Australian Retirement Podcast

The Australian Retirement Podcast by Rask is your field guide to retirement, hosted by financial advisers Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly. If you're 45 and up, planning for retirement, transitioning now, or already there, we cover all of the topics you want and need to know: Super, tax, investments, legacy, work, behavioural psychology and maybe even a few travel tips.  Get retirement advice: https://bit.ly/R-plan  Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/3QtiY00 In every episode of the podcast, in the description provided, you will find our key resources, including:  A link to work with us and our expert teams A link to the free Rask community - join the conversation, it's free.  A link to ask us questions for the podcast - it's a free service we offer to educate thousands of Australians, and Extra resources for each episode Don't forget, this Rask podcast contains general financial information only, issued by The Rask Group Pty Ltd. The information does not take into account your financial needs, goals or objectives, so be sure to speak to a licensed and trusted financial planner before acting on the information. You can find more information about Rask podcasts and services provided at www.rask.com.au/FSG

  1. Senator Andrew Bragg on housing, tax and Australia’s productivity problem

    2d ago

    Senator Andrew Bragg on housing, tax and Australia’s productivity problem

    This episode was originally featured on the Australian Investors Podcast. In this episode, Owen Rask sits down with Senator Andrew Bragg for a wide-ranging conversation about the Federal Budget, housing supply, tax, productivity and why so many Australians feel the country has become harder to get ahead in. Rather than getting stuck in party talking points, they focus on the practical questions investors, business owners and workers are asking right now: what happens when policy makes it harder to build homes, why does productivity matter so much for living standards, and how do taxes, regulation and incentives shape whether Australia creates more wealth or simply fights over what already exists? Andrew explains why he believes cutting housing supply is one of the worst policy choices Australia can make, how rising rents, higher rates and broader cost-of-living pressure are changing the national mood, and why small business, private investment and simpler rules still matter if Australia wants to stay competitive. The conversation also touches on super, the role of large institutions, and why clearer economic thinking matters more when confidence is low. Owen pushes on the bigger picture too: whether Australia has lost ambition, why the policy debate feels less honest than it should, and what needs to change if Australians want better opportunities over the next decade. If you want a plain-English discussion about housing, tax, productivity, competitiveness and the long-run direction of Australia, this is a timely episode to queue next. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit 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 3m
  2. Retirement modelling: where AI gets it wrong, plus EOFY traps every retiree should avoid

    6d ago

    Retirement modelling: where AI gets it wrong, plus EOFY traps every retiree should avoid

    Drew Meredith and James O’Reilly on why AI-built retirement modelling routinely gets the numbers dangerously wrong, plus the end-of-financial-year traps and condition-of-release tricks every Australian retiree should know before June 30. In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O’Reilly, from Northeast Wealth, work through five high-stakes mistakes they keep seeing in DIY retirement plans — from AI tools that forget income tax and the age pension, to notice-of-intent timing errors that quietly delete tax deductions worth tens of thousands. They also unpack a clever (and entirely legal) condition-of-release strategy involving the Census, plus how to think about gifting an adult child a house deposit without blowing up your own retirement. Topics covered - Why AI-built and industry-fund retirement calculators keep missing income tax and the age pension - Treating AI like a sharp intern — useful, but you still have to check the work - End-of-financial-year planning: why “June” is too late and what to be doing in March and April - Notice of intent to claim — the timing trap that quietly deletes tax deductions - Excess concessional contributions: how the ATO’s flexibility has changed the game - Property settlements vs exchange-of-contracts — why the date you assume isn’t the tax date - The Census condition-of-release trick: unlocking tax-free super after 60 - Cash-out and re-contribution — saving adult-child beneficiaries tens of thousands in tax - How secure are annuities really? APRA, statutory funds, and what the government guarantee does (and doesn’t) cover - Gifting an adult child a $150k house deposit — gifting limits, the 5-year deeming rule, and why a guarantor arrangement is often the better move Resources for this episode - Wattle Partners - Northeast Wealth - ATO myGov — check your concessional cap and carry-forward space - ATO — Notice of intent to claim a deduction for personal super contributions - Services Australia — Gifting and the age pension - Challenger — Australia’s biggest annuity provider (mentioned in the annuities discussion) – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

    38 min
  3. Should you pay off the mortgage or boost super first in your 50s?

    May 21

    Should you pay off the mortgage or boost super first in your 50s?

    In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly tackle one of the trickiest questions for Australians heading into retirement: if you still have a large home loan in your 50s, should every spare dollar go into the mortgage, or could super actually be the better lever? Using a real-world case study, they unpack why maximising personal deductible super contributions can sometimes leave retirees in a stronger position than aggressively paying down the loan, particularly when catch-up concessional caps and tax deductions come into play. They also explain the risks: super is locked away, markets are never linear, and the right move depends on cash flow, time horizon and confidence in the plan. The episode also explores a new push to make pensions easier to start, including the idea of defaulting older Australians into pension products later in life. Drew and James dig into where that could help, where it could go too far, and why personal choice still matters. Plus, there’s a practical conversation on how retirees can use AI in everyday life — from planning trips and social activities to making day-to-day admin easier. If you’re weighing up mortgage versus super, thinking about pension timing, or just want to retire with more clarity, this is a sharp and practical listen. Episode resources Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

    38 min
  4. Super cooling-off double hit & what's really happening to property values

    May 14

    Super cooling-off double hit & what's really happening to property values

    In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth open with footy chaos and ageing parents challenges, then dive into what's really happening in property markets using the fresh Cotality April 2026 report. The Boomer Briefing exposes the super rollover waiting period double hit: outgoing funds must now provide risk warnings before you can switch - designed to make you think twice. But here's the absurd catch: those same funds cannot pay for independent advice about whether switching is right for you. The rules are so restrictive (SOA requirements, payment limits) that advisers won't touch it. So you get the warning... but no help navigating it. Then Drew and James unpack the growing issues in property values. The Cotality April 2026 report reveals what retirees planning to downsize or leverage equity need to know right now - pages 5 and 7 tell the real story behind the headlines. Plus: Are SMSFs actually good for retiree couples, or are most people simply not up to full control? Drew doesn't hold back. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today: Super rollover waiting period - the double hit for fund switchers Why outgoing funds can't pay for switching advice (and what that means) $250M AustralianSuper exodus - members switching blind Property values reality check - Cotality April 2026 report deep dive Are SMSFs good for retiree couples? Most aren't up to it Resources for this episode Cotality Housing Chart Pack April 2026 Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

    43 min
  5. Budget Bombshell: Negative gearing axed, CGT torn up

    May 13

    Budget Bombshell: Negative gearing axed, CGT torn up

    In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth, react to Treasurer Jim Chalmers' Federal Budget bombshell - the biggest shake-up to property and investment tax in a generation. Negative gearing has been axed for future purchases of established property. The 50% CGT discount is gone, replaced by an inflation indexation model. And for the first time, a 30% minimum CGT rate is being layered in - mirrored by a matching 30% minimum on discretionary trust distributions - aimed squarely at older Australians who'd otherwise pay less tax in retirement. Even pre-1985 assets, untouchable for over 40 years, are being dragged into the tax net. Drew and James talk through what's grandfathered, what isn't, what the 1 July 2027 start date means, and why anyone running income through a family trust needs to revisit their strategy. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on the Federal Budget, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today The headline changes from Chalmers' Budget Negative gearing - what's been axed, what survives, and the new-build carve-out The death of the 50% CGT discount and the move to inflation indexation The new 30% minimum CGT rate - and why retirees are the real target The 30% minimum tax on family trust distributions Pre-1985 assets brought into the tax net for the first time What's grandfathered and what to do before 1 July 2027 Episode resources Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

    43 min
  6. Recession with higher inflation - should retirees panic? Plus the key to retirement

    May 7

    Recession with higher inflation - should retirees panic? Plus the key to retirement

    In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth both spent the holidays in Bright - talking reducing mobility, extending the golden years, and coaching. Plus Grace's bike crash and x-rays. The government just announced financial advisers will no longer need an approved degree - reversing post-Royal Commission reforms. Pre-2019 it was a diploma, post-RC it was a finance degree, now it's any degree plus required finance knowledge. Why the band-aid solution? Adviser numbers are collapsing: 28,000 in 2018, 22,000 in 2020, just 15,000 in 2026 - an all-time low and 46% decline. Red tape is outrageous, costs to deliver advice have ballooned (80% increase since 2019, with 320% increase in the financial advice levy), and there have been very few wins over the last decade. The Boomer Briefing tackles the global recession threat with higher inflation - slowing growth, higher costs for groceries, travel, fuel. How do you manage a recession with higher inflation where costs are increasing, returns may fall, and you have a finite pool of capital? Australia is in one of the worst positions as a net importer. If you're retiring today, should you be worried? Drew and James explain recession vs. crisis, why you can't "wait until everything settles down," and how markets rebound on outlook. Plus TermPlus questions: "If you could implant one belief into every retiree's brain on day one, what would it be?" and "If every Australian family had one conversation before someone turns 70, what's the topic?" If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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
  7. Div 296 changes, July super payments & worst retirement advice ever heard

    Apr 30

    Div 296 changes, July super payments & worst retirement advice ever heard

    In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth open with camping vs. vanning debate, optimal camping setups, and serious camping envy. Then the worst retirement advice they've ever heard clients repeat: "Put 100% of my super in crypto in the leadup to retirement," "I'll just invest in income stocks," and "Super is a scam, I'll take it all out and put it in a term deposit." The Boomer Briefing unpacks Division 296 and the CGT reset, then dives into the massive 1 July 2026 changes forcing employers to pay super at the same time as salary payments. The ATO estimates $3-4 billion in unpaid super each year - but industry analysis suggests it's closer to $5 billion, representing 3-5% of total super guarantee liabilities. Around 40% is attributed to insolvent employers, another 40% to the shadow economy (cash-based industries, contractor misclassification, underreported wages). Higher-risk workers - casuals, migrants, younger and lower-income workers, and contractors - are less likely to check super or report underpayment. Late payments attract super guarantee charges (interest and admin fees) with no tax deductibility, so employers caught with arrears may be better off resolving this in FY26. Drew and James answer questions from HardlyBroke about TermPlus capital protection and time-is-ticking on accessing super over 60 when self-employed with an ABN - can you return to work invoicing the same clients? If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today: - Worst retirement advice ever - 100% crypto, income stocks only, super is a scam - Division 296 and CGT reset explained - 1 July 2026 super payment changes - $5B unpaid super scandal - TermPlus capital protection - is your capital really safe? - Accessing super over 60 when self-employed - ABN and same client rules Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

    44 min
  8. Are industry super funds safe? Plus your retirement questions!

    Apr 23

    Are industry super funds safe? Plus your retirement questions!

    Industry super funds have been hit by hacking attempts and outages. Should you be worried? Drew Meredith and James O’Reilly break down what’s happening — plus answer your top retirement questions on super access, non-concessional contributions, downsizer rules, and early retirement strategies. If you enjoyed this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on protecting your super and retirement planning, subscribe for weekly episodes on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today: - Industry super fund hacks and downtime — why it’s worrying - Can you re-contribute super after drawing a pension? - Preservation rules for superannuation: 60, 65, and retirement triggers - How to add a spouse to a property title affordably - Superannuation strategies for couples with large age gaps Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

    40 min

About

The Australian Retirement Podcast by Rask is your field guide to retirement, hosted by financial advisers Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly. If you're 45 and up, planning for retirement, transitioning now, or already there, we cover all of the topics you want and need to know: Super, tax, investments, legacy, work, behavioural psychology and maybe even a few travel tips.  Get retirement advice: https://bit.ly/R-plan  Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/3QtiY00 In every episode of the podcast, in the description provided, you will find our key resources, including:  A link to work with us and our expert teams A link to the free Rask community - join the conversation, it's free.  A link to ask us questions for the podcast - it's a free service we offer to educate thousands of Australians, and Extra resources for each episode Don't forget, this Rask podcast contains general financial information only, issued by The Rask Group Pty Ltd. The information does not take into account your financial needs, goals or objectives, so be sure to speak to a licensed and trusted financial planner before acting on the information. You can find more information about Rask podcasts and services provided at www.rask.com.au/FSG

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