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Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future

Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future

By: Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney
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 Join leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and wealth and property investment expert Michael Yardney as they share Australian demographic shifts, trend analysis and social change insights to help business decision makers, entrepreneurs, and investors make informed decisions. Each week, we bring you in-depth discussions about how demographics affects our future and actionable advice on demographic factors that influence property investment, business and industry and how to prepare for demographic and social changes in the next decade. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or investor, our podcast equips you with knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. In a rapidly changing world, empower your business and investment decisions with data-driven insights. By subscribing to Demographics Decoded, you gain access to: • Expert analysis from leading authorities in demography, economics and the future. • Insights into the trends that will impact your business and investments. • Strategies for leveraging demographic shifts to your advantage. https://DemographicsDecoded.com.au2024 Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Baby Boomers Are Sitting on Property Goldmines – But Refusing to Cash In

    Baby Boomers Are Sitting on Property Goldmines – But Refusing to Cash In
    Jul 15 2025
    Have you ever wondered why more Baby Boomers aren’t downsizing, even though many are now living in homes that are bigger than they need? Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss this important demographic trend that affects housing affordability, intergenerational wealth, and how our cities will evolve. So whether you're a policymaker, a property investor, or a Millennial waiting for the Boomer next door to sell, you won’t want to miss this show. Takeaways · The narrative of downsizing among baby boomers is often exaggerated. · Emotional attachments to family homes play a significant role in the decision to downsize. · Many baby boomers prefer to age in place rather than move to smaller homes. · Financial disincentives, such as stamp duty, discourage downsizing. · The lack of suitable housing stock for downsizers is a major barrier. · Governments need to create incentives to encourage downsizing. · Baby boomers are asset-rich but cautious about moving. · Millennials are missing out on family homes due to baby boomers not downsizing. · Local councils often block developments that could provide suitable housing for downsizers. · Downsizing is not just about space; it's about lifestyle and community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Downsizing Trends 01:14 The Reality of Downsizing for Baby Boomers 03:53 Emotional Attachments and Decision-Making 09:19 Financial Disincentives in Downsizing 13:13 Barriers to Development and Housing Stock 15:35 Wealth Distribution and Baby Boomers 18:09 Consequences of Not Downsizing 21:51 Government Policies and Housing Market 24:37 Personal Considerations for Downsizing Links and Resources:     About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group https://www.simonkuestenmacher.com/ https://www.tdgp.com.au/ Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkuestenmacher/ https://x.com/simongerman600?lang=en Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. https://michaelyardney.com/ https://metropole.com.au/ While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelyardney/ https://www.instagram.com/michaelyardney/ Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results. https://investor.metropole.com.au/strategic-property-plan/
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    29 mins
  • The Surprising Data Behind Modern Parenting Styles

    The Surprising Data Behind Modern Parenting Styles
    Jul 8 2025
    Modern parenting has turned into a competitive sport, with school rankings, extracurricular rosters, perfectly curated lunchboxes, and, of course, constant supervision. But is all this so-called ‘help’ truly helping? In today’s episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss a parenting trend that has become all too familiar — helicopter parenting. That’s the kind where parents hover, micromanage, and try to smooth over every bump in their child’s path - often with the best of intentions, but sometimes with unintended consequences. Now, whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or even a former child yourself (which, let’s face it, is all of us), this is a conversation worth hearing. Because helicopter parenting isn’t just a phase — it’s a demographic phenomenon, tied to everything from declining birth rates to increased wealth to rising perfectionism. Takeaways · Helicopter parenting is a growing trend across the Western world. · Parents today are spending significantly more time with their children than in the past. · The increase in parental involvement can sometimes hinder children's independence. · Older parents tend to be more risk-averse, impacting their parenting style. · Affluent parents often micromanage their children's activities and education. · Children today have less opportunity for unsupervised free play, which is crucial for development. · Micro disappointments are essential for building resilience in children. · Parental fears often overestimate the risks associated with children's independence. · Education systems are seeing increased parental pressure, which can undermine teachers' authority. · The rise of helicopter parenting reflects broader societal changes and demographic trends Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Trends 02:05 Understanding Helicopter Parenting 05:19 Demographic Drivers of Parenting Styles 08:04 The Impact of Age on Parenting 10:38 Affluence and Micromanagement in Parenting 12:03 Parental Involvement in Education 16:19 Long-term Effects of Helicopter Parenting 18:34 Global Perspectives on Parenting Trends 20:17 Advice for Modern Parents Links and Resources:     About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.
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    25 mins
  • Homeownership in Crisis: What the Numbers Are Really Telling Us

    Homeownership in Crisis: What the Numbers Are Really Telling Us
    Jul 1 2025
    Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s at the heart of the “Great Australian Dream”: homeownership. For over a century, owning your own home was not just a rite of passage—it was an expectation. But that dream is slipping further out of reach for millions of Australians, particularly younger generations. We discuss the evolving landscape of homeownership in Australia, tracing its historical roots and examining the current challenges faced by younger generations. We examine the impact of demographic shifts, migration, and investment trends on homeownership rates, as well as the growing trend towards renting. The conversation highlights the complexities of housing affordability and the systemic issues that need to be addressed to ensure a fair chance for all Australians in the property market. Takeaways · Homeownership has historically been a rite of passage in Australia. · The peak homeownership rate in Australia was 73% in 1966. · Demographic changes are affecting homeownership rates, especially among younger generations. · The accessibility of finance has significantly influenced homeownership. · The divide between asset-owning and non-asset-owning families is growing. · Renting is becoming more common in Australia, similar to European models. · Government policies often aim to maintain the current housing system rather than reform it. · The 'Bank of Mom and Dad' plays a crucial role in helping younger generations enter the property market. · Migration and investment trends significantly impact housing affordability. · Systemic changes are needed to address the challenges of homeownership for future generations. Chapters 00:10 The Great Australian Dream of Homeownership 06:39 Historical Trends in Homeownership Rates 12:38 The Impact of Migration and Investment on Housing 17:40 The Shift Towards Renting 20:05 Demographic Insights and Future Predictions Links and Resources:     About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney- founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth-producing results.
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    26 mins
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