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:

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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

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

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions we receive: what's the difference between offset and redraw accounts? While both reduce the interest you pay on your mortgage, understanding the crucial differences could save you significant money down the track.

In this episode, we break down how each account works, explain why your repayments stay the same even with money in offset, and reveal the critical tax implications that catch homeowners off guard when their circumstances change. Using real-world examples, we show how choosing redraw over offset can destroy your tax deductibility if you ever convert your home to an investment property.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or refinancing, this episode will help you make the right choice for your situation and avoid costly mistakes.

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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

• How offset and redraw accounts both reduce mortgage interest

• Why your repayments stay the same regardless of offset balance

• The critical tax difference between offset and redraw for investment properties

• Real-world scenario: converting your home to an investment property

• When redraw accounts might actually be the better choice

• Maximizing tax deductibility for future flexibility

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, we break down catch-up concessional contributions—a government initiative that lets you maximize unused super contribution caps from the past five years. Perfect for anyone who's taken a career break, sold an investment property, or simply wants to optimize their tax position.

We show you how to turn a capital gain windfall into retirement wealth at just 15% tax instead of your marginal rate. We explain why timing matters, how to track your unused caps on MyGov, and the critical mistakes that can cost you if you over-contribute.

Tune in to find out if this strategy could save you thousands in tax this financial year.

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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

• What catch-up concessional contributions are and who qualifies

• The $500,000 super balance threshold and five-year rule

• Converting 47% tax to 15% on high-income contributions

• Strategic timing for capital gains and career breaks

• How to track unused caps on MyGov without over-contributing

• Pairing catch-up contributions with downsizer and other super strategies

• Balancing tax savings against locking money away until retirement

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 reveal how to find the sweet spot: protecting your family adequately without draining your finances.

Drawing from years of reviewing client insurance policies, we expose the most common mistakes—from relying solely on inadequate default super cover to over-insuring for circumstances that no longer apply. You'll discover how insurance needs evolve with life stages, how to structure policies tax-efficiently, and practical strategies to reduce premiums without sacrificing protection.

Whether you're just starting out or reviewing existing cover, this episode will help you make informed decisions about one of the most important—yet most misunderstood—aspects of financial planning.

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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 four types of personal insurance and when they overlap

• Why default super cover usually isn't enough

• How to calculate insurance needs based on your life stage

• Structuring strategies to reduce premiums (step vs level, waiting periods, super funding)

• Tax implications of holding policies inside vs outside superannuation

• Common mistakes that leave families exposed or overpaying

• Real cost perspective: What you're actually paying per day for peace of mind

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 challenge everything you thought you knew about retirement planning. With Australians now living 25-30 years in retirement instead of 10-15, the old model of "save a lump sum and make it last" is dangerously outdated. We explore why income sufficiency matters more than capital targets, how to structure your drawdown across different lifestyle phases, and why superannuation's tax advantages completely change the game. From bucketing strategies to protect against volatility, to the 4% rule and sequencing risk, discover how to build a retirement plan that actually funds the life you want to live—not just survives until the money runs out.

Tune in to discover what modern retirement planning really looks like.

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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 ASFA benchmark of $690,000 is dangerously misleading

• Income sufficiency vs. capital targets: Planning for lifestyle phases, not just lump sums

• The phased retirement trend: Why people are working longer (and happier)

• Superannuation vs. property: Tax implications that change everything

• Protecting your retirement from inflation and market volatility using bucketing strategies

• The 4% rule and sequencing risk: When market timing matters most

• Warren Buffett's principle applied to retirement drawdowns

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 cut through the noise to explain what's really driving global investment markets. We break down why US markets surged 3.2% despite mixed signals, what inflation trends mean for your money, and why Australian rate cuts aren't coming anytime soon. You'll understand the disconnect between strong corporate earnings and economic uncertainty, plus discover what China's growth and rare earth deals mean for Australian investors.

Tune in to get the clarity you need to make smarter investment decisions.

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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

• US market rally: Why the S&P 500 gained 3.2% despite mixed signals

• Inflation trends and Fed rate cut expectations

• Australian interest rates: Why cuts are off the table

• Property market surge and FOMO factors

• China's GDP growth and the $8.5B rare earths deal

• Gold's 57% gain and commodity market volatility

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 how compounding really works, using real examples to show why starting early matters more than starting big. We explain the Rule of 72, share Warren Buffett's wealth story, and discuss why most people struggle to grasp how powerful compounding can be.

We also cover the psychology behind delaying investment, the importance of dividend reinvestment, and why superannuation works so well as a compounding vehicle.

Listen to this episode to understand why the best time to start investing was yesterday, and the second best time is today.

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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

• How compounding interest works (earning returns on your returns)

• Comparing early versus late investing with real numbers

• The Rule of 72 for calculating when investments double

• Why people delay investing until they have "enough" money

• Dividend reinvestment and automation strategies

• Why interrupting compound interest is costly

• How superannuation demonstrates compounding through preservation rules

• The importance of staying invested and avoiding withdrawals

Connect with Billy and Andrew!

360 Financial Strategists

Check out our latest episode here:

Apple Podcast

Spotify