Have you ever wondered why Black Friday is popular in Australia? Our latest talkBIG episode dives deep into this phenomenon as host Andrew Sykes chats with economist Devika Shivadekar and data analytics expert Dr. Ian Tho, uncovering why Black Friday has become a major retail event Down Under.
In a lively discussion, they trace the origins of Black Friday in Australia, explore its growing influence on consumer behaviour, and reveal how it's shaping our retail landscape. They also examine how Australian shoppers are adapting to changing retail strategies, the critical role of data analytics in predicting trends, and the ways AI is transforming the shopping experience.

Highlights include:
Why retail sales are booming during Black Friday sales in Australia.
How data analytics is revolutionising consumer insights.
The shift toward early shopping and online research.
Practical strategies for small retailers to thrive amidst big sales events.
How AI-driven insights are making personalised shopping easier and more effective.
The critical importance of customer experience in driving loyalty.
Tips for retailers to streamline the buying journey.
How economic factors like interest rates are shaping spending habits.
A look at the future of retail and how consumer behaviour continues to evolve.

Tune in for an insightful episode packed with expert perspectives and actionable tips to understand the Black Friday phenomenon and succeed in the fast-changing world of retail!

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Can ESG help you protect your wealth and business from the impacts of climate change?

Climate change is a big topic, with wide-ranging impacts that have substantial financial implications. Consumers are increasingly demanding more eco-conscious practices, and regulations are becoming stricter worldwide, including here in Australia. We are already seeing proactive businesses adapting their strategies to align with a sustainable future.

So, how can you protect yourself, your business and your wealth from the impacts of climate change?

In this episode of talkBIG, we are exploring the big questions around climate change, sustainability and ESG to uncover how they intersect with business and wealth. Join host Andrew Sykes as he speaks to RSM Australia’s ESG and sustainability experts, Linda Romanovska and Karien Erasmus to gain practical insight into some of the most pressing challenges of the modern era.

This conversation will challenge your perspective on money, wealth, and the future of our planet. Tune in now.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

In this episode of the talkBIG podcast, host Andrew Sykes is joined by a lineup of seasoned professionals from RSM, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. We explore the wide world of professional services to try to pinpoint when, exactly, it’s time to speak to a professional.

People often try a very DIY approach to things, and sometimes that’s appropriate – for example: you don’t need an electrician to change your lightbulb but you should hire one if you’re rewiring your kitchen. In this episode, we explore the question from a business and personal finance perspective to determine the exact line in various professional and personal scenarios where consulting a professional is not just advisable, it's mandatory.

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone seeking professional advice on a range of financial and business matters, from IPOs and wealth management to cyber security and R&D tax incentives. Tune in to gain valuable insights from these industry leaders and learn when it's time to call in the experts.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

In this special episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes leads a panel discussion on the recent Federal Budget with a live audience.

Our expert panel includes RSM’s in-house economist Devika Shivadekar, financial expert Grace Bacon (Director, Financial Services), and tax specialist Tony Fulton (Director, Tax Services). Together, they analysed the details of the latest federal budget, providing insights and practical implications for various industries, businesses, and individuals.

Key Takeaways

• The federal budget for 2024-2025 focused on the cost of living, with tax cuts, energy bill relief, and additional rent assistance.
• The rising cost of utilities, particularly energy, was a major concern for both individuals and businesses.
• The budget allocated funds for green hydrogen and critical minerals production.
• The fiscal outlook has deteriorated, with projected deficits and rising net debt.
• The budget had limited incentives for business investment, except for an extension of the Instant Asset Write-Off for small businesses.
• The budget included measures to support individuals, including tax cuts, superannuation changes, and cost of living subsidies.
• The impact on interest rates will depend on consumer confidence and inflation trends.
• Compliance and wage compliance are areas of focus, with increased funding for the ATO.
• There were no significant changes to R&D incentives.
• The budget did not address the taxing of unrealised profits in super funds.

If you would like a more comprehensive breakdown of the Federal Budget 2024, download a free copy of RSM's report here.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Whether you're working for a salary, managing your own business, or planning for retirement, inflation is having an impact on your finances. You need to understand that impact to make sure you adjust your financial strategy in the right direction.

Special guest David Berthon-Jones joins us to discuss the impact of inflation as well as strategies for managing finances and investments in a high-inflation economy.

If you’re feeling the pinch of rising prices and wondering how to safeguard your financial future, tune in now.

📌Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

02:09 Generating profits through inflation

03:27 How does inflation impact the composition and allocation of investment portfolios?

06:22 Thoughts on the RBA lifting interest rates to control inflation

09:25 Finding the balance between risk and reward when adjusting portfolios for inflation

13:26 How much do investors change strategies during inflation?

15:24 What is a good, sustainable rate of return for a long-term investment?

18:22 What is the benefit of having a fund manager?

21:38 When is a good time to start building your wealth through investing?

24:37 What is the material value of getting financial advice?

About David:

David Berthon-Jones CFA is a founding partner and Joint Chief Investment Officer at Aequitas Investment Partners. With a stellar career as a professional asset consultant and a portfolio manager overseeing a $3bn portfolio, David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. David is responsible for macro-economic analysis and dynamic asset allocation processes across a range of reliable multi-asset and direct equity portfolios. He was also one of the expert contributors for our thinkBIG report – the SME guide to inflation and interest rate rises.

Please note: the information shared on this podcast is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Before making an investment or trading decision you should consult with your financial adviser & consider how appropriate the advice (if any) is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

For expert financial advice tailored to your personal situation, please reach out to one of our wealth management specialists.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Get ready for some money-saving strategies to help you stretch your hard-earned dollars. Join Andrew, Chris, and Young on the talkBIG podcast as they tackle the challenges of a high cost of living and rising interest rates. In this episode, the hosts reveal eight "accountant secrets" for smart money management and household budgeting. Learn about compound interest, paying yourself first, offset accounts, paying down your mortgage principal, and more.

We know that the rising cost of living can put a strain on your finances, especially when interest rates start climbing. Whether you're a homeowner or renter, this episode is full of valuable tips to help you save on expenses and manage your finances effectively. From budgeting groceries to evaluating fixed rates versus variable rates, the talkBIG team has got you covered.

Tune in now and start your journey towards financial well-being and a brighter future. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more money-saving tips.

Share your thoughts, questions, and stories with us through our website, social media channels, or email, and let your input shape future episodes!

Text us your questions!

Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Looking to save money on your energy bill? Join hosts Andrew, Chris, and Young as they dive into the world of energy efficiency in this electrifying episode of talkBIG. Discover practical strategies that not only put cash back in your pocket but also contribute to a greener planet.

The talkBIG crew sits down with Jacob Elkhishin, RSM's National Leader for Resources, Mining, Energy & Sustainability to take a deep dive into energy efficiency. They delve into the global factors influencing energy bills and explore ways to reduce daily energy usage, from upgrading appliances to triple-glazed windows. Jacob also shares his insights into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and its impact on business profitability.

Don't miss out on these energy-saving tricks that'll not only save you money but also enhance your long-term resilience. If you're tired of skyrocketing energy prices and eager to shrink your bills, tune in now.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

talkBIG season 2 episode 8: - Cyber security and IT for small business – with guest Darren Booth

Let's face it, cyber attacks have become so common that you can barely turn on the news without hearing about some sort of massive data breach. But don't worry, RSM is here to help. For this talkBIG episode, hosts Andrew, Young, and Chris sat down with RSM's National Head of Cyber Security and Privacy Risk Services, Darren Booth, to uncover some startling truths about the seedy underworld of cybercrime and how businesses can protect themselves from cybercriminals.

You'll be surprised to learn that your hacker is more likely to be working 9-5 in a call centre run by organised criminals than a teenage hacker operating out of their parents' basement. Plus, did you know that people and processes can be a bigger risk than your IT system?

With the recent data breaches of major Australian companies like Optus and Medibank still fresh in our minds, it's more important than ever to learn about the risks and how to protect your sensitive information. And maybe it's time to reconsider whether you need to keep some of that customer data in the first place.

If you're worried that tech talk will go over your head, don't! Darren and the talkBIG crew break it down in an easy conversational style that you'll love listening to. They cover some great tips on where to start with cyber security, how people actually get hacked (you might be surprised!), whether cyber insurance is worth it, and the consequences for a business that experiences a breach.

So what are you waiting for? Tune in now and get cyber smart with RSM and the talkBIG crew.

Text us your questions!

Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.