Australian Finance Podcast

Rask
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • 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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 4D AGO

    Baby on the way? Money tips, leave & childcare costs

    In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by James Phelan, Senior Adviser at Rask Advice, to answer the big money questions that tend to come up when a baby is on the way. From planning for income changes to understanding parental leave, childcare costs and shared money dynamics, this episode focuses on practical, real-world decisions new and growing families are navigating right now. If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, follow us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Got a parenting & money question for a future Q&A? Submit it here. Topics Covered – What to expect financially when a baby is on the way – Creating a cash buffer and planning for one-off baby expenses – Employer vs government parental leave: how to sequence it – Navigating Child Care Subsidy and estimating weekly costs – Understanding childcare waitlists & minimum day policies – Managing shared money when one partner stops or reduces work – Avoiding resentment in uneven financial contributions – Systems that work with low energy, low time, and a new baby – How to keep control of money in the early parenting fog Resources for this episode: – Paid Parental Leave – Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy Estimator – Gemma’s book: The Money Reset – Ask a question 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 Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services 📋 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 – 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

    37 min

  3. FEB 9

    Dare to be wealthy – with Mel Browne

    In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by long-time friend of the show, Mel Browne – a multi-time founder, author, and ex-financial adviser with a fresh take on what it really means to be wealthy. With her new book Dare to Be Wealthy hitting shelves, Mel and Gemma dive into some of the biggest mindset blocks, money myths and systemic challenges holding people back – especially women – from feeling in control of their financial lives. From redefining wealth, to unpacking the hidden costs of traditional success, to rethinking how we talk about investing, debt and progress – this is a conversation packed with big questions and honest answers. Topics Covered – What inspired Mel’s new book Dare to Be Wealthy and how it differs from her earlier work – Why “wealth” is such a loaded word and how language around money shapes our beliefs – The difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy” – Why terms like “aggressive” in investing can be unhelpful or misunderstood – A new framework for thinking about debt – beyond “good” vs “bad” – How systems around us (like tax, housing, and gendered expectations) work against financial progress – What individuals can actually do to counter those systems and make change – The emotional side of money: what happens when you tick the “invisible checklist” and still feel stuck – Mel’s three types of success – and why recognising them can change everything – Advice for anyone feeling behind, stuck, or disconnected from their financial future Resources for this episode 📄 Explore more: – Buy Dare to Be Wealthy by Mel Browne – Booktopia or Amazon – Mel Browne’s website: https://www.melbrowne.com.au – Previous episodes with Mel: Search "Mel Browne" in The Australian Finance Podcast archives – Ask a question for the podcast: https://bit.ly/R-quest 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

    49 min

  4. FEB 5

    Executor of an estate and first home buyer trade-offs – Q&A

    In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell tackle some of the bigger, more complex money questions that tend to show up in mid-life and major transitions. We cover what it really means to be an executor of an estate, how to think through first home and property decisions as a couple, and how investors at different stages can make more confident choices without feeling out of their depth. Owen and Gemma cover: - Where to start when you’re named executor of an estate, what your responsibilities actually are, whether there’s a government checklist, and when to involve lawyers and other professionals - The pros and cons of keeping an existing apartment as an investment versus selling it to reduce debt on a new home, including tax considerations over the next few years - Where to seek personal advice on property, tax and structuring decisions when things move beyond general education - How to make a meaningful financial contribution in a relationship where one partner has significantly more investing experience, and how confidence, behaviour and consistency often matter more than technical knowledge - ETF investing considerations for someone mortgage-free in their mid-50s with a 10–20 year time horizon, medium-high risk tolerance, and high marginal tax on cash savings If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.And if you’ve got a money question you’d like us to unpack in a future Q&A, send it through using the link in the show notes. 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 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 #finance #asx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  5. FEB 1

    Is FIRE still possible in 2026? Ft. Dave Gow

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Dave Gow from Strong Money Australia for a deep, honest conversation about the future of FIRE — and whether financial independence is still achievable in 2026. Is FIRE still achievable in Australia in 2026? Why FIRE feels harder now — and why it’s not impossible How Dave would rebuild financial independence from $0 today The role of income: penalty rates, night shifts and FIFO work Why earning more matters more than saving harder Property vs shares in a modern FIRE strategy When leverage helps — and when it delays freedom Why asset choice matters after you stop working How low-yield property portfolios trap people in work The emotional fear of stepping back from a career Why people keep moving the goalposts after reaching FI Relentless saver syndrome and delayed gratification burnout The ego behind assets and net worth milestones Why “enough” is psychologically harder than getting rich How to create an anti-anxiety financial plan Semi-retirement as a risk-management strategy How flexibility and part-time work protect your portfolio Designing a freedom-focused lifestyle, not just retirement Finding meaning and purpose beyond full-time work Why time — not money — is the real asset Learning how to actually enjoy your wealth 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-25Rask 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 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

    59 min

  6. JAN 29

    The King's private school, renovation loans and mortgage vs super – Q&A

    In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell work through some of the big, messy money decisions many families face but rarely get clear answers on. This week we unpack how to think about private school costs, who to speak to when planning a major renovation, what happens with kids’ investing accounts as they grow up, and how to weigh up mortgage progress versus super contributions. Owen and Gemma cover: • Whether it’s reasonable to feel uneasy about private school fees given they can’t be trialled, refunded, or easily reversed, and how to think about the financial and emotional trade-offs • Who to speak to when planning a large renovation, what role mortgage brokers, lenders, accountants and financial advisers each play, and how renovation lending actually works in practice • Whether lenders need building plans before approving finance for a renovation and how reno funding differs from buying or building a new home • How kids Shareies accounts are taxed if they’re not held in a trust, what changes once a child turns 18, and who is responsible for tax along the way • Whether it makes sense to redirect extra mortgage repayments into after-tax super contributions and then use the tax refund to top the mortgage back up, including the pros, cons and cash flow considerations If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to unpack in a future Q&A, send it through using the link in the show notes. Resources for this episode Podcast- Move or Do a Reno Podcast- How to Plan a Reno Invest for kids 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: 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  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

  7. JAN 26

    Investing, ETFs, AI & the Future of Advice — with Hayden Smith (Pearler)

    In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith, Co-Founder and CTO of Pearler, to explore how Australians really invest — and where investing, technology and advice are heading next. From ETFs and core-satellite portfolios to AI, robo-advice and the slow shift away from property-first thinking, this conversation goes deep on what’s working, what’s overrated, and what the “average successful investor” of the future might actually look like. 🧠 What you’ll learn in this episode 🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇺🇸 the US: how investors really differ - How Australian investor preferences compare with the US - Why ETFs dominate locally — and whether that’s normal or surprising - Cultural, behavioural and structural differences between markets 👩‍💼👨‍💼 Investing behaviours: men, women & long-term outcomes - Are there meaningful differences between how men and women invest? - What the data says versus common stereotypes - Why behaviour matters more than product choice 🧩 Core & Satellite investing — what it actually looks like - ETFs vs shares: how real portfolios shake out in practice - Why “core & satellite” is often misunderstood - When simplicity beats sophistication 🏠 Is property-first thinking fading in Australia? - Are Australians really moving away from property as the default wealth strategy? - What’s changing — and what isn’t - How housing affordability, flexibility and investing access shape behaviour 📊 What worked that wasn’t obvious - The things Pearler expected to work — and didn’t - The unexpected features or behaviours that delivered real results - Lessons learned from building investing tools at scale 🔮 The successful Australian investor of 2030 - What does an “average but successful” 35-year-old investor look like? - Habits, mindset and structure — not hype or shortcuts - Why consistency still wins 🧠 Goals, calculators & investor tension - Why goals are harder than people think - The tension between optimisation and behaviour - Are calculators still useful — or mostly ignored? 🤖 Digital advice, robo-advice & regulation - How Hayden describes the current crop of “robo-advice” - What digital advice gets right — and where it falls short - Whether meaningful progress depends on government and regulatory change 🧠 AI, advice & trust - Why you can’t (yet) just use ChatGPT or similar tools for investing advice - Whether people will actually trust AI with financial decisions - Is AI bigger than the internet — or just the next layer on top? - Will non-technical users still be amazed by AI in 10 years, like YouTube today? 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

    1h 19m

  8. JAN 22

    Summer Series Part 10: Protecting yourself and your family

    Welcome to The Australian Finance Podcast Summer Series — your ultimate kick-start to the new year! Across 10 bite-sized episodes, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell help you reset your money mindset, build solid financial foundations, and make 2026 your best money year yet. Plus — they’re putting their own tips to the test with the “Finders Keepers Challenge”, tracking how they each plan to find, save, or earn $10,000 by the end of 2026. Who will come out on top? Follow along and join the challenge yourself. In this episode, we cover: What insurance is, why it matters, and who needs it The main types of insurance in Australia, including health and personal insurance How private health insurance works and common mistakes to avoid Wills and estate planning basics every adult should understand How insurance and estate planning work together to protect your family and assets Common gaps people miss and how to think about cover and documents at different life stages If you want to build confidence with your money, simplify your finances, and get ahead before 2026, this series is for you. Resources for this episode Follow Owen and Gemma’s progress- Finders Keepers Page https://www.raskmedia.com.au/finders/ Review your Insurance with Skye Wealth https://www.raskmedia.com.au/services/life-insurance/ Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest  ~~ 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 or give us feedback: https://bit.ly/R-quest  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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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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