Prime Time with Bec Wilson

Offset accounts are supposed to be one of the simplest products in banking. Put money in, link it to your home loan and pay less interest. ASIC’s latest investigation suggests you might need to open your statements and check if your offset account is in fact working like that.
This week on the podcast I sat down with the new ASIC Chair Sarah Court to unpack one of the most significant banking reports released this year. This week, ASIC have announced that they have dived deep into how offset accounts are working, and have concern that many are not working as they are supposed to. ASIC’s investigation found banks have already paid more than $55 million in compensation over two years after offset accounts failed to reduce customers’ home loan interest as promised. Even more concerning, the regulator says the true scale of the problem may be much larger because some banks couldn’t reliably identify customers who had requested an offset account in the first place.
We talk through how offset accounts are supposed to work, why so many failures have occurred, why they’re often difficult for customers to detect, and the simple checks every mortgage holder should make - particularly if you’ve refinanced, switched loan products or come off a fixed-rate loan in recent years (and even if you haven’t).
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In the latest edition of our Prime Time Book Club, I sit down with author A.T. Prewett to chat about his witty, warm, and wonderfully entertaining novel, 'The Picasso Ransom'.
Inspired by the true (and still unsolved) 1986 theft of Picasso’s Weeping Woman from the National Gallery of Victoria, this delightful Aussie cozy crime caper follows a trio of retirees who decide peaceful protest isn't enough when their art school faces government closure. We dive into the hilarious realities of senior rebellion, Melbourne nostalgia, and why age is no barrier to a little cheekiness and a great heist.
You can find A.T.'s book at all good retailers and online here: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761776731/
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This week on Prime Time, Bec sits down with Sarah Aubrey, the expert behind Electrify This. Sarah breaks down everything you need to know about EV ownership; from real-world running costs and home charging hacks to battery longevity, vehicle-to-grid technology, and debunking common fire and tire myths. Plus, Sarah shares her top EV recommendations across every budget and lifestyle.


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Bec tackles the retirement questions keeping Australians awake at night. From calculating your income gap to managing market movements, hear some practical steps for your future. Also, Brighter Super's Lisa Kay joins the show to discuss why accessible advice and guidance is crucial for your retirement journey. Discover how a simple health check at fifty can transform your super balance and provide ultimate peace of mind.
Disclaimer: Brighter Super Trustee (AFSL 230511) as Trustee for Brighter Super. Consider the PDS & TMD before deciding if Brighter Super is right for you. Visit brightersuper.com.au/pds
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This week I sit down with AMP Chief Economist, Dr Shane Oliver, to unpack a messy post-budget economy. We tackle the question every Australian is asking right now: is housing still a good investment? Shane breaks down the independent data on falling house prices and shares his advice on where to safely grow your wealth next.
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