Wylie of the Windlestone Education group and Melbourne Business School joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The CGT scare - How will if affect you How share investing may have a tax advantage over property soon* Interest rate hiking cycle...maybe not? Is super recontributing a form of money laundering? asks a listener See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 2026 • 30min
Inheritance tax: Has something changed?
More investors are coming to realise that inherited super is taxed at 17 per cent, but the government has stirred a hornet's nest in adding a de facto death tax into the new super tax legislation. What to do? Hugh Robertson of Centaur Financial joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Inheritance tax changes : What you need to know Understanding your super caps for the year ahead How the kids raise your Medicare Levy Surcharge Dealing with overseas shares and ETFs See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 2026 • 38min
Should you put your extra dollars in super or the family home
At the very core of wealth building is the dilemma of setting up your super or making sure you own a home; The long-term returns on both investment choices are broadly similar, but the tax system is hugely in favour of the home-owner. So what to do? James Gerrard of www.financialadviser.com.au joins Associate Editor James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The in-built bias against renters in the tax system If you already contribute 12% to super by law- should you add more? The lesser-known bias against renters in pensions and super Optimising the tax system to your life-stage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2026 • 32min
Inflation is eating your investment returns...what to do?
Interest rates are moving higher again as the RBA renews its battle with inflation: It's time to think seriously about inflation-proofing your investments, and that means a lot more than buying some gold. Chris Brycki of the Stockspot group joins Associate Editor - James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The full menu for inflation-proofing your investments Big super funds don't have gold, but should you? Why Japan is back on the radar for sharemarket investors Dangers of market timing your superannuation choices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 10, 2026 • 25min
How to become a property investor for $300,000
'You can't get into the property investment market for less than $1m' is something you may hear regularly...but is it true? High-profile investor Nathan Birch says not only can you get into the market for $300,000 or less, but you can do it without negative gearing. Nathan Birch of the B Invested group joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Buying cheap - how to get started in property Why entry-level property is the hot spot Property types that fit the bill Locations across Australia still offering good value See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 5, 2026 • 30min
Why you must take more risk for longer than you think
Whether you are with a big super fund - or run your own SMSF - the outstanding risk for your long-term return is whether your portfolio is appropriate for your age? The chances are that you are being too conservative because you are going to live a lot longer than you realise. Anna Shelley, chief investment officer at AMP joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Are you taking enough risk? The end of traditional age-based rules for investors A new era of inflation could shrink your spending power Getting to know the 'bucket strategy' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3, 2026 • 23min
Gold... is this the pullback you've been waiting for?
Gold prices jumped dramatically last year and then soared through the $US5,000 milestone last month: Now the price is suddenly heading south as profit takers push the price down closer to $US4,660. Some listeners may have missed the gold rally, our guest today - a specialist gold mining stock picker - says this might be a time to reconsider. David Franklyn of the Argonaut Gold Fund joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: Gold prices drop as rally stalls...how to play the pullback? Why gold miners are set to boom in the next phase of the gold rally Managed funds versus ETFs for gold investors Top gold stocks to consider now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 29, 2026 • 29min
Listener Questions Answered : Defensive assets, super tax sting and US investment risks
The sharemarket is surging and we are trading like it's late 2007, which makes it a very good time to review how your portfolio would fare if things turn sour.It's also time to catch up on new changes in super. Liam Shorte of the Sonas Wealth group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: Cash, annuities and hybrids Stings in the new super tax bill US investments and Australian tax Should I transfer my UK pension back to Australia? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 27, 2026 • 28min
Property tax risks rise for the year ahead
If you are planning to put more money in the property market this year, be warned the risks of tax changes are now clearly on the table: Top of the agenda is a wind back in Capital Gain Tax concessions. Peter Esho of Flexdoc joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: The biggest tax risk for property investors this year How Victoria's Airbnb tax has backfired Property's role as a 'hard asset' in a time of currency debasement Our 'listener questions' segment returns See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 2026 • 35min
Your complete 2026 investment outlook
How many years can a bull market last? What will it take to dampen investor sentiment in the year ahead, and what should you, the active investor, be doing? Will Hamilton of Hamilton Wealth Partners joins Associate Editor - Wealth, James Kirby in this episode In today's show, we cover: The risks and opportunity in the 2026 listed markets How to defend against the looming risk of inflation Gold - do you have it, how much should you have ? Fading into rallies - the art of taking profits at the right time See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


