Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!
In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle one of the most common questions they get asked: should you be debt free before you invest?
With Australia’s 30-year mortgage terms, waiting until the house is paid off before investing can mean losing decades of compound growth — so the real answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
They break down good debt versus bad debt, why psychology often beats mathematics when it comes to money decisions, and how tools like offset accounts and debt recycling can let you pay down your mortgage and build wealth at the same time.
Whether you’re weighing extra mortgage repayments against investing, or wondering how leverage changes the equation, this episode gives you a framework to figure out what’s right for your circumstances.
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This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis & Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706
Episode Highlights
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Good debt vs. bad debt: why not all debt should be treated the same
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The psychology trap: why “pay it off, then invest” rarely plays out as planned
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The sleep test: how risk tolerance changes the right strategy for you
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Offset accounts explained: flexibility without sacrificing interest savings
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Debt recycling 101: converting non-deductible debt into tax-deductible wealth building
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How leverage changes the maths on using equity to invest
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Why financial freedom, not just debt freedom, should be the real goal
