Friends With Money

After a turbulent year for the local market, which Australian stocks could shine in 2026?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Dale Gillham, chief investment analyst at Wealth Within, to run through the Australian companies that investors may want to consider adding to their Christmas lists.

00:00 Introduction

02:31 2025 Australian market recap

07:54 Large cap picks for 2026

12:55 The world of micro caps

18:43 Concerns about index funds

21:04 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #dalegillham #shares #investing

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Rising property values have left many retirees rich on paper but short on cash, so are there options for those looking to utilise their home equity?

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Chris Grice, chief executive of National Seniors Australia, to discuss reverse mortgages, equity releases schemes and the government-run Home Equity Releases Scheme.

00:00 Introduction

00:28 The 'asset rich, cash poor' dilemma

01:24 Exploring reverse mortgages

07:03 Addressing concerns about reverse mortgages

9:24 Equity release schemes

10:11 Introduction to the Home Equity Access Scheme

13:54 Comparing equity release options

16:02 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #chrisgrice #reversemortgages #homeequity

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Ready to start building a deposit towards your first home? The First Home Super Saver Scheme could help you reach your target faster.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Derek Gascoigne, private client adviser at UniSuper, to run through the nuts and bolts of the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS).

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Overview of the First Home Super Saver Scheme

05:40 Eligibility criteria

09:21 How to access your FHSSS contributions

14:36 Planning and important considerations

17:23 Final thoughts and advice

20:15 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #derekgascoigne #superannuation #fhsss

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With the festive season fast approaching it's time to get serious about budgeting, spending and avoiding post-Christmas debt.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Tom Watson is joined by Sarah Meggison, personal finance expert at Finder, to run through a survival guide and a host of financial tips for the 2025 festive season.

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Financial hurdles of the festive season

02:14 Black Friday: The perfect time for Christmas shopping?

05:55 Budgeting and planning for Christmas expenses

13:37 Avoiding post-Christmas debt

16:50 Are these festive season scenarios faux pas or fair play?

23:16 Conclusion

#friendswithmoney #tomwatson #sarahmegginson #christmas

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In this episode of the Friends With Money podcast, Money's Michelle Baltazar speaks with Alex Homer, chief customer and brand officer at insurance group TAL, about navigating life and living insurance.

They discuss the importance of insurance for younger people, different types of living insurance, and how superannuation funds can help.

Alex also shares practical tips for young workers and the self-employed on obtaining and managing insurance.

01:19 Defining life and living insurance

01:54 Understanding living insurance types

05:23 Insurance in superannuation funds

11:02 Practical tips for young workers

14:24 Bonus Round: Superannuation payments for gig workers

15:57 Conclusion and final thoughts

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