Australian Finance Podcast - podcast cover

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.
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Episodes

5 ways to research an ETF like a pro

In this The Australian Finance Podcast, your host Owen Rask walks through 5 expert-level steps to research any ETF with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to know what’s actually in your ETF, this checklist will help you make better investing decisions. Owen covers: - How to understand an ETF’s goal & investment universe - What to watch out for with fees - Why holdings and weightings matter - What tracking difference really means - How to check an ETF’s size, liquidity and st...

Nov 19, 202529 min

AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Pearler co-founder and CTO Hayden Smith to talk all things money, investing, mindset, AI, and financial tech. They explore: – How Hayden thinks about saving and frugality – What AI means for investors, workers, and platforms like Pearler – The story behind Hayden’s famous wisdom teeth money hack – How Pearler is building investing tools for real humans – Lessons from being a software engineer in an AI world If you like this Aus...

Nov 17, 202554 min

Zero-fee super: Scam or smart? ETF crash myths and FHSSS traps – Q&A

In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dig into your money questions. This week we look at how to spot risks inside your super fund, what’s reasonable to expect from a financial adviser, how to think about market crashes without panicking, and what happens if you can no longer use your FHSS funds. Owen and Gemma cover: - Rask Core Membership has had a revamp!! - How REST offers 0 percent fees on some indexed options, how Macquarie’s True Inde...

Nov 13, 202543 min

Emma Edwards’ 5 Rules for Spending Right in 2026

In this short and snappy Wednesday bonus episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by financial behaviour expert and author Emma Edwards to share five practical tips to help you spend less — without feeling deprived. Emma’s brand new book, The Wardrobe Project: A Year of Buying Less and Liking Yourself More, dives into the emotional side of spending and why it’s not always about spending less — but spending right. Episode Resources: Buy Emma’s book “The Wardrobe Project...

Nov 12, 202520 min

David Gardner, 6 traits to beat the market, rule breakers & legacy

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask sits down with David Gardner (co-founder of The Motley Fool and author of Rule Breaker Investing) to discuss: – Beating the market vs indexing – The “lose to win” philosophy and position sizing – The six traits of rule-breaker companies – Conscious capitalism, purpose and culture If you love learning about growth investing and finding outliers , subscribe to the Australian Finance Podcast on ⁠Apple⁠ , ⁠Spotify⁠ , or ⁠YouTube⁠ ! Foll...

Nov 10, 20251 hr 23 min

Maximising Annual Leave, AI Holiday Hacks and 2026 Planning – Q&A

In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast , host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Money Coach Lexi Smith from MoneyVine to answer your money questions. We look at how to get through the most expensive time of year, how to plan for holidays, the real cost of raising kids, and how to set yourself up well for 2026. Gemma and Lexi cover: - Practical ways to save over the silly season without feeling like you’re missing out - How to plan for a workplace shutdown or reduced income period ove...

Nov 06, 202530 min

5 thematic ETFs I'm watching like a hawk

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask dives deep into 5 of Australia's most popular thematic ETFs for long-term growth potential. Owen profiles these thematic ETFs: - Betashares Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) - Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI) - Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG) - iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) - Global X China Tech ETF (ASX: DRGN) If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, make sure to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, ...

Nov 05, 202521 min

How to retire on $3,000 per week - the property playbook

In this episode, host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Ben Kingsley , one of Australia’s leading property investment advisers, founder of Empower Wealth, and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). Ben, along with his long-time business partner Bryce Holdaway , has just released their third book, How to Retire on $3,000 a Week . Together, Ben and Bryce have built a reputation for simplifying property investing for everyday Australians. They’re also the co-authors of best-selling ...

Nov 03, 202557 min

Qiao Ma: finding killer companies, surviving the GFC & why founders win

Qiao Ma, Portfolio Manager of the Munro Partners Global Small and Mid Cap Fund, joins Owen Rask on The Australian Investors Podcast to discuss: 1. What it takes to find killer stocks 2. How Qiao survived the GFC 3. Why founders tend to win 4. The importance of 'control' in long-term investing 5. Munro's investment process 6. Qiao's two pieces of advice to her younger self Episode resources: ⁠Munro Partners⁠ ⁠Nick & Owen's discussion⁠ All services: https://bit.ly/R-services Financial Planning...

Oct 30, 202554 min

Your money reset, part 2: Super, property, and the freedom to choose

In this bonus episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell returns with part two of The Money Reset 2 part series. If you’re ready to take your financial reset to the next level, this bite-sized episode walks you through the final six steps, tackling debt, property, super, and protection, and shows you how to build lasting flexibility and freedom with your money. Gemma shares simple actions and insights to help you future-proof your finances and create a life that feels secure,...

Oct 29, 202520 min

Australian unicorns: $1 billion startups you've never heard of

In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Wenee Yap and Thomas Derricott, co-authors of the new book “Riding the Unicorn: The Startup Guide You'll Want to Read” In a deeply insightful and inspiring conversation, they explore: – What makes a company a “unicorn” – Why Australia punches above its weight in the global startup scene – The biggest myths about startups and side hustles – The six-stage founder framework – What startup success (and failure) really looks ...

Oct 27, 202545 min

Owen is writing a book! $250k in redraw, super tax & salary sacrifice secrets – Q&A

In this Friday episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell answer your questions on: – Whether it’s too late to start investing in your 50s and 60s, and how to balance mortgage repayments, redraw funds and retirement goals – What to look out for when reviewing your first full-time job offer, including salary packaging, super and employee benefits – Why some government employers use third-party salary sacrifice administrators like Remserve or SmartSalary, and whe...

Oct 23, 202538 min

No caps, no LMI, no waitlist — the new 5% deposit rules explained

In this short Wednesday bonus episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Gemma Mitchell and Owen Rask unpack the government’s newly expanded 5% Deposit Scheme — what it means for first home buyers, who’s eligible, and how it can help you get into the property market sooner. It’s a quick, practical breakdown of the key updates — no income caps, no property price limits, and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance — plus what to consider before jumping in. Chapters (approximate) (00:00) Introduction (...

Oct 22, 202524 min

6 US stocks + 1 ETF we L-O-V-E right now ft Hugh Lam

In this episode of T he Australian Finance Podcast , Owen Rask and Hugh Lam from Betashares each bring 3 of their favourite US stocks to the table — and finish off with an ETF that gives you exposure to all of them. They unpack: – Broadcom, Intuit, Adobe, Palantir, Netflix, and PepsiCo – How these companies make money and what makes them so special – Whether you should buy individual shares or just use an ETF like NDQ – The growing importance of AI, recurring revenue, and global scale in investi...

Oct 20, 202541 min

HELP debt changes, company shares & first home hacks – Q&A

20% HELP debt reduction, new superannuation rules, salary sacrificing for company shares — this week’s Q&A is packed with hot topics and practical money tips. In this Friday episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell are answering your questions on: – Whether salary sacrificing for company shares is worth it — and the concentration risk you need to watch out for – The pros and cons of a 19-year-old buying an investment property while still living at ho...

Oct 16, 202538 min

Your Money Reset: How to Boost Net Worth, Self Worth & Income

In this bonus episode of the Australian Finance Podcast , host Gemma Mitchell kicks off a two-part mini-series based on her new book, The Money Reset . If you’ve been thinking about a fresh start with your finances, especially as we roll into a new year, this bite-sized episode will help you reset your mindset, rebuild your foundation, and start moving forward with clarity.. Without buying the book. Over six key steps, Gemma shares practical actions and mindset shifts to help you take stock, set...

Oct 15, 202520 min

Pocket money, compounding, and investing for kids – with Pearler’s Ana Kresina

Today, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Ana Kresina from Pearler — two-time author (Kids Ain’t Cheap and How to Not Work Forever) and co-host of the Get Rich Slow Club podcast. Together, they unpack how parents can raise money-savvy kids and start teaching investing early. Ana shares practical ways to make money lessons fun, age-appropriate and aligned with your family values, without overwhelming yourself in the process. In this episode we cover: – Why starting young matters: compounding, ...

Oct 13, 202548 min

Emergency funds, defensive assets & when to pay for advice

FHSS, defensive assets & the real cost of financial advice – this Q&A has it all In this Friday episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell are back for your weekly Q&A. From using your super to buy your first property, to whether you really need a financial adviser once you’ve already nailed your money, this episode dives into your questions! We cover off in this episode: - Can you use the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) for an investment...

Oct 09, 202552 min

Festive Season on a Budget: 10 Money-Saving Hacks

Today, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli Cavagnino, senior financial adviser with the Rask Advice team, to share 5 tips each to survive Christmas spending without blowing the budget. From gift-giving hacks to travel, food and holiday traditions, Gemma and Tahli cover practical ways to keep the festive season joyful (and affordable). In this episode we cover: - Hacks to save on food and reduce waste - Tips for thoughtful (and budget-friendly) gift giving - Travel ideas that don’t break ...

Oct 08, 202518 min

Forget everyone else: goal-setting your way

In this episode, Pete Wargent from the Australian Property Podcast and Gemma Mitchell from the Australian Finance Podcast dig into one of the biggest game-changers for your finances – setting clear goals. But not just any goals — the right ones for you . We cover: Is it really a goal, or just a nice idea? Do you actually need clear goals to succeed? Why most goals fail (and what people get wrong) How to set goals that are right for you, not just what everyone else is doing Setting realistic goal...

Oct 06, 202535 min

ETFs vs Mortgage: Where’s Your Money Best Spent? – Q&A

Questions we answer on this episode: - How the Age Pension works alongside superannuation (and yes, you can have both) - What happens to your super if you die without a will - Mortgage vs ETFs: which should you focus on after buying your first property? - What debt recycling actually means, and whether it’s worth considering - Wrap accounts explained: are advisers incentivised to recommend them? Plus: What to ask your adviser to understand their advice! Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly shows...

Oct 03, 202529 min

How I built a $4.5m business, with Phil Thompson

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask sits down with Phil Thompson , the founder of Skye Wealth . Phil reveals how he bought into a financial advice business at 24, navigated six years of no growth, and then pivoted the business to insurance-only — ultimately building a team of over 55 and generating over $4.3 million in annual revenue. If you like this episode, don’t forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube , or wherever you get your podcasts! Fo...

Oct 01, 202555 min

No Pay Rise? No Problem (Sort Of)!

In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast , Gemma Mitchell is joined by Lexi Smith from MoneyVine to unpack a little-known work perk that’s actually worth it — financial wellbeing workshops. If you enjoyed this chat, don’t forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. In this episode, Gemma and Lexi dive into: - What are financial being workshops - What are other employers doing - Why they work (and should be added to the next pizza party!) Resources f...

Sep 29, 202528 min

Lessons from Peter Lynch, Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett – Q&A

Franking credits, ETF fees & starting from zero – we’re answering your burning questions. In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast , your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Mitchell Sneddon , Head of Funds at Rask and co-host of the Australian Investor Podcast , to tackle your questions! Questions answered in today’s Q&A - What a franking credit actually is - How ETF management fees are taken (and why you don’t see the money leave your account) - What annual fees look like on an $...

Sep 25, 202545 min

Life insurance in Australia: What cover do you really need?

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Phil Thompson from Skye Wealth dive into the world of life insurance in Australia. They cover: – What personal insurance is and why it matters – The different types of cover (life, TPD, trauma, income protection, child cover) – How Aussies typically get insurance & what options are best – The role of financial advisers & how they help simplify complex insurance decisions If you liked this Australian Finance Podcast epis...

Sep 24, 202540 min

Financial planning tips from a pro: What you need to know in your 30s

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask chats with Everest Wealth’s Alex Luck about the 5 most important lessons he’s learned from advising thousands of young professionals and families. In this honest, practical conversation, Alex shares: – Why building an emergency fund is boring—but essential – How the power of compounding favours early investors – Why getting on the property ladder is still a smart long-term move – The power of smart tax structuring (even for everyday investors...

Sep 22, 202548 min

Q&A: Salary sacrifice, first home super, and when to use credit cards

In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Rask Advice senior adviser Tahli Cavagnino (while Owen’s away!) to tackle your questions! Questions answered in today's Q&A: - What really happens when your super goes into pension mode and how the tax-free income stream works - The smart way to invest for your kids and what happens at 18 when you want to transfer the funds - Whether you can salary sacrifice into your partner’s super , whose cap it falls...

Sep 18, 202528 min

AI investing made easy: The beginner’s guide

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask breaks down how investors can take advantage of the AI boom through a practical investing framework. Drawing inspiration from Geoffrey Moore’s classic book The Gorilla Game , Owen walks you through: – The 4 types of companies to look for in high-growth industries – Where AI is creating the most value (from chips to cloud to applications) – Which companies are leading the AI charge – Why ETFs can help you reduce risk and still capture long-ter...

Sep 17, 202526 min

5 ASX ETFs for a passive income portfolio

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Tom Wickenden from Betashares to explore the world of income-focused ETFs. In this deep-dive, they discuss: – Why income from ETFs is more relevant than ever – How ETF structures can provide access to monthly or quarterly income – The difference between placing cash in an offset vs investing – What happens in a low interest rate environment – Strategies to blend growth and income using ETFs Whether you're saving for fin...

Sep 15, 202549 min

Offset vs Investing, Helping Family with Property, and Big Lessons at 40

From whether you really need to own a home in Australia to unpacking what a re-contribution strategy is, we’re diving into your biggest money questions. In this week’s Australian Finance Podcast Q&A, Owen and Gemma cover everything from offset accounts and investment choices to buying property for family and understanding how ETF holdings work. Plus, it’s Gemma’s birthday episode – she reflects on her biggest money lessons from four decades of life and finance. Questions answered in today’s ...

Sep 11, 202551 min
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