Retiring early sounds like the dream, but is it actually realistic? Or even worth striving for? The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is no doubt one of the most popular financial movements of the past decade, and we think there have been some great lessons out of it. But there are some elements to it that we think don't stack up. So strap in for some hot takes, this is bound to be a devisive epsiode. We break down: What the FIRE movement is (and how it works) 3 things we love...
Apr 14, 2025•19 min
Crypto ETFs; an easy way to invest in crypto, but are they the best way? We compared the best Bitcoin ETF listed on the ASX with buying cryptocurrency directly to find out. Also in this episode: Is now a good time to buy crypto? 3 ASX listed Bitcoin ETFs compared, which is best? Our 3 criteria for choosing a commodity ETF The pros and cons of crypto etfs vs directly purchasing. A 1 year price comparison of each. The best way to invest in cryptocurrency as a beginner. LInk...
Apr 10, 2025•18 min
Want to start investing in single stocks but don't know where to start? We’ve made a simple checklist to help you spot great companies. Listener Bailey wanted to move beyond his ETF-only portfolio and start investing in individual stocks. But like many, he wasn’t sure how to tell if a company is actually a good investment. So we created a 4-step stock analysis checklist that anyone can use to analyse any company. It's a stock analysis tool for beginners & beyond (that you won't need a ...
Apr 07, 2025•23 min
If you’re feeling nervous about the current market volatility, you’re not alone. In this episode, we explain why trying to time the market rarely works but staying invested gives you the best chance at long-term success. We cover: What “Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market” actually means 4 data-backed reasons why the saying still applies today What you risk missing out on if you try to time your entry or exit Historical example of long term investors who stayed the cours...
Mar 31, 2025•17 min
With US Tech companies stock prices dipping, is now a good time to invest? There are a couple of indexes that you can invest in if you want exposure to the biggest tech companies in the US such as; the Nasdaq, the S&P 500 or US 100. But which to choose? So in this episode we put two US Tech ETFs head to head: Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) and Global X US 100 ETF ( ASX: U100 ) to see which is the better pick. We cover: What is the nasdaq 100? How does it compare ...
Mar 27, 2025•15 min
If we had $5,000 to start our investment portfolio from scratch today, what would we buy? We’ve been given that very challenge by Betashares Direct. In this episode we take $5,000 (fully hypothetical dollars- sadly) and break down: Our investing strategy: why it is simpler than you think to get started. The steps to start investing with $5000: Setting goals, a time horizon and understanding risk tolerance Our hypothetical $5000 portfolios; what we are buying and how we wou...
Mar 24, 2025•22 min
It’s been an uncertain start to 2025, but how have our portfolios performed so far? In this episode, we break down our real portfolio results, what’s working, what’s not, and the simple investing strategies that have helped us stay on track. Also in this episode; Listener Jenny wants to know- what is a 'good' portfolio performance? What does she need to keep an eye on, to know her portfolio is doing well? We answer this and cover: What’s inside our portfolios? Our core investments & why we c...
Mar 17, 2025•16 min
Gold prices are surging and Gold ETFs are the easiest way to invest in this beloved commodity- without the hassle of buying and storing physical gold. In this episode we go through the 4 best ASX listed Gold ETFs to give you exposure to this time honoured inflation hedging asset. In this episode we cover: Why invest in gold How gold ETFs work Our 4 ASX-listed Gold ETF picks (GOLD, QAU, PMGOLD, NUGG) How gold can fit into your portfolio (should you allocate to gold in 2025?) Gold vs S...
Mar 13, 2025•11 min
It's the most popular ways to generate long-term passive income, but what is dividend investing? And how can you use dividends to start building passive income? Whether you are new to Dividend investing and want to know where to start or are a dividend lover who wants to refine your strategy, this episode has something for you. We cover: What are dividends? And how do they work How are dividends calculated? How to estimate your earnings Why invest for dividends? Who suits this investing st...
Mar 10, 2025•21 min
Superannuation, we all (should!) have it, but are you making the most of it? However you're thinking about super- optimizing for retirement, considering a self-managed super fund (SMSF), or wondering about concessional contributions- this episode breaks it down. We fire through 6 questions from listeners looking to ake the most of their super: (timestamps included for easy listening!) 1:35: What is a ‘good’ return for your super fund? 3:55: Should you use a self-managed super fu...
Mar 03, 2025•17 min
India is the world's most populous nation and fastest growing large economy. With its stock market having doubled in the past 5 years, it is a market well worth having exposure to, in your portfolio. An India ETF is a well diversified and simple way to do it. But with many options on the ASX, how do you choose? In this episode we compare two of the most popular asx-listed India ETFs: BetaShares India Quality ETF ( ASX: IIND ) vs Global X India Nifty 50 ETF ( ASX: NDIA ) In...
Feb 27, 2025•18 min
If you're a mortgage holder, you know all too well the frustration of paying hundreds of thousands in interest over the life of your home loan. But did you know you can wipe years off your mortgage and save hundred of thousands in interest, using the power of an offset account? In this episode we breakdown: What is an offset account and how does it work? (in simple terms) How much could you save? We compare scenarios with $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in an offset account to show you the p...
Feb 24, 2025•18 min
Understanding the difference between index funds, ETFs, actively managed funds or even thematic funds can be confusing. But once it clicks, a whole lot of the investing world becomes so much clearer! So we are taking you through a set by step guide to deciphering Index funds and ETFs that will give you confidence on your investing journey. In this episode we walk through: What are Indexes? What are ETFs? How to invest in index funds with ETFs 3 simple steps to identifying what ...
Feb 17, 2025•13 min
AI is arguably the most compelling reason to be an investor today. With trillions of dollars expected to be made, how can investors set themselves up to capture this opportunity? In this episode, we compare the most popular thematic ETFs covering Artificial Intelligence on the ASX. We cover: Why invest in Artificial Intelligence? Unpack 3 ETFs on the ASX: SEMI, GXAI & RBTZ. Debate whether ETFs or single stock investing is the best way to invest in this theme. To see all the info on these ETF...
Feb 13, 2025•18 min
Do you want to start investing but have something that’s been holding you back? We want to help you to get out of your own way and start. In today's episode we break down 3 common barriers or fears and go through our advice to overcome each of them: 1:00 - 6:00 Investing is Gambling 6:00 - 9:00 Investing is only for experts, 9:55 - 17:00 I don’t have enough time or money to Invest Links Referenced: University of California Berkley study ‘Trading is Hazardous to your Wealth ’ Mor...
Feb 10, 2025•18 min
How are you planning to build your wealth this year? We're kicking off the year with a 5-part series designed to get you feeling confident about your financial future by helping you set up 2025 as your best financial year yet. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your money game, this series is for you. Pulling it all together in this final episode, we share our full financial plans for the year ahead: Our financial goals What we’re working on improving How w...
Feb 03, 2025•21 min
We’re unpacking the ETFs and stocks that could help you build a winning portfolio this year. In this episode you will: Learn about 3 common portfolio constructions and what you can be buying in 2025 to build or tweak them. Hear key stocks to watch this year. Discover what listeners on this journey are adding to their portfolio. This is Part 4 of a 5-part series designed to help you make 2025 your best financial year yet. Start from the first episode to gain the knowledge and skills to confidentl...
Jan 27, 2025•19 min
Using the best tools can make all the difference to your financial success. In this episode we go through the top 5 High Interest Saving Accounts, Investing Apps and Brokers that you should be using in 2025. We cover: How to make the most of your money with the best HISA Best Apps to take out the stress of day to day management Best brokers to Grow your wealth as efficiently as possible This is Part 3 of a 5-part series designed to help you make 2025 your best financial year yet. Lis...
Jan 20, 2025•17 min
We're kicking off the year with a 5-part series designed to get you feeling confident about your financial future by helping you set up 2025 as your best financial year yet. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your money game, this series is for you. In this second episode, we're tackling the single most impactful figure in building wealth- your savings rate. We go through: Setting number driven goals vs being intentional basics of building a budget (that you will actua...
Jan 13, 2025•21 min
Ready to make 2025 your best financial year yet? We're kicking off the year with a 5-part series designed to transform your financial confidence and set you up for success. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to level up your money game, this series is for you. In this episode, we tackle the crucial first step: setting up healthy financial foundations. We break down: The 4 non-negotiables of a solid money setup: Tackling Debt, Building an Emergency Fund, Superannuation and Insurance&...
Jan 06, 2025•19 min
It’s our final episode of the year, It’s time to get personal. After much chatter from our Equity Mates Community …we reveal how our Portfolios performed in 2024! We cover: Who’s performed better? Full breakdown of how our Core and Satellite holdings performed Were there surprising? Lessons about investing we’ve gained from our portfolio performance this year Links Referenced: Bryce’s call about portfolio leverage with Charlie Viola EMI Core and Sa...
Dec 09, 2024•17 min
The year is almost over, but the chance to give your superannuation a boost is not over yet! In this episode we go through the steps you can take today, to gift your future self the best present possible, $$$ in retirement! We cover: Why maximise super? Ways to boost your super savings in 2024 How to check if you’ve maxed out the concessional cap Links Referenced: Listen to our episode comparing super performance ATO resources for checking your concessional contribution cap Have an i...
Dec 02, 2024•16 min
Is Betashares Global Cyber Security ETF (HACK) the best thematic etf on the asx? In this episode we try to answer that question. With trillions of dollars pouring into the cyber security market, it’s an enticing sector to add to the portfolio. Ren certainly thought so- this was his first ever etf…and he’s still holding! In this episode we cover: The impressive growth of cybersecurity HACK ’s performance, fees, holdings and more The skills to unpack any etf Links Referenced: A20...
Nov 28, 2024•15 min
The Aussie ETF market is booming! With over 50 new ETFs launched in 2024 and nearly 400 in total now available, it’s easy to overlook some great options. Don’t miss out—this episode is your shortcut to discovering the hottest new ETFs on the block. We cover: 2024 highlights; a snapshot of this year's new arrivals. Community favourites; The most popular new ETFs among the Equity Mates community Top performers: A round up of best-performing new ETFs. Our picks: The new ETFs we’re most excited abou...
Nov 25, 2024•17 min
Some people will tell you Investing is a fast moving, always changing, enigma-filled game. You might even sometimes feel that way, especially as a beginner. But we are here to tell you- it’s not as elusive as you think. There are some rules about investing that never change. In this episode, we bring you 5 things that will ALWAYS apply, no matter when you invest or how big (or small) your portfolio. Linked referenced: Listen to pocketsmith episodes on Equity Mates and Get Started Inv...
Nov 18, 2024•17 min
If you are looking for ETFs focused on generating income, they are in no short supply. In this episode of ETF Explained; we breakdown one of the most popular dividend ETFs in our community; Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (VHY) . We see how it compares to other income ETFs on the market and teach you the skills to analyse any etf along the way. We cover: How to analyse the core stats of VHY including yield, 3 popular types of income ETF products and why you would choose each, Is ...
Nov 14, 2024•15 min
If you’re dreaming of quitting the 9-5, ETF Investing is definitely a path you can take to get there. In this episode we take a look at the Best ETFs to build a portfolio big enough to quit your job. It’s not without planning and hard work saving, but it is possible! We walk through: Building enough wealth with Investing to quit What you invest in once you’ve quit Links referenced: Record a voice note or send us a message on our website Aussie Firebug calculator Lis...
Nov 11, 2024•16 min
So, you’ve saved a chunk of cash ready to invest (very nice), but you aren’t sure what to do next? In this episode we answer listener Ellen’s question, how would we invest a $5000 stash? We go through: Steps to take when deciding what to buy Two approaches of how to invest it; lump sum vs dollar cost averaging How we personally would invest $5000 right now How you would invest the hypothetical $5000 right now? Join the conversation in the Facebook Discussion Group , we'd love to know!...
Nov 04, 2024•17 min
Want to invest in US companies with a sustainable competitive advantage? We discuss a product designed to do just that: VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) . In this episode of ETF Explained, we break down all you need to know about MOAT and teach you the skills to analyse any etf. We cover: Breakdown the core stats of MOAT including performance. What is an economic moat and how does this ETF use it? Explain how to use it in your portfolio. Have an investing question? Record a vo...
Oct 31, 2024•18 min
How do you break down your budget to maximise the amount you’re saving and investing? In this episode we’re doing a quarterly review of our budgets to see how we’ve been stacking up against our goals. We cover: Our budget / financial plan for the quarter How closely did we stick to it? Our target savings rate this quarter and did we hit it? Ways we’ll optimise our budget for the next quarter Have an investing question? Record a voice note or send us a message on our website and we'll...
Oct 28, 2024•21 min
