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. Estate planning, super & SMSFs: What happens to your money?

    2D AGO

    Estate planning, super & SMSFs: What happens to your money?

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Senior financial adviser at Rask Advice, Chamil Peiris to answer listener questions on estate planning, superannuation and SMSFs. They cover: – What to do with leftover funeral insurance money – Whether you need a will in your 20s – How super beneficiaries actually work – The difference between SMSFs and industry funds for estate planning If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠ Apple⁠,⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What to Do With Funeral Insurance Leftovers – Tax Considerations on Insurance Payouts – Emergency Funds vs Investing Lump Sums – Do You Need a Will in Your 20s? – What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestacy Rules) – Who Gets Your Assets Automatically? – Superannuation Death Benefits Explained – Binding vs Non-Binding Nominations – What Happens If You Don’t Nominate a Beneficiary – SMSFs vs Industry Funds for Estate Planning – Control, Flexibility & Risks of SMSFs – When an SMSF Might (and Might Not) Make Sense Financial planning Retirement Academy Free Super course Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
  2. 5D AGO

    Becoming a financial planner, SpaceX IPO & your questions answered

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Rask Advice Associate Milli Russell to unpack Milli’s journey into financial advice, alongside answering your biggest money questions. They cover: – Milli’s pathway from school to financial planning – What it actually takes to become a financial adviser – How the industry is changing post-Royal Commission – Real-world answers to listener questions on mortgages, ETFs, and investing Topics Covered – Why Milli chose a career in finance – The snow trip story: Advanced Sport → Accounting – Discovering a passion for accounting and business in school – Pivoting from accounting to financial planning – The real financial adviser career pathway – Study requirements & professional year (PY) – Being young and female in finance – The impact of the Royal Commission on the industry – Why financial advice is rewarding – Working with pre-retirees & retirees – Listener Question: Fixing vs variable mortgage decisions – Listener Question: SpaceX IPO & ETF impacts – Listener Question: Shares vs property vs cash for young investors – Spending vs investing vs enjoying life Resources for this episode 📄 Learn more about topics discussed in this episode: What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)? How ETFs work (S&P 500, Nasdaq exposure) Understanding fixed vs variable interest rates What is a financial adviser & how to become one Superannuation basics for retirement planning ~~ 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 full range of funds - https://bit.ly/beta-25 ~~ Rask 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 📲 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

    46 min
  3. Low deposit, high stakes: Inside Australia's 5% revolution

    MAR 26

    Low deposit, high stakes: Inside Australia's 5% revolution

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss whether first homebuyers should use the 5% deposit scheme. Here’s what they cover: -Criteria for qualifying for the new scheme  -The new property price caps -Getting the right loan -Managing cashflows -Retaining a buffer -The benefits of using the 5% deposit scheme -The risk and the drawbacks And their summary thoughts and tips.  This episode originally featured on The Australian Property Podcast. 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

    34 min
  4. Are Australians really doing it tougher? Real spending data from AU, US & NZ

    MAR 23

    Are Australians really doing it tougher? Real spending data from AU, US & NZ

    If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠⁠ Apple⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What is PocketSmith and how does it track spending data? – Understanding the Global Spending Map – Mortgage spending trends in Australia vs NZ vs US – Why Australian mortgage costs have doubled in five years – Fixed vs variable mortgages across different countries – Rent increases and housing pressures in the US – Institutional landlords and rental markets explained – Are renters under more pressure than homeowners? – Utility spending trends across Australia and New Zealand – Why NZ energy costs swing more seasonally – How geography and energy infrastructure affect power bills – Everyday spending trends since 2021 – Why Australian spending is tracking inflation – Why New Zealand households are “trading down” – What trading down looks like in everyday life – How households adjust spending when budgets get tight Resources for this episode PocketSmith – Personal Finance Platform Episode with PocketSmtih Super-User 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

    47 min
  5. Is super a gamble? Super Payday, fixed rates, interest-only loans & knowing when you have ‘enough’ – Q&A

    MAR 19

    Is super a gamble? Super Payday, fixed rates, interest-only loans & knowing when you have ‘enough’ – Q&A

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Gemma Mitchell and Leigh Gant answer your weekly money and life questions. They cover: – Whether superannuation is really a “gamble” and what happened during past crashes – What the new Super Payday rules mean for when your employer pays your super – What to consider when your fixed home loan rate rolls off – Whether interest-only loans are smart strategy or short-term relief – How to define (and stick to) your ‘enough’ number for stepping back from full-time work If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠ Apple⁠,⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Is superannuation a gamble or long-term investment system? – What happened during past market crashes (and why balances fell) – Risk, time horizon & asset allocation inside super – What is “Super Payday” and when must employers pay contributions? – Why clearing times can differ between payroll systems and super funds – Fixed vs variable rates: what to consider when your rate rolls off – Are people fixing again in a rising-rate environment? – Interest-only loans explained (cash flow vs long-term cost) – When interest-only strategies may make sense – The psychology of “enough” and shifting financial goalposts – Lifestyle design vs chasing a bigger number You will learn about: - How superannuation works (risk, returns & market cycles) - Understanding market crashes and long-term investing - What is Super Payday? (employer contribution timing changes) - Fixed vs variable home loans explained - Interest-only vs principal & interest loans - How to calculate your ‘enough’ number for financial independence Resources for this episode Book recommendations: Enough: True Measures of Money, Business, and Life You’ve Got Money… Now What? | Book Extras 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

    33 min
  6. 3 big retirement changes you need to know (plus your 5-step retirement plan)

    MAR 16

    3 big retirement changes you need to know (plus your 5-step retirement plan)

    We are only a couple of months into 2026 and we’ve already seen significant retirement changes announced. These updates could directly impact your super, Age Pension eligibility and contribution strategy. In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by James O’Reilly- co host on the Australian Retirement Podcast and financial adviser at Northeast Financial Wealth, go through three big retirement changes you need to know in 2026 — and then take you through your practical 5-step retirement checklist. If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more everyday money tips. Topics Covered – 3 Big Retirement Changes in 2026 1) ASFA Retirement Standard Update This is the first time ASFA’s lump sum figures have increased in three years. New lump sum targets (homeowners aged 67): – $630,000 for singles (up from $595,000) – $730,000 for couples (up from $690,000) Annual income benchmarks: – Comfortable Couple: ~$77,375 per year – Comfortable Single: ~$54,840 per year – Modest Couple: ~$51,299 per year – Modest Single: ~$35,503 per year More detail here 2) Age Pension Changes – Payment Rates, Deeming & Asset Limits Check for updates here from March 20th 3) Super Contribution Caps Increasing (From 1 July 2026) – Concessional cap increases from $30,000 to $32,500 per year – Non-concessional cap increases from $120,000 to $130,000 per year – General transfer balance cap increases from $2 million to $2.1 million More info here and here Key areas discussed: - ASFA Retirement Standard benchmarks - Age Pension deeming rates and asset test limits - Super contribution caps and carry-forward rules - Transfer balance cap explained - How to build a retirement income plan (5 steps) Free Resources: Check out the free Rask Retirement Academy Budget mastery course Check how your super is tracking with the Rask Super Checker Tool 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

    45 min
  7. MAR 13

    Hedged vs unhedged ETFs, ETF size, super duplication & kids investing: Weekly Q&A

    In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen is away so your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Mitchell Sneddon (one of our hosts of the Australian Investor Podcast) to answer your weekly investing questions on ETFs and portfolio construction. They cover: – Hedged vs unhedged international ETFs (and when it matters) – Whether ETF fund size and liquidity should influence your choice – How to think about overlap between super investments and investments outside super – Kids investing via minor trust accounts and the risks/tax considerations of geared ETFs – Distribution yield vs total return (and what investors should prioritise) Listen to Mitchell’s Australian Investors Podcast episode If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What’s the difference between hedged and unhedged international ETFs? – Currency risk vs portfolio diversification over the long term – Does the size of an ETF fund matter (and what “liquidity” actually means)? – Spreads, trading volume, and why AUM isn’t the whole story – Investing inside super vs outside super: are you “doubling up”? – Overlap, overall asset allocation, and seeing your wealth as one portfolio – ETF selection for kids: minor trust accounts basics – Are geared ETFs ever appropriate for long time horizons? – Tax considerations and why leverage can complicate outcomes – Distribution yield vs total return: what each measure tells you – Why chasing yield can backfire (and what to focus on instead) You will learn about: – Hedged vs Unhedged ETFs (currency risk explained) – ETF fund size, liquidity, spreads & closures (what to check) – Investing inside super vs outside super (portfolio overlap & asset allocation) – Minor trust accounts for kids (ETF investing considerations) – Geared ETFs (how they work, risks, and potential tax complexity) – Distribution yield vs total return (which metric matters most) 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

    37 min
  8. MAR 9

    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

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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