HELP debt is now a $80 billion problem for Australia, and it’s only getting bigger. Today we dive into how HECS/HELP debt really works, why it’s impacting borrowing capacity, and whether the system needs a major rethink. From free money myths to the true cost of uni, we unpack the long-term financial consequences and what needs to change.

On this episode, we discuss:

(00:00) Intro
(00:38) What is Australia's $80 billion problem?
(04:05) 7.5% of your income gone to HELP repayments
(05:15) The impact of HELP debt on borrowing capacity
(07:00) Government wipes 20% of HELP debt-fair or not?
(08:10) Is the real issue the cost of education?
(09:00) Are uni campuses over-engineered and overpriced?
(10:40) Should education be delivered inside businesses?
(13:45) A look into homeschooling and self-directed learning
(15:45) The lack of financial education at school
(16:45) Would we make different uni decisions with better money knowledge?
(18:00) What if higher education was actually affordable?
(22:05) How the 20% HELP debt wipe will actually work

Check out the free resources from Inovayt here.

Send us an email: hello@thenumbersgamepodcast.com.au

The Numbers Game is brought to you by Future Advisory & Inovayt.

Hosts:
Nick Reilly
Jason Robinson
Martin Vidakovic

This podcast is produced by VIDPOD.

Today we unpack one of Australia’s hottest property topics: negative gearing. We dive into what it actually is, how it works, and why it may not be the game changer many think it is. We also explore some bold new ideas to reform the system, including an interesting proposal to simplify how property profits are taxed.

On this episode, we discuss:

(00:00) Intro
(00:55) Should We Scale Back Negative Gearing?
(02:05) Why Negative Gearing Still Dominates Investor Thinking in Australia
(03:20) How Much It's Costing the Government—and Who Gains
(04:55) The Overlooked Risks of Scrapping Tax Incentives
(06:15) Common Misunderstandings Around Negative Gearing
(08:45) Marty's Pitch for a Simpler, Fairer System
(15:10) Nick's Big Reform Idea
(22:35) Why No Tax Break on Your Home Loan?
(24:30) The Tax Deduction That Can Cost You Later
(26:00) How Gains Shrink Once Depreciation Is Factored In

Check out the free resources from Inovayt here.

Send us an email: hello@thenumbersgamepodcast.com.au

The Numbers Game is brought to you by Future Advisory & Inovayt.

Hosts:
Nick Reilly
Jason Robinson
Martin Vidakovic

This podcast is produced by VIDPOD.

Thinking about financing your next car? We break down the real cost of car loans and why they could be one of the biggest threats to your long-term wealth. We compare the impact of car debt vs. property debt and explore smarter strategies that could save you hundreds of thousands (or even make you millions) in the long run.

On this episode, we discuss:

(00:00) Intro
(00:55) Are Car Loans Destroying Wealth?
(06:29) How Car Loans Reduce Home Buying Power
(09:59) How Holding Onto Car Loans Could Cost You Over $1 Million in Long-Term Property Growth
(12:00) The Shift From Emotional To Strategic Car Buying And Why No-Debt Is His Rule
(15:26) How Branding And Culture Can Push Us Into Over Leveraging On Vehicles
(16:42) Nicks Take On What Retirees Actually Value
(17:37) The Hidden Cost Of Constantly Upgrading Your Car
(19:45) Tips For Smarter Car Buying
(23:40) When Does A Car Loan Make Sense?

Check out the free resources from Inovayt here.

Send us an email: hello@thenumbersgamepodcast.com.au

The Numbers Game is brought to you by Future Advisory & Inovayt.

Hosts:
Nick Reilly
Jason Robinson
Martin Vidakovic

This podcast is produced by VIDPOD.