Prime Time with Bec Wilson

Today I chat to Van Marinos, exercise scientist & author, about the secret ingredient to making your exercise routine actually stick: Community. Van Marinos is an Accredited Exercise Scientist, a physical educator, and the founder of Community Moves - an organisation dedicated to functional fitness for older adults. He’s also the author of Strong & Social, a new book that highlights that staying fit in our prime years isn’t just about the physical heavy lifting; it’s about the community we build along the way that makes it enjoyable too! Find out more about Community Moves HERE Follow me on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second installment of our 'New Rhythm of Retirement' series, I'm diving into the psychology of purpose and how you can find meaning after work. First up, I chat to clinical neuropsychologist Professor Nancy Pachana about overcoming the identity crisis of the 'first workless Tuesday' and how to transition into a mindset that keeps your brain healthy and your passion alive. Then I speak to Lynda Cross, head of guidance at Aware Super, to map out the financial flexibility required to confidently fund those next 1,500 workless Tuesdays! This podcast was brought to you by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super. Members can get advice on broader needs for a fee. Consider if Aware Super is right for you and find the PDS and TMD on their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout June, I’ve teamed up with Aware Super to bring you a special series: The Ultimate Guide to the New Rhythm of Retirement. We’re exploring how we actually want to live, work and fund our second half of life.  Each episode, I'll chat to experts and hear from real life Prime Timer's about how to prepare for and embrace the next phase. In this first episode, we’re tackling the 'soft launch.' How do you transition from full time work to a lifestyle that offers more freedom without losing your paycheck, or your mind, overnight? I’m joined by Bambi Price, founder of War on Wasted Talent, to discuss how to navigate midlife career pivots and beat ageism in the workplace. Then I chat to Peter Hogg, General Manager of Guidance & Advice at Aware Super, to break down the financial mechanics of scaling back, ensuring your money works as hard as you do during this transition. Over the next month, we’re diving into: The Soft Launch: Mastering the transition from full-time to part-time work Finding Your ‘New You’: How to inject fresh purpose and identity into life after work Funding the Dream: Practical strategies to ensure your bank balance matches your lifestyle ambitions This podcast was brought to you by Aware Super Pty Ltd, trustee of Aware Super. Members can get advice on broader needs for a fee. Consider if Aware Super is right for you and find the PDS and TMD on their website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are officially in the race to the end of financial year! In this episode, I chat to regular guest & financial planner Paul Benson to cut through the noise and give you the essential EOFY checklist. I also check in with Peter Hogg from Aware Super to explain catch-up contributions & why they matter at this time of year. We discuss:  Impact of the 2026 budget announcement Why your Super is the 'only game in town' The concessional cap The power of catch-up contributions CGT  Risk sequencing in midlife The death of the family trust Insurance audits within super See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Federal Budget just fundamentally changed the way middle Australians build wealth, effectively tearing up the investment playbook we’ve followed for decades. I’m joined by David Lane, Senior Financial Adviser at Ord Minnett, to unpack exactly how these new tax rules on property and capital gains will hit your retirement plans and what you need to do right now to protect your future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of our Prime Time book club I sit down with acclaimed finance guru Chris Kohler to chat about his new book ‘How They Get You’ and all the secret ways you’re convinced to part with your cash, and what you can do about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spend so much time obsessing over our super, property and portfolios, but we often ignore our most valuable asset: our ability to earn. Think of your career not just as a job, but as an asset that requires constant reinvestment. Too many people with big, successful careers are getting caught off guard by restructures or market shifts, sometimes finding themselves unemployed and underprepared for a digital-first job market. So, how do you bulletproof your employability? In this episode, I chat to Jannine Fraser, who works right at the coalface, helping people navigate career transitions when things go wrong - and how to prepare yourself in case they do. She's the managing director of outplacement firm Directioneering, so it's her job to help people pick up the pieces and re-shape their future. We cover: - Why midlife is a high risk time for career stagnation- How to pivot before the market forces you to- Practical steps to stay relevant, ready & employableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with regular prime timer Mike Chesworth about the good, the bad & the ugly of downsizing the family home.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with renowned futurist, AI expert and author Dr. Catherine Ball to get a big picture understanding of how AI will impact those of us in our Prime Time. We discuss: How we can embrace technology & 'robots' in our homes Demystifying AI and it's everyday uses  Harness the health benefits You can find our more about Dr. Ball's research here:https://www.drcatherineball.com And find her latest book, 'The Future of Sleep' here: https://www.drcatherineball.com/product-page/the-future-of-sleep-a-futurist-s-insight-into-the-potential-of-our-world  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted airspace across one of the world’s biggest travel hubs, leaving many Australians wondering whether they should cancel their upcoming trips.  In this urgent episode, I speak with travel expert Fiona Dalton to unpack what’s actually happening with global travel right now, who is affected, and what travellers should do before making any big decisions. Fiona explains why the disruption is largely centred around Middle Eastern transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, what options travellers have if their flights are impacted, and why cancelling too early could actually leave you worse off financially. The key message: stay calm, stay connected to your airline, and don’t rush into cancelling your trip but make sure you understand your options.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever looked at your super fund and thought, “Is this actually delivering for my retirement… or just delivering great ads?”  then this episode is for you. Today is a major update to the Epic Retirement Tick for 2026. I’m joined by Ian Fryer, General Manager of Chant West, who works with me to develop the rigorous criteria and whose team assesses the funds. And David Bell, Executive Director of the Conexus Institute, one of Australia’s leading independent retirement policy voices and think tanks. Last year, only six funds were awarded the Tick. Now we’re back with updated criteria for 2026. The big shift? The framework moves to 20 criteria (up from 18) and aligns with the latest Treasury Retirement Income Covenant guidance. In this episode, Ian and David help break down what’s changed - and what it means for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incredible Australian writer Kathy Lette joins me to talk about travelling boldly through Europe on river and ocean cruises. Viking's Explorer Sale is on now! Visit vikingcruises.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past year, I've watched a surge of social media ads urging people to review and switch their super often with urgent language suggesting you're losing money every day you delay. This week, ASIC confirmed that it is reviewing advice licensees that use something called 'lead generation' arrangements, especially where they may be encouraging people to switch their super unnecessarily. In this episode, I speak to ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland who's leading the review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.