Making Money Easy

We'e got the latest data on consumer prices. So what's going up and what's coming down? And how does all this play into the September RBA interest rate decision. It's a big month - it's the last time Governor Philip Lowe will be in charge before he hands over the top job to Michele Bullock. We take a look at what she's likely to focus on and just how big the job ahead is. On the list: inflation, implementing changes from the RBA Review and climate change to name a few. We've packed a lot into 16 minutes! CommBank Senior Economist Belinda Allen joins Gillian to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a slight increase in the number of unemployed people (36,000 people) but there's also slight positive. Putting up interest rates while unemployment is worsening, is unlikely to sit right with the Reserve Bank. The economists this episode explain why. We also examine the latest average weekly earnings. They're on the rise. So which state is performing best? Which job? And women are ticking ahead - we reveal why. With jobs and earnings data now to consider - we explain what's likely to happen at Philip Lowe's last RBA board meeting as Governor. AMP Australia Deputy Chief Economist Diana Mousina and St George Bank Senior Economist Jarek Kowcza join Gillian for this look under the economic hood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a lot of lags in the economy right now. The cost of a bag of chips is a good example. The impact of multiple RBA rate hikes on mortgage holders now coming off fixed rates is another. Some of the lags are really hurting. This episode we explore the impact of lags, and whether the RBA will take any of them into account when it makes its August interest rate decision. While some economists think it's a flip of the coin, they are agreed we're not far from the top of the hiking cycle. Analysis of the latest inflation data is a good place to start in understanding how the economy is performing and where consumers are feeling it. And maybe, just maybe - the data is telling us to stay away from the carbs ;-) Barrenjoey Senior Economist Johnathan McMenamin and Impact Economics, Economics Manager Emma Grey join Gillian to explain. Click here to see the Australian Bureau of Statistics Graph Measuring What Matters StatementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the Reserve Bank is taking an opportunity to get some more economic information - thank goodness says mortgage holders who are really starting to feel the results of 12 interest rate hikes since May 2022. The official cash rate remained ON HOLD for July but don't relax just yet. Find out why a rate hike is likely in August. We've got some shock housing figures, the latest on lending in Australia, an update on 'asking rents' and a great discussion on how childcare HELPS the economy - topical considering recent research by the Consumer Watchdog (ACCC) which confirmed childcare fees rose faster than inflation and wage growth during the past four years. Learn how childcare allows Australia to grab some labour hours - from working parents - back into the economy. ANZ Senior Economist Adelaide Timbrell and CommBank Economist Stephen Wu join Gillian to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a sector shedding jobs in Australia right now, so what can it tell us about the economy and whether things are starting to turn in the labour market. This episode we look at how to use the data to see what's around the corner. The Reserve Bank will be looking too. We can also tell you what the RBA was, and wasn't saying, around the board room table when it decided to hike interest rates in June. Plus the impacts of state budgets and why it could make the RBA's job a little harder. There's also talk of the triple-A credit rating for NSW being at risk - we get to the truth of it and the impact on taxpayers if it does get downgraded. There's plenty to learn. Join Westpac Group Economist Jameson Coombs as he explains to Gillian. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates has been hiked again. This episode we take a look at the unevenness of the Reserve Bank's main tool to curb high inflation. How are mortgage holders coping and why the RBA is pushing ahead with short term pain, for long term gain. We explain another way to tackle inflation that's NOT interest rates, explain why house prices are rising in the face of rising rates, and why a slowing economy is a good news story. Plus - learn something new: we explain unit labour costs. Who cares you say? Well it's directly linked to you as a worker or as a business owner and the RBA is WATCHING it. ANZ Senior Economist Felicity Emmett and Westpac Group Senior Economist Pat Bustamante join Gillian to explain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost of living is front and centre right now so here's an episode to help you discover how to bust some bills. Have you noticed increases in your phone plan? How about home and car insurance premiums? Energy bills are an obvious one. We take you through the benefits of comparison websites, the pros and cons of bundling. and tips on how to work out if you're getting a bad deal. Plus, have you looked at what energy rebates you might qualify for? One state is paying its households $250 just for visiting its energy comparison site! OneBigSwitch Campaigner and Easy Money: 7 steps to Bust Your Bills author Joel Gibson joins Gillian to explain. Joel's Twitter Joel's TikTok energymadeeasy.gov.au Victorian Energy CompareSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a shock move - and it's not Gillian on the dancefloor. The Reserve Bank Board decided to lift rates at its May meeting despite many an economist forecasting a pause. So what's going on - this episode we explain the thinking from the RBA and the impact of the rate hike. Plus, the other big economic 'thing' on the horizon - the Federal Budget. What can we expect and what are economists looking for. Superannuation changes, welfare support and the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)* are among some of the measures under the spotlight. Manager Economics, Impact Economics Emma Grey and Barrenjoey Senior Economist Johnathan McMenamin join Gillian to explain. *This episode was recorded, just ahead of the announcement by the Government confirming its changes to the PRRT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major shake-up is coming for the Reserve Bank of Australia after its first review in decades. The episode picks apart the 51 recommendations and explains how they impact YOU. When all the changes are rolled out - the RBA should be more transparent when it comes to decision making, have less meetings and even regular news conferences to explain what's what. We also answer the critical question - if there are less interest rate meetings, will your personal bank move on its own when it comes to rates? If you haven't read about what's coming - listen to Making Money Easy for a sprinkling of what you need to know, now. Head of strategy at InvestSMART and Mind Over Money author Evan Lucas joins Gillian to explain. Here's the episode on Evan's book from Season 2: 'Mind Over Money'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So after 10 months of interest rates hikes - the Reserve Bank has decided to PAUSE. Find out the impact for the economy, consumers, renters and mortgage holders. One of our experts this episode worked at the RBA - find out why he thinks it's now suffering from 'confusion-driven paralysis'. Plus we reveal the economy crystal ball - did you know it's possible to see the future, find out where to look. And we examine the housing situation (shortages, prices, construction) in Australia. Hear why one of my experts thinks we're not building enough houses, building others in the wrong places and what's getting in the way. What can be done to help? The Centre for Independent Studies Chief Economist Peter Tulip, and Economy Editor, The Conversation and Crawford School of Public Policy Peter Martin join Gillian to explain. Peter Tulip's housing paperSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge amount of fixed rate mortages are about to expire - almost a million this year alone. There's also a tussle underway as the banks compete for customers looking for the best refinancing deal. This episode we take a look at the impact on mortgage holders - from those on fixed rates, to those locked in 'mortgage prison', to those on variable loans facing into at least 10 interest rate hikes in a row. We analyse the rates on offer at the moment, what a 'good deal' looks like (and how to haggle) and what to do if you're in financial stress. And we haven't forgotten the SAVERS. Find out what's being offered to them now interest rates are on the rise, and how to do a health check on your savings account. RateCity Research Director Sally Tindall joins Gillian to explain this intriguing data story. Linked Episode: How to avoid 'mortgage prison' Resources for people in financial stress (thanks RateCity for compiling these): National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Good Shepherd no interest loans Services Australia Payment and Service Finder State-based resources: Service NSW Savings Finder Service Victoria Savings Finder Queensland Govt Concessions Finder SA Govt Concessions Finder Concessions WA Concessions NT Tasmanian Govt Discounts and Concessions ACT Savings Finder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you think when the Reserve Bank started lifting rates in May last year - we'd have 10 in a row? This episode of Making Money Easy dives into the March hike, how economists feel about the multiple lifts and what did the the RBA Governor mean exactly when he said 'we are closer to the point where it will be appropriate to pause interest rate increases to allow more time to assess the state of the economy.' We dive into data from Australia's biggest bank to see how customers are doing and find out what ELSE is going on in the economy that's worth knowing about BESIDES interest rates. Think population growth, China reopening and the return of foreign students. Barrenjoey Chief Economist Jo Masters and CommBank Senior Economist Belinda Allen join Gillian to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty of big companies have released their company's results in the past 7 days, giving a useful insight into the behaviour of consumers. From the big supermarkets, to takeaway chains and airlines - what are we up to when it comes to spending? And how does that impact inflation and future rate rises? Plus, want to know what's going on with your wage and earnings? We've got that data too. And we explain why your wage not keeping up with the surging cost of living right now, is a positive. We take a look at why superannuation is on the radar, and some STARTLING figures about the more than a million households facing increasing mortgage repayments. Stephen Koukoulas, Market Economics Managing Director and Diana Mousina, AMP Australia Senior Economist join Gillian to explain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.