Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!

In this episode, Billy and Andrew break down the shocking data you need to know: Australia's unexpected rate rise while the world cuts rates, the US earnings season that beat expectations by 85-90%, and why the Aussie dollar hitting 70 cents against the USD matters for your portfolio.

Discover why China's 5% GDP growth is considered a slowdown, what Kevin Walsh's Fed appointment really means for your investments, and the simple truth about interest rates hurting only one-third of Australians while helping another third.

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This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706

Episode Highlights

• Trump's Fed Chair pick Kevin Walsh and the market volatility it triggered

• 85-90% of US companies beat earnings expectations—one of the strongest seasons in years

• Australia's rate rise while global economies cut rates (and why the market pricing in another by November)

• China's house prices down despite 5% GDP growth—the wealth effect in reverse

• ASX 200 up 1.84% in January despite headwinds

• Aussie dollar at 70 cents—what it means for travelers and exporters

• Why interest rate policy only directly impacts one-third of mortgage holders

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

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Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!

In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle the paradox plaguing middle-class households: wages are up, but financial stress is higher than ever. We explore the hidden forces draining your wallet—from subscription creep and lifestyle inflation to housing costs and Australia's tax burden—and why it's exponentially harder to manage money today than even a decade ago.

This episode unpacks why middle-class Australians are experiencing the squeeze despite rising incomes—and what you can do about it.

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This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706

Episode Highlights

• Why the "middle-class squeeze" hits hardest between upper and lower income brackets

• How businesses have become smarter at getting you to spend without noticing

• The real cost of social media comparison and lifestyle creep

• Why housing and taxation are compounding the problem

• Practical strategies to prioritize financial flexibility over lifestyle optimization

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!

In this episode, Billy and Andrew reveal why most Australians - including the "experts" - fundamentally misunderstand this backyard barbecue favourite. The real question isn't which asset class has better returns. It's about leverage, tax structure, liquidity, and behavioral discipline.

We break down the hidden costs everyone conveniently forgets (stamp duty, interest, maintenance, selling fees), explain why concentration risk matters more than you think, and expose the psychological tricks that make property "feel" safer than shares. You'll discover why the right answer depends on your cash flow, life stage, and ability to handle market noise - not what your mate's grandfather made on his investment property.

Tune in to finally understand what actually matters when building long-term wealth.

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This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706

Episode Highlights

• Why headline return comparisons are meaningless

• The leverage trap: how debt magnifies both gains and losses

• Hidden property costs that destroy your actual returns

• Liquidity matters: selling a bedroom vs selling shares

• Concentration risk - one tenant vs diversified income streams

• The behavioral edge property has over shares

• Tax structures that change everything

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

Apple Podcast

Spotify