Episodes

  • Interest rates are rising… here’s how to actually benefit

    Interest rates are rising… here’s how to actually benefit
    Apr 13 2026
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down what rising interest rates actually mean for your money — and how you can benefit if you’ve got cash sitting in the bank. They cover: – Why rate hikes aren’t all bad news – Who wins and loses when interest rates rise – How savings accounts really work (and where banks get you) – Why chasing the highest rate isn’t always worth it – Simple, practical tips to make your cash work harder If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on interest rates and saving, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Why everyone hates rate hikes… unless you’ve got cash – What’s happening with interest rates right now – Why banks don’t always pass on rate rises immediately – Who loses: mortgage holders and borrowers – Who wins: savers, first home buyers, retirees – How savings accounts actually work – The fine print: bonus rates, conditions and traps – Common bank tricks (and how to avoid them) – Why chasing the “best” rate can backfire – Example: is a higher rate really worth switching? – How to avoid analysis paralysis – Simple systems to maximise your interest – Final tips: automation, reminders, and staying consistent Resources for this episode - Spreadhseet - Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” - Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources 💰 Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit 📊 Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith 📈 View Betashares full range of funds Rask resources 🔗 Explore all Rask services 📋 Learn about Rask Financial Planning 📈 Start investing with Rask 📜 Access Show Notes ❓ Ask a question - just select the Finance Podcast 📲 Follow us on social media Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs before acting on it. If you’re unsure, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Fuel relief is coming, credit card surcharges are going plus, starting with $2k & retirement planning

    Fuel relief is coming, credit card surcharges are going plus, starting with $2k & retirement planning
    Apr 9 2026
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dive into a listener Q&A covering real-life money challenges and wins. They cover: – Celebrating a listener hitting $5k in savings early in the year – Whether to focus on mortgage repayments or start investing – How to begin investing with just $2–5k – Financial Infidelity and coming back from gambling debt – How to structure assets for retirement income – What you need to know about changes to credit card surcharges – The government announcement to cut fuel excise for three months and what it means for your budget If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠⁠ Apple⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Listener win: saving $5k through expenses & income growth – Cutting costs: insurance, utilities & selling unused items – Mortgage vs investing: how to think about the trade-off – Balancing debt reduction and long-term investing – When financial advice is worth paying for – Managing money when one partner isn’t engaged – Starting to invest with $2k–$5k – ETFs vs savings: where to begin – Building habits before scaling investments – Retirement planning basics: what does “work optional” mean? – Using assets in retirement: property, shares, super & cash – The order of drawdown in retirement Resources for this episode Free Rask Retirement course Finders Keepers challenge tracker and workbook Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Financial independence is still achievable but most people are focusing on the wrong lever

    Financial independence is still achievable but most people are focusing on the wrong lever
    Apr 6 2026
    Mitchel Sneddon sits down with Hayden Smith, co-founder of Pearler, to unpack whether FIRE is still achievable and what actually drives financial independence today. The conversation moves beyond theory into the real levers — spending, income, behaviour and simple ETF investing — and reframes investing as a tool, not the solution. Together they discuss: – FIRE remains achievable, but outcomes are driven by income, spending and family choices, not markets alone – Cutting spending is still the fastest and most controllable lever – A simple rule of thumb that anyone can start with – Many investors stall due to analysis paralysis on ETFs, when early decisions have minimal long-term impact – Starting small builds engagement and accelerates understanding – Growth vs income portfolios are shaped by tax position and psychology, not just returns or theory – Investing is not the solution — earning more or spending less drives wealth, with investing acting as a catalyst Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Estate planning, super & SMSFs: What happens to your money?

    Estate planning, super & SMSFs: What happens to your money?
    Apr 2 2026
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Senior financial adviser at Rask Advice, Chamil Peiris to answer listener questions on estate planning, superannuation and SMSFs. They cover: – What to do with leftover funeral insurance money – Whether you need a will in your 20s – How super beneficiaries actually work – The difference between SMSFs and industry funds for estate planning If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠ Apple⁠,⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What to Do With Funeral Insurance Leftovers – Tax Considerations on Insurance Payouts – Emergency Funds vs Investing Lump Sums – Do You Need a Will in Your 20s? – What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestacy Rules) – Who Gets Your Assets Automatically? – Superannuation Death Benefits Explained – Binding vs Non-Binding Nominations – What Happens If You Don’t Nominate a Beneficiary – SMSFs vs Industry Funds for Estate Planning – Control, Flexibility & Risks of SMSFs – When an SMSF Might (and Might Not) Make Sense Financial planning Retirement Academy Free Super course Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Becoming a financial planner, SpaceX IPO & your questions answered

    Becoming a financial planner, SpaceX IPO & your questions answered
    Mar 30 2026
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Rask Advice Associate Milli Russell to unpack Milli’s journey into financial advice, alongside answering your biggest money questions. They cover: – Milli’s pathway from school to financial planning – What it actually takes to become a financial adviser – How the industry is changing post-Royal Commission – Real-world answers to listener questions on mortgages, ETFs, and investing Topics Covered – Why Milli chose a career in finance – The snow trip story: Advanced Sport → Accounting – Discovering a passion for accounting and business in school – Pivoting from accounting to financial planning – The real financial adviser career pathway – Study requirements & professional year (PY) – Being young and female in finance – The impact of the Royal Commission on the industry – Why financial advice is rewarding – Working with pre-retirees & retirees – Listener Question: Fixing vs variable mortgage decisions – Listener Question: SpaceX IPO & ETF impacts – Listener Question: Shares vs property vs cash for young investors – Spending vs investing vs enjoying life Resources for this episode 📄 Learn more about topics discussed in this episode: What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)? How ETFs work (S&P 500, Nasdaq exposure) Understanding fixed vs variable interest rates What is a financial adviser & how to become one Superannuation basics for retirement planning ~~ Show partner resources ~~ 💰 Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit- https://bit.ly/Pearler 📊 Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith - https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith 📈 View Betashares full range of funds - https://bit.ly/beta-25 ~~ Rask resources ~~ 🔗 Explore all Rask services - https://bit.ly/R-services 📋 Learn about Rask Financial Planning - https://bit.ly/R-plan 📈 Start investing with Rask- https://bit.ly/R-invest 📜 Access Show Notes - https://bit.ly/R-notes ❓ Ask a question - just select the Finance Podcast - https://bit.ly/R-quest 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest - https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest/ TikTok: @rask.invest- https://www.tiktok.com/@rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs before acting on it. If you’re unsure, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG) - https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Low deposit, high stakes: Inside Australia's 5% revolution

    Low deposit, high stakes: Inside Australia's 5% revolution
    Mar 26 2026
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss whether first homebuyers should use the 5% deposit scheme. Here’s what they cover: -Criteria for qualifying for the new scheme -The new property price caps -Getting the right loan -Managing cashflows -Retaining a buffer -The benefits of using the 5% deposit scheme -The risk and the drawbacks And their summary thoughts and tips. This episode originally featured on The Australian Property Podcast. Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Are Australians really doing it tougher? Real spending data from AU, US & NZ

    Are Australians really doing it tougher? Real spending data from AU, US & NZ
    Mar 23 2026
    If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠⁠ Apple⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What is PocketSmith and how does it track spending data? – Understanding the Global Spending Map – Mortgage spending trends in Australia vs NZ vs US – Why Australian mortgage costs have doubled in five years – Fixed vs variable mortgages across different countries – Rent increases and housing pressures in the US – Institutional landlords and rental markets explained – Are renters under more pressure than homeowners? – Utility spending trends across Australia and New Zealand – Why NZ energy costs swing more seasonally – How geography and energy infrastructure affect power bills – Everyday spending trends since 2021 – Why Australian spending is tracking inflation – Why New Zealand households are “trading down” – What trading down looks like in everyday life – How households adjust spending when budgets get tight Resources for this episode PocketSmith – Personal Finance Platform Episode with PocketSmtih Super-User Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Is super a gamble? Super Payday, fixed rates, interest-only loans & knowing when you have ‘enough’ – Q&A

    Is super a gamble? Super Payday, fixed rates, interest-only loans & knowing when you have ‘enough’ – Q&A
    Mar 19 2026
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Gemma Mitchell and Leigh Gant answer your weekly money and life questions. They cover: – Whether superannuation is really a “gamble” and what happened during past crashes – What the new Super Payday rules mean for when your employer pays your super – What to consider when your fixed home loan rate rolls off – Whether interest-only loans are smart strategy or short-term relief – How to define (and stick to) your ‘enough’ number for stepping back from full-time work If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠ Apple⁠,⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Is superannuation a gamble or long-term investment system? – What happened during past market crashes (and why balances fell) – Risk, time horizon & asset allocation inside super – What is “Super Payday” and when must employers pay contributions? – Why clearing times can differ between payroll systems and super funds – Fixed vs variable rates: what to consider when your rate rolls off – Are people fixing again in a rising-rate environment? – Interest-only loans explained (cash flow vs long-term cost) – When interest-only strategies may make sense – The psychology of “enough” and shifting financial goalposts – Lifestyle design vs chasing a bigger number You will learn about: - How superannuation works (risk, returns & market cycles) - Understanding market crashes and long-term investing - What is Super Payday? (employer contribution timing changes) - Fixed vs variable home loans explained - Interest-only vs principal & interest loans - How to calculate your ‘enough’ number for financial independence Resources for this episode Book recommendations: Enough: True Measures of Money, Business, and Life You’ve Got Money… Now What? | Book Extras Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins