As 9News Money Editor and resident finance expert for The Australian Women’s Weekly, Zahos specializes in making complex economic trends accessible to everyday Australians. Her coverage focuses on:
Recent Recognition:
Effie Zahos has carved a 25-year career as Australia’s most trusted voice in personal finance. Starting as a graduate trainee at a major bank, she transitioned to journalism in 1997 as head researcher for Paul Clitheroe’s Money Show. Her ability to simplify complex financial concepts led to roles as Editor of Money magazine, Chief Content Officer at InvestSMART, and resident money expert for The Australian Women’s Weekly. Since October 2024, she’s served as 9News Money Editor, appearing across Today, A Current Affair, and 9News bulletins.
In this 2025 segment, Zahos addresses Australians reeling from stock market volatility’s impact on retirement savings. She advocates for a three-pronged approach: consolidating multiple super accounts to reduce fees, reviewing insurance coverage within funds, and adjusting investment strategies based on life stage. Her analysis stands out for its actionable steps, including a case study of a 55-year-old worker who saved $17,000 annually through portfolio rebalancing. The segment’s 29,000+ YouTube views underscore its resonance during economic uncertainty.
Zahos’ April 2025 investigation into travel money products reveals hidden fees in 78% of prepaid travel cards. She demonstrates how a $5,000 AUD conversion to Euros can vary by $230 between providers. The segment introduces her “FEE” framework (Foreign Exchange Margin, Extra Charges, Ease of Access), providing viewers with a systematic comparison tool. Her on-screen demonstration of real-time rate tracking via banking apps exemplifies her hands-on approach to financial education.
This foundational guide breaks down Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) through relatable analogies, comparing portfolio diversification to “not putting all your eggs in one basket.” Zahos outlines three investor profiles: the “Set-and-Forget” strategy using broad index ETFs, the “Income Seeker” approach with high-dividend ETFs, and the “Ethical Investor” pathway via ESG-focused funds. The article’s enduring popularity stems from its myth-busting section addressing common fears about market crashes and liquidity.
Zahos prioritizes solutions addressing specific pain points like energy bill stacking (electricity + gas + EV charging) or “stealth inflation” in subscription services. A successful 2024 pitch from a fintech startup demonstrated how their app identified $1,200/year in redundant charges for average families – this became a recurring segment on Today Extra.
With 63% of her super-related content targeting women over 40, she seeks data on topics like contribution catch-ups for career-break parents or insurance alternatives for self-employed workers. A case study on gig economy workers using SMSFs to purchase income protection insurance led to a primetime special.
Zahos favors hands-on demonstrations – her team recently compared 12 budgeting apps over six months, tracking actual user savings rates. Pitches should include beta testing opportunities with Australian families, particularly those earning $75,000-$120,000 annually.
Her analysis of the 2025 Stage 3 tax cuts examined eight family types across metro/regional divides. Successful pitches frame policy changes through tangible scenarios, e.g., how a 0.25% rate rise impacts mortgage holders with different offset account strategies.
Zahos’ popular “Money Legacy” series explores tools like family trust structures and ethical wills. A recent collaboration with legal experts produced a free online calculator estimating probate costs across Australian states – a model for actionable resource development.
“The best financial journalism doesn’t just report numbers – it changes how people interact with money.” – Effie Zahos, 2024 Money Media Awards acceptance speech
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Personal Finance, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
