Money Magazine October 2022

EDITOR'S DESK To buy or not to buy? That is the question we ask ourselves when an investment opportunity is laid out in front of us. In our cover story this month, “The new mindset for success” (page 32), we share how finance experts make the right decisions in a world full of booby traps and distractions. The answer? Emotional intelligence (EI). EI sounds like soft science that has no place in the rough-and-tumble of the stockmarket. On the contrary, it is even more important. Behavioural finance expert Phil Slade argues that it can act as the perfect foil against the onslaught of easily accessible financial data - a way to fight market noise. Also in this issue, we answer your questions around bridging finance (“Bridging the price gap” (page 54). If you're…

FROM THE EDITOR EDITOR'S DESK To buy or not to buy? That is the question we ask ourselves when an investment opportunity is laid out in front of us. In our cover story this month, “The new mindset for success” (page 32), we share how finance experts make the right decisions in a world full of booby traps and distractions. The answer? Emotional intelligence (EI). EI sounds like soft science that has no place in the rough-and-tumble of the stockmarket. On the contrary, it is even more important. Behavioural finance expert Phil Slade argues that it can act as the perfect foil against the onslaught of easily accessible financial data - a way to fight market noise. Also in this issue, we answer your questions around bridging finance (“Bridging the…

The talk of the poor and marginalised bearing the brunt of Reserve Bank monetary policy to curb inflation is true on one level, but does not address the full macroeconomic reality (The Buzz, by Genevra Leek, September). Our tax rates have been constantly reduced for decades. Less tax means less money for programs to help the poor and marginalised. The RBA cannot control the economy. The only tool it has is interest rates, which are tied to inflation. Inflation will drive up interest rates and it is clear that we are not immune to global shocks of many kinds. The Australian government's approach, which was to increase spending, is a Keynesian approach to the problem and it seemed totally necessary under the circumstances. But without reserves, debt is going through the roof. The call…

The talk of the poor and marginalised bearing the brunt of Reserve Bank monetary policy to curb inflation is true on one level, but does not address the full macroeconomic reality (The Buzz, by Genevra Leek, September). Our tax rates have been constantly reduced for decades. Less tax means less money for programs to help the poor and marginalised. The RBA cannot control the economy. The only tool it has is interest rates, which are tied to inflation. Inflation will drive up interest rates and it is clear that we are not immune to global shocks of many kinds. The Australian government's approach, which was to increase spending, is a Keynesian approach to the problem and it seemed totally necessary under the circumstances. But without reserves, debt is going through…

TRACIE ELLIS Contributing writer “With the rising cost of living, we've all had to make changes. Giving up some branded items in my grocery shopping has seen me making alternative (and more cost-effective) choices. While I believe there is a difference between branded products and their cheaper alternatives, with some products there is no justification for the extra spend. Trying alternatives has resulted in our grocery bill (for my family of six) remaining under control.” DAVID MATTHEWS Designer “I've given overseas travel a miss for the time being. Apart from my passport lapsing during the last lockdown, things like airfare hikes and travel insurance insecurity haven't inspired me. Big ups for those who do venture across the waves though (including my brother who's in Italy). We live in a huge,…

TRACIE ELLIS Contributing writer “With the rising cost of living, we've all had to make changes. Giving up some branded items in my grocery shopping has seen me making alternative (and more cost-effective) choices. While I believe there is a difference between branded products and their cheaper alternatives, with some products there is no justification for the extra spend. Trying alternatives has resulted in our grocery bill (for my family of six) remaining under control.” DAVID MATTHEWS Designer “I've given overseas travel a miss for the time being. Apart from my passport lapsing during the last lockdown, things like airfare hikes and travel insurance insecurity haven't inspired me. Big ups for those who do venture across the waves though (including my brother who's in Italy). We live in a huge, beautiful, safe country.…