Money: Faith & Finance

Do you still need an accountant now that AI can answer almost anything? Ben McEachen puts that question to Pete Burrows, an accountant with Lower Russell Farr in Penrith. Pete's quick answer: AI is okay, but sometimes you need actual intelligence. He shares when a simple tax return is fine to do yourself, the red flags of a dodgy accountant, and why a phone call before a big purchase beats fixing a costly mistake. Plus, a client wh...

Card surcharges disappear on 1 October 2026. Tap for a $100 purchase, pay $100. Simple enough, until you ask the question accountant Pete Burrows keeps coming back to: the business still has to pay to process that card, so who ends up wearing the cost? Ben McEachen and Pete sort out what's actually changing on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa, what isn't, and what to watch for at the till.

Key Takeaways:

• From October 1st, Australia...

Should you be able to access your super before retirement? One Nation says yes, and its own modelling puts the figure at $44 a week. Accountant Pete Burrows and Ben McEachen weigh that against what it costs later: around $25,000 forgone, a one-time window you can never use twice, and billions of dollars flowing into an already stretched housing market. Ben argues we're adults who can be trusted with our own money. Pete...

Key Takeaways:

• The equity market provides expansive coverage of the economy, emphasizing transparency and ease of entry.
• Start investing early, even with small amounts, to gain experience and benefit from long-term growth.
• A Chief Investment Officer curates suitable investment strategies, even for those with limited funds.
• Diversify investments, considering options like government bonds, ETFs, and private credit for stable ret...

Key Takeaways:

• Investing is accessible to everyone, irrespective of their income level; the focus should remain on strategic allocation and balanced risk management.
• Ethical considerations can significantly shape investment strategies, with options like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds aligning well with Christian values.
• Debt should be managed carefully – while not inherently wrong, it should be taken o...

About the Guest:

Joe Youssef is an experienced investment professional and the Chief Investment Officer of Vado Private. With more than 30 years’ experience across financial markets, investment management, and the not-for-profit sector, his career has included senior roles at AMP and Macquarie Bank, as well as serving as CEO of the Sydney Stock Exchange. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to discussions about finance, investmen...

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook, Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investment.

Looking forward to you be...

18 August 2026. 7pm AEST - Our first LIVESTREAM event! Join us at Hope Media's Facebook, Youtube or Instagram for insights and take-aways about what do we invest in now. Your favourite accountant Pete Burrows and co-host Ben McEachen will be joined by investment expert Joe Youssef to guide us through recent changes, starting out, experienced decision-making AND what God's word says about investment.

Looking forward to you be...

Key Takeaways:

• Biblical Giving: The concept of biblical giving is rooted in internal motivations rather than external recognition. The importance of humility and sincerity in generosity is highlighted.
• Modern Fundraising: The discussion acknowledges the necessity for contemporary fundraising suits within biblical teachings, emphasizing encouragement over self-promotion.
• Motivation Matters: True generosity stems from a heart wi...

Key Takeaways:

• Yes, Capital Gains Tax has changed in Australia.
• Pete breaks down what they actually are, when they come into effect, and likely outcomes.
• This might be a helpful prompt to reconsider your own criteria for investment 
• Pete Burrows: "You want to get ahead, but ahead of who?"

Got a question, comment or personal story to share? Send it through at hopepodcasts.com.au. Ben and Pete will get stuck into it o...

Key Takeaways:

• One in three Australian workers fear AI might replace them, while a similar proportion of businesses actively use AI technology.
• AI can perform mundane, repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on high-value, human-centric job aspects.
• The website "aicompass.com" can help individuals gauge their job's exposure to AI influence.
• Engaging with AI, even in small ways, can help workers adapt and potentially reduce...

Are retirement expectations in Australia keeping up with reality? Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows dig into the numbers — including why Australians now think they need $1.9 million to retire — and ask whether that figure is realistic for ordinary people. Pete shares what he genuinely sees with real clients, unpacks the ASFA super benchmark, and offers his three M's framework for building a fulfilling retirement. Whether yo...

Key Takeaways:

• Australia experienced around $31.5 billion in gambling losses in 2022-2023, indicative of a growing nationwide concern and need for robust policy intervention.
• Pete Burrows emphasises the importance of understanding the opportunity cost associated with gambling, suggesting it can detrimentally affect essential household finances.
• The episode addresses how digital platforms have simplified gambling, raising stake...

Key Takeaways:

• Income disparity should not define contribution value in household finances; consider all types of work and responsibilities.
• Establishing open, continuous financial dialogues between partners can prevent misunderstandings and foster unity.
• Approach household finances with a focus on cooperation and equality rather than dominance, regardless of income size.
• Differences in income levels can raise relational and d...

Sara is a single mother residing in Sydney, Australia, who impressively manages the household dynamics of five children, aged 12 to 19. Additionally, Sara is a devoted foster carer, providing a nurturing environment not only for her children but also for those in need. Her life is a testament to community support, resourcefulness, and unyielding faith, offering her both challenges and a profound sense of fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

Key Takeaways:

• Recent changes in Australia's federal budget could significantly affect wealth building, specifically through adjustments to capital gains tax and negative gearing.
• The government may aim to make property a less attractive investment over time to address broader housing affordability challenges.
• Small business owners and startups could be particularly impacted by these tax changes due to adjustments in how capit...

About the Guest:

Tim Costello is an Australian advocate known for campaigning against gambling harm. A former CEO of World Vision Australia and regular contributor to the Centre for Public Christianity, he now leads the Alliance for Gambling Reform, a leading national advocacy group working to reduce gambling-related harm. Costello has long been an outspoken critic of gambling practices and policy, advocating comprehensive reforms ...

Key Takeaways:

• The Federal Budget 2026 primarily benefits workers and the lower middle class by targeting tax reforms over monetary handouts.
• Major tax reforms target capital gains and negative gearing, aiming to make housing more accessible and affordable.
• The budget reflects a shift towards providing benefits for earners as opposed to owners, potentially leading to long-term societal gains.
• Current investors relying on negat...

Anglicare's Rental Affordability Snapshot - National Report

Anglicare's Rental Affordability Snapshot - NSW and ACT

About the Guest:

Rob Stokes is the Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare Sydney. With a distinguished background as a former Member of Parliament in New South Wales, Rob has transitioned to focus on housing affordability and social welfare. At Anglicare, he oversees initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisi...