Episodes
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We'e got the latest data on consumer prices. So what's going up and what's coming down? And how does all this play into the September RBA interest rate decision. It's a big month - it's the last time Governor Philip Lowe will be in charge before he hands over the top job to Michele Bullock. We take a look at what she's likely to focus on and just how big the job ahead is. On the list: inflation, implementing changes from the RBA Review and climate change to name a few. We've packed a lot into 16 minutes! CommBank Senior Economist Belinda Allen joins Gillian to discuss.
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The latest Intergenerational Report is out. It's a large document released by Treasury which projects the outlook of the economy and the Australian Government's budget. The 2023 report looks ahead to 2062-63. This episode goes through the key takeaways (your tax future, your superannuation future, your working future, your old age future, your climate change future) and the predicted impacts on the lives of Australians in the decades to come. Some of the scenarios are 'big, dark and scary'. So what can be done now to make a better future? As always - it's a spirited discussion when Gillian has on finance and money commentator, author and head of strategy at InvestSmart, Evan Lucas.
Read The Intergenerational Report
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Episodes manquant?
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There's been a slight increase in the number of unemployed people (36,000 people) but there's also slight positive. Putting up interest rates while unemployment is worsening, is unlikely to sit right with the Reserve Bank. The economists this episode explain why. We also examine the latest average weekly earnings. They're on the rise. So which state is performing best? Which job? And women are ticking ahead - we reveal why. With jobs and earnings data now to consider - we explain what's likely to happen at Philip Lowe's last RBA board meeting as Governor. AMP Australia Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina and St George Bank Senior Economist Jarek Kowcza join Gillian for this look under the economic hood.
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The August RBA rates decision, the latest lending data and the Australians working multiple jobs to make ends meet - there's a lot to unpack in this episode of Making Money Easy. Find out why one of my economists thinks the RBA is now finished with hiking interest rates. We reveal one of the biggest surprises in the economy this year and what economists have got wrong. It's a good, deep and meaningful chin-wag, complete with multiple laughs. Barrenjoey Chief Economist Jo Masters and Bank of Queensland Chief Economst Peter Munckton join Gillian to explain.
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There are a lot of lags in the economy right now. The cost of a bag of chips is a good example. The impact of multiple RBA rate hikes on mortgage holders now coming off fixed rates is another. Some of the lags are really hurting. This episode we explore the impact of lags, and whether the RBA will take any of them into account when it makes its August interest rate decision. While some economists think it's a flip of the coin, they are agreed we're not far from the top of the hiking cycle. Analysis of the latest inflation data is a good place to start in understanding how the economy is performing and where consumers are feeling it. And maybe, just maybe - the data is telling us to stay away from the carbs ;-)
Barrenjoey Senior Economist Johnathan McMenamin and Impact Economics, Economics Manager Emma Grey join Gillian to explain.
Click here to see the Australian Bureau of Statistics Graph
Measuring What Matters Statement
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The number of new jobs that popped into the Australian economy in June was a surprise. One of our economists this episode has even described the result as 'stellar'. So the big question - will all these extra jobs and the money they deliver consumers, help or fuel inflation? We take a look. We also reveal WHO will lead the Reserve Bank going forward. What are her views on interest rates and inflation? How will the RBA look different? What is the job ahead? Plus - intel on when the next rate rise will be and the coming CUTS. And we go beyond the headlines when it comes to the cost of living crisis - thanks to data from Australia's biggest bank. Who is floundering? Who has all the savings? And WHAT are the big events we just can't help but spend on. CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick and RBC Capital Markets Chief Economist Su-Lin Ong join Gillian to explain.
How the Reserve Bank overhaul will impact you
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So the Reserve Bank is taking an opportunity to get some more economic information - thank goodness says mortgage holders who are really starting to feel the results of 12 interest rate hikes since May 2022. The official cash rate remained ON HOLD for July but don't relax just yet. Find out why a rate hike is likely in August. We've got some shock housing figures, the latest on lending in Australia, an update on 'asking rents' and a great discussion on how childcare HELPS the economy - topical considering recent research by the Consumer Watchdog (ACCC) which confirmed childcare fees rose faster than inflation and wage growth during the past four years. Learn how childcare allows Australia to grab some labour hours - from working parents - back into the economy. ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbrell and CommBank Economist Stephen Wu join Gillian to explain.
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There's been a bit of a win - consumers are tightening their belts. The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 5.6 per cent in the 12 months to May 2023. According to the Bureau of Statistics - that's the smallest increase since April last year. This episode the experts tackle the big question - is inflation going down fast enough to satisfy the Reserve Bank. And it's a crucial one to answer with the July RBA board meeting upon us. And happy new financial year. There's a key change about to be rolled out on wages while the experts explain how to use enterprise agreements and rents to predict what's coming down the inflation pipeline. Independent Economist Nicki Hutley and Economics Editor at The Conversation and visiting fellow at The Crawford School of Public Policy Peter Martin, join Gillian to explain.
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There's a sector shedding jobs in Australia right now, so what can it tell us about the economy and whether things are starting to turn in the labour market. This episode we look at how to use the data to see what's around the corner. The Reserve Bank will be looking too. We can also tell you what the RBA was, and wasn't saying, around the board room table when it decided to hike interest rates in June. Plus the impacts of state budgets and why it could make the RBA's job a little harder. There's also talk of the triple-A credit rating for NSW being at risk - we get to the truth of it and the impact on taxpayers if it does get downgraded. There's plenty to learn. Join Westpac Group Economist Jameson Coombs as he explains to Gillian.
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A central bank has decided to keep interest rates on hold - what does it mean for Australia and will it inspire the Reserve Bank to follow suit? One of our neighbours is in recession. We explore the impacts here, if Australia is on the path to the same thing and if a recession can help inflation. There are a lot of things at play right now in the economy - including a strong labour market - and boy is it complicated. This episode will help you understand what's going on. Plus we've got details on Australia's population - can you guess where everyone is moving domestically? Impact Economics Lead Economist Angela Jackson and Head of Australian Economics at ANZ Adam Boyton joins Gillian to explain.
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Interest rates has been hiked again. This episode we take a look at the unevenness of the Reserve Bank's main tool to curb high inflation. How are mortgage holders coping and why the RBA is pushing ahead with short term pain, for long term gain. We explain another way to tackle inflation that's NOT interest rates, explain why house prices are rising in the face of rising rates, and why a slowing economy is a good news story. Plus - learn something new: we explain unit labour costs. Who cares you say? Well it's directly linked to you as a worker or as a business owner and the RBA is WATCHING it. ANZ Senior Economist Felicity Emmett and Westpac Group Senior Economist Pat Bustamante join Gillian to explain.
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The monthly inflation figures are out. We pick apart the story behind the high prices, who's doing what and why my economists don't think inflation expectations are out of hand in Australia. Plus - revenge spending - what's that and why is it happening right now. We take a look at the impact of the latest economic data on the pending June Reserve Bank Board meeting - HINT - a risk of another rate rise is HIGH. And can you become more productive? The RBA Governor has been talking about wage rises and productivity, but the experts this episode aren't convinced it's an issue. Bank of Queensland Chief Economist Peter Munckton and AMP Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina join Gillian to explain
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Cost of living is front and centre right now so here's an episode to help you discover how to bust some bills. Have you noticed increases in your phone plan? How about home and car insurance premiums? Energy bills are an obvious one. We take you through the benefits of comparison websites, the pros and cons of bundling. and tips on how to work out if you're getting a bad deal. Plus, have you looked at what energy rebates you might qualify for? One state is paying its households $250 just for visiting its energy comparison site! OneBigSwitch Campaigner and Easy Money: 7 steps to Bust Your Bills author Joel Gibson joins Gillian to explain.
Joel's Twitter
Joel's TikTok
energymadeeasy.gov.au
Victorian Energy Compare
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So the dust has settled since Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the May Budget. Making Money Easy thinks this is the best time for a bit of in-depth analysis of what's in it and its impact. This episode's economists explain what they like about it, where the Treasurer could have gone further and the impact of this economic plan on inflation. Plus - how did we get a surplus? Does it really matter? Is it a one-off? You won't find any winners and losers analysis here - instead the experts highlight danger zones and the role of this budget, in any future reform plans. EY Oceania Chief Economist Cherelle Murphy and Market Economics Managing Director Stephen Koukoulas join Gillian to explain.
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There's been a shock move - and it's not Gillian on the dancefloor. The Reserve Bank Board decided to lift rates at its May meeting despite many an economist forecasting a pause. So what's going on - this episode we explain the thinking from the RBA and the impact of the rate hike. Plus, the other big economic 'thing' on the horizon - the Federal Budget. What can we expect and what are economists looking for. Superannuation changes, welfare support and the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)* are among some of the measures under the spotlight. Manager Economics, Impact Economics Emma Grey and Barrenjoey Senior Economist Johnathan McMenamin join Gillian to explain.
*This episode was recorded, just ahead of the announcement by the Government confirming its changes to the PRRT.
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So there's been a slowing down in the rate of inflation but don't go celebrating in the streets just yet - the cost of living is still intense. This episode takes you through how consumers are still being impacted despite signs of improvement. From rents, electricity and medical services to those spending up big on domestic travel and accommodation - we explain the wealth inequality in parts of the Australian economy. Plus the May interest rate decision is pending - what's coming your way this month AND in August. And we've the latest ANZ research on the housing market that will leave you surprised, or actually - maybe it's just what you expect from property prices in this country. ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbrell joins Gillian to explain.
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A major shake-up is coming for the Reserve Bank of Australia after its first review in decades. The episode picks apart the 51 recommendations and explains how they impact YOU. When all the changes are rolled out - the RBA should be more transparent when it comes to decision making, have less meetings and even regular news conferences to explain what's what. We also answer the critical question - if there are less interest rate meetings, will your personal bank move on its own when it comes to rates? If you haven't read about what's coming - listen to Making Money Easy for a sprinkling of what you need to know, now. Head of strategy at InvestSMART and Mind Over Money author Evan Lucas joins Gillian to explain.
Here's the episode on Evan's book from Season 2: 'Mind Over Money'
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There are some key economies forecast to go into recession - what will be the impact on Australia. Unemployment remains near record lows - so that's a plus, for now. And women are participating in the workforce like never before. So what's the story with household income and its struggle to cover high inflation, as well as rising interest rates and taxes. Another thing is on the rise - the number of international students returning Down Under. What does this mean for the housing market? And on housing - we've got the latest ANZ Property Council report to go through. Plus - why my economists this episode are split on whether the Reserve Ban will raise or pause rates in May. ANZ Senior Economist Felicity Emmett and CommBank Economist Stephen Wu join Gillian to tell this economic story.
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So after 10 months of interest rates hikes - the Reserve Bank has decided to PAUSE. Find out the impact for the economy, consumers, renters and mortgage holders. One of our experts this episode worked at the RBA - find out why he thinks it's now suffering from 'confusion-driven paralysis'. Plus we reveal the economy crystal ball - did you know it's possible to see the future, find out where to look. And we examine the housing situation (shortages, prices, construction) in Australia. Hear why one of my experts thinks we're not building enough houses, building others in the wrong places and what's getting in the way. What can be done to help? The Centre for Independent Studies Chief Economist Peter Tulip, and Economy Editor, The Conversation and Crawford School of Public Policy Peter Martin join Gillian to explain.
Peter Tulip's housing paper
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If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My economists this week reveal why they're forecasting a pause. But keep listening to find out how long that pause will last. Job vacancies are also out and worth analysising. And we've got a rare 20 year snapshot from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Permanent Migration. It's really interesting reading/listening. We ask the big questions - what has it done for the economy, is the flow right, what's the impact on essential services (housing, health, roads) and how will it impact on inflation into the future. CommBank Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick and Westpac Group Senior Economist Jarek Kowcza join Gillian to discuss.
ABS Permanent Migration Release
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