Australian Finance Podcast

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

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

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

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

Can young Australians still buy a home, or is property ownership slipping further out of reach? In this Australian Finance Podcast livestream, Owen and Milli unpack the challenge of buying property in your 20s and 30s, while still building wealth through shares and super. They cover practical ways to save a deposit, including high-interest savings accounts, investing and the First Home Super Saver Scheme. You’ll learn how FHSS contributions, withdrawals and deemed earnings work, plus the risks of investing money you may need for a home purchase. The discussion also explores how parents and grandparents can help with a deposit through gifts, loans, co-borrowing or co-ownership, and why the legal structure matters. Owen and Milli then turn to debt recycling: what it is, why more Australians are asking about it, and how interest rates, investment returns and tax treatment can affect the strategy. Plus, they tackle listener questions on family loans and asset protection, the changing capital gains tax landscape, HSBC’s retreat from Australian retail banking, and the difficulty retirees can face when applying for a new credit card. Stay until the end for “What am I?” 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

What actually happens to your super when you retire? Try our free wealth checker tool Get financial advice It sounds like there should be a giant red button that says “retirement mode” — but, as usual with super, it’s a little more paperwork-y than that. In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, also shared on The Australian Retirement Podcast, Owen is joined by Tahli Cavagnino, Senior Financial Adviser and co-head of financial advice at Rask Advice, to unpack what happens to your super as you move towards retirement. General advice warning: This episode contains general information and general advice only. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making financial decisions. We cover when you can generally access your super, what “pension mode” actually means, how super can be taxed before and after retirement, and some of the big trade-offs people face as they approach retirement. Plus, we answer listener questions on indexed versus active high growth super options, whether people typically change funds when moving into pension phase, and whether you still need an emergency fund once you can access your super. In this episode – Owen’s news of the week: why you shouldn’t rush changing super funds – The importance of reading the PDS/TMD and checking the AFSL before acting – When Australians can generally access their super – What it means to turn your super into “pension mode” – Is it a button, a form, a phone call — or all of the above? – A simple overview of tax on super before and after retirement – Why defined benefit funds can be different – Minimum pension drawdown rates explained – Do most people withdraw only the minimum from super? – The retirement mortgage question: super versus debt – Super versus investing outside super if you want to retire before 60 – Indexed high growth versus active high growth super options – Whether different super funds suit different life stages – Whether you still need an emergency fund once super is accessible Listener questions – Hot Takes: “For a long-term investor choosing a high growth option inside super, what should they think about when comparing indexed high growth and active high growth managed by the super fund?” – Barren Jo: “You’ve mentioned that different style super funds may suit people at different stages. Can you explain this more? Do people typically change super funds when switching to pension mode, and if so, why?” – WannabeWhale: “Is an emergency fund necessary when you have access to your super?” Episode resources – Rask Retirement Academy – Free report: 5 ways business owners can get back 5 hours a week using AI – Join the free Rask newsletter and platform – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Want to keep learning? If you’re trying to get your money sorted — without needing a finance degree and three coffees — join the free Rask newsletter and platform You’ll get practical money lessons, investing explainers, retirement resources and tools to help you make better financial decisions over time. 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

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Glen James to talk about buying your first property in Australia when the market feels tougher than ever. Glen explains why so many buyers feel stuck, why the old 20% deposit playbook no longer fits reality for many people, and what first home buyers can do instead of giving up. The conversation centres on Glen’s new book, The Quick Start Guide to Your First Property, and the practical mindset shift behind it. He argues that buyers need a clear why, a realistic time frame and a willingness to use every legitimate tool available, from the First Home Super Saver Scheme to low-deposit pathways and state-based support. Rather than obsessing over the perfect property straight away, Glen says the goal is to build a workable strategy and keep moving. Owen and Glen also cover the emotional side of property, why a good mortgage broker can help sooner than most people think, when professional advice is worth paying for, and how parents can better support children trying to enter the market. If you’re feeling priced out, overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this episode offers a grounded, practical guide to taking the next step. Episode resources – Buy "The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property" – 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 EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask speaks with Sarah Court, Chair of ASIC, about what the regulator is seeing across the financial system and why everyday Australians need to pay closer attention to how their money is being handled. Sarah explains ASIC’s role in licensing firms, holding financial institutions to account and stepping in when consumers or investors are at risk. The core of the conversation focuses on mortgage offset accounts after ASIC uncovered failures at banks that meant some customers were not receiving the interest savings they expected. Sarah explains why these problems matter, why legacy systems and weak processes can create real financial harm, and why banks need to fix the basics instead of assuming customers will spot issues themselves. Owen and Sarah also talk about scams, risky investments and the importance of slowing down before handing over money. She shares why MoneySmart can be such a valuable resource for Australians who want plain-English guidance on investing, risk, scams and personal finance. If you want a practical reminder to check your offset setup, stay sceptical of fast-talking investment pitches and understand where ASIC fits into the system, this episode is worth your time before it costs you real money. Episode resources – Moneysmart – Investment scam alerts - ASIC – Professional registers search - ASIC – 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 EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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