Money: Faith & Finance

Should you be able to access your super before retirement? One Nation says yes, and its own modelling puts the figure at $44 a week. Accountant Pete Burrows and Ben McEachen weigh that against what it costs later: around $25,000 forgone, a one-time window you can never use twice, and billions of dollars flowing into an already stretched housing market. Ben argues we're adults who can be trusted with our own money. Pete has watched clients treat early super access like an ATM. Two fair cases, and one answer. Key Takeaways Super is already accessible, but only just. Compassionate grounds, serious illness or six months on Centrelink. The proposal's real change is widening that gate, not creating access where none existed. The trade is $44 a week now against roughly $25,000 later. Pete's test is the practical one: before you touch super, is there a pay rise, a tax refund or a cost saving that gets you to the same place? The discipline is the product. Super works partly because you cannot get at it. Take the money out and it is spent. Leave it and it compounds for twenty or thirty years. Covid is the precedent nobody planned for. Two financial years of early access, and by Pete's account a minority used it well while many treated it as an ATM. Putting super into housing may not help housing. Billions moving out of retirement savings and into rent and mortgages could push prices up for everyone, including the people the policy is meant to help. It is a one-shot, and the design has gaps. Three years, once in a working life. It does not appear to be means tested, and the tax treatment could favour people who least need it. Notable Quotes "Only in exceptional circumstances should you be accessing your super before retirement." — Pete Burrows "My question would be, is the $44 a week worth it now versus what you could lose?" — Pete Burrows "It was like an ATM. They wanted it. At the moment, that's what the ATM stood for. I want the money now." — Pete Burrows "The one nation proposal is also indicating that we're adults and we can make decisions about our own money." — Ben McEachen "If you didn't really need it, has it just poured more fuel on the housing fire by throwing more money at housing?" — Pete Burrows "You take out three grand, five grand from your super today, that money's spent and gone." — Pete Burrows Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways: The equity market provides expansive coverage of the economy, emphasizing transparency and ease of entry. Start investing early, even with small amounts, to gain experience and benefit from long-term growth. A Chief Investment Officer curates suitable investment strategies, even for those with limited funds. Diversify investments, considering options like government bonds, ETFs, and private credit for stable returns. Balance fiscal goals with faith-driven generosity, acknowledging that wealth should advance personal and communal well-being. Notable Quotes: "The equity market is probably the best place to invest your money for two reasons. One, there is no other market out there that encompasses the entire economy better." – Joe Youssef "Hold your money lightly because you can't take it with you. Coffins don't have pockets." – Pete Burrows "Invest in is good and invest for good." – Joe Youssef "If you have a good advisor, particularly one with a strong Christian moral compass, that helps not just with education and professionalism but also with discipline." – Joe Youssef "It's the time in life where you can afford to make a mistake and you will come back from it." – Pete Burrows Resources: Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Takeaways: Investing is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their income level; the focus should remain on strategic allocation and balanced risk management. Ethical considerations can significantly shape investment strategies, with options like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds aligning well with Christian values. Debt should be managed carefully – while not inherently wrong, it should be taken on responsibly, ensuring it does not lead to financial enslavement. True financial growth aligns with the principles of stewardship found in Christian teachings, emphasizing balance, generosity, and responsible management. Investing isn't solely about financial gain; channels such as education or charitable giving can offer alternative avenues for growth and contribution. Notable Quotes: "The risk is actually what you're investing in. It doesn't matter if you have $10,000 or multimillions." - Joe Youssef "Investing is not gambling. It's actually very astute, to be honest with you." - Joe Youssef "You need to be taking your time doing the work, paying other people to do the work." - Pete Burrows "One of the best investments you could do is in yourself." - Pete Burrows "Balance is crucial. The best advice often comes from those whose focus isn't solely on money." - Joe Youssef Resources: Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest: Joe Youssef is an experienced investment professional and the Chief Investment Officer of Vado Private. With more than 30 years’ experience across financial markets, investment management, and the not-for-profit sector, his career has included senior roles at AMP and Macquarie Bank, as well as serving as CEO of the Sydney Stock Exchange. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to discussions about finance, investment, and the relationship between financial stewardship and the Christian faith. Key Takeaways: Investing is not only about financial gain but about aligning with quality assets and long-term growth strategies. A comprehensive understanding of financial instruments and investment vehicles is crucial for effective and ethical investing. Christians are encouraged to integrate their faith into financial decisions, ensuring investments align with core values. Financial literacy is indispensable, urging individuals to engage in self-education alongside professional advice. Ethical investments should consider the broader impact on society and personal beliefs, avoiding sectors that conflict with faith and values. Notable Quotes: "Investing is Quality assets, long term perspective." – Joe Youssef "You can't con Jesus and you can't con yourself." – Joe Youssef "Coffins don't have pockets." – Common saying from Pete Burrows "Ignorance is no alibi." – Lenny M, highlighting the importance of financial literacy "God gives us the opportunity to make money to provide for our families, but to also use that in the service of others." – Joe Youssef Resources: Vado Private: The investment firm where Joe Youssef is CIO Pete Burrows with Lower Russell and Farr Affluens360: This livestream's 2 prizes valued at $880 each is sponsored by Affluens360 -We help you build a brighter future for your family through wealth management advice Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook, Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investment. Looking forward to you being part of the live Money: Faith and Finance fun at 7pm on Tuesday August 18, 2026. Get your questions and comments in early here. Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia. Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia. Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.