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:

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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:

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

In this episode, Billy and Andrew draw from real client experiences to expose the hidden financial risks of off-the-plan purchases that most buyers never consider until it's too late. From valuation gaps at settlement to developer insolvencies during COVID, they reveal why buying property you can't see yet might be one of the riskiest financial decisions you can make.

Discover what you need to know before signing that contract and committing to a property that won't exist for another two years.

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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

• Valuation gaps at settlement and what happens when banks won't lend

• Developer and builder insolvency risks (lessons from COVID)

• How lending conditions can change between signing and settlement

• Quality defects and contract fine print that protects builders, not buyers

• Hidden costs: strata fees, special levies, and owners corporation surprises

• Sunset clauses and how developers can cancel your contract for profit

• Limited capital growth in high-density apartment markets

• Why choosing the right builder matters as much as the property itself

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 explore the paradox of over-saving: how being too conservative with your finances can quietly erode your wealth and rob you of life experiences you'll never get back.

From the cautionary tale of a 50-year-old with 12 debt-free properties but no hobbies or holidays, to retirees paying unnecessary tax on million-dollar savings accounts, we reveal the invisible costs of financial paralysis. Discover why holding excess cash, avoiding professional advice to save fees, and defaulting to "no" can cost you more than you realize—both financially and personally.

Tune in to learn how to find the balance between financial security and actually living the life your money is meant to create.

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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

• The real-life cost of extreme financial discipline without purpose

• How excess cash savings silently erode through inflation and opportunity cost

• Why being "60% certain" is enough to make financial decisions

• The compounding opportunity you lose by waiting for perfect timing

• Tax traps from holding assets in the wrong ownership structures

• When saving on fees costs you more in the long run

• Why being good with money doesn't automatically build wealth

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

Apple Podcast

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

In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle the all-too-familiar January reality: opening that credit card statement after the festive season. They share practical strategies for dealing with post-Christmas debt without shame, from conducting a quick 30-minute spending reset to cutting invisible aftershocks like forgotten subscriptions. You'll learn why paying off debt trumps preserving savings balances, how to triage expenses without raiding long-term investments, and the simple math behind building a December buffer.

Tune in to discover how to reset your systems, not just your willpower.

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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

• Acknowledging overspending without shame or avoidance

• The 30-minute spending reset to categorize December/January expenses

• Cutting invisible aftershocks: subscriptions, deferred payments, and planned projects

• Why you should pay off credit card debt immediately, even from savings

• Triage before optimize: protecting long-term investments while clearing short-term debt

• Building a December buffer with small, consistent savings throughout the year

• Resetting financial systems instead of relying on willpower

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 share their real-time experience navigating whether to renovate the family home or relocate. We break down the financial equation behind this major decision, covering the hidden costs most people underestimate and the equity considerations that could save you tens of thousands.

We also walk through the all-in costs of both options—from stamp duty and agent fees to construction delays and builder insolvencies. We explore why transaction costs are "sunk costs" that create zero equity, how renovations can add more value than their cost, and the cash flow challenges that can derail even well-planned projects.

Tune in to understand the complete financial picture before you make your move.

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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

• True all-in costs: renovating vs relocating

• Why transaction costs destroy equity

• How renovations can return more than you invest

• Cash flow and borrowing capacity considerations

• Risk factors: construction delays, builder insolvency, and council approvals

• Lifestyle and livability factors beyond the dollars

• Tax implications and over-capitalization risks

• Break-even timelines for your investment

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, we break down the real costs of raising children and share practical strategies to balance your kids' opportunities with your own financial security. Drawing from our experience advising families navigating these decisions, we discuss private school alternatives, the danger of over-committing even on high incomes, and why teaching your kids about money matters more than any deposit you give them.

Tune in to discover how to future-proof your family's finances without sacrificing your own wealth goals.

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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

• The true lifetime cost: $450K–$600K (and why it's often higher)

• Education expenses: public vs. private school trade-offs

• The oxygen mask principle: balancing kids' needs with your financial security

• Future-proofing for milestones: cars, uni, first home deposits

• Teaching kids financial literacy to build generational wealth

• Insurance and risk protection when family expenses increase

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

Apple Podcast

Spotify