Key Takeaways:

• Shrinkflation Defined: Products reduce in size or quantity, but prices remain unchanged, leading to effectively higher costs per unit.
• Skimflation Insight: Some products may have reduced quality or fewer ingredients, offering less value for the same price.
• Consumer Response: Use unit pricing for more informed purchasing decisions and consider paring back on non-essential items.
• Financial Wisdom: Evaluate product necessity and embrace contentment as part of smart financial stewardship.
• Brand Loyalty’s Cost: Recognizing the potential financial impact of sticking to familiar brands without considering alternatives.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think we've got a little bit of nostalgia, but I do think packaging is generally a little bit smaller these days."

• "Inflation is not necessarily a bad thing. The cost of things go up, people's wages go up."

• "The company didn’t promise you that that block of family-sized chocolate was always going to be 250 grams." - Pete Burrows
• "It sounds like these really caring companies out there are trying to encourage me to do that." - Ben McEachen
• "Smaller isn't cheaper really. That's probably what we're going to get." - Pete Burrows

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.

Win a copy of the book by Gemma Mitchell here:
Hope1032's Win Page

Head to the previous episode in this pod to have a listen to Gemma share wisdom from the book.

If you want to purchase a copy for you and your family (GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT, just sayin') head to Amazon Australia here!

Hurry competition closes 5th November 2025!!

Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gemma Mitchell is a seasoned financial advisor and the author of The Money Reset. With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Gemma has transitioned from traditional financial advising to managing a team of advisors while focusing on large-scale educational initiatives. These include corporate workshops, podcasts, and writing. Her mission is to make financial advice more accessible and to help individuals in difficult life transitions take control of their financial future. Gemma is also a co-host of the Australian Finance Podcast, where she shares insights into financial management and planning.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalized Financial Strategies: Gemma emphasizes the importance of tailoring financial plans to individual circumstances rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
• The Power of Awareness: Knowing your starting line and acknowledging financial realities are crucial steps toward effective money management and making informed decisions.
• Emotional Aspects of Finance: Understanding and balancing the emotional aspects of financial decision-making can prevent overwhelm and encourage sound decisions.
• The Importance of a Village: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of advisors, mentors, and cheerleaders—the 'village'—is key to financial resilience.
• Income Potential vs. Expense Cutting: Recognizing both the need to manage expenses and the potential to increase income can help stabilize finances during crises.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should." - Gemma Mitchell
2. "It's not about being perfect; it's just about making progress." - Gemma Mitchell
3. "You have to decide that you want things to change, so you're not stuck." - Gemma Mitchell
4. "Awareness is the most important thing, and you don't have to change everything overnight." - Gemma Mitchell
5. "Your village doesn't need to be big, it needs to be strong." - Gemma Mitchell

Resources:

• Gemma Mitchell’s Book: "The Money Reset"
• Australian Finance Podcast: Co-hosted by Gemma Mitchell
• Money, Faith, and Finance Podcast: YouTube Channel

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Superannuation Basics: Learn about superannuation contributions, checking statements, and the various investment options available within Australia's retirement savings scheme.
• Effective Financial Planning: Balancing between contributing to super and paying off a mortgage, gain clarity on managing fees and options, reinforcing the importance of consolidating accounts to save on unnecessary costs.
• Yearly Checkup: Pete emphasizes the significance of annual financial check-ins to manage and maximize one’s superannuation benefits thoughtfully and responsibly.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Superannuation is basically just money for your retirement."
2. "If you haven’t checked your super statement, now is the time to verify your contributions and ensure your financial foundation is solid."
3. "Explore the potential of salary sacrifice; it’s about more than just paying yourself in the future."
4. "Think prudently and steward your money carefully; it’s about more than technical finance, it’s about planning for every season of life."
5. "Don’t jump out of your super fund just because of a bad year; consider the broader, long-term trajectory before making decisions."

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Greed can often be disguised as ambition, and being aware of this is essential for maintaining financial and spiritual balance.
• Participating in a self-assessment regarding greed can help clarify one's relationship with money and possessions.
• Biblical references show a consistent message against greed, highlighting the importance of contentment and generosity.
• Spiritualizing financial decisions without seeking divine guidance can lead to justifying greed.
• Practicing generosity and seeking God's guidance in financial decisions are key components in overcoming the pitfalls of greed.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Greed is probably wanting more and pursuing more at a really selfish, intense kind of way than what we need or deserve." - Pete Burrows
2. "If you're living in the light of Jesus, be free from the love of money, for God has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'" - Ben McKeckechen
3. "I always think, my wife always says to me, you've got to hold things lightly." - Pete Burrows
4. "Watch out, be on guard against all greed. Because one's life is not in the abundance of his possessions." - From the Bible, Luke Chapter 12
5. "Does it benefit you if you've got all those possessions in the world, but there's nothing in your heart?" - Pete Burrows

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Separate Finances: It's crucial for tradies to distinguish between personal and business finances to maintain clarity and manage liabilities effectively.
• Do Your Admin: Staying on top of paperwork and administrative tasks can save a lot of stress and potential legal complications down the road.
• Know Your Worth: Tradies should confidently set fair prices that reflect their skills, experience, and the true cost of operating a business.
• Building a Team: Having a supportive network, including professionals like accountants and mentors, is invaluable for self-employed individuals.
• Christian Ethics in Trades: Practicing integrity and valuing customer relationships is emphasized, highlighting how faith can influence professional conduct.

Notable Quotes:

1. "What is not boring is making money and staying out of jail."
2. "Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth."
3. "We need to reflect all the costs and recognize the value we provide."
4. "I think we're called to a higher standard."

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.

So, Ben forgot to get Pete to stay around in the studio to let you know that... SEASON 9 drops on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Huge, right?!?!?!?! Can't wait for you to hear what is in store, and Ben gives you a sneak peak. What do Tradie Tips, Ultimate Super answers, and a test for greed have in common? Find out.

Got a question for the Money Team? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.

Interest rates may have dipped, but mortgage stress and housing affordability remain front-page issues in 2025.
According to ABC News, the RBA cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points in August to 3.6 per cent, bringing much-needed breathing room for borrowers.
Oldie but a goldie - Dive into this episode to unpack what these rate changes mean for your home loan and budget.

Oh, erm, sorry. We are not offering the low rate of 2 per cent. Instead, Pete and Ben return to your most popular Money: Faith and Finance subject – interest rates. With the Reserve Bank of Australia in all sorts of scrutiny, Pete maps out where we are actually at in the history of interest rates. Ben wonders if Australia has any other weapons for fighting inflation. What debt should you try to get on top of first? Pete provides strategies for you to immediately take on the costs of borrowed money.

Got a question for the Money Team? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it on a future episode.

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.