Australian Finance Podcast

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. 1D AGO

    Financially preparing for kids: cash flow, leave, childcare and insurance explained

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Alex Luck, financial adviser and co-founder of Everest Wealth Group, for a deep dive into financially preparing for kids. Alex works with many Australians in their 20s to 40s navigating career progression, property decisions and starting families. As a father of two himself, he shares both professional and personal insights into what really matters. This episode covers: - Planning maternity and paternity leave - Understanding Centrelink entitlements - Modelling cash flow during parental leave - Childcare costs and subsidies - Property decisions before and after kids - Insurance and wills - The psychology of financial independence within couples If you’re expecting, thinking about your second child, or simply planning ahead, this episode is essential listening. Episode Resources Get financial planning 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

    1h 11m
  2. 4D AGO

    Super at retirement, pension timing and health costs – Q&A

    In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli Cavagnino, Senior Adviser at Rask Advice, to answer some of the most common and nuanced questions people face as they approach retirement. This episode focuses on the decisions that sit right at the transition point, when work is winding down, structures start to matter more, and the tax and timing trade-offs can feel overwhelming. If you found this episode helpful, hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Got a retirement money question? Send it through here. Resources for this episode ATO: Transition to Retirement APRA Super Fund Performance Dashboard 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

    39 min
  3. 6D AGO

    Tom's $100,000 ETF portfolio (with a twist)

    Owen Rask and Betashares’ Tom Wickenden construct two themed $100,000 ETF portfolios — one focused on the rise of China and Asia, the other built as an “existential” hedge against US dominance and structural risks. In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Tom Wickenden from Betashares to construct two high-conviction $100,000 ETF portfolios — each with a clear macro theme and five-year horizon. We cover: - What Tom has personally invested in recently — and why - Owen’s first ever investment and what it taught him - Two bold ETF portfolios with zero “vanilla” thinking - How to invest when you don’t have a strong view on the US market If you enjoy learning about ETFs, portfolio construction and macro themes, subscribe to the Australian Finance Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Key Takeaways - Most Australian portfolios remain US-heavy - Market concentration risk is elevated - Emerging markets deserve serious consideration - Factor tilts (momentum, value) can shift portfolio dynamics - Thematic investing requires discipline and long time horizons Resources for This Episode - Betashares ETF fund pages - view all the ETFs - Robot backflip video referenced 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

    1h 1m
  4. MAR 2

    The four stages of wealth: What to focus on at each stage

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Gemma Mitchell sits down with financial adviser, author and host of the Financially Fierce Podcast, Jess Brady. Jess is the author of Get Growing and founder of The Greenhouse education program. Together, they unpack Jess’s powerful framework: the four stages of wealth — and what you should actually focus on at each stage. They cover: – Why money feels overwhelming (and why you’re probably not the problem) – The four stages of wealth: Sprouted, Grounded, Thriving and Abundant– Why trying to “skip stages” slows your progress – The biggest mistakes people make at each stage – How to identify where you are right now – The number one “weed” sabotaging most people’s progress If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on building wealth in stages, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple (hyperlinked with this https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/australian-finance-podcast/id1454193127), Spotify (hyperlinked with this https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEsqdQgVCL6BKomPoNVOz), YouTube (hyperlinked with this https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOPFdkhCBIK2Y5QbDtOZXA), or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram (hyperlinked with this https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest/) and TikTok (hyperlinked with this https://www.tiktok.com/@rask.invest) for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Why Does Money Feel So Hard? – “Am I the Problem?” (The Hot Iron Theory) – The Gardening Framework for Wealth – The Four Stages of Wealth Explained – Stage 1: Sprouted – Financial Mindfulness – Stage 2: Grounded – Financial Security – Stage 3: Thriving – Financial Independence – Stage 4: Abundant – Financial Freedom – What Happens When You Skip Stages – Common Money “Weeds” That Stall Progress – How to Identify Your Stage Honestly – How Long You Should Spend Managing Your Money Each Week – Matching Your Money Actions to Your Stage 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

    57 min
  5. FEB 26

    Rewarding yourself, ETF losses and walking away from golden handcuffs – Q&A

    In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell tackle the emotional side of money decisions, from learning how to actually enjoy financial progress, to handling early investing nerves, career burnout and retirement timing. This episode is less about spreadsheets and more about behaviour, mindset and realistic trade-offs, especially for people who are doing “well on paper” but still feeling stuck or unsure. If you liked this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for more weekly episodes. Got a question for a future Q&A? Send it through here. Topics Covered – How to reward yourself after reaching financial milestones – Avoiding the trap of extreme saving & money guilt – Managing early investing nerves and ETF losses – When (and why) people sell shares too early – Why losses feel bigger than they are when you're just starting – Feeling stuck in a high-income job you don’t like – What “golden handcuffs” are & how to escape them – Retirement timing vs super access vs pension age – Building optionality and buffers before quitting a job Resources for this episode How to build a values-based money system 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

    36 min
  6. FEB 23

    Unclaimed Money: Are You Leaving Free Money on the Table?

    In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dive into one of the easiest money wins of the year: finding unclaimed money. T hey uncover: – Why billions of dollars are sitting unclaimed in Australia – How to check if any of it is yours (in 10 minutes or less) – The three places to search: ATO, ASIC, and your state government – Why this should be part of your annual financial health check If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on finding free money, you'll love our other practical episodes. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more everyday money tips. Topics Covered – How Much Unclaimed Money Is in Australia? – Why This Happens: Job Changes, Moving House & More – Lost Super Explained – $19B Still Unclaimed – How to Check for Lost Super via myGov – Caution: Before Consolidating Your Super – ASIC’s $2.7B Unclaimed Money Register – Forgotten Bank Accounts, Shares & Insurance Proceeds – How to Use the Free MoneySmart Tool – State Government Registers & Examples – NSW’s $300M in Unclaimed Payments – Gemma’s Story: Checking Across Four States – The 10-Minute Money Treasure Hunt: Your Checklist – Set an Annual Reminder for Your Financial Health – Scam Warning: Searching is Free on Government Sites – Final Takeaway: You Might Already Be Owed Money Resources for this episode 📄 Start your unclaimed money search: – ATO myGov Super Portal – ASIC Unclaimed Money Tool – Revenue NSW – Unclaimed Money 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

    26 min
  7. FEB 19

    AI & your money, super strategies and SMSF ETF risks – Q&A

    Explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can support (and mislead) your financial planning, understand key differences between pre- and post-tax super contributions, and unpack SMSF concerns around ETF custodial ownership. In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack some of the most common and timely questions we’re seeing right now around AI, superannuation strategies and SMSF investing. With tools like ChatGPT becoming part of everyday decision-making, we talk about where AI can genuinely help with money organisation and planning, where it falls down, and why judgement, context and regulation still matter when real money is on the line. We also step through practical super contribution questions that confuse a lot of people, and clear up concerns around ETF custodial ownership for SMSFs. If you like this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app. And follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more free insights. Topics Covered – Can ChatGPT help with your financial planning? – Where AI tools are useful (and risky) with money – Are AI-generated return estimates for super reliable? – Target date funds: what they are & how Aussies use them – What SMSF investors need to know about ETF custodial ownership – Betashares Direct & other SMSF platform structures – Pre-tax (concessional) vs post-tax (non-concessional) contributions – How to claim a tax deduction for super contributions – Why timing & paperwork matter for pre-tax strategies – Practical steps to avoid breaching your super caps Resources for this episode 📄 Learn more about this episode: – ChatGPT and Financial Planning – ASIC Guidelines - https://moneysmart.gov.au – ATO guide to Super Contributions - https://www.ato.gov.au 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 range of funds:  https://bit.ly/beta-25 Rask resources All services: https://bit.ly/R-services Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest We love feedback! https://raskau.typeform.com/to/ZbfHy6IP Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest TikTok: 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 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

    45 min
  8. FEB 16

    Super stats: How does your superannuation compare?

    How does your super really stack up? Average vs top 10% super balances explained. In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell and Owen Rask break down the latest Australian superannuation statistics and answer the question so many people quietly worry about: Am I behind on super? This episode cuts through the averages, explains what the numbers actually mean, and gives you practical ways to improve your superannuation position whether you’re behind, on track, or already ahead. If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Want help sorting your super or retirement plan? Explore the free resources and advice links below. Topics Covered – What you ‘should’ have in super by age – What places you in the top 10% of super balances – Why average super figures can be misleading – Median vs average: what really tells the story – Career breaks, part-time work & super outcomes – “Comfortable retirement”: what it really means – Why context matters more than general rules – Inflation & changing retirement income targets – Top 10% super balances by age – and how to use the data – Why top 10% doesn’t mean “set”, and being behind doesn’t mean “failed” For those behind on super: – Contributions: how small boosts can grow – Fees & insurance: hidden costs that add up – Investment settings: don’t go too conservative too soon For those ahead on super: – Does “comfortable” reflect the life you want? – Check your insurance is still right for your needs – When building assets outside super makes sense Key takeaway: Understanding where you sit can be motivating – but what matters most is what you do next. Resources for this episode Rask Super Course (free) Rask Retirement Academy (free) What is a comfortable retirement? – ASFA APRA Quarterly Super Report (June 2025) Gemma’s book – The Money Reset Ask a question or give us feedback 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

    41 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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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