Here’s what you need to know today

• Google parent company Alphabet has seen its share price fall 3% after OpenAI announced plans to launch SearchGPT. SearchGPT will look and feel very similar to ChatGPT, with the biggest change that it will link out to third-party websites and publishers.
  
  

• Always one to chart its own course, Aldi has abandoned plans to offer online shopping in Australia. The German supermarket chain has reached about 10% market share in Australia by focusing on keeping costs low, and they decided offering online would add too much cost to their business.
  
  

• Every six months, taxes on alcohol are increased by the Australian government in line with inflation. According to the Brewers Association of Australia, taxes on beer have risen 8% over the past year. We now have the third highest taxes on beer in the world, behind just Norway and Finland.
  
  

• Boeing’s challenges continue. Their spaceship, the CST-100 Starliner, has been stuck at the International Space Station for more than a month as it manages helium leaks (these same leaks repeatedly delayed its launch earlier this year). A recent update from the company and NASA suggested they were optimistic although there is no date scheduled for its return.
  
  

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major cabinet reshuffle. The most notable change is Tony Burke taking on a new ‘super portfolio’ combining Home Affairs and Immigration, while former Home Affairs minister Clare O’Neil will take on housing. The full details of the reshuffle are available here.
  
  

• Donald Trump continues to court the crypto vote. He recently promised to establish a strategic national Bitcoin reserve and to fire US Securities and Exchange Commission chair Gary Gensler, a notable Bitcoin critic, if he is re-elected. It’s a big change from 2021, when Trump labelled Bitcoin a “scam”. He’s not the only candidate courting the crypto vote, RFK jr. recently told supporters he stores most of his wealth in Bitcoin.

What the…?

If you’ve ever felt guilty about peeing in a pool, the Wall Street Journal are here to tell you you’re not alone. According to their reporting, almost all Olympic swimmers are peeing in the pool as well.

We know journalists are told to find any novel angle to report when the Olympics is on, but we were surprised to see this out of one of America’s most serious news outlets.

Investing is a lifelong journey

Here’s what you can learn today.

Two quick fire questions with Glen Hare, licensed financial adviser and co-founder of Fox & Hare

Question 1: Retire early or a four-day workweek?

Four-day work week, without a doubt.

I’m truly passionate about my work and can't imagine stepping away from it entirely anytime soon. For me, work is more than just a job— it's a fulfilling part of my life. While it can be challenging at times, it’s something I find deeply rewarding.

So, a four-day workweek strikes a perfect balance. It allows me to continue doing what I love while enjoying an extra day off each week to recharge and pursue personal interests.

Question 2: What’s your take on property vs. shares?

I would go with shares.

The main reason is the accessibility and the ability to start investing early and with smaller amounts than property typically requires. Property can be quite expensive, especially in high-demand areas, which can be a barrier for many young investors.

Shares, on the other hand, offer a more accessible entry point for beginners. You can start small, and the flexibility to scale your investments over time is incredibly beneficial. Additionally, shares provide liquidity that property investments can’t match, allowing you to adjust your strategy as your financial goals evolve.

If you would like to speak to Glen or one of our hand-picked financial advisers, fill out the ‘get advice’ form on our website.

This email is thanks to Australian Property Scout

Join Sammy Gordon, regular Equity Mates property expert in the studio with his co-host Jimmy Ibrahim and senior APS Buyers Agent Jason Titus  as they dive into a highly requested topic being, “How long do I need to Rentvest before I can buy my Primary Residence?”. 

The boys deep dive into rentvesting, which all 3 avid property investors at the table practice. How it has levelled up their games, before Sammy dives into Jason's individual situation and when he can ideally purchase his primary place of residence to live the dream with the family.

This episode was an eye opener for many out there, as to what’s possible in their own journeys by going down this avenue, and roadmapping when that Primary Residence purchase can be made, not at the expenses of the portfolio. 

Get your investing game plan dialled in by listening to this episode of the Scouting Australia Podcast on your favourite listening platform.

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