In this episode, we explore how we can navigate money during major health events, from the immediate financial shock to longer term issues. We discuss the importance of having an emergency fund to cover unexpected medical costs or income disruptions, reviewing and claiming insurance entitlements, and understanding income protection options. We also cover strategies to manage reduced income, from tightening household budgets and pausing mortgage repayments to exploring government support and even selling assets if needed. Beyond the practical, we emphasize setting up powers of attorney, leaning on family, community, or charity support, and working closely with advisors to reassess financial goals once recovery begins. Ultimately, we highlight that being prepared with a plan gives us the flexibility and resilience to handle life’s most difficult moments.

Tune in to this episode to learn how we can prepare, adapt, and take control of our finances during major health events so we’re better equipped for life’s toughest challenges.

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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 having an emergency fund is essential during a health crisis

• How to use insurance and income protection to cover unexpected costs

• Practical steps for managing reduced income and cutting expenses

• Options for pausing mortgage repayments and accessing financial relief

• When to consider selling assets and understanding tax implications

• The importance of powers of attorney and estate planning in medical events

• Leveraging family, community, and charity support networks

• Reassessing financial goals and priorities after a major health event

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

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

In this episode, we celebrate our 200th podcast by diving into how we can help our kids financially without jeopardizing our own retirement. We explore the rising trend of parents assisting with property deposits, education costs, rent, or allowing adult children to move back home, and weigh the trade-offs these choices create for our long-term financial security. We discuss the importance of having a solid retirement plan first, considering timing and sustainability, protecting contributions through structures like loans or binding financial agreements, and being able to say no or set conditions without guilt. We also highlight non-monetary ways to help, such as childcare, meals, or being a guarantor, and stress the value of financial literacy for adult children. Ultimately, we encourage thoughtful, strategic planning—often with professional advice—so we can support our kids while still enjoying a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Tune in to discover practical, heartfelt strategies for supporting your kids financially without sacrificing your own retirement security.

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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

• Balancing helping your kids with protecting your retirement savings

• Common ways parents support adult children beyond cash gifts

• Why a solid retirement plan is essential before offering financial help

• Protecting contributions with loan agreements or binding financial arrangements

• Non-monetary ways to provide meaningful support

• The importance of timing and sustainable giving

• Encouraging financial literacy and independence in adult children

• Seeking professional advice to avoid tax and structural pitfalls

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

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

In this episode, we go behind how to financially prepare for the arrival of a baby. We explore everything from understanding parental leave entitlements and modeling cash flow changes to budgeting for upfront and ongoing baby expenses. We share practical strategies like using half-pay to stretch income, adjusting emergency funds, and planning for unexpected costs like childcare. We also emphasize the importance of reviewing insurance coverage and estate planning to protect your growing family. Ultimately, we reflect on how flexibility, mental preparedness, and temporary financial pivots are key to navigating this exciting yet vulnerable life stage.

Tune in to this episode to gain practical, real-world financial tips that will help you confidently prepare for the life-changing journey of becoming a parent.

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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

• Understanding government and employer parental leave entitlements

• How to calculate and prepare for changes in household cash flow

• The benefits of taking parental leave at half pay to extend financial support

• Creating a realistic baby budget: upfront vs. ongoing costs

• Why an emergency fund needs to grow when a baby is on the way

• The importance of reviewing life, trauma, and income protection insurance

• Planning ahead for childcare and education expenses

• When and why to update your will, guardianship, and beneficiaries

• The psychological impact of temporary financial setbacks—and how to cope

• Practical strategies for staying flexible and financially resilient during big life changes

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, we explore the true cost of owning property in 2025. We unpack how most people fixate on mortgage repayments without considering the broader financial landscape—rising interest rates, land tax hikes, government unpredictability (especially in Victoria), and ongoing maintenance or compliance costs. We examine hidden costs like body corporate fees, off-the-plan construction risks, and the opportunity cost of tying up capital in underperforming assets. Throughout the episode, we reflect on how property ownership can still be a powerful wealth-building tool if approached with foresight, strategy, and solid financial buffers. We also share personal anecdotes, hard truths, and a few laughs while emphasizing that success in property comes from being prepared, not just optimistic.

Tune in to uncover the real costs of property ownership in 2025 and learn how to make smarter financial decisions before you buy.

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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 mortgage repayments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to property costs

• The hidden impact of rising interest rates on long-term affordability

• How government charges like land tax and stamp duty can shift unexpectedly

• The financial and emotional cost of maintaining and renovating a property

• Key risks with off-the-plan purchases and construction delays

• The importance of emergency buffers and realistic budgeting

• Why strata and body corporate fees can catch owners off guard

• How opportunity cost plays a major role in long-term property decisions

• The difference between how much you can borrow vs. how much you should

• Why property is still a powerful wealth-building tool

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! We are back again with our monthly ‘Market Wrap’ segment.

In this episode, we explore into a comprehensive market wrap covering July’s economic movements and global financial trends. We discuss the S&P 500's slight dip despite reaching record highs, highlight that 88% of reporting companies exceeded expectations, and analyze the market’s reaction—or lack thereof—due to preemptive pricing. We explore the stabilizing impact of key international trade deals, like those between the U.S. and the EU, Japan, and the Philippines, and assess the ongoing uncertainty in U.S. housing due to oversupply and affordability. We then shift focus to China’s slowed GDP growth and persistent property issues, with hopes pinned on further government stimulus.

Closer to home, we examine the ASX 200’s modest rise, the Reserve Bank of Australia's surprise rate hold, and the likelihood of an upcoming interest rate cut. We also note strengthening in the Victorian property market, supported by high clearance rates and spring demand, and touch on how resilient commodity demand from China is boosting Australia’s mining sector and northern property markets.

Tune in to this episode for a sharp, engaging breakdown of global markets, interest rates, property trends, and what it all means for your money.

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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

• S&P 500 hits all-time highs in July despite a slight monthly dip of 0.66%

• 88% of reporting U.S. companies beat market expectations—the strongest result since Q2 2021

• Trade deal clarity with the EU, Japan, and China helps stabilize global markets

• U.S. housing data shows softening trends amid rising supply and affordability concerns

• China’s GDP growth slows to 5.2%, with ongoing property price declines and stimulus hopes

• ASX 200 rises 0.41% as the RBA surprises by holding rates steady in July

• Markets anticipate an August rate cut, with 50% odds priced in for a 50 basis point drop

• Victoria’s property market shows strength with clearance rates around 70% amid spring demand

• Australian mining and northern property markets benefit from steady Chinese commodity demand

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, we dive into outdated money rules that no longer hold up in 2025. We debunk traditional advice like saving only 10% of your income, always buying property over renting, keeping just a three-month emergency fund, paying off all debt before investing, and expecting to spend less in retirement. We explore how shifts in the economy, rising living costs, and evolving lifestyles demand new financial strategies. From embracing "rentvesting" to rethinking car ownership and investment timing, we break down how modern financial planning must adapt. And we wrap up by reaffirming one timeless truth: always spend less than you earn—and invest the surplus.

Tune in to this episode to rethink your money habits and learn which financial rules you need to break to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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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 10% savings rule no longer cuts it in today’s economy

• Renting isn’t dead money—unless you’re not investing the difference

• Why a 3-month emergency fund may leave you financially exposed

• Rethinking the idea of paying off all debt before investing

• The myth of spending less in retirement—and what really happens

• How car ownership is changing and why paying cash isn't always best

• The value of adapting old money rules to modern financial realities

• One timeless principle that still holds true

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, we explore the topic of financial red flags—what they are, how to spot them, and how to protect ourselves from the consequences. We explore warning signs like secrecy around money, hidden bank accounts, manipulation, unrealistic financial promises, and overleveraging in both business and personal relationships. Drawing on real-life examples and personal experiences, we highlight the importance of transparency, open communication, and the power of documentation. Whether it's about merging finances with a partner or lending money to family, we stress the importance of trusting your gut, working with professionals, and always verifying the details. Plus, we sprinkle in a bit of humor (including a Coldplay joke) to keep things balanced.

Tune in to this eye-opening episode to learn how to spot financial red flags and protect yourself from costly mistakes in love, life, and business.

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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

• Key financial red flags to watch for in relationships, business, and everyday life

• Why secrecy or control around money is often a major warning sign

• The dangers of financial manipulation, gaslighting, and overpromising returns

• How overleveraging and lifestyle inflation can quietly damage your future

• Real-world examples of deceitful financial behavior and its consequences

• Tips for building financial transparency and trust with partners

• The importance of documentation when lending money to friends or family

• Practical steps to protect yourself: trust, verify, and work with professionals

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, we dive into how business owners can turn profit into personal wealth. We explore the dangers of reinvesting every dollar back into your business without building wealth outside of it, and the risks of assuming your business will always remain profitable or sellable. We discuss the importance of paying yourself first—treating yourself like a creditor by consistently diverting a portion of your profits into other assets like property, shares, or superannuation. We emphasize that while business owners are used to paying themselves last, developing the habit of wealth-building outside the business can safeguard against disruptions, provide asset protection, and support better retirement outcomes. We also cover strategies for asset allocation, tax minimization, and estate planning, reinforcing the value of long-term planning and diversification.

Start building your personal wealth today by paying yourself first and diversifying your business profits—because your future shouldn’t depend solely on your business.

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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 relying solely on your business for long-term wealth can be risky

• The importance of paying yourself first and building wealth outside your business

• Common pitfalls business owners face by reinvesting all profits back into the business

• How to choose between investing in property, shares, or superannuation

• The role of asset protection and tax minimization in wealth strategy

• Why superannuation should be a key part of your financial plan

• The psychological impact of selling a business without prior investing experience

• Practical steps to start extracting profit and creating personal wealth now

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

Apple Podcast

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