Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Pete Wargent—investor, author, market analyst, and one of Australia’s earliest FIRE pioneers. Originally from the UK, Pete reached financial independence by age 33 after building a portfolio of shares and property across both Australia and the UK.

Since then, he’s written multiple best-selling books, launched a property buying business, and become a trusted voice on investing, markets, and wealth creation.

In today’s episode, we dive into:

• Pete’s journey to FI and what helped him get there (00:05:26)
• The role of personality, passion projects, kids, and travel (00:09:58)
• Some of the biggest challenges people face on the path to financial freedom (00:22:41)
• Why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to financial independence (00:28:03)
• What’s changed in the FIRE space over the past 20 years (00:48:53)

• Website - Pete Wargent

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we have Andy Darroch, an Independent Financial Adviser and Director of Independent Wealth Advice.

Andy is one of the very few truly independent advisers in Australia—less than 1% fall into that category. After time at Macquarie, Wilson HTM, and Deloitte, he started his own firm to offer advice free from commissions, kickbacks, and product pushing. He charges a flat fee, publishes his prices online, and believes advice should work like any other profession—you pay for it when you need it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why independent advisers are so rare (00:04:30)
• Myths around financial advice (00:05:05)
• What good advice looks like when it’s actually designed to help you (00:27:51)
• Whether the current model is working, and how to fix it (00:45:55)
• The biggest mistakes the FIRE community makes (01:21:30)

• Website - Independent Wealth Advice
• Website - The Honest Advisor

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we have Mark LaMonica, CFA, a Director at Morningstar and co-host of the Investing Compass podcast.

Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having spent time in both the US and Australia, which gives him a unique perspective on their financial systems and retirement landscapes.

In today’s episode, we dive into:

• The current state of financial planning in Australia (00:09:18)
• Mark’s thoughts on his recent article, "Are We Being Ripped Off by Super?" (00:16:04)
• How the US and Australian retirement systems stack up against each other (00:20:58)
• Why he’s against super funds charging for certain financial advice costs (00:30:57)
• His controversial take on the 4% rule and the FIRE movement (00:47:13)

• Podcast - Investing Compass
• Website - Morningstar

www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast