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 starting with our 2026 Summer Series: a practical 10-part podcast series designed to help you build confidence with money, investing, and long-term wealth. More advanced listeners might enjoy our other show, The Australian Investors Podcast. Find our show notes here. Disclaimer The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907.

  1. 1d ago

    Buy now or wait? Chris Bates on the property choices that matter

    Should you buy a home while Australian property prices soften, or wait for a clearer signal? On the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask talks with Chris Bates of Alcove about the decisions facing first-home buyers and upgraders. Their starting point: there is no single Australian housing market, and a cheaper asking price does not automatically make a property a better buy. Chris explains why Sydney and Melbourne may move differently from Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and why investor-heavy apartments or regional hotspots deserve a closer look. He and Owen discuss the difference between broad market headlines and the street, building and home you actually want to own. Building costs, housing supply and borrowing capacity all complicate the idea that falling prices instantly solve affordability. If you are upgrading, they explore why the price gap between your current home and the next one may matter more than either price on its own. For first-home buyers, Chris suggests starting early: understand your borrowing options, gather documents and bank statements, and work out which property compromises you can live with before a desirable home appears. They also explain why a well-located, broadly appealing home may still draw competition in a quieter market. This conversation is not a call to buy immediately or wait indefinitely. It is a practical way to think through your budget, local supply, the quality of a property and the choices you can make before you are under pressure to act. ~~ Disclaimer ~~ This podcast contains general financial information only, issued by The Rask Group Pty Ltd, and shouldn't be relied upon. This podcast shouldn't be relied upon because it does not consider your needs, goals or objectives. Speak to your financial adviser first. Read Rask's FSG at www.rask.com.au/fsg to learn more about us. Always read the PDS and TMD before acquiring any financial product mentioned in this video. Past performance is not always indicative of future performance. 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Buy now or wait? Chris Bates on the property choices that matter

  2. Oct 19

    Your money by age: the moves that matter from your 20s to your 70s

    Different decades bring different money decisions—but the best move is rarely copying someone else’s timeline. In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell go decade by decade from your 20s to your 70s, sharing what to focus on and the common mistake to avoid at every stage. In your 20s, they cover good money habits, the First Home Super Saver Scheme and resisting lifestyle creep. Your 30s are about working as a team, using insurance and debt deliberately, and borrowing for the life you expect—not only the one you have today. For your 40s, the conversation turns to building a real financial plan, debt recycling, upgrading the family home and avoiding unsuitable SMSFs or cheap investment properties. In your 50s, the focus shifts to maximising super while still creating wealth outside it, protecting flexibility and refusing to panic as retirement gets closer. Owen and Gemma then unpack pension phase, turning assets into retirement income and “trying before you buy” major lifestyle changes in your 60s. By your 70s, priorities may move towards simplifying structures, rebalancing wealth, paying for support and discussing legacy with family. This is not a rigid checklist tied to birthdays. It is a practical framework for matching your money to the life you want—whether you are ahead, behind or on a completely different path. 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Your money by age: the moves that matter from your 20s to your 70s

  3. Oct 15

    ETF winners, IVV for 70 years and catching up in your 40s

    An ETF up 200% can feel like a win and a problem. Do you keep riding the momentum, sell part of it, or move the gain back into your core portfolio? In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Glen James answer listener questions across ETFs, property, tax and building wealth at different stages of life. They begin with high-performing satellite ETFs, including Betashares ASIA and Global X SEMI, and explain why a written portfolio rule can matter more than guessing whether AI is in a bubble. Owen and Glen also examine whether the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) could be held for 70 years, why index funds evolve with the market and why one asset class may still be too concentrated. For anyone who feels late to investing, the conversation turns to catching up in your 40s without taking reckless risks. The practical starting points include a spending plan, emergency fund, career review, super contributions, property and investing outside super. They also discuss whether recent tax changes should alter the case for a regional investment property, what the 2027 capital gains tax reset could mean for renovations, and why investment fundamentals should beat political noise. Finally, Owen and Glen tackle the tension between investing for the future and enjoying life now. Their answer is not “spend everything” or “sacrifice forever”, but to set guardrails, work hard for a season and make sure your money supports what actually brings you joy. Episode resources – Visualizing 200 Years of U.S. Stock Market Sectors – Charted: S&P 500 Market Concentration Over 145 Years – 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    ETF winners, IVV for 70 years and catching up in your 40s

  4. Oct 12

    SMSFs explained: when control is worth the cost and responsibility

    Should an SMSF be your next super move—or is a simpler fund already capable of doing what you need? In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Gemma Mitchell sits down with Rask adviser Chamil Peiris to unpack self-managed super funds without the sales pitch. They explain what “self-managed” really means, from investment control to the trustee, compliance, record-keeping and audit obligations that remain yours even when accountants and advisers help. You’ll learn why investors consider SMSFs for direct property, commercial property, crypto, physical assets or broader investment choice; where retail and member-directed options may solve the same problem with less work; and why greater control does not automatically produce a better outcome. Gemma and Chamil also examine the costs of establishing and running a fund, the risks of concentrating personal wealth and super in property, pension-phase liquidity issues, family disputes and estate planning. They cover common property mistakes, the dangers of cookie-cutter advice and why an exit plan matters before a fund is established. If you already have an SMSF, this conversation will help you test whether its original purpose still holds. If you are considering one, start with the question Chamil asks every prospective trustee: what can an SMSF do for your goals that every other option cannot? Listen for a practical three-part framework: begin with the goal, understand the workload and build an independent professional support team. 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    SMSFs explained: when control is worth the cost and responsibility

  5. Oct 8

    What Gemma’s $24,000 Japan trip taught her about holiday budgets

    In this Q&A livestream of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma takes us through her $24,000 trip to Japan. She shares what was good about it and what could have been better, along with the best part of the whole trip. Owen and Gemma then share their best tips for saving money on a holiday. Owen covers Virgin reward seats and the Wise card, plus how to get more out of Booking.com with Genius discounts and Raiz. They also talk about when it's worth checking Airbnb instead, and whether chasing points actually makes sense. Gemma explains why travel insurance is a must and how a cashback app saved her $3,000. She also shares how she lines up deals and uses AI to plan her itinerary so she's not backtracking. Finally, they run through the travel mistakes to avoid. These include not having the right card, getting caught out on cash vs card and booking during local holidays. They also explain why credit card points can end up feeling like Monopoly money. Episode resources – Japan TikToks @iampaulconway – 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What Gemma’s $24,000 Japan trip taught her about holiday budgets

  6. Oct 5

    The three pillars wealthy Australians use to build and protect wealth

    What do wealthy Australians consistently get right — and which parts of their playbook can ordinary households use? In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack three pillars that repeatedly show up in financially secure households: a right-sized home, investments outside superannuation and an actively managed super balance. First, they explain why home ownership can provide security, tax advantages and flexibility later in life — without requiring a grand or expensive property. Second, they explore how shares, ETFs and investment property outside super can create choice, fund an earlier retirement and bridge the years before super becomes accessible. Third, they show why wealthy people treat super as real money and use its three “superpowers”: lower tax, discipline and compounding. Owen and Gemma also examine data from Rask’s Wealth Checker. Property represents 50.4% of assets entered by the community and super another 21%, meaning more than 70% is tied up in two places that may not be immediately accessible. They clarify the difference between retiring, accessing super and qualifying for the Age Pension, then explain why insurance can protect the income that makes every wealth-building plan possible. By the end, you’ll have a practical framework for reviewing your own position: which pillar is strongest, which needs attention and what should you prioritise next — property, investments outside super or superannuation? 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The three pillars wealthy Australians use to build and protect wealth

  7. Oct 1

    Recession-proof your money: a practical plan for Australian households

    Could Australia slip into recession—and what would that mean for your money? Rather than treating every alarming headline as a prediction, this episode focuses on the practical moves you can make now. In the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack what a recession is, why higher interest rates and the cost of living are weighing on households, and why the share market does not always move in step with the economy. They separate the economic numbers you cannot control from the everyday decisions you can. The starting point is a savings buffer. Owen explains why even a modest emergency fund can matter, while Gemma suggests testing whether your current buffer would really cover an income shock—and agreeing on what counts as an emergency before one happens. They also discuss a bare-bones budget alongside your normal one, trimming optional spending early, checking that mortgage offset accounts are actually offsetting interest, and reviewing insurance and super without making a fear-driven switch. For homeowners, they explore when refinancing or restructuring a loan might create breathing room—and why access to extra credit demands discipline. Finally, Owen and Gemma talk about staying invested within your means, reviewing your skills and income options, and getting on the same page with your partner. The aim is not to forecast the next recession perfectly. It is to be more prepared for a difficult season while continuing to build a life that matters to you. 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Recession-proof your money: a practical plan for Australian households

  8. Sep 30

    Australians spend $1,000 a month eating out — what the data reveals

    What does a night out really cost Australians — and what are households giving up to keep dining part of the budget? In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Jason Leong, CEO and co-founder of PocketSmith, for part three of their Global Spending Map series. They use anonymised data from PocketSmith users across 190 countries to compare how Australians, New Zealanders and Americans are spending on restaurants, takeaway, coffee, alcohol, subscriptions and entertainment. The numbers are confronting. PocketSmith users in Australia spend about $1,000 a month across eating-out categories, while typical monthly restaurant and dining spend rose from $255 in 2021 to $400 in 2025 — a 57% increase. Jason explains why menu inflation accounts for only part of the rise, how interest rates have created a split between younger mortgage holders and older savers, and why Australian spending has moved differently from New Zealand and the US. Gemma and Jason also explore what households are cutting to protect the things they value, including subscriptions, fashion and gambling. They unpack the rapid growth of delivery apps, the hidden premium on convenience and the difference between intentional spending and spending by default. You’ll leave with practical ways to regain visibility without overhauling your entire budget: track one category at a time, set simple spending rules and decide which conveniences genuinely buy back time. Visit PocketSmith’s Global Spending Map to compare your habits with households around the world. 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 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Australians spend $1,000 a month eating out — what the data reveals
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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 starting with our 2026 Summer Series: a practical 10-part podcast series designed to help you build confidence with money, investing, and long-term wealth. More advanced listeners might enjoy our other show, The Australian Investors Podcast. Find our show notes here. Disclaimer The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907.

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