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 ..read more

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/liste ..read more

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 happening right now. We take a look at the impact of the latest economic data on the pending June Reserve Bank Board meeting - HINT - a risk of another rate rise is HIGH. And can you become more productive? The RBA Governor has been talking about wage rises and productivity, but the experts this episode aren't convinced it's an issue. Bank of Queensland C ..read more

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 ..read more

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 with hiking interest rates. We reveal one of the biggest surprises in the economy this year and what economists have got wrong. It's a good, deep and meaningful chin-wag, complete with multiple laughs. Barrenjoey Chief Economist Jo Masters and Bank of Queensland Chief Economst Peter Munckton join Gillian to explain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac ..read more

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 perfor ..read more

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. From rents, electricity and medical services to those spending up big on domestic travel and accommodation - we explain the wealth inequality in parts of the Australian economy. Plus the May interest rate decision is pending - what's coming your way this month AND in August. And we've the latest ANZ research on the housing market that will leave you surp ..read more

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 consumers, help or fuel inflation? We take a look. We also reveal WHO will lead the Reserve Bank going forward. What are her views on interest rates and inflation? How will the RBA look different? What is the job ahead? Plus - intel on when the next rate rise will be and the coming CUTS. And we go beyond the headlines when it comes to the cost of living cri ..read more

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 faste ..read more

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 April last year. This episode the experts tackle the big question - is inflation going down fast enough to satisfy the Reserve Bank. And it's a crucial one to answer with the July RBA board meeting upon us. And happy new financial year. There's a key change about to be rolled out on wages while the experts explain how to use enterprise agreements and rents t ..read more