Here Comes The Money: Recent Episodes

SmartMoney Wealth Management

We all want to be smarter with our money, but with all the noise and abundance of mixed information out there most people often become overwhelmed with where to start. As a result, most people choose to do… nothing!In this podcast, Peter and Hovig, share practical, no-BS tips and strategies to help you make smart decisions about your personal finance and investing in Australia.Each week we will explore current topics, answer our listeners questions, and guide you through how to confidently make your money go further, use your tax dollars to help you build your wealth, pay off your mortgage sooner and achieve financial freedom sooner.

Australia’s Capital Gains Tax changes have become one of the biggest talking points for investors, property owners and small business owners.

In this episode of Here Comes The Money, Hovig and Peter break down how Capital Gains Tax works, discuss the changes, and explain what they could mean for everyday Australians looking to build wealth.

They cover:

How Capital Gains Tax works
The changes to the CGT rules
The impact on property investors, ETF investors and small business owners
Whether the changes should alter your long-term investment strategy
Why making informed financial decisions is more important than reacting to headlines

Please note: This episode was recorded before the legislation was passed, so parts of the discussion refer to the changes as proposed at the time of recording. The core concepts and investment principles discussed remain relevant.

General Advice Warning: The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any financial decisions, consider seeking professional advice to determine what is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Everyone’s talking about interest rates—but should they really be driving your financial decisions?

In Episode 17 of Here Comes The Money, Peter and Harvey break down what the current interest rate environment means for Australians, why consumer confidence matters just as much as the cash rate, and why waiting for the “perfect time” could cost you more than acting today.

In this episode, we discuss:

Where interest rates could be heading
Why headlines don’t always tell the full story
The impact of rates on property prices and borrowing capacity
How to avoid paying the bank’s “loyalty tax”
Why refinancing is about more than just chasing the lowest rate
How to build a financial strategy that works regardless of market conditions

If you’re wondering whether to refinance, invest, or simply want to understand what’s really happening in today’s economy, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow the podcast for more practical conversations about building long-term wealth.

General Advice Warning

The information discussed in this podcast is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything discussed, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and seek professional financial advice. Investing and borrowing involve risks, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

In Episode 16 of Here Comes The Money, Peter Kaleski and Daniel break down the latest negative gearing changes, what they actually mean for investors, and why the media headlines may not tell the full story.

They unpack:

What negative gearing actually is
How the proposed changes may impact property prices and rental supply
Why supply and demand still drives the market
The potential effects on first home buyers and investors
Property cycles, interest rates, and market uncertainty
Why long-term strategy matters more than short-term noise

If you’ve been confused by the budget announcements, property market commentary, or constant media fear campaigns — this episode helps simplify the conversation and explain what may really happen moving forward.

General Advice Warning:
All strategies and information discussed in this podcast are general advice only and do not take into consideration your personal circumstances, objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information, you should seek personal financial and taxation advice from a qualified professional.

Contact SmartMoney Wealth Management:
🌐 smartmoneygroup.com.au
📧 info@smartmoneygroup.com.au

PropertyInvestment #NegativeGearing #AustralianProperty #FinancePodcast #SmartMoney #PropertyMarket #WealthCreation #InterestRates #InvestingAustralia

Most Australians are flying blind with their finances — paying too much tax, stuck in a 30-year mortgage, and heading toward retirement with a gap they don't even know exists.

In this episode, Peter and Hobby pull back the curtain on the exact tools SmartMoney uses with every client to turn confusion into clarity — and inaction into results.

You'll discover:

The one repayment switch that saves 5 years and $133,000 in interest — without paying a cent more
How an extra $100 a week could cut nearly 7 years off your mortgage
Why throwing money at your home loan might actually be slowing you down
The debt recycling strategy that took one client's 30-year mortgage down to 12
The retirement shortfall tool that finally connects the dots — and makes people act

Plus, a real client win: Cheryl's investment portfolio grew by $820,000 in a single year — built safely, step by step, over six years.

Want the tools sent straight to your inbox? Reach out to the SmartMoney team and we'll send them through.

General information only. Not personal financial advice. Please seek advice tailored to your situation.

Is setting up a Self-Managed Super Fund really the smart move… or can trying to save money upfront end up costing you much more in the long run?

In this episode of Here Comes The Money, Hovig and Peter unpack one of the biggest traps they continue to see: Australians trying to go down the DIY path with Self-Managed Super Funds and financial planning. While SMSFs can be an incredibly powerful strategy when structured correctly, there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes that people often don’t see.

From lending structures and bare trusts to contribution caps, insurance pitfalls, liquidity requirements and compliance obligations, one small mistake can create major consequences down the track.

Throughout the episode, Hovig and Peter explain why simply setting up an SMSF isn’t the goal — setting it up properly is.

Topics discussed include:

• Why cheap or “$0 setup” SMSF offers aren’t always what they seem
• The risks of getting structures wrong
• Common mistakes people make trying to DIY their finances
• Insurance issues many Australians accidentally overlook
• Why balance size and income matter more than people think
• Real client examples and lessons learned

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Here comes the Money, Peter and Hovig dive into the hot-button topic of Capital Gains Tax (CGT)and why it’s currently dominating political headlines. With a $56 billion deficit to plug, the guys break down whether the government is serious about changing the rules or just looking for a distraction from rising interest rates.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

The Real Cost of Your Car Repayment

Why “normal” car loans delay wealth more than people realise

In Episode 12 of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig unpack one of the most common — and least questioned — financial decisions Australians make:
car repayments.

With car loans and vehicle leases now considered “normal” household expenses, this episode breaks down what those repayments are really costing you over time — and why they often prevent people from ever creating surplus, investing consistently, or getting ahead financially.

In this episode, they cover:

The real long-term cost of car loans and vehicle leases
Why people underestimate what car repayments cost them over time
How “normal” lifestyle decisions quietly delay wealth creation
Why spending first and trying to invest later almost never works
The behavioural trap of upgrading lifestyle before building assets
A simple money rule Hovig teaches his kids
Why investing first removes reliance on willpower
How letting investments fund lifestyle changes long-term outcomes

They also share real-world examples and conversations showing how car repayments don’t just impact cashflow — they shape behaviour, limit opportunity, and keep people stuck in “normal” financial patterns.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who:

Has a car loan or vehicle lease
Feels like they earn good money but have little left over
Wants to invest but struggles to create surplus
Has never questioned the true cost of lifestyle debt
Wants practical, real-world financial insight — not theory

📩 Have a question you want answered on the show?
Email info@smartmoneygroup.com.au

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

In Episode 11 of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig dive deep into financial leverage and explain why borrowing, when used correctly, can be one of the most powerful tools for wealth creation.

Using clear, simple examples, they compare:
• Investing $100,000 without leverage
• Investing the same $100,000 with borrowed funds
• The compounding impact over 10 and 20 years
• Why leverage can turn modest growth into life-changing outcomes

They also cover:
• The psychological fear of debt and why it holds people back
• Property vs shares and volatility differences
• How income and tax benefits can offset borrowing costs
• Why leverage is about discipline — not speculation
• Real client wins achieved through long-term strategy

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

Cashflow Management Explained: Why Budgeting Fails (And What Actually Works)

In Episode 10 of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig tackle one of the most important — and most ignored — foundations of financial success:
Cashflow management.

With rising mortgage repayments, rent stress, and cost-of-living pressure across Australia, this episode breaks down what you can control — and why failing to manage cashflow keeps people stuck, no matter how much they earn.

In this episode, they cover:
Why cashflow is the foundation of every financial strategy
The difference between fixed expenses and variable expenses
How lifestyle creep quietly destroys surplus cash
Why budgeting fails when money has no direction
A simple mental framework to understand where your money goes
Why “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it” is always true
How automatic transfers and account separation create discipline
Why removing access to money is often more effective than willpower
* The role cashflow plays in reducing debt, building buffers, and investing

They also share real client examples showing how getting control of cashflow doesn’t just improve finances — it reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and creates real optionality.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who:
Feels like money disappears each pay cycle
Wants to build savings without feeling restricted
Is trying to reduce debt or invest but can’t create surplus
Wants practical, real-world financial control — not theory

📩 Have a question you want answered on the show?Email info@smartmoneygroup.com.au

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

In Episode 9 of Here Comes The Money, Peter and Hovig tackle the question almost every Australian eventually hits:

“I want to invest in property… but where do I start?”

This episode breaks down the things you must understand before jumping into the market — not hype, not ‘hotspot’ traps, not advice from your neighbour who bought a duplex in 2009 and “reckons it’ll boom again.” Just the real fundamentals that matter.

We unpack:

📍 Why affordability and cash flow clarity come before suburb hunting
💰 How to build buffers so a job loss or rate rise doesn’t sink you
🏠 Why “buy the house next door” is usually the wrong move
📊 Understanding growth vs yield (and why chasing one breaks the other)
🏗 The 8-point approach: infrastructure, population, vacancy, rental reality & more
🚢 “Cruise ship vs speedboat” — property cycles vs stock market volatility
💡 The power of leverage and why the bank is effectively your business partner

Property investing is less about finding the ‘perfect suburb’ and more about building a structure that lets you sleep at night.

Perfect for anyone about to buy their first investment property — or someone who already owns one and wants clarity before moving again

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Here Comes the Money, Peter and Hovig answer one of the most common (and misunderstood) mortgage questions in Australia:

If you refinance your home loan, do you really go backwards and reset your mortgage to 30 years?

Many homeowners avoid refinancing because they’re worried it will undo years of progress — but the reality is far more nuanced.

Using real client examples, this episode breaks down:

What actually happens when you refinance a mortgage
Why a 30-year loan term is often just an administrative label
How maintaining your existing repayment can shorten your remaining loan term
Monthly vs fortnightly repayments and how frequency impacts interest
Why chasing the lowest interest rate alone is a mistake
How banks think about serviceability and equity
When refinancing improves your position — and when it doesn’t
How parallel investing can accelerate mortgage reduction

This episode is essential listening for anyone with a home loan, thinking about refinancing, or wanting to pay off their mortgage faster without relying on guesswork or bank-driven advice.

Topics covered:
Mortgage refinancing Australia, home loan terms, interest rates, mortgage strategy, equity, serviceability, offset accounts, fortnightly repayments, financial strategy, wealth building, smart money decisions.

📩 Have a question you want answered on the show?
Email: info@smartmoneygroup.com.au

General Advice Warning:
All strategies and information provided are general advice only and do not take into consideration your personal circumstances. You should seek personal financial and taxation advice before acting. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

Why do smart investors always pay principal & interest on their home loan…
but interest only on their investment properties?

In this episode, we break down the real difference between good debt and bad debt, how banks quietly penalise loyal customers through the lazy tax, and why your investment loan’s actual interest cost is far lower than the number you see on paper.

We also share a real client example:
A $1M home, a $500k mortgage, and how using good debt to invest — instead of just refinancing — became the key to paying off the home faster without squeezing his lifestyle.

You’ll learn:

✔️ Why your home loan is your most expensive debt
✔️ Why investment debt becomes “easy debt” when structured correctly
✔️ How tenants + tax benefits reduce your investment loan to near 1%
✔️ Why winning $500k should pay off your home — NOT your investment
✔️ How interest-only periods work (and why they quietly switch to P&I)
✔️ How to avoid the hidden “lazy tax” banks hit you with
✔️ Why property is one of the most tax-effective wealth tools in Australia

If you’ve ever wondered how to structure your loans to build wealth faster, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

In Episode #6, Peter and Hovig break down one of most important numbers that truly defines your financial position: your net financial assets. They explain why your home, cars and lifestyle items don’t count toward the wealth that will actually fund your future, how to calculate the number that matters, and why so many Australians think they’re further ahead than they really are. If you want real clarity on where you stand—not just how things look on paper—this episode is essential listening.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode, Hovig and Peter break down one of the biggest misconceptions everyday Australians have about money:

“I need more before I can start.”
…when the truth is, most people already have the ingredients — they just don’t know where to look.

From super, to equity, to tax dollars you’re already paying, this episode uncovers the “invisible money” sitting right under your nose — and how everyday mums and dads can use it to build wealth sooner, instead of waiting years to “save enough”.

They unpack:
💡 Why you don’t need to be rich to start building wealth
💡 The three main types of invisible money almost everyone has
💡 Why doing nothing is often the most expensive mistake
💡 How simple tweaks (home loan structure, cashflow clean-ups, using tax dollars smarter) can accelerate your financial position
💡 Real client stories — from people who started with little and still transformed their future
💡 The real cost of procrastination: renting vs buying, missing compounding, retiring on the pension
💡 Why advice needs to be personalised — not from Google, not from ChatGPT, not from guesswork
💡 What the top 5% of Australians do differently

Packed with straight talk, humour, and real-world examples, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible — no matter your income, age or starting point.

📞 Want to chat with our team?
Email us at info@smartmoneygroup.com.au
or visit 👉 https://smartmoneygroup.com.au
A quick 10-minute conversation can show you whether there are areas we can help with — and the worst case?
You learn something valuable.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

💰 Episode #4 — The $2 Million Retirement Reality Check: Why Doing Nothing Is Riskier Than You Think

Most Australians underestimate how much they’ll actually need to retire comfortably — and the reality might shock you.

In this episode, Hovig and Peter break down the real math behind the so-called “$2 million retirement number,” the dangers of lifestyle creep, and why letting your money sit idle could be the riskiest decision of all.

From inflation to income planning, they reveal practical steps you can take today to close your retirement gap and secure your financial future — without giving up your lifestyle.

🎙️ Relatable stories. Straightforward insights. A few laughs along the way.
This is your wake-up call to start building wealth that works for you — not against you.

👉 Learn more or get in touch at smartmoneygroup.com.au

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

Most Aussies think their mortgage is simple — you borrow, you pay it back.
But what if your $650,000 home loan actually costs you $1.3 million over time?

In this episode of Here Comes the Money, Peter Kaleski and Hovig Evanian expose the real cost of a mortgage — and how the banks quietly make you pay double without you even realising.

They unpack:
💰 Why rate drops don’t actually save you much
🏦 How the banks keep you trapped for 30 years
⚖️ The smarter way to use your equity and tax dollars
🚀 And how to turn your home loan into a wealth-building strategy

Don’t just pay your mortgage — leverage it.
Tune in now to find out how to escape the debt trap and start building real wealth.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

This episode of Here Comes the Money with Peter & Hovig tears apart the myths that keep everyday Aussies trapped in the financial system. From the illusion of “working harder” leading to freedom, to the hidden truth that your biggest debt might actually be retirement, Peter and Hovig expose the lies, traps, and systemic flaws that keep people poor. With bold insights into mortgages, government policy, and the psychology of money, they reveal how the game is rigged—and more importantly, how to play it smarter. Packed with shock-value truths, relatable examples, and a touch of humour, this episode flips traditional financial advice on its head and empowers viewers to take control of their financial future.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

You’ve heard the headlines — but here’s what’s really happening. In the first episode of Here Comes The Money, SmartMoney Directors Peter Kaleski and Hovig Evanian unpack the truth about finance, property, and wealth that most Aussies never hear. Straight talk. No fluff.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Past Performance is not an indicator of future performance.

Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Bluewater Financial Advisors Pty Ltd (ABN: 99 153 118 533) the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 411846.
Copyright © SmartMoney Wealth Management. All Rights Reserved.

Everyone wants to know what's happening in the world of finance, property and wealth, but not everyone has the time or patience to read through a bunch of news articles.

Join SmartMoney Directors Peter Kaleski and Hovig Evanian in the first Episode of “Here Comes The Money” as they explore these topics and more.

All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only and does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal financial and taxation advice prior to acting on this information. SmartMoney Wealth Management is the parent company of SmartMoney Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN: 67 618 468 741) a Corporate Authorised Representative (No: 001265087) of Axies Pty Ltd (ABN: 38 136 704 446), the holder of the Australian Financial Services Licence no. 339384.Copyright © SmartMoney. All Rights Reserved.