Australian Retirement Podcast

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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth open with school holiday money-saving tips, then dive into the private credit boom sweeping retirement portfolios. Not all private credit funds are equal. Drew and James break down what retirees need to know: illiquidity premiums, fund manager transparency, borrower quality, concentration risk, and whether evergreen funds are worth the hype. What should you actually look for before jumping into private credit? Then the big question from "Panicking Parents": "My parents have $1M combined super and plan to withdraw ALL of it to move to an individual financial adviser, just like their friends did. What research should we do? How do I convince them to leave it in super?" Drew and James expose the massive red flags, tax implications, and conflicts of interest that families need to understand before making this move. 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: 1. Private credit risks - illiquidity premium, fund manager evaluation, borrower quality 2. Evergreen funds - benefits and costs reviewed 3. Concentration risk - how many underlying loans in your fund? 4. $1M super withdrawal red flags - tax implications and conflicts of interest 5. One piece of retirement advice - Drew and James' best wisdom Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Speak with the Rask Advice team Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth expose the "balanced" fund myth. Remember "Compare the Pair"? Two funds both labeled "balanced" can hold 40% vs 80% growth assets. Despite influencing millions of retirement outcomes, "balanced" has NO legal, regulatory, or industry-standard definition. It's marketing, not investment strategy. James delivers shocking health news: Add 9 years to your life with just 7-8 hours sleep, 40 minutes moderate exercise daily, and a healthy diet. Even baby steps work - UK study of 59,078 participants found adding just 5 minutes sleep, 2 minutes exercise, and half a vegetable serving per day adds ONE EXTRA YEAR of life expectancy. The Boomer Briefing tackles three critical questions: "Where There's a Will, Is There a Way?" - With life expectancies increasing, when does it make sense to skip your retiree children and leave inheritances directly to adult grandchildren? Can you reassign your share of your parents' estate to your kids? Legal and tax implications explained, plus testamentary trust strategies. "Wood Miner" asks: How do I protect my investments from litigation and being sued? Is super in accumulation phase better protected than pension phase? Today's big question: "If aged care costs doubled in the next decade - which they might - should retirees be earmarking super specifically for that, or is that just planning for fear?" Topics covered today: - "Balanced" fund myth exposed - No legal definition, 40% vs 80% growth assets both called "balanced" - Live 9 years longer - 7-8 hours sleep, 40 min exercise, healthy diet - Baby steps add 1 year - Just 5 min more sleep + 2 min exercise + half serving vegetables - Skip generations in wills - Leaving inheritance to grandchildren instead of retiree children - Reassigning estate shares - Can you redirect your parents' inheritance to your kids? Tax implications Resources for this episode Five minutes exercise life span study Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth open with provocative questions: If they had to retire TODAY on only the Age Pension, what's the first lifestyle change? And if a client wanted to blow $200K in year one on a round-the-world trip - backing them or talking them down? The Boomer Briefing tackles explosive commentary from The Australia Institute, Guardian Australia, and Grattan Institute: Should we scrap super tax concessions entirely and double the Age Pension instead? The math: Super tax concessions cost ~$55-60bn/year ($31bn contributions + $24bn earnings). Age Pension costs ~$62bn/year. The argument: abolish super breaks, double the pension. Would Australians be better off? Drew and James expose why this sounds good but creates long-term disaster: Super concessions reduce future pension costs. Kill the incentive, more people need full pensions, government pays billions more later. Plus high earners shift to trusts and negative gearing - you never recover 100% revenue. What's actually happening: Division 293/296 tax, transfer balance caps, contribution cap tightening. Today's question from "Charli": "Which ETFs can generate at least 6% per annum WITHOUT losing capital invested?" Drew and James tackle capital preservation reality, inflation erosion, and whether ANY investment delivers 6% returns with zero capital risk. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on the super vs Age Pension debate and safe returns, you'll love the series. 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) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth tackle why CBA and BHP are both crushing it right now, plus the shocking SMSF boom: 42,000 new funds established in FY25, with the average NEW trustee age dropping to just 47 (vs 61 for existing funds). Why are younger Australians rushing to SMSFs, and 80% doing it without advisers? The Boomer Briefing covers ASIC's major crackdown on dodgy lead generators selling your details to financial advisers, how to spot ethical vs unethical lead generation, and what retirees need to know about being targeted with rollover offers. Plus: How retirees can use AI like Claude in their financial lives, and whether old-fashioned companies are better during market selloffs. Today's big question comes from "Ma & Pa Bank" - a 50-year-old couple with a mortgage-free family home and an investment property, wanting to help their late-teen kids buy homes in 5-8 years. How can they use their property equity or the investment property itself to help their children significantly before they're ready to gift cash in retirement? What creative strategies work without destroying their own financial future? Drew and James explore the biggest mistakes parents make (helping too much, too soon), the critical questions to answer first (how much can you actually afford?), and the real-world strategies that work vs the ones that sound good but wreck retirements. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on ASIC's lead generator crackdown and helping kids without wrecking your retirement, 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: CBA & BHP crushing it - What's driving the performance? SMSF boom explained - 42,000 new funds in FY25, average NEW trustee age drops to 47 Why young people rushing to SMSFs - 80% set up without advisers ASIC cracks down on lead generators - How dodgy companies sell your details, what's ethical Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth deliver critical updates on tax changes and relationship traps that could cost you thousands. After quick summer highlights and the CBA share price update (plenty of AI-driven outperformers despite volatility), they dive into the Boomer Briefing's two massive topics: PROPOSED CGT CHANGES - New proposals threatening the capital gains tax discount could dramatically affect retirement planning and asset sales. Drew and James break down what's being proposed, who's pushing for it, which assets are targeted, and what retirees should do RIGHT NOW before potential changes take effect. Should you accelerate asset sales? Change your portfolio strategy? This is urgent information every retiree needs. INTEREST RATES & INVESTMENT MARKET IMPACT - What's happening with rates and how it's reshaping portfolio strategies heading into 2026. Then comes the de facto relationship pension trap: "Not Your Average Listener" asks: "I'm 64M on Disability Support Pension with limited assets. My partner (57F) is working full-time with investment properties and shares - doing much better financially than me. We're looking to move in together soon, but I'm concerned about what this will do to my pension. Can you demystify this for me?" Plus: Savvy Stay-at-Home Mum's credit card hack - Using interest-free periods with a redraw account to save $10K/year on a $200K mortgage. Does it actually work over 10 years? If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on CGT changes and pension relationship traps, you'll love the series. 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) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth kick things off with Drew's CBA share price bet update. The bet backfired when CBA fell in 2025, costing Drew $150. But he's doubling down - the new bet is whether CBA will finish above or below $150. Will Drew learn his lesson? The Boomer Briefing tackles a fascinating trend: Why are retirees checking their super balances more than their kids' wellbeing? New data reveals heightened anxiety among retired members, particularly in funds like UniSuper where engagement with retirees has spiked. Drew and James unpack what's driving this retirement anxiety and whether it's justified. They also break down what balanced returns look like for calendar year 2025 and reveal the 2025 top super fund performers according to SuperRatings. Then comes today's big question: How do you avoid or reduce paying a massive $130k capital gains tax bill when selling an investment property at or just before retirement? A 61-year-old listener with $800k in super, still working and planning to retire at 65, needs smart CGT strategies. Drew and James deliver practical solutions. Plus, the Moooving Paramedic (the 41-year-old farming paramedic with 5 kids) asks whether he should switch from pre-tax to post-tax super contributions. Currently contributing 9% via salary sacrifice and looking to increase, he's worried about the 15% tax on payout. Should he diversify his contribution strategy now? If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on CGT planning and super strategies, 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: - Drew's CBA bet backfires - Lost $150 as CBA share price fell in 2025, now doubling down on over/under $150 - Balanced fund returns for 2025 - What to expect from your super this year - Retiree super anxiety - Why retirees are checking super more than their kids, - UniSuper engagement spike - 2025 top super performers revealed - SuperRatings breakdown of best-performing funds - How to avoid $130k CGT bill - Strategies for selling investment property at retirement (61yo, $800k super, retiring at 65) - Pre-tax vs post-tax super contributions - Moooving Paramedic's dilemma: 41yo with 5 kids, 9% salary sacrifice, should he add post-tax? Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth explain the critical building blocks of a resilient retirement portfolio. Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or already managing your super, understanding asset allocation is one of the most important investment concepts you'll ever learn. This isn't about picking the next hot stock or timing the market—it's about building a portfolio that can generate returns while managing risk over decades. Drew and James break down what asset classes actually are, why diversification matters more in retirement than at any other life stage, and the practical tools you can use to implement a smart asset allocation strategy. They also explain Modern Portfolio Theory in plain English and show you how to think about combining different assets to maximise your potential returns while keeping volatility manageable. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on asset allocation and diversification, 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: - What is an asset class and why does it matter? - Breaking down the major asset classes: Cash, Fixed Interest, Shares, Real Assets, and Alternatives - Understanding asset allocation and Modern Portfolio Theory - Why diversification is critical when you have a finite pool of capital in retirement - The tools available to implement your asset allocation strategy - How different assets perform in different market conditions - Building resilience through both growth and income assets Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth continue their back-to-basics summer miniseries by tackling one of the most important decisions in retirement planning: which type of super fund is right for you? While the super rules are the same for everyone, the differences between industry funds, SMSFs, platforms, and corporate funds can have a huge impact on your retirement outcome. Drew and James break down what really matters when comparing options: control over investments, transparency of holdings, fee structures, flexibility in strategies, and the ability to tailor your approach. They also demystify the fee structures you'll encounter - from trustee and member fees to administration costs, investment fees (MER and ICR), and transaction costs. Understanding these differences is crucial whether you're starting out or considering a switch in your pre-retirement years. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on super fund options, 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 four main types of super funds: Industry, SMSF, Platform, and Corporate - Super rules are the same - so what really differs between funds? - Control: How much say do you have over your investments? - Transparency: Can you actually see what you own? - Fee structures compared across different fund types - Flexibility and the ability to tailor strategies to your situation - Understanding the commoditization of super - Breaking down ALL the fees: Trustee/member, admin/platform, investment fees (MER/ICR), and transaction costs Resources for this episode - ASIC's MoneySmart Super Fund Comparison - ATO Self-Managed Super Funds - Watch our previous episodes on super contributions: [https://youtu.be/xE-Cnq9diQk] and [https://youtu.be/Dr6NcUw5Tvg] Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest 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 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth kick off their summer miniseries by going back to basics on super contributions. They break down ALL the ways you can get money into super, including concessional contributions (employer, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible), non-concessional contributions, the downsizer scheme, and the often-overlooked CGT retirement exemption that could let you contribute up to $500,000 tax-free. Whether you're just starting out or want to maximize your final years before retirement, this episode gives you the complete playbook - plus one simple tip that could change everything: automate your contributions. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on super contributions, 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: - Why bother contributing to super at all? - Concessional contributions explained: employer, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible - Understanding contribution caps and catch-up provisions - Non-concessional contributions and the bring-forward rule - Downsizer contributions - the $300,000 opportunity - CGT retirement exemption - up to $500,000 per person - The one automation tip that makes contributions effortless Resources for this episode - ATO Concessional Contributions - ATO Non-Concessional Contributions - ATO Downsizer Contributions - Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest 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 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your host Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, sits down with retirement expert and best-selling author Bec Wilson to explore the Epic Retirement Tick - a groundbreaking framework for assessing retirement readiness. Bec, author of How to Have an Epic Retirement and Prime Time, founder of Epic Retirement and educator, shares insights from her latest initiative addressing a critical gap in Australia's retirement landscape. While we have excellent tools for accumulation, the transition to retirement often leaves Australians feeling uncertain about whether their super fund can truly deliver the retirement they've been promised. The Epic Retirement Tick emerged from recognising this gap - a comprehensive assessment framework covering 18 key criteria that super funds should meet to be genuinely retirement-ready. From the purpose of the assessment to the products included, Bec explains how this differs from simply chasing low fees and top performance during accumulation phase. Drew and Bec discuss the role of the Epic Retirement Institute, the partnership with Chant West in developing this assessment, and the surprising trends emerging in retirement products across Australia. They also touch on the Retirement Income Covenant introduced in 2022 and why progress has been disappointingly slow despite regulatory momentum. If you're approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers invaluable insights into what your super fund should be doing to support you through this critical life transition. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today: - Introduction to the Epic Retirement Tick and why Bec created it - The 18 key criteria for retirement-ready super funds - How the Epic Retirement Tick differs from accumulation-focused assessments - The role of Chant West and the Epic Retirement Institute The Retirement Income Covenant (2022) and its slow implementation - Trends in retirement products and what super funds need to do to get the "tick" - What Australians approaching retirement should know about this framework Resources for this episode ⁠Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)⁠ ⁠Epic Retirement Tick information⁠ ⁠Download Bec's Epic Retirement checklist⁠ Bec Wilson's books: Prime Time and How to Have an Epic Retirement ⁠Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)⁠ ⁠Visit TermPlus to learn more⁠ 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 Retirement Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask speaks with Tony Crescenzi, Executive Vice President and Market Strategist at PIMCO, to discuss: – Why defensiveness is PIMCO’s current strategy – The lessons from over four decades in markets – The concept of a new global monetary order – Where bonds fit for modern Australian investors If you love learning about macro investing, fixed income or market strategy, subscribe to the Australian Retirement Podcast on ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠! Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Tony’s best non-financial investment & personal reflections – What he looks at each morning to gauge markets – Where this moment ranks in terms of global dislocation – Insights from his books and what his next one might be – Tariffs as a historic experiment & biggest market risks – How he thinks central banks will respond next – The “new global monetary order” and how it’s unfolding – Revising the 10-year yield: what’s changed? – How PIMCO expresses a defensive framework in portfolios – Advice for Aussie investors with equity-heavy portfolios – The future of the 60/40 portfolio model – Why Crescenzi maintains optimism amid macro uncertainty – AI’s potential impact on bond investors & PIMCO – What gives Tony hope and perspective as a long-term investor – What Tony would tell his younger self about markets and life Resources for This Episode ⁠Learn more about PIMCO’s outlook and strategies⁠ ⁠Tony Crescenzi at PIMCO⁠ ⁠Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)⁠ ⁠Visit TermPlus to learn more⁠ 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

This episode was originally featured on The Australian Finance Podcast. In this episode of The Australian Retirement Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli — educator, retirement specialist and long-time member of the Rask team. After working with hundreds of Australians approaching retirement, Tahli has seen the same patterns over and over again. Most people feel unprepared. Many feel intimidated by the jargon. And almost everyone worries they’ve “left it too late”. This conversation cuts through the noise and gives listeners a clear, calm starting point for planning the next stage of life. Together, Gemma and Tahli unpack what retirement really looks like in Australia, the biggest misconceptions, and the practical steps that matter most in your 50s and 60s. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why so many people walk away from retirement chats feeling more confused than when they started - How to map out your own personal balance sheet to work out where you stand - Why lifestyle planning is just as important as the numbers - What “asset rich, cash poor” means and why it catches so many retirees by surprise - How Centrelink treats things like granny flat arrangements and family support - The biggest myth about retirement planning and why relying on “it’ll sort itself out” can derail your goals - What to focus on if you're five to ten years away from finishing full-time work - How to engage with your super fund and what questions to ask right now - Why diversification is about more than investment choices — and how different structures can create flexibility later in life - Simple tools and exercises that help people get clarity, including the spreadsheet Tahli uses with her own clients If you’re ready to understand how retirement works, feel more confident, and make the next decade easier to navigate, this episode is for you. Resources for this episode ⁠Retirement Mastery Course⁠ Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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