We’re back with our yearly Predictions Episode and we’re also farewelling our mate Marty as he wraps up his time on the show. We look back on our 2025 predictions to see who was on the money and who was way off, then lock in our calls for 2026. From interest rates and modular homes to AI, robots in business and the payday super nightmare, there’s plenty on the table for next year.

After five years and more than 260 episodes of The Numbers Game, our mate Marty is hanging up the headphones. In today’s episode, he walks us through the five biggest lessons he’s learned across his career and life, from backing yourself and keeping things simple to building strong relationships, setting clear goals and understanding the edge that makes you stand out. Lots of wisdom and the kind of perspective you only get from decades in the game.

More young Australians are choosing to buy “boring” small businesses instead of investing in property. In this episode we look at a young couple who bought a 29-year-old fabrication business and turned it into a highly profitable asset, and we break down how profit, valuation multiples, succession gaps and efficiency improvements can create serious wealth for the right buyer.

Today we look at why Singapore’s tax system delivers stronger incentives for business and workers, from 17% company tax to lower personal tax rates and no capital gains. We compare the cost-of-living trade-offs, how innovation is supported, and what Australia could learn from a model that rewards progress instead of punishing it.

What really happens when you don’t have a proper will in place? From state trustees taking control to long probate delays, contested estates and outdated super nominations, we cover the risks that can leave families exposed. If you want your wealth to end up where you intend, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

You may have seen a post on social media claiming 142,000 millionaires are leaving Australia. So today we look at what the migration report actually says, who’s really leaving, and how many wealthy people are moving here instead. We talk about migration, housing, cost of living, safety, and why some Aussies are heading to Dubai and Singapore. A clear look at whether migration is helping or hurting Australia’s future.

A roll of toilet paper might not sound revolutionary, but Who Gives A Crap turned it into a business that gives half its profits to improve sanitation around the world. Today we talk about how putting purpose behind your business can drive growth, why profit still needs to come first, and how the two can work together to create something meaningful.

Imagine being months away from retirement, logging into your super account, and seeing your balance at zero. That’s what thousands of Australians are now facing after the collapse of multiple superannuation funds, with more than $1.2 billion in retirement savings wiped out. Today we explain how this happened, what went wrong with the platforms and checks that were supposed to protect investors, and why the system isn’t working the way it should. We also share the simple ways to spot red flags, avoid cold-call traps, and choose a financial advisor you can trust.

Australians are taxed on almost everything - income, fuel, property, super, even talk of inheritance and spare-bedroom taxes. In this episode we explore how much we really give back to the government, where that $800 billion in tax revenue goes, and whether our complex system is holding back innovation, investment, and everyday Aussies trying to get ahead.

Markets are on a high - stocks, property, crypto, even gold - but what could go wrong? Today we talk about how to beat the stock market without losing your pants, sharing our biggest investment mistakes, lessons from the GFC, and the strategies that actually protect your wealth. From dollar cost averaging and stop-loss rules to Buffett-style patience, we unpack how smart investors win over the long run. Get ready to rethink your approach to investments and aim for long-term success rather than fleeting gains.

Is Realestate.com.au too powerful? Vendors are forking out thousands just to list their property, agents are copping big subscription hikes, and the ACCC is asking questions about postcode pricing. REA Group, the business behind the site, now pulls in over 12 million users a month and $1.7 billion in revenue, leaving Domain in the dust. We break down how the network effect built this juggernaut, the impact on sellers and agents, and whether any competitor can really break through.

The ATO is now tracking 600 million data points, from OnlyFans and Airbnb to Uber, crypto and even bank accounts. What does that mean for you? More automatic tax changes, less room for error, and a higher chance of being audited if you get it wrong. We unpack the blurred line between hobby and business, the rise of automatic tax amendments, and the risks of getting your deductions wrong. Plus, we talk audit insurance, data-matching war stories, and what the future of tax compliance could look like in Australia.

Today we celebrate episode 250 and dive into the real difference between vanity metrics and meaningful results on social media. We unpack why likes and views don’t always equal clients, the power of long-form content, and how to choose the right platform for your audience. If you’re in business or professional services, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on strategies that actually convert.

Cameron Schwab became the youngest CEO in AFL history at just 24, going on to lead Richmond, Melbourne and Fremantle through some of their toughest chapters. Now the founder of Design CEO, he draws on those experiences to teach leaders how to thrive under pressure. In this chat, Cameron unpacks what true leadership looks like in high-stakes environments, why culture must be built on principles, not slogans, and why authenticity, courage and vulnerability matter more than ever.

In this episode, we dive into the classic debate of property vs shares: which is the smarter way to build wealth in today’s market? We break down the pros and cons of both, from the barriers of deposits, debt, and cashflow in property to the accessibility and liquidity of shares, using real numbers over 20 years. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy that investment property or start a share portfolio, this episode will give you the clarity to make a more informed choice.

We dive into why Melbourne could be on the verge of a property gold rush in 2025. We unpack the fundamentals driving growth; migration, affordability, and the rise of boutique apartments and townhouses, while debating whether investors are pulling back and owner-occupiers are taking over. We also share strategies for first home buyers and explore whether now is the time to buy before prices climb further.

Today we talk with Joel Wermut, co-founder of Prop App, the startup reshaping how Australians buy and sell property. From helping vendors find the right agent to giving buyers access to off-market deals and trusted buyer’s agents, we unpack how Prop App is disrupting the traditional real estate model. We also get into the startup journey, the future of property transactions, and what this innovation means for anyone looking to get into the market.

We get into four powerful lessons from an investor’s perspective on building a business that’s both profitable and truly valuable. We break down why tracking profit per hour matters more than just chasing revenue, how to create a company that’s saleable as well as profitable, and the biggest misconceptions business owners have about their business’s worth. Plus, we share practical steps to systemise, scale, and build a business you don’t want to sell, all while making sure it’s worth top dollar if you ever do.

Small business insolvencies are rising and many owners don’t see the warning signs until it’s too late. We break down the financial red flags that show your business might be heading for trouble. We cover maxed-out credit cards, late super payments, ATO debt, director loans, and the danger of not knowing your breakeven point. If you run a business, this is what you need to hear before it’s too late.

We take a look at why some businesses thrive while others barely survive, breaking down gross vs net profit, how margins impact your bottom line, and why choosing (or tweaking) the right business model is key to long-term success.