Money: Faith & Finance
by Hope 103.2
Money: Faith & Finance explores the profound and practical of everyday finances. In every episode, we explore the real-life impact of everything from superannuation to stewardship, the World Bank to your wallet – and what does God have to say about money?Welcome to the profit, loss and real balance sheet of wherever money intersects with you.Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.
Episodes
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Is Investing Worth the Risk? A Christian Q&A
Is investing really worth the risk? Joe Youssef, Chief Investment Officer at Vado Private, joins Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows to answer the questions left over from the Money: Faith & Finance investing livestream. Find out why anyone with super is already an investor, how to check whether an...
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Should Australia Raise the GST to 15%?
Should Australia raise the GST? It has sat at 10% since July 2000, and the Grattan Institute has made the case for 15%. Ben McEachen from Hope Mornings asks accountant Pete Burrows from Lower Russell and Farr what a higher GST would mean at the checkout, why it can hit lower income households...
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Start a Small Business or Keep Your Job?
Should small business owners just suck it up when tax changes hit? After listener feedback, Ben McEachen from Hope Mornings and accountant Pete Burrows from Lower Russell and Farr take a fresh look at what working for yourself really costs. Pete shares the tight early years, the unpaid admin…
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Is Insurance a Sin? Retirement and Inheritance
Is taking out insurance a sin, or just wise? Hope Mornings host Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows tackle the questions they couldn’t get to on their recent livestream. Is retirement Biblical? What should someone renting do with a $150,000 inheritance a year out from retirement? Should a...
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Should Christians Give It All Away? Acts 2 and Your Stuff
Should Christians sell everything and give it all away? Ben McEachen and accountant Pete Burrows dig into Acts chapter 2, where the early church shared everything, and admit how tempting it is to wiggle out of it. They weigh it against Paul's blunt call to work, and Ben opens up about the...
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Why You Still Need an Accountant in the Age of AI
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...
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No More Card Surcharges: Who Really Pays For It?
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…
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Super Early: $44 Now or $25k Later? One Nation's Plan
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...
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Shares, Bonds or Super? - Livestream Pt 3
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…
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Can You Invest With Little Money? - Livestream Pt 2
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)...
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Investing 101 for Christians (Is It Gambling??) - Livestream Pt 1
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...
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We Would Love You To Be Part of Our First Livestream Event – 18 August 2026
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...
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Intergenerational Support: Bridging Financial Gaps Across Generations
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...
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Should You Keep Your Donations Secret? Generosity vs. Grandstanding
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…
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Check the Facts Before You Worry About Capital Gains Tax
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...
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Will AI Take Your Job and Income? A Faith and Finance Take
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...
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The Retirement Riddle: How Much is Enough? $2 Million?!
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...
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Gambling's Real Cost in Australia
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...
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Spouse Earns More: Who Controls the Money?
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…
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How a Single Mum Budgets for 5 Kids
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...
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Wealth, Tax & the Heart Behind Your Money - Budget 2026
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…
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Protecting Our Children from Betting Ads - Tim Costello Speaks Out
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...
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Budget 2026 - Pete's Hot Take and A Christian Angle
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...
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Australia's Rent Crisis: Only 3 Homes Affordable on Min Wage!!
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...
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Worth of Wisdom - The Hidden Financial Superpower
Key Takeaways: Wisdom vs. Wealth: Wisdom can offer more sustainable benefits than wealth, providing a foundation for making sound financial decisions. The Biblical Perspective: Applying biblical principles, such as those found in the Book of Proverbs and the Book of James, can guide financial...
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Capital Gains Tax: Who Really Pays for Your Tax Break?
Key Takeaways: Capital gains tax in Australia was established in 1985 to tax profits made from asset sales, excluding the primary residence. The current 50% discount on CGT, introduced by the Howard government in 1999, was intended to foster investment but has led to disproportionate effects on…
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Money Struggle? Hope Economy Has Answers!
Rosie Kendall is the CEO of Hope Economy, formerly known as Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Australia. Originally from the UK, Rosie joined CAP Australia in 2013 after working with its parent organization in the UK. She has over 19 years of experience in financial services and community...
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Panic Buying
Key Takeaways: Understanding Panic Buying: The episode unpacks panic buying behavior, analyzing its origins in consumer psychology and communal impacts. Psychological Profiles in Purchasing: Leveraging Canadian and Australian studies, Ben and Pete outline consumer types from egalitarians to…
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Money in Your 20s: The Honest Truth About Saving - Shammah Mufanechiya
Key Takeaways: Young adults should emphasise and make use of the time advantage in their 20s to build both financial literacy and savings through small, consistent steps. Building good financial habits involves setting processes that automatically allocate savings and expenses, reducing the...
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Private Health Insurance, Medicare Levy & Your Wallet!
Is private health insurance actually worth it in Australia? Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows dig into one of the most common financial headaches Aussies face — weighing up the cost of private cover against what Medicare already provides. They break down the Medicare levy surcharge, what private...
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Is Your Wardrobe Costing Lives? Fast Fashion Unpacked with Kat Halliday
About the Guest(s): Kat Halliday is a vital member of the Ethical Fashion team at Baptist World Aid, an organization dedicated to international aid and development with a strong focus on promoting ethical and sustainable fashion. Through her role, Kat spearheads efforts in creating the Ethical...
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Road-Tested Tips: Get Smarter With Money
Key Points: Budgeting Strategies: Break down your income using frameworks like the 50/30/20 rule to allocate money efficiently for bills, living expenses, and savings. Zero-Based Budgeting: Allocate every dollar of your income each month to optimise your financial planning and ensure all funds…
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Loud Budgeting: Should You Say It Out Loud?
Key Points: Loud Budgeting vs. Quiet Luxury: Discusses the origins and contrasts of 'loud budgeting' and 'quiet luxury,' and how these paradigms influence personal financial conversations and transparency. Cultural Resistance to Money Talk: Explores the traditional reluctance of Australians to...
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Buying a New iPhone? When & How to Save on Tech
Key Points: Understanding product release cycles and market trends can help consumers save significantly on tech purchases. The concept of "planned obsolescence" impacts tech-related spending; consumers need to be aware of software updates and support timelines. Buying pre-owned or refurbished...
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Rethinking Generosity: Beyond Money
Key Points: Generosity Redefined: Generosity transcends money; consider giving time, skills, and effort to make a genuine impact. Plan for Generosity: Reflect on free time and personal skills that can be offered to communities and causes, enhancing your giving strategy. Consistent Giving Matters:...
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50 Free Fun Ideas That Beat Spending | Freddy Frugal Friday - Check ShowNotes for the List
That 50 Free, Fun Ideas? Download it here! Key Points: Exploration of Cost-Free Activities: Discover how opting for free or low-cost activities can still deliver fun and satisfaction amidst budget constraints. Cultural Influences on Spending: Learn about the role cultural practices play in our...
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Christmas Costs Too Much? Top Ways to Save & Keep the Joy
Key Takeaways: Embrace intentional spending to achieve a meaningful and budget-conscious Christmas celebration, focusing on experiences rather than material gifts. Inflation and cost of living challenges require strategic financial planning to maintain the joy of the holiday season. Get creative...
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Rent Crisis: What to Do in 2025 and EPISODE 100!!!!
Key Takeaways: Rental Market Dynamics: Prices in capital cities are excessively high, leading to rental stress among Australians; creative strategies are needed to navigate these challenges. Financial Strategies: Look at managing the remaining 70% of your budget after rent rather than focusing...
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Rent Crisis Preview (and some of Hopeland's Suggestions!)
Have a 'rent crisis' suggestion to make? Send it through to us at this form here Key Takeaways: Rental stress is a critical issue in many Australian cities, with residents spending a significant portion of their income on housing. Suggestions to combat rental unaffordability include supporting…
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We're Crook! Oh and Donate to Hope, Please?
Key Takeaways: The podcast is presently on a brief hiatus due to health issues faced by both hosts, with plans to resume regular episodes soon. Hope Media's November Appeal highlights how faith-based generosity directly supports the thriving of such community initiatives. Ben provides biblical...
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Can You Pay God Off? Grace vs Guilt with Money
Key Takeaways: Joy Mantra: Applying the principle of J-O-Y (Jesus, Others, Yourself) might provide a balanced approach to budgeting and financial generosity, aligning spending with core values. Spiritual Perspectives: The concept of balancing a ledger with God through good deeds is challenged…
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Your Questions Answered! Live HOpen Day Recording
Key Takeaways: Faith and finance can effectively intermingle, offering a holistic approach to handling money by incorporating biblical principles. Generosity should not be limited to a strict percentage; instead, it is about giving with a joyful heart based on one's capacity. It is prudent for...
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Shrinkflation Secrets: Why Your Snacks Are Getting Smaller
Key Takeaways: Shrinkflation Defined: Products reduce in size or quantity, but prices remain unchanged, leading to effectively higher costs per unit. Skimflation Insight: Some products may have reduced quality or fewer ingredients, offering less value for the same price. Consumer Response: Use…
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WIN Book 'The Money Reset' by Gemma Mitchell
Win a copy of the book by Gemma Mitchell here: Hope1032's Win Page Head to the previous episode in this pod to have a listen to Gemma share wisdom from the book. If you want to purchase a copy for you and your family (GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT, just sayin') head to Amazon Australia here! Hurry...
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The Money Reset - Gemma Mitchell
Gemma Mitchell is a seasoned financial advisor and the author of The Money Reset. With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Gemma has transitioned from traditional financial advising to managing a team of advisors while focusing on large-scale educational initiatives. These...
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Superannuation... "Just Tell Me What I Need To Know"
Key Takeaways: Understanding Superannuation Basics: Learn about superannuation contributions, checking statements, and the various investment options available within Australia's retirement savings scheme. Effective Financial Planning: Balancing between contributing to super and paying off a...
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Greed & The Love Of Money
Key Takeaways: Greed can often be disguised as ambition, and being aware of this is essential for maintaining financial and spiritual balance. Participating in a self-assessment regarding greed can help clarify one's relationship with money and possessions. Biblical references show a consistent...
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Top Tips For Tradies
Key Takeaways: Separate Finances: It's crucial for tradies to distinguish between personal and business finances to maintain clarity and manage liabilities effectively. Do Your Admin: Staying on top of paperwork and administrative tasks can save a lot of stress and potential legal complications...
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HUGE Update from Your Money Team
So, Ben forgot to get Pete to stay around in the studio to let you know that... SEASON 9 drops on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Huge, right?!?!?!?! Can't wait for you to hear what is in store, and Ben gives you a sneak peak. What do Tradie Tips, Ultimate Super answers, and a test for greed have in...
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REPLAY - Interest Rates 2.0
In August, the RBA cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 3.6 per cent. While interest rates may have dipped, mortgage stress and housing affordability remain front-page issues in 2025. Oldie But a Goldie - Dive into this episode from Season 3 to unpack what rate changes always mean for...
About this show
Money: Faith & Finance explores the profound and practical of everyday finances. In every episode, we explore the real-life impact of everything from superannuation to stewardship, the World Bank to your wallet – and what does God have to say about money?Welcome to the profit, loss and real balance sheet of wherever money intersects with you.Pete Burrows is an accountant for small business and individuals with Lower Russell and Farr in Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia.Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings on Hope 103.2FM in Sydney, Australia.
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Hope 103.2
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