Australian Finance Podcast

Rask
Rask
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

The Australian Finance Podcast is your guide to sorting out your finances, one episode at a time. Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer, & Gemma Mitchell, Senior Financial Adviser, bring you actionable strategies and knowledge that you can put into practice today. Save money, invest better and live life on your terms. ~~ New to the show? We recommend that you head back to our Starter Pack series of the podcast in Jan/Feb 2024, to get your head around some really important concepts! More advanced listeners might enjoy our other show, The Australian Investors Podcast. ~~ SHOW NOTES: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/podcasts/australian-finance-podcast/ ~~ DISCLAIMER: The information in this podcast series is general financial information/advice only. That means, the advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. Please read our Terms of Service and Financial Services Guide on www.rask.com.au/fsg.

  1. 9h ago

    Should you DIY your super? Hayden Smith answers the big questions

    Australian Finance Podcast host Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith from Pearler to answer one of the biggest questions investors ask once they get serious about money: should you take more control of your super, or leave it alone? Using listener questions as the backbone, they unpack the practical differences between large super funds, direct investment options and self-managed super funds, then explain where people often get tripped up by acronyms, fees and structure. That includes HIN versus custodial models, whether brokerage costs really matter, what ETFs inside super can and cannot solve, and why an SMSF is not automatically the smarter move just because it feels more hands-on. The conversation also widens into the trade-offs Australians face when building wealth more broadly, including leverage, investment property stress, negative gearing and the temptation to over-optimise every financial decision. Throughout the episode, Owen and Hayden keep coming back to the same idea: good investing should be simple enough to stick with, even when life gets messy. If you have ever wondered whether to DIY your super, compare brokers, or rethink how much control you really need, this episode will help you sort the signal from the noise. It is a practical reminder that the best setup is usually the one you understand well enough to keep using for years.Australian Finance Podcast host Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith from Pearler to answer one of the biggest questions investors ask once they get serious about money: should you take more control of your super, or leave it alone? Using listener questions as the backbone, they unpack the practical differences between large super funds, direct investment options and self-managed super funds, then explain where people often get tripped up by acronyms, fees and structure. That includes HIN versus custodial models, whether brokerage costs really matter, what ETFs inside super can and cannot solve, and why an SMSF is not automatically the smarter move just because it feels more hands-on. The conversation also widens into the trade-offs Australians face when building wealth more broadly, including leverage, investment property stress, negative gearing and the temptation to over-optimise every financial decision. Throughout the episode, Owen and Hayden keep coming back to the same idea: good investing should be simple enough to stick with, even when life gets messy. If you have ever wondered whether to DIY your super, compare brokers, or rethink how much control you really need, this episode will help you sort the signal from the noise. It is a practical reminder that the best setup is usually the one you understand well enough to keep using for years. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – View VanEck's range of funds – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    Should you DIY your super? Hayden Smith answers the big questions

  2. 2d ago

    An AI masterclass with Hayden Smith from Pearler

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith, CTO at Pearler, for a practical masterclass on what AI actually is, why it matters for investors, and where the real money may be made across the supply chain. Rather than stopping at ChatGPT headlines, Owen and Hayden break the theme into layers: transformers, data centres, GPUs, memory, networking, cooling, electricity and the raw materials that keep the whole machine running. They explain why AI is not one stock or one app, but a chain of businesses that stretches from software giants like OpenAI, Google and Microsoft through to chip leaders like NVIDIA and the infrastructure companies supporting them. The conversation also brings the investing lens back to earth. Hayden explains why broad exposure still beats heroic single-stock bets for most people, while Owen walks through ETFs investors are already using to get exposure, including IVV, VGS, NDQ, FANG and AINF. Along the way, they talk about bubbles, bottlenecks, valuation risk and why some of the best opportunities may sit in the less glamorous parts of the stack. They also explore what AI could mean for Australian jobs and why much of the value may flow to US-listed businesses. If you want to understand how AI works, where the economic value might accrue and how to think about investing without getting swept up in hype, this episode gives you a clear framework to start with. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    An AI masterclass with Hayden Smith from Pearler

  3. 4d ago

    Tax myths busted: What you can really claim with the ATO

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Anita Challen, Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), to bust some of the biggest tax myths Australians still believe. They cover: – What makes an expense genuinely tax deductible – Common mistakes people make with work-related claims – Car expenses and the records you need to keep – When a side hustle becomes income the ATO cares about – Rental property deductions and renovation traps – Why gifts, freebies and endorsements may need to be declared as income – The latest tax scams and how to protect yourself this tax time Topics Covered – What makes something tax deductible? – Common tax myths around clothing and meals – Car expense claims: what you can and can't claim – Record keeping requirements for tax deductions – Business expenses versus personal expenses – Side hustles, hobbies and taxable income – When does a hobby become a business? – Declaring gifts, freebies and endorsements as income – Rental property deductions and record keeping – Repairs versus improvements: what's deductible? – Renovating investment properties before tenants move in – Tax scams and staying safe online – How the ATO communicates with taxpayers – The biggest scam red flags to watch for – Where to go for trusted tax information Resources for this episode – Tax Time Toolkits – Download the ATO app – Verify or report an ATO scam – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    Tax myths busted: What you can really claim with the ATO

  4. Jul 9

    Insurance Q&A: Exclusions, Loadings, Claims & the $1.4 Million Dispute

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Phil Thompson from Skye Wealth to answer your biggest insurance questions. They cover: – How insurance claims actually work from start to finish – The difference between Any Occupation and Own Occupation cover – Whether you can claim Income Protection and Trauma Insurance at the same time – What exclusions, loadings and occupation ratings really mean – The truth about insurance commissions – Whether younger Australians should consider cover before automatic super enrolment – Why group insurance isn't always cheaper than retail cover – The $1.4 million insurance dispute that highlights the importance of disclosure Topics Covered – What happens when you make an insurance claim? – Understanding the insurance claims process from start to finish – Any Occupation vs Own Occupation TPD cover – Can teachers and other professionals rely on Any Occupation cover? – Income Protection and Trauma Insurance: Can you claim both? – How insurance commissions work – Should young Australians get cover before automatic super insurance starts? – What is an insurance exclusion? – What is a premium loading? – Can exclusions and loadings be removed later? – What is an occupation rating and why does it matter? – Retail insurance vs group insurance through super – Why cheaper insurance isn't always better insurance – The Skye Wealth insurance comparison example – The $1.4 million insurance dispute and the importance of disclosure – How much do you really need to tell your insurer? Episode resources – Skye Wealth Client Savings Comparison – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    Insurance Q&A: Exclusions, Loadings, Claims & the $1.4 Million Dispute

  5. Jul 8

    Payday Super started 1 July 2026: what employers & employees need to know

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Emma Rosenzweig, Deputy Commissioner of the Payday Super Program at the Australian Taxation Office, to unpack the Payday Super changes. They cover: – What Payday Super is and why it’s changing – What employers and employees should be doing – How super guarantee payments will need to be timed – What qualifying earnings means – How Single Touch Payroll (STP), contractors, excess concessional contributions and compliance may be affected Topics Covered – What is Payday Super? – Why Super Guarantee Is Moving to Payday – What Employers Need to Do and When – Timing Rules for Super Guarantee Payments – What Qualifying Earnings Means – Payments Not Included in Qualifying Earnings – Single Touch Payroll Changes – Contractors and Super Under Payday Super – Member Verification and Rejected Contributions – ATO Compliance Approach From 1 July 2026 – Voluntary Disclosure for Underpaid Super – ATO Support Materials and Employer Resources – Key Actions for Employers and Employees Episode resources – Payday Super resources | Australian Taxation Office – Payday Super for employers | Australian Taxation Office – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    Payday Super started 1 July 2026: what employers & employees need to know

  6. Jul 6

    Christian Hull on property, calm cash flow and the end of hot money chaos

    In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell sits down with Christian Hull for the final instalment of the Hot Money Mess series and a candid look at what has actually changed after months of money coaching, better systems and a few big life decisions. Christian began this series describing himself as chaotic with money. He returns sounding calmer, clearer and much more intentional. The conversation unpacks the practical shifts that made the difference: separating business and personal cash flow, using simple account buckets, planning for bills before they hit and relying on better numbers instead of panic. They also dive into Christian’s biggest update yet: buying a Sydney property far sooner than expected. Gemma and Christian talk through the values behind that move, what it means to feel calm around debt, and why having a plan matters more than pretending you will never feel fear. If you have ever felt behind with money, overwhelmed by decisions or unsure how to turn goals into action, this episode is a strong reminder that progress usually starts with clarity, structure and support, not perfection. It is a useful wrap-up on how behaviour change and better systems can create real financial momentum. Episode resources – Hot-Mess Money Makeover workbook – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

  7. Jul 2

    Bad financial advice, offset vs redraw & buying your first home

    In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Milli Russell for a practical Q&A covering some of the money questions that can feel small in the moment but have a huge impact over time. They unpack what a 21-year-old should focus on if buying a first home is only 12 months away, including why speaking to a mortgage broker early matters, what lenders may look for, and how to think about cash flow before you apply. From there, they break down the difference between offset accounts and redraw facilities, when flexibility matters, and why the tax treatment of a future investment property can make that choice more important than people realise. Gemma and Milli also talk through what to do if you think you have received bad financial advice, including when to go back to the adviser, when to escalate a complaint, and what role AFCA and ASIC can play. They also answer a thoughtful question about retirement boredom and explain how returning to work can interact with super, pension accounts and future contributions. Along the way, they share an update on the Finders Keepers savings challenge and highlight some of the small changes that can create surprisingly meaningful savings momentum. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    Bad financial advice, offset vs redraw & buying your first home

  8. Jun 29

    The real cost of childcare, school choices and family planning

    In this episode of Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell sits down with Jason Leong from PocketSmith to unpack one of the biggest pressure points for modern households: childcare and education costs. Using PocketSmith's Global Spending Map, they compare what families are spending across Australia, New Zealand and the US and explain why childcare can feel like a second mortgage. They unpack how subsidies shape Australia, why New Zealand costs are rising, and what the data says about the cost-of-living squeeze on parents. But this is not just about big numbers. Gemma and Jason explore the real trade-offs behind those bills: going back to work, public versus private schooling, and why childcare should be assessed as a whole-of-family money decision rather than a simple net-income test. They also cover the factors households often miss, including tax, superannuation, career momentum, workplace flexibility and the mental load that can sit behind family planning. For couples thinking about children, they argue that earlier conversations about values, lifestyle and money can prevent stress later. If you want a practical, data-backed conversation about raising kids and planning ahead, this episode offers a clearer way to think about the real cost of family life in Australia. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

    The real cost of childcare, school choices and family planning
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The Australian Finance Podcast is your guide to sorting out your finances, one episode at a time. Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer, & Gemma Mitchell, Senior Financial Adviser, bring you actionable strategies and knowledge that you can put into practice today. Save money, invest better and live life on your terms. ~~ New to the show? We recommend that you head back to our Starter Pack series of the podcast in Jan/Feb 2024, to get your head around some really important concepts! More advanced listeners might enjoy our other show, The Australian Investors Podcast. ~~ SHOW NOTES: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/podcasts/australian-finance-podcast/ ~~ DISCLAIMER: The information in this podcast series is general financial information/advice only. That means, the advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. Please read our Terms of Service and Financial Services Guide on www.rask.com.au/fsg.

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