PODCAST · business
The Finance Garage
by Jonathan Wu
Step into The Finance Garage, where we tune up your financial knowledge. We break down complex investment strategies and market trends into clear, digestible insights with the help of a wide range of investment specialists. Join us in practical discussions on the ever-changing financial landscape today.
Episodes
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Ep 55 - How the car industry is designed to beat you! ft. John Cadogan
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by John Cadogan, one of Australia’s most recognised automotive journalists and consumer advocates. John shares his insights into how the car industry really works, from dealership tactics and financing traps to common mistakes…
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Ep 54 - The great credit card surcharge disappearing act
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the ongoing debate around credit card surcharges and why they may soon become a thing of the past. He explores the reasons regulators and consumer advocates are pushing for change, what the proposed reforms could mean for businesses and customers, and how these...
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Ep 53 - Betting everything on being funny with Dave Hughes
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Dave Hughes, one of Australia's most recognized comedians, radio hosts, and television personalities. Dave shares the highs, risks, and realities of building a career in comedy, including what it takes to back yourself when...
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Ep 52 - Why 5% government bond yields should be keeping investors up at night
In this episode, Jonathan explores why 5% government bond yields are becoming one of the most important signals investors need to watch right now. 📈 As bond yields reach levels not seen in years, the implications stretch far beyond fixed income markets. Jonathan breaks down what higher yields…
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Ep 51 - Nvidia keeps beating expectations, Toby's Land Rover met expectations day one ft. Tobias Bucks
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks another standout result from Nvidia, exploring why the tech giant continues to outperform expectations and what that means for investors navigating today’s market. The conversation also takes a lighter turn as Toby shares his first-day experience with a new Land...
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Ep 50 - Investing in a world of too much choice for youngins! ft. Andrew Varlamos
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Andrew Varlamos, an experienced investment professional who helps investors cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters when building wealth. Together, they explore the challenge young investors face in today's world…
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Ep 49 - The super tax most Australians never see coming
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks one of the most overlooked tax issues in Australia: the so-called "death tax" within superannuation. Many Australians assume their super will pass tax-free to loved ones, but the reality can be very different. Jonathan explains how the taxable and tax-free...
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Ep 47 - Adam Morris and the cost of servicing luxury cars - feat. Adam Morris
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Adam Morris, an expert in luxury automotive servicing and maintenance. Adam breaks down the real cost of owning high-end vehicles, from routine servicing and parts to unexpected repairs that can quickly add up. They explore why...
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Ep 48 - Don't waste your unused super contributions! Why super just became more valuable!
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks a major opportunity many Australians are overlooking—unused super contributions and how recent rule changes have made them even more powerful. He explains how carry-forward concessional contributions work, who can benefit, and why timing matters more than ever in...
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Ep 47 - Asics review of private credit - feat. Yehuda Gottlieb
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Yehuda, a private credit specialist, to unpack ASIC’s latest review and what it means for investors and the industry. Yehuda breaks down where regulators are tightening scrutiny, the risks surfacing within private credit...
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Ep 46 - 2026 federal budget vs reality- what actually changed?
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the 2026 federal budget and cuts through the headlines to reveal what has truly changed—and what hasn’t. He breaks down key promises versus real-world outcomes, from cost-of-living relief and tax adjustments to housing policy and business impacts. With a clear,...
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Ep 45 - Is the housing market about to have a rude awakening? - feat. Louis Christopher
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research. Together, they unpack whether Australia’s housing market is on the brink of a “rude awakening” and what the latest data is really telling us. They dive into supply…
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Ep 44 - The Iran war, fuel prices and should you buy an EV now? - feat. Adam Morris
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the growing tensions in Iran and what global conflict means for oil markets, fuel prices and everyday Australians. He explores how geopolitical risk flows through to petrol bowsers, inflation and household budgets, and why volatility in energy markets matters for...
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Ep 43 - Post Budget - Are we facing an entrepreneurial crisis in Australia?
In this episode, Jonathan takes a hard look at Australia’s latest Federal Budget and the growing concern among founders and small business owners around the absence of capital gains tax relief. With no CGT discount on the table, the question many entrepreneurs are asking is whether risk-taking is...
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Ep 42 - Behavioural biases costing investor returns - feat. Anthony Doyle
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks how common behavioural biases quietly erode investor returns, often without people even realising it. From overconfidence and loss aversion to herd behaviour and recency bias, the discussion explores why investors make irrational decisions even when they know...
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Ep 41 - No Second Chances: The Legal Errors That Sink Small Businesses - feat. Chris Kintis
In this episode, Jonathan dives into the critical legal mistakes that quietly derail small businesses before owners even realise they’re at risk. From poorly drafted agreements and compliance blind spots to handshake deals that don’t hold up when things go wrong, this conversation unpacks why the...
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Ep 40 - Why owning nothing has never been this expensive
In this episode, Jonathan unpacks why the cost of “owning nothing” in modern Australia is skyrocketing, and how the shift towards a subscription‑heavy lifestyle is reshaping personal finance. He explores what Australians are really paying for convenience, access, and flexibility—and why it all...
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Ep 39 - Is It Really Impossible for Gen Z to Buy a Home in 2026 – feat. Vishal Teckchandani
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Vishal Teckchandani, a finance journalist and commentator known for unpacking complex economic issues in a way younger Australians can actually relate to. Together, they dive into the heated question dominating group chats and...
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Ep 38 - The rise of gold and silver - What the numbers are really telling us
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the recent rise of gold and silver and what the numbers are really telling us about inflation, interest rates, and investor sentiment. 🥇🥈 He unpacks the data behind precious metals performance, including real yields,...
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Ep 37 - 2026 market outlook with Anthony Doyle - feat. Anthony Doyle
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Anthony Doyle to unpack the key themes shaping the 2026 market outlook — from inflation and interest rates to global growth, geopolitics, and asset-class expectations. 🌍📊 Together, they explore where risks and...
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Ep 36 - Why central bank independence is critical and why Trump is threatening it!
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down why central bank independence is so critical to a stable financial system — and why recent political pressure, particularly from Donald Trump, has raised serious concerns among investors and policymakers. 🏦⚠️ He explains…
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Ep 35 - Investing in Dangerous Markets – Spotting Red Flags Before the Market Does - feat. Dr. David Allen
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan and Dr. Allen will dive into how to invest safely in today’s volatile environment — and the red flags smart investors look for before the market catches on. 🚨📉 They unpack the subtle signs of deteriorating fundamentals, liquidity...
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Ep 34 - The biggest risk to retirees… is actually their adult children
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan explores an overlooked but growing risk for retirees — the financial strain created not by markets, but by their adult children. He breaks down how unexpected support for children can jeopardise retirement plans, weaken long-term...
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Ep 33 - Commercial property vs residential property - feat. Tim Slattery
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the key differences between commercial and residential property investing — from how each market generates returns 🏢🏠, to the risks, yields, and financing structures that define them. He explores why many investors are...
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Ep 32 - Testamentary trusts - how much do you worry about your beneficiaries' financial future?
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan explores the world of testamentary trusts — what they are, how they work, and why they can be an essential estate planning tool for families. He breaks down their key advantages, including asset protection and tax efficiency, and discusses...
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Ep 31 - Tips and traps of the second hand car market - feat. Bashir Naim
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Bashir Naim, Head of Wholesale and Luxury Car Acquisition at McCarroll’s Group in Sydney 🚗 They explore the fascinating world of the second-hand car market — from how luxury dealerships price and source vehicles to the hidden...
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Ep.30 - The ghosts of markets past - are we in a bubble again?
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan takes a look back through financial history to uncover what past market booms can teach us about today’s investing climate. From the Nifty Fifty era to the dot-com frenzy and now the AI-driven surge led by Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft,...
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Ep.29 -Alternative Approaches to Global Equity Investing – feat. Hugh Selby
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Hugh Selby, Co-CIO of Talaria Asset Management, who brings years of experience in developing options-based strategies to help investors manage risk while pursuing steady returns. Together, they break down how alternative…
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Ep.28 - ASX Earnings Season Wrap: Winners, Losers, and What the Market’s Really Saying
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the August 2025 ASX earnings season—a month packed with surprises as hundreds of listed companies revealed how they’re navigating higher rates, easing inflation, and shifting consumer behaviour. Whether you’re a seasoned...
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Ep.27 - Sequencing Risk Explained: Protecting Your Retirement from Market Timing Traps
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down one of the sneakiest threats to a secure retirement—sequencing risk. It’s not just about how much your portfolio earns over time, but when those returns happen that can make or break your retirement. From real-world…
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Ep 26 - Interest Rates, Property Rebounds & the End of Hybrids – feat. Christopher Joye
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Christopher Joye, Chief Investment Officer of Coolabah Capital, known for his sharp market insights and data-driven take on Australia’s housing sector and fixed income markets. They dive into the RBA’s recent rate cuts and what...
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Ep 25 - Who Had It Worse? Boomers vs Millennials vs Gen Z
In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the ultimate generational showdown: Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z. Who really had it tougher—those who faced 17% interest rates, those crushed by HECS and housing prices, or those navigating burnout and a broken gig economy? It’s not about pointing...
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Ep 24 - What 99% of Australians Don’t Know About China - ft. John Stavliotis
Welcome back to The Finance Garage. In this episode, Jonathan is joined by John Stavleiotis, Portfolio Manager at Antipodes, to unpack what’s really happening in China—beyond the headlines—after both recently visited the country themselves. Together, they challenge common investor assumptions and...
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Ep 23 - Medicare Levy vs Surcharge—How to Avoid Unnecessary Tax
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode of The Finance Garage, we tackle one of the most misunderstood parts of the Australian tax system: the difference between the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). You’ve likely seen both on your tax return and wondered—why am I...
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Ep 22 - What the public doesn't understand about financial advice? - ft. Matt Brown
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by guest Matt Brown, CEO of Advice for Fortnum and PFS (part of the Entireti group). Together, they tackle the pressing issue of the financial advice gap in Australia. Matt breaks down why only about 20% of Australians…
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Ep 21 - What Is Division 293 Tax and Why More Australians Are Getting Caught Out
📊 Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan unpacked the Division 293 tax — that extra 15% superannuation tax that’s quietly catching more Australians off guard each year. While many assume it’s only for the ultra-wealthy, Jonathan explains why even regular professionals, business...
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Ep 20 - How Private Credit Fills the Lending Gap in Australia – feat. Yehuda Gottlieb
💡Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Yehuda Gottlieb, Managing Director of Centuria Bass, to explore the ins and outs of Australia’s private credit landscape. With over 15 years in the space, Yehuda brings a wealth of insights into why developers turn to non-bank...
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Ep 19 - Are Chinese Cars Really a Threat to Australia’s Auto Industry? - feat. Matt Brand
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! This week, Jonathan is joined by Matt Brand, founder of CarSauce and a rising voice in the auto world, to break down the rise of Chinese EVs in Australia. From BYD to GWM, are these brands shaking up the market—or just misunderstood? If you’re following the…
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Ep 18 - Why young investors shouldn’t be so obsessed with investing and returns….
Welcome back to another episode of The Finance Garage ! This time, Jonathan dives deep into a topic that's on many young people's minds — investing. But is obsessing over investing really the best way to build wealth when you're starting out? Jonathan shares stories, lessons from his 20 years of...
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EP 17 - Post-Election Australia: Can We Fix What’s Broken? - ft. Shane Oliver
Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan is joined by Dr. Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP, for a timely discussion on what’s really going on with Australia’s economy. From a “bland” federal budget to deeper structural issues like housing shortages, tax reform, and...
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EP 16 - WTF - What the Flux? Key takeaways from the Feb 2025 reporting season for Aussie Equities - ft. Gian Pandit
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Gian Pandit, Deputy Head of Equities at Ausbill, to unpack one of the most volatile reporting seasons in recent years. They discuss how a 3.5% drop in the ASX 200 was driven by falling EPS, disappointing revenues…
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EP 15 – Budget 2025 Unpacked: Cutting Costs, Boosting Wages, and Shaping Your Future
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the 2025 Federal Budget. Discover how new tax cuts, energy relief, and reforms in childcare, student debt, and superannuation are designed to ease cost-of-living pressures ahead of the upcoming election. Whether you're...
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EP 14 - Tariffs Uncovered: Who Really Pays the Price?
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan dives deep into the world of tariffs and trade policies. He breaks down the Trump administration’s swift actions together—especially the tariffs imposed on Australian steel and aluminium exports—and explains the complex supply…
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EP 13 - Driven by Dollars: Navigating the Used Car Conundrum - ft. Adam Morris
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan teams up with Adam Morris from Redriven—marking his first deep dive with a car industry insider. Jonathan and Adam, both lifelong car enthusiasts share an engaging conversation that cuts through glossy marketing to reveal the true...
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EP 12 - Guarding Your Wealth: When Cyber Threats Strike at Home - ft. Tony Vizza
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan shifts gears from traditional investments to tackle the critical issue of personal cybersecurity. With digital threats growing more sophisticated, Jonathan sits down with cybersecurity expert Tony Visor to explore how a seemingly...
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EP 11 - Double Your Money: The Magic of the Rule of 72
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan unpacks the simplicity and power behind the Rule of 72—a handy formula that shows you just how long it takes to double your money. We explore the magic of compounding growth by dividing 72 by your annual return rate, turning…
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Ep 10 - APRA Heat Maps and the Future of Superannuation with Mike Taylor - ft. Mike Taylor
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode, we sit down with Mike Taylor, Managing Editor of Financial Newswire, to explore the evolving landscape of superannuation. We discuss APRA's heat maps and how they are influencing investment strategies, the potential shift toward more...
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EP 9 - life is unfair; so what are you going to do about it
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage ! In this episode of The Finance Garage, we explore the realities of capitalism, financial success, and the hidden emotional traps that can hold us back. Inspired by The Woke Salaryman, a thought-provoking book by Singaporean authors, we discuss how the…
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Ep 8 - Small Caps, Big Opportunities: Unlocking Hidden Gems in Local Markets - ft. Patrick Hodgens
🎙️ Welcome back to The Finance Garage! In this episode, Jonathan Wu is joined by Patrick Hodgens from Firetrail Investments, a veteran with over 40 years of experience in the financial sector. Together, they delve into the dynamic world of small-cap investing, often overlooked but brimming with...
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Ep 7 - Is Technology Simplifying Our Lives or Making Them More Complex?
In this episode of The Finance Garage, we explore the double-edged sword of modern technology. From the convenience of AI tools to the simplicity of mobile banking, technology promises to make our lives easier—but at what cost? We dive into recent real-world examples, including a lawsuit against...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Step into The Finance Garage, where we tune up your financial knowledge. We break down complex investment strategies and market trends into clear, digestible insights with the help of a wide range of investment specialists. Join us in practical discussions on the ever-changing financial landscape today.
HOSTED BY
Jonathan Wu
CATEGORIES
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