Our Team

James KirbyAssociate Editor – Wealth

James Kirby, Associate Editor-Wealth, is one of Australia’s most experienced financial journalists. James hosts The Australian’s twice-weekly Money Puzzle podcast.He is a regular commentator on radio and television, the author of several business biographies and has served on the Walkley Awards Advisory BoardHe was a co-founder and managing editor at Business Spectator and Eureka Report and has previously worked at the Australian Financial Review and the South China Morning Post. Since January 2025 James is a director of Ecstra, the financial literacy foundation.

@kirby_journo

Latest

WEALTHWealth

Members of civic groups arrive for a press conference condemning the U.S. military strikes against Iran near the U.S. embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Crisis in Middle East could threaten super returns

Just as super returns were set to deliver another bumper year, the conflict in Iran could be the catalyst for a sell-off in investment markets.

James Kirby

Property InvestingWealth

Trap with bait house. The risk of buying an old house. Dangerous mortgage. Home insurance. Black background; housing property tax

Chalmers tipped to target capital gains tax

Property investors are already making widespread losses with inner-city apartments, now further tax pain is on the agenda.

James Kirby

Money Puzzle PodcastBusiness

FILE - A bitcoin token is placed on a mirror for a photograph in Prague, Czech Republic, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

A billion reasons to reconsider crypto

The latest surge in bitcoin, along with big players making investments in the sector, is retesting interest in the mysterious asset class. But is it for you?

James Kirby

WealthWealth

Hot air balloon flight, Global ballooning, aerial photography Melbourne - stock images - DOCKLANDS Picture: Sarah Matray

Investing in an apartment is a good way to lose money. Here’s why

Property investors with units in key areas of Melbourne and Sydney are selling for a loss, with some areas the worst since the deep recession of the 1990s.

James Kirby

wealthPersonal Finance

Surprise death penalty in new super tax

A bizarre twist in the mechanics of the new super tax means inherited tax credits in deceased estates will have no value, while capital gains obligations will remain in place.

James Kirby

PodcastWealth

The No.1 secret to selling a house that may surprise you

This simple strategy is not something you do to your property, it’s actually something you offer to the buyer. LISTEN to the podcast for more property advice.

James Kirby

wealthWealth

Three piggy banks under magnifying glass on question marks background. Saving money concept; superannuation saving generic

The funds that will be hit hardest by Chalmers’ super tax

A batch of leading funds with high average balances are among the most exposed to the new super tax – they include Colonial, AwareSuper and Qantas | FULL LIST

James Kirby

iPhone WillsBusiness

FILE - A child holds an iPhone at an Apple store on Sept. 25, 2015 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

The $10m will left on an iPhone

A remarkable NSW court case to determine the validity of a $10m will drafted on an iPhone, shows how technology is upending the staid world of estate planning.

James Kirby

Super TaxWealth

Mature woman helping elderly mother with paperwork

Retired public servants to go after Chalmers’ new super tax

The representative body for 700,000 retired public servants is preparing its case to overturn the plan to apply the new super tax on defined benefit pensions.

James Kirby

Super TaxWealth

Aerial view of Melbourne city CBD high-rise towers from Port Melbourne and Southbank above residential suburb house roofs and local streets, roads, cars and parks.

The looming tax squeeze for property investors

Property investors are facing an unprecedented double taxation on imaginary profits thanks to the combination of the new super tax and state-based schemes.

James Kirby

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/james-kirby/page/2