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387 | Everything you need to know about Home & Contents Insurance – Chat with Steve Mickenbecker

It’s no secret that Australia is facing an insurance crisis. 

Did you know that roughly 70-80% of all Aussies are underinsured?!  

With the constant string of natural disasters from fires to floods, the ability to choose the right personal insurance that actually covers you is becoming more and more critical!  

It might not be our sexiest topic folks, but it’s definitely super important to know!! 

But how are you supposed to know what insurance is best for you?   

Or what makes an insurance policy a good insurance policy??  

Thankfully to help us clear this muddy water we’ve got Steve Mickenbecker, financial services expert!  

As well as being part of Canstar’s Group Executive Team (aka. Australia’s Biggest Financial Comparison site!!), Steve is also Canstar’s financial commentator.

He brings more than 30 years of experience in home loans, superannuation, insurance, mortgages, banking, credit cards, investment, budgeting, money management and SO MUCH MORE!  

Basically…he’s the ultimate insurance guru!!  

And he’s here to explain… 

What the heck is Stagflation?!  

How to ensure your insurance policy appropriately covers flood damage!  

What the future for insurance policy services will be (Are we destined to forever be served by robots and AI?!)  

PLUS, Steve will deep dive into some of  Canstar’s and the Insurance Council of Australia’s Catastrophe Data. 

Listen in now folks – this one is real eye-opener! 🤯 

 

Free Stuff Mentioned 

 

Here’s some of the gold we cover… 

  • 2:02 – Money problems are actually Money H___!  
  • 3:48 – Welcome Steve Mickenbecker!!  
  • 5:37 – From ledger cards to cryptocurrency: Steve’s Money Backstory  
  • 14:36 – How Steve first got into finance!  
  • 16:21 – What the heck is Stagflation?! (And why haven’t we seen it since??)  
  • 22:13 – Why is it important to get your insurance right?   
  • 25:24 – What factors should you consider when selecting insurance? 
  • 27:44 – The underinsurance epidemic and why we’re seeing it today! 
  • 29:10 – How to CORRECTLY calculate if you’re underinsured… 
  • 35:23 – Folks, THIS is why you should read annual changes in your insurance policy!  
  • 36:36 – How to ensure your big-ticket items inside your house are actually covered!  
  • 40:20 – Steve’s rule of thumb for knowing what items you should ensure 
  • 42:05 – How to choose the best insurer for you!  
  • 47:30 – So…what actually makes a good policy?  
  • 51:15 – How much excess is juust right? 
  • 53:31 – Online vs. Human insurance service  
  • 55:45 – What sort of records should people keep for claims?  
  • 58:21 – Data dive into natural disaster coverage… 
  • 1:00:30 – The Average out of pocket costs for home and contents insurance!! (WOW!)  

And… 

 

386 | BEWARE Tax Traps! How to rebuild or repair after a natural disaster – Chat with Julia Hartman

To celebrate the beginning of the festive (tax) season, we’re welcoming back a special guest…. 

It’s the only and only…Julia Hartman!!!!  

And this week she’s sharing with us how to repair or rebuild your house if it was damaged by a natural disaster (Like a fire or flood) … 

Without paying tax through your eyeballs!!!  

She’ll cover all bases from why it’s paramount that you move back into your house as soon as it’s been fixed (trust us, it’ll save you a heck of a lot of tax…listen in to find out what we mean!) 

To what you should do if you’ve been living overseas when your property was damaged!  

But we’re not just covering that of course, Julia’s got far too much knowledge just waiting to be shared! 

We’re also looking at all the recent changes to tax rates and how you can be prepared for them this tax season… 

Plus – we unpack all things Duplex like…  

What’s the optimal way to create a battle-axe duplex (and not lose any or all of your benefits to GST or CGT!!), 

Why you should keep records of everything from lawnmower fuel to maintenance costs,  

And basically, in the wise words of Bryce, how you can “Make apple pie with apples” folks!!  

But we’ll give you a little spoiler first…before embarking on EITHER of these renovations, it’s critical that you speak to a tax advisor who specialises in property. 

We can NOT stress this enough – there are so many fine details in the process and rather than giving yourself a headache, or worse, kicking yourself later for paying unnecessary tax, it’s best to seek advice first!! 

Now that we’ve got that triple highlighted, tune in to today’s episode folks! It can seriously save you a lot of stress later down the track. 

 

Free Stuff Mentioned 

 

Here’s some of the gold we cover… 

  • 1:52 – Don’t miss the next PICA webinar with Peter Koulizos!!  
  • 2:51 – Remember to stop and smell the roses folks…  
  • 6:35 – Welcome back Juliaaaa! (She’s a LEGEND!)  
  • 8:00 – What should you do if your home or investment property was damaged by fires or floods?  
  • 11:48 – Do I need a property depreciation expert? (PLUS, listen to this part for a silver lining)  
  • 14:47 – Why you shouldn’t accept cash payouts for rebuilding!  
  • 16:34 – The importance of intention and using the principal place of residence exemption   
  • 18:20 – What happens if I choose to sell? (And tax implications) 
  • 21:55 – Use a M___ Scheme to reduce your CGT 
  • 24:28 – Case study with Julia’s client 
  • 28:57 – Living overseas? Listen to this part!  
  • 33:16 – Let’s RECAP! (Want more details? Read the FREE report in our show notes)  
  • 36:00 – Building a Duplex: What to consider when demolishing your home!  
  • 39:38 – Why having the INTENTION to use it as a duplex has a lot of upsides  
  • 42:47 – The ideal battle-axe duplex situation is… 
  • 44:10 – Julia’s advice on Buying and Demolishing vs. Renting  
  • 53:30 – Changes to the Tax Rates: Why we think you should claim your deductions NEXT financial year!  
  • 55:54 – Ben’s prediction for the future… 
  • 58:50 – Keep it simple folks, share the CGT!  

And… 

 

385 | THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN DREAM – How to make it more affordable?

Ahh yes, The Great Australian Dream. 🇦🇺☀️🏖️

Great beaches just a stone’s throw away, endless sunny days and the ability to own a large house on a quarter-acre block of land (With enough space to invite all your mates down for a barbeque on the weekend!)…

But while this dream has survived over the years, its accessibility is another thing entirely. 

And it has not gone unnoticed!  

A recent 2022 inquiry published by the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue addresses this very issue… 

Titled The Australian Dream: Inquiry into housing affordability and supply in Australia, it provides a list of suggestions on…

How to make The Great Australian Dream MORE affordable!! 

 And today, we’re unpacking all 16 recommendations from this report!!  

There’s all the good stuff, like…. 

How can the Federal AND State Government play a bigger role in supporting those in need?!  

Is removing stamp duty actually a good idea?!  

 What policy is a good policy for land and house taxes?  

We’re also getting some blasts from the past as we look back at Australia’s history to inform us where our future should go…  

Like what the Menzie Government did to increase house ownership post World War 2…   

PLUS, see the image below to understand Ben’s section in “What’s Making Property News?” this week.  

Source: Seven News

(It’s one of those stories which prove EXACTLY why you should hold out for the long-term!)  

So strap in folks, we’re taking a hard look at our current property market and what NEEDS to change!!  

Free Stuff Mentioned 

Here’s some of the gold we cover… 

  • 1:50 – Grow silently, folks!  
  • 6:35 – How was The Great Australian Dream was born?  
  • 8:39 – Is Australia able to provide affordable stock anymore?  
  • 12:16 – #1: Changing the NIMBY-ism mindset 
  • 15:42 – #2: Cutting the Red Tape  
  • 20: 51 – #3: Cash incentives for state and local governments  
  • 23:45 – #4: More housing for the vulnerable  
  • 28:47 – #5: What can State Govs do to support those in need?  
  • 31:16 – #6: Discount-to-market vs. rent-to-own affordable housing 
  • 31:50 – What the Menzie Gov did to boost H___ O_____… 
  • 34:44 – #7: Using Super as…house security?!  
  • 39:23 – Ben has a controversial opinion on this!  
  • 40:28 – #8: No changes to N____ G___?!  
  • 43:09 – #9: The Argument for Removing Stamp Duty  
  • 46:00 – #10: Hello…Land Tax?!  
  • 46:39 – #11: The Government Sting on Developers  
  • 50:32 – #12: Reviewing the Build to Rent policy  
  • 53:10 – #13: Changing Lending standards 
  • 55:10 – #14: The RBA’s role in housing (And if that should change!)  
  • 56:40 – #15: This one’s a no brainer, a big “YES!” from us  
  • 57:14 – #16: Support the concessional loans!  
  • 59:28 – What Labor thinks of this report… 

And… 

 

RBA Cash Rate April 2022: An Invasion, a Mandate and a Federal Budget… What does this mean for you?

The Reserve Bank of Australia has just released their cash rate folks! A lot has been happening both internationally and domestically over the past month. The Russia-Ukraine war continues, the floods in QLD & NSW, the release of the Federal Budget 2022/23 and heaps more.  

For today’s RBA release, here are our three other key themes for this month’s economic 

  • The current economic impact of Russia’s invasion 
  • Will China’s Covid elimination mandate cause further global supply & inflation problems? 
  • What’s next for the Aussie Economy? 

 

Plus, Ben also includes his latest news and commentary on…

  • US’s recent interest rate announcement and their take on Inflation 
  • How is the global inflation story affecting the Equity Markets? 
  • Australia’s GDP Data for the December Quarter 
  • RBA’s standpoint on inflation and their next rate rise 
  • The recently released Federal Budget 
  • Recent Housing Credit and Building Approvals announcement 
  • CoreLogic’s Home Value Index – 31 March 2022 
  • And heaps more! 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information only and is an opinion comment by Ben Kingsley. The information contained in this video is for Australian residents only. The information does not take into account the particular investment objectives or financial situation of any potential viewer. It does not constitute, and should not be relied on as, financial or investment advice or recommendations (expressed or implied) and it should not be used as an invitation to take up any investments or investment services. No investment decision or activity should be undertaken on the basis of this information without first seeking qualified and professional advice.

The Property Couch, its employees or contractors do not represent or guarantee that the information is accurate or free from errors or omissions and therefore provide no warranties or guarantees. The Property Couch disclaims any and all duty of care in relation to the information and liability for any reliance on investment decisions, claiming the use or guidance of this publication or information contained within it.

For more information, please visit: http://thepropertycouch.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

384 | Budget Wrap – Your Questions Answered!

Yep. You guessed it. This week’s topic is all about…

The 2022-23 Federal Budget!!  

And today, we’re unpacking what’s in it, who the winners and losers are, and answering your burning questions about the Budget!

We’re looking at:  

(We’ve got two really great questions about this at the end of the podcast, so stick around till then!!)  

PLUS, we’re unpacking interest rates and inflation! Ensuring generational wealth! Rising cost of living! Wage growth!!

If you can’t tell folks, this one’s PACKED to the brim with information and we’re very excited to be diving into it today.  

Tune in right now for the gold!  

P.S Thank you to all our listeners for these fantastic questions – it’s been fun picking our brains.  

Got more questions? Send them to us through our Speak Pipe (Click the tab on the bottom right side of our website)  

P.P.S Questions are listed further below👇 Enjoy! 

 

Free Stuff Mentioned 

 

Here are the Questions We Answer…

Luke on Regional areas 

“What areas are considered regional?”  

Char Williams on the Expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme for First Home Buyers 

“Does the federal budget help property investors? Also, will the expansion of the home guarantee scheme for first home buyers just continue to increase house prices due to lack of stock?”  

Dan Coletti on If Budget will help Cost of Living 

“Hey Benji and Big Brice 🤭,

Would a question here trigger a start and build course voucher 🤷🏼‍♂️🙋🏼‍♂️🙏😉?

So here goes- will these budget commitments to “help” in the cost of living, drive a false economy and therefore enacting a potential for a premature interest rate rise and amount.”

shaunjb_ on RBA Interest Rates  

“Could we expect the RBA to respond by increasing rates earlier than anticipated due to some of these announcements?”

Positive.jules on Consequences of Government Backed Schemes

“Thoughts on the potential consequences of these government backed schemes that could push first home buyers into a negative equity. A position I imagine at current times isn’t even seen as a risk to many getting into the market with low deposits and assumed continuous growth as seen in the hot market.

Love ya work boys and GO PIES! #piesflag2022 #believe”

Luke Keegan on Creating Generational Wealth  

“What can i do now to ensure my young children (1 & 3) will be able to have a home in adulthood?”  

Brendan Mutsaers on the Impacts of the 5% Government loan 

“Will all the backing of government with 5% loan or less lead to poor quality borrowers and higher defaults? Thinking seeds of sub-prime loans.” 

Danielle Shacklock in response to Brendan Mutsaers’ Question:  

“I got a 5% loan as a single mum. Brought a new SUV, all new furniture, invest in shares for my kids invest in my super and have paid 10% of my home off in under 12 months. Onto the next. I put extra into my home loan and brought smart. 

I am wanting a holiday home next. I don’t think all 5% loans are set for failure. If I default on my home with the rental crisis I risk homelessness as there’s no rentals available anywhere ever. 

I’ve already been in 12 

Months and have now kept my stamp duty waiver. 

Just because people secure these loans doesn’t automatically mean they can’t manage money. The onus is back on the person lending not the lenders. 

Interesting question.”  

 

Here’s some of the gold we cover… 

  • 3:00 – What Ben and Antonia Mercorella’s covered in their recent PICA Webinar 
  • 5:57 – Are you avoiding taking real action?  
  • 7:52 – How Australia is faring after coming out of COVID-19… 
  • 13:40 – The Budget Headlines (Who are the winners and losers) 
  • 26:55 – The Winners in Property: The 3 homeowner guarantees and housing affordability  
  • 32:10 – Refreshing stock in the bush 
  • 35:00 – Insurance and fire and flood support 
  • 37:30 – A boost in the infrastructure and tourism industries
  • 40:15 – The Losers in Property: Why our S___ should be paying for build to rent programs!  
  • 41:42 – Q1: What areas are considered regional?  
  • 42:59 – Q2: The Expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme  
  • 45:54 – Q3: Will the Budget help Cost of Living?  
  • 49:50 – Q4: RBA and Interest Rates 
  • 52:30 – Q5: Consequences of Government Backed Schemes 
  • 54:21 – Q6: Creating Generational Wealth 
  • 56:25 – Q7: Impacts of the 5% Government loan 

And… 

  • 1:01:53 – We love the Live Text!  
  • 1:04:02 – Top #10 suburbs threatened by….C____ E____! 

 

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