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 befor

A possible future - it's a bit 'big, dark and scary'

Aug 27th, 2023 21m 8s

The latest Intergenerational Report is out. It's a large document released by Treasury which projects the outlook of the economy and the Australian Government's budget. The 2023 report looks ahead to 2062-63. This episode goes through the key t

Job losses, rising incomes and the next rates decision

Aug 20th, 2023 18m 11s

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 e

Why the RBA is likely done hiking rates

Aug 6th, 2023 17m 17s

The August RBA rates decision, the latest lending data and the Australians working multiple jobs to make ends meet - there's a lot to unpack in this episode of Making Money Easy. Find out why one of my economists thinks the RBA is now finished

The lag effect

Jul 29th, 2023 21m 5s

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 w

Jobs galore! How? And will it help or fuel inflation?

Jul 22nd, 2023 19m 53s

The number of new jobs that popped into the Australian economy in June was a surprise. One of our economists this episode has even described the result as 'stellar'. So the big question - will all these extra jobs and the money they deliver con

Rates are paused but don't relax just yet

Jul 9th, 2023 20m 4s

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 H

Is the cost of living falling fast enough for the RBA?

Jul 2nd, 2023 24m 19s

There's been a bit of a win - consumers are tightening their belts. The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 5.6 per cent in the 12 months to May 2023. According to the Bureau of Statistics - that's the smallest increase since Apri

Using the jobs market to see the future

Jun 25th, 2023 18m 53s

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 Reser

Unemployment, rates and recession - it's complicated

Jun 18th, 2023 18m 32s

A central bank has decided to keep interest rates on hold - what does it mean for Australia and will it inspire the Reserve Bank to follow suit? One of our neighbours is in recession. We explore the impacts here, if Australia is on the path to

The unevenness of rate hikes - why the RBA thinks it's worth it

Jun 11th, 2023 19m 16s

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

What is keeping prices high?

Jun 4th, 2023 19m 4s

The monthly inflation figures are out. We pick apart the story behind the high prices, who's doing what and why my economists don't think inflation expectations are out of hand in Australia. Plus - revenge spending - what's that and why is it h

Busting Bills

May 21st, 2023 20m 22s

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 yo

The Federal Budget Wash Up

May 14th, 2023 22m 48s

So the dust has settled since Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the May Budget. Making Money Easy thinks this is the best time for a bit of in-depth analysis of what's in it and its impact. This episode's economists explain what they l

Moving and shaking - economy-style

May 7th, 2023 18m 32s

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 th

Have prices turned a corner?

Apr 30th, 2023 18m 29s

So there's been a slowing down in the rate of inflation but don't go celebrating in the streets just yet - the cost of living is still intense. This episode takes you through how consumers are still being impacted despite signs of improvement.

How the Reserve Bank overhaul will impact you

Apr 23rd, 2023 24m 51s

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 transp

Your job, your income, your home - the economic story

Apr 16th, 2023 22m 32s

There are some key economies forecast to go into recession - what will be the impact on Australia. Unemployment remains near record lows - so that's a plus, for now. And women are participating in the workforce like never before. So what's the

Pausing for thought: rates and housing

Apr 9th, 2023 24m 46s

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 no

Encouraging signs but the economic ride isn't over

Apr 2nd, 2023 19m 55s

If you've been cutting back on your spending, it appears to be paying off. The latest look at the cost of living shows a slight improvement - notice the word slight. And that is encouraging news ahead of the April interest rates decision. My ec

Expiring Fixed Rate Mortgages: Your Essential Guide and the Ripple Effects

Mar 26th, 2023 24m 30s

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 m

Bank Troubles Abroad: How will Australia be affected?

Mar 19th, 2023 18m 2s

Did you get a whiff of some banks overseas being in trouble and then see sharemarkets react? This episode explains what's going on and why investors get jittery. Plus, what does it mean for Australia's banks and economy. We take a look at the n

Close to pausing?

Mar 12th, 2023 18m 34s

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

Australia is at an economic crunch point

Mar 5th, 2023 25m 30s

The March Reserve Bank Board meeting is upon us - so what economic data is going to be KEY to its decision on interest rates? This episode examines what's at play, from economic growth and retail spending to household savings, building approval

Why people spending less is a good news story

Feb 26th, 2023 17m 42s

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?