Episodes

  • Property or shares: Which wins? Mid-life super worries and investing traps – Q&A

    Property or shares: Which wins? Mid-life super worries and investing traps – Q&A
    Nov 20 2025
    In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack your questions on super, property and how to juggle big money decisions at different life stages. This week we look at what retirement can actually look like in your 50s, whether it’s worth pausing salary sacrifice to focus on a new home loan, how debt recycling really works, and what to do if you have a deposit saved but no stable job yet. Owen and Gemma cover: – How retirement works when you’re mid 50s, divorced and rebuilding, and what actually happens to your super – Whether stopping pre-tax super contributions to pay down a 620k home build is a smart trade-off or a backwards step – What debt recycling is, how equity can be used for a second investment property, and the common traps to avoid – What to do with deposit savings when you don’t yet have an income to support a mortgage – How to think about investing when you have a shorter life expectancy and want to use your wealth earlier – Shares vs property and which one we favour right now based on long term patterns, not headlines – What needs to change in the finance industry to make advice more accessible and more useful Plus, we still need your help. Our goal is to get Owen over the line to write a book, and your support matters. Jump on our newsletter and help us get there. If you like this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to send in your questions for future Q&As using the link below. Resources for this episode Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for Rask Core 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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    35 mins
  • 5 ways to research an ETF like a pro

    5 ways to research an ETF like a pro
    Nov 19 2025
    In this The Australian Finance Podcast, your host Owen Rask walks through 5 expert-level steps to research any ETF with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to know what’s actually in your ETF, this checklist will help you make better investing decisions. Owen covers: - How to understand an ETF’s goal & investment universe - What to watch out for with fees - Why holdings and weightings matter - What tracking difference really means - How to check an ETF’s size, liquidity and structure Plus, you’ll learn some key beginner takeaways to avoid costly mistakes, and how to use real ASX ETFs like VAS, A200, IVV and NDQ to compare. If you liked this episode, subscribe to the podcast for new weekly episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen! Topics Covered - Why ETF research matters - Step 1: Understand the ETF’s Objective - Step 2: Check the Fees & MER - Step 3: Look Under the Hood: Holdings & Weightings - Step 4: Compare Performance to the Index - Step 5: Assess Structure, Size & Liquidity - Why these 5 steps matter for beginners - What the “4% rule” has to do with ETFs - The risk of chasing high yield - How diversification helps smooth income - Real ETF comparisons: VAS, A200, IVV, NDQ, GOLD, EMKT - How to use a checklist for your own portfolio research Resources for This Episode Learn more about ETF research: ETF Investing Course (Beginner to Pro): https://education.rask.com.au/courses/etf-course/ ETF Provider Websites: Vanguard ETFs Betashares iShares (BlackRock) VanEck Australia Global X ETFs Example ETFs Referenced: VAS (Aussie Shares) A200 (Aussie Shares) IVV (US S&P 500) VGS (Global Shares) NDQ (NASDAQ 100) GOLD (Physical Gold) EMKT (Emerging Markets) 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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    29 mins
  • AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith

    AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith
    Nov 17 2025
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Pearler co-founder and CTO Hayden Smith to talk all things money, investing, mindset, AI, and financial tech. They explore: – How Hayden thinks about saving and frugality – What AI means for investors, workers, and platforms like Pearler – The story behind Hayden’s famous wisdom teeth money hack – How Pearler is building investing tools for real humans – Lessons from being a software engineer in an AI world If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on money mindset and investing in the AI era, subscribe to hear more weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram, and TikTok for more money insights. Topics Covered – Hayden’s unconventional wisdom teeth money-saving story – Why he compares personal finance to skill-building – How his money mindset has evolved with age & net worth – Frugality vs. growth: what spending teaches you – What Pearler got wrong early (and what it’s becoming now) – Hayden’s take on AI's impact on software, investing & platforms – What “vibe coding” is — and why it matters – The truth about passive income tools & automation – Behind the scenes: how Pearler's UI is built around goals – The problem with overengineering in finance – Why simple investing is hard — and where tech can help – Advice for young people navigating careers in the AI era – How to develop competence (and why it’s underrated) – Why diversification matters in life AND investing – What the future of investing platforms could look like Chapters (approximate) (00:00) Introduction (03:45) Financial Decisions and Personal Growth (09:22) Building Pearler: Challenges and Community (10:49) Product Development and Learning from Mistakes (13:19) The Future of Investment Platforms (17:22) Admiring Simplicity in Financial Apps (23:35) Vibe Coding: A New Approach to Software Development (26:39) The Rise of Entrepreneurial Innovation (28:54) AI's Impact on Engineering and Coding (31:43) The Changing Landscape of Professional Skills (33:27) Industries Ripe for AI Disruption (35:25) Career Advice in the Age of AI (39:25) Investing in a Tech-Driven Future (41:06) Transforming Financial Services and Real Estate (48:49) Understanding Energy Costs for Savings Resources for this episode Hanging with Hayden YouTube channel Aussie Fire podcast with Dave & Hayden Invest with Pearler 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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    54 mins
  • Zero-fee super: Scam or smart? ETF crash myths and FHSSS traps – Q&A

    Zero-fee super: Scam or smart? ETF crash myths and FHSSS traps – Q&A
    Nov 13 2025
    In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dig into your money questions. This week we look at how to spot risks inside your super fund, what’s reasonable to expect from a financial adviser, how to think about market crashes without panicking, and what happens if you can no longer use your FHSS funds. Owen and Gemma cover: - Rask Core Membership has had a revamp!! - How REST offers 0 percent fees on some indexed options, how Macquarie’s True Index works, and what risks you should be aware of - Whether low-fee index options pose extra dangers given recent scams and what due diligence actually matters - What’s a fair turnaround time for financial advisers, why some are slow to action changes, and how to decide if your advice relationship is still serving you - How to talk to family who fear another GFC wiping out their wealth and how long-term investing really behaves in deep downturns - What happens to your FHSS contributions if you become ineligible, and whether they simply stay in your super - The real meaning behind knowing “the cost of opening your front door” and why it matters for day-to-day financial confidence Plus, we need your help. We’re still pushing to get Owen to write a book. You can help us get there by joining our newsletter — we’re aiming for 3,000 new sign-ups in November. If you like this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to send in your questions for future Q&As using the link below. Resources for this episode Sign up for the newsletter 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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    43 mins
  • Emma Edwards’ 5 Rules for Spending Right in 2026

    Emma Edwards’ 5 Rules for Spending Right in 2026
    Nov 12 2025
    In this short and snappy Wednesday bonus episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by financial behaviour expert and author Emma Edwards to share five practical tips to help you spend less — without feeling deprived. Emma’s brand new book, The Wardrobe Project: A Year of Buying Less and Liking Yourself More, dives into the emotional side of spending and why it’s not always about spending less — but spending right. Episode Resources: Buy Emma’s book “The Wardrobe Project” 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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    20 mins
  • David Gardner, 6 traits to beat the market, rule breakers & legacy

    David Gardner, 6 traits to beat the market, rule breakers & legacy
    Nov 10 2025
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask sits down with David Gardner (co-founder of The Motley Fool and author of Rule Breaker Investing) to discuss: – Beating the market vs indexing – The “lose to win” philosophy and position sizing – The six traits of rule-breaker companies – Conscious capitalism, purpose and culture If you love learning about growth investing and finding outliers, subscribe to the Australian Finance Podcast on ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Beating the market: why David still believes individuals can outperform and why most don’t try – Lose to win: accepting frequent small losses to capture rare, massive winners (Babe Ruth analogy) – Six rule-breaker traits: top dog & first mover, sustainable edge, strong price action, leadership/backers, brand love, and “overvalued” narratives – Final thoughts & how to learn more: AI’s role in research (not a reason to quit stock picking) and making portfolios reflect our best vision for our future Resources for this episode ⁠Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)⁠ ⁠Visit TermPlus to learn more⁠ 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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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Maximising Annual Leave, AI Holiday Hacks and 2026 Planning – Q&A

    Maximising Annual Leave, AI Holiday Hacks and 2026 Planning – Q&A
    Nov 6 2025
    In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Money Coach Lexi Smith from MoneyVine to answer your money questions. We look at how to get through the most expensive time of year, how to plan for holidays, the real cost of raising kids, and how to set yourself up well for 2026. Gemma and Lexi cover: - Practical ways to save over the silly season without feeling like you’re missing out - How to plan for a workplace shutdown or reduced income period over Christmas - Simple holiday budgeting tips and how to maximise annual leave for better breaks - How to start a budget that actually works and whether budgeting apps are worth it - Planning for children from pregnancy to school costs and how to set up savings or investing for kids - Deciding between offset accounts, term deposits or micro-investing apps for family savings goals - When moving for a school catchment makes financial sense and when it may not - Easy AI tools that can help plan travel, gift lists, meal prep and household admin over the holidays - Steps to set yourself up for your best financial year in 2026, even if things feel tight right now Plus, we need your help! Gemma’s set a challenge for our listeners: can we get Owen to write a book? Help make it happen by signing up to our newsletter — we’re aiming for 3,000 new sign-ups in November. If you like this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to send in your questions for future Q&As using the link below. Episode Resources - MoneySmart Budget - Sign up for the newsletter - 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 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) #finance #asx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • 5 thematic ETFs I'm watching like a hawk

    5 thematic ETFs I'm watching like a hawk
    Nov 5 2025
    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask dives deep into 5 of Australia's most popular thematic ETFs for long-term growth potential. Owen profiles these thematic ETFs: - Betashares Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) - Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI) - Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG) - iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) - Global X China Tech ETF (ASX: DRGN) If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, make sure to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Thematic ETF topics covered today: - What is a thematic ETF? - Do thematic ETFs work? - Are thematic ETFs risky? - How to research a thematic ETF - HACK review - ETHI review - FANG review - IXJ review - DRGN review Resources for this episode - Betashares ETFs - Global X ETFs - iShares IXJ ETF - Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” - Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) 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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    21 mins