Finance Archives - JOY Drive

Nicole Rich: Property Underquoting

latham.smith — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:00:58 +0000

Underquoting has become a flashpoint for frustrated buyers and confused sellers, especially as some properties continue to sell far above their advertised ranges. Nicole Rich, Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, explains the updated real estate guidelines, why comparable properties matter, and how buyers and sellers can spot red flags and stay informed.

Guest: Nicole Rich, Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria

Presenter: Latham Smith

The post Nicole Rich: Property Underquoting appeared first on JOY Drive.

Sally Nicholes and Jade Blakkarly: Law Talk — How Family Violence Pushes People into Poverty

latham.smith — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 06:09:19 +0000

Family violence doesn’t end at the front door; it can trap people in cycles of poverty, insecurity and isolation. Managing Partner Sally Nicholes and WIRE CEO Jade Blakkarly unpack how violence intersects with money, housing, safety and gendered power, and why the 16 Days of Activism matters more than ever.

Guests: Sally Nicholes, founder and Managing Partner at Nicholes Family Lawyers, and Jade Blakkarly, Chief Executive Officer at WIRE

Presenter: Warren Andrew

Nicholes Family Lawyers is a proud JOY sponsor and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their experienced team can help with rainbow family law, including surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and asset protection.

For more information, visit nicholeslaw.com.au, or call 03 9670 4122, or email reception@nicholeslaw.com.au

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Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne — What Happened to Brunch?

latham.smith — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:43:08 +0000

Melbourne’s once-sacred weekend ritual of brunch is quietly disappearing, but why? Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne unpacks how the cost of living, lockdown habits and “little treat” culture have reshaped how we socialise and sip our Sundays.

Guest: Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne — What Happened to Brunch? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell: Beyond the 5% House Deposit — Building Our Way Out of the Crisis

latham.smith — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:34:13 +0000

The government’s expanded first-home buyer scheme promises easier entry to the market with just a five per cent deposit. But will that fix affordability, or feed demand without tackling supply? Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell from Monash University’s Future Building Initiative explains why innovation in construction, not subsidies, might be the key to solving Australia’s housing crunch.

Guest: Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell, Director of the Future Building Initiative, Monash University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

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Associate Professor Michael Walsh: The Great Spotify Backlash

latham.smith — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:27:35 +0000

Spotify has changed the way the world listens to music, but artists, fans and even tech critics are starting to turn against it. Associate Professor Michael Walsh from the University of Canberra unpacks why musicians are walking away, what Daniel Ek’s military AI investments mean for Spotify’s image, and whether any rival service can truly compete.

Guest: Michael Walsh, Associate Dean of Education and Associate Professor in Social Science in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, University of Canberra

Presenter: Andy Mac

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Dr Brad Elphinstone: How Much Money Do We Need to Be Happy?

latham.smith — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:27:15 +0000

Is there a “magic number” for happiness or does money stop mattering after the basics are covered? Psychologist Dr Brad Elphinstone explores the latest research, from $10,000 windfalls to the power of generosity, why inequality makes us all less happy, and whether time, freedom and relationships matter more than cash.

Guest: Brad Elphinstone, Senior Lecturer in the School of Health
Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Dr Brad Elphinstone: How Much Money Do We Need to Be Happy? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Vibhu Arya: Ditching Card Fees for Good

latham.smith — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:37:22 +0000

Every year, Australians hand over more than $1.2 billion in card surcharges, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Vibhu Arya from UTS explains how real-time, fee-free payments could save us millions, why other countries are already streets ahead and what it will take for cafés and small businesses here to catch up.

Guest: Vibhu Arya, doctoral researcher at the UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Vibhu Arya: Ditching Card Fees for Good appeared first on JOY Drive.

Nicole Rich: What the New Owners Corporation Laws Mean for You

latham.smith — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:30:21 +0000

New laws are reshaping how owners’ corporations operate in Victoria, with changes impacting renters, landlords and body corporate rules. Nicole Rich explains what’s changing, how to have your say and...

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Professor Nicholas Procter: Financial Stress and Mental Health – What You Can Do

latham.smith — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:06:33 +0000

Money stress is on the rise, and it’s hurting more than just our wallets. Professor Nicholas Procter outlines the mental health impacts, how to cope, and where to find support...

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Nicole Rich: Building Your Dream Home

latham.smith — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:53:02 +0000

Choosing the right builder and managing contracts can make or break your home project. Nicole Rich shares expert advice on avoiding costly mistakes and protecting your rights throughout the building...

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Professor Steve Worthington: Could Surcharges Soon Disappear?

latham.smith — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 01:42:47 +0000

The Reserve Bank is considering whether to abolish payment surcharges altogether. Professor Steve Worthington explains what this could mean for shoppers, small businesses and that $1 charge at your local café.

Guest: Professor Steve Worthington, School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Professor Steve Worthington: Could Surcharges Soon Disappear? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Nicole Rich: Solving Rental Disputes Without VCAT

latham.smith — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:15:22 +0000

A new early resolution service is helping Victorian renters and landlords resolve disputes faster and with less stress. Nicole Rich from Consumer Affairs Victoria explains how Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria...

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Nicole Rich: Rentals

latham.smith — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:15:10 +0000

With the property market rebounding, renters are on the hunt for a new place to call home. But navigating rental applications and agreements can be tricky, especially if you are...

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Consumer Affairs Victoria – Improving conditions for Renters!

Warren — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 22:58:40 +0000

Consumer Affairs Victoria is aiming to improve conditions for the state’s renters, with the renting taskforce.

The taskforce has been in operation over the last couple of months enforcing minimum standards for rental properties and handing out fines and infringements to real estate agents and rental providers who do the wrong thing. For more information on the Renting Taskforce, check out the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

Guest: Nicole Rich – Director at Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Presenter: Warren Andrew.

The post Consumer Affairs Victoria – Improving conditions for Renters! appeared first on JOY Drive.

Paying with your face! Are you ready for this new technology?

Warren — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:00:21 +0000

We’re used to using facial recognition technology to open our smartphones. We accept it as part of the immigration process when we travel internationally. Soon, we’ll be able to use it to pay for things. It’s called facial recognition payment technology.

Australians are already considered early adopters of technology, but this is not a new device. So will we adopt it?

Guest: Gary Mortimer – Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Queensland University of Technology.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Paying with your face! Are you ready for this new technology? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Subscriptions: Why is it so hard to cancel them?

Warren — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 07:54:02 +0000

Have you ever signed up to a free trial, only to find out that you’ve also signed up to an ongoing subscripton – that can be quite difficult to cancel.

According to a new report, 75% of us have had a negative experience when trying to cancel a subscription.

Guest: Associate Professor Katharine Kemp is the UNSW Public Interest Law & Tech Initiative Lead.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Subscriptions: Why is it so hard to cancel them? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Friends owe you money? Feel uncomfortable asking for it? This podcast is for you

Warren — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:36:07 +0000

It’s estimated Aussies could be, on average, $1,350 out of pocket, due to new research revealing the social sensitivity of asking friends to pay them back is leaving them significantly...

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The post Friends owe you money? Feel uncomfortable asking for it? This podcast is for you appeared first on JOY Drive.

Things are about to look brighter for the Australian economy

Warren — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 06:52:49 +0000

We’re all experiencing cost of living pressures and according to the latest Westpac Melbourne Institute’s latest survey, the number of Australians who think the economy is getting worse has doubled.

Our spending on essentials is decreasing, so is the outlook as bleak as many of us think it is?

Guest: Peter Martin is the Economics Editor at The Conversation and Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy at Australian National University.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Things are about to look brighter for the Australian economy appeared first on JOY Drive.

Should Churches be Taxed?

Warren — Mon, 20 May 2024 22:47:20 +0000

Many charitable organisations in Australia exist for the benefit of society – helping people who are usually disadvantaged in some way and who need help and assistance.

For this reason, many are eligible for various tax exemptions, including churches.

If the primary aim of a church is to advance their religion, then why are they still exempt from paying certain taxes?

Guest: Dale Boccabella is an Associate Professor of Taxation Law at UNSW Sydney.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Should Churches be Taxed? appeared first on JOY Drive.

Fashion over-consumption & trends for 2024

erielle.sudario — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:54:37 +0000

Australia ranks second globally in textile consumption per person (just behind the US). Is it possible for us as consumers to change our spending habits? Guest: Dr Taylor Brydges –...

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The importance of travel insurance

erielle.sudario — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:04:43 +0000

Should Australians reconsider skimping on travel insurance after DFAT revealed that the amount of Australians getting in trouble overseas last financial year is worrying?

Guest: Chris Zeiher

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post The importance of travel insurance appeared first on JOY Drive.

Consumer rights when it comes to surcharges and price matching

erielle.sudario — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 07:09:05 +0000

Are you confused with restaurant surcharges and supermarket sales pricing? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to your consumer rights.

Guest: Nicole Rich

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Consumer rights when it comes to surcharges and price matching appeared first on JOY Drive.

Consumer Affairs Victoria – Owner’s Corporations

Warren — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 09:48:31 +0000

Find out the key things you need to know about Owner’s Corporations in our monthly chat with Consumer Affairs Victoria. For more information and resources, check out the Consumer Affairs Victoria Website here.

Guest: Nicole Rich, Executive Director, Regulatory Services and Director, Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Consumer Affairs Victoria – Owner’s Corporations appeared first on JOY Drive.

Buying a House? Be informed with Consumer Affairs Victoria

Warren — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:45:05 +0000

Are you looking to buy a house? Find out what you need to know and how you can protect yourself in what can be a stressful process. For more information and resources, click here to visit the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

Guest: Nicole Rich, Executive Director, Regulatory Services and Director, Consumer Affairs Victoria at Department of Government Services, Victoria.

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Buying a House? Be informed with Consumer Affairs Victoria appeared first on JOY Drive.

Ease the squeeze on the Cost of Living

Warren — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 03:37:38 +0000

Do you want to know how to manage your finances better? Having trouble keeping up with the cost of living? We’ve got some practical tips. Please note that this is general advice only.

Guest: Laura de Zwaan Lecturer, Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Griffith University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Ease the squeeze on the Cost of Living appeared first on JOY Drive.

Struggling with the Cost of Living crisis? Free Financial Counselling is available

Warren — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 01:32:17 +0000

With increasing daily expenses, many of us are struggling to get on top of our finances. The good news is that help is available. In this month’s chat with Nicole Rich from Consumer Affairs Victoria, we take a look at Financial Counselling. For more information, check out the Consumer Affairs Victoria Website.

The National Debt Helpline (Victoria) can be contacted on 1800 007 007, Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm or visit their website at ndh.org.au

Guest: Nicole Rich – Director, Consumer Affairs Victoria

Presenter: Warren Andrew

The post Struggling with the Cost of Living crisis? Free Financial Counselling is available appeared first on JOY Drive.