Advertise on podcast: 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

An ETF up 200% can feel like a win and a problem. Do you keep riding the momentum, sell part of it, or move the gain back into your core portfolio? In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Glen James answer listener questions across ETFs, property, tax and building wealth at different stages of life. They begin with high-performing satellite ETFs, including Betashares ASIA and Global X SEMI, and explain why a written portfolio rule can matter more than guessing whether AI is in a bubble. Owen and Glen also examine whether the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) could be held for 70 years, why index funds evolve with the market and why one asset class may still be too concentrated. For anyone who feels late to investing, the conversation turns to catching up in your 40s without taking reckless risks. The practical starting points include a spending plan, emergency fund, career review, super contributions, property and investing outside super. They also discuss whether recent tax changes should alter the case for a regional investment property, what the 2027 capital gains tax reset could mean for renovations, and why investment fundamentals should beat political noise. Finally, Owen and Glen tackle the tension between investing for the future and enjoying life now. Their answer is not “spend everything” or “sacrifice forever”, but to set guardrails, work hard for a season and make sure your money supports what actually brings you joy. Episode resources – Visualizing 200 Years of U.S. Stock Market Sectors – Charted: S&P 500 Market Concentration Over 145 Years – 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

In this Q&A livestream of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma takes us through her $24,000 trip to Japan. She shares what was good about it and what could have been better, along with the best part of the whole trip. Owen and Gemma then share their best tips for saving money on a holiday. Owen covers Virgin reward seats and the Wise card, plus how to get more out of Booking.com with Genius discounts and Raiz. They also talk about when it's worth checking Airbnb instead, and whether chasing points actually makes sense. Gemma explains why travel insurance is a must and how a cashback app saved her $3,000. She also shares how she lines up deals and uses AI to plan her itinerary so she's not backtracking. Finally, they run through the travel mistakes to avoid. These include not having the right card, getting caught out on cash vs card and booking during local holidays. They also explain why credit card points can end up feeling like Monopoly money. Episode resources – Japan TikToks @iampaulconway – 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

Could Australia slip into recession—and what would that mean for your money? Rather than treating every alarming headline as a prediction, this episode focuses on the practical moves you can make now. In the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack what a recession is, why higher interest rates and the cost of living are weighing on households, and why the share market does not always move in step with the economy. They separate the economic numbers you cannot control from the everyday decisions you can. The starting point is a savings buffer. Owen explains why even a modest emergency fund can matter, while Gemma suggests testing whether your current buffer would really cover an income shock—and agreeing on what counts as an emergency before one happens. They also discuss a bare-bones budget alongside your normal one, trimming optional spending early, checking that mortgage offset accounts are actually offsetting interest, and reviewing insurance and super without making a fear-driven switch. For homeowners, they explore when refinancing or restructuring a loan might create breathing room—and why access to extra credit demands discipline. Finally, Owen and Gemma talk about staying invested within your means, reviewing your skills and income options, and getting on the same page with your partner. The aim is not to forecast the next recession perfectly. It is to be more prepared for a difficult season while continuing to build a life that matters to you. 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

How would you invest $20,000 over 10 years without ending up with a jumble of overlapping ETFs? In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Cameron McCormack, Senior Portfolio Manager at VanEck, to build a simple core-and-satellite portfolio from scratch with $20,000. Owen also throws Cameron a curveball, in the way of an extra $3,000 for a satellite choice. They unpack ETF overlap, home-country bias, concentration in the ASX 200, the difference between core and satellite holdings, and why every investment should have a clear role in the portfolio. If you want a practical framework for combining Australian shares, international quality, emerging markets and gold, this episode gives you a clear place to start your research. Episode resources – Explore VanEck ETFs – VanEck Australian Equal Weight ETF (ASX: MVW) – VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) – VanEck MSCI Multifactor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (ASX: EMKT) – VanEck Gold Bullion ETF (ASX: NUGG) – 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 does it really mean to raise “rich” kids — and how can parents teach healthy money habits without passing on fear, shame or entitlement? In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Gemma Mitchell sits down with finance journalist and author Sarah Megginson to unpack the ideas behind How to Raise Rich Kids. Sarah reframes wealth as choice, freedom and opportunity, then explains how parents’ own money stories quietly shape what children learn. They cover practical, age-appropriate money lessons from early childhood through to young adulthood, including pocket money, chores, saving for a first car, family money meetings and involving children in real household decisions. Sarah shares how her family uses a simple points system for chores, why “fair” does not always mean “equal”, and how letting children make low-stakes spending mistakes can build confidence. You’ll also hear how couples can discuss money without blame, why both partners should understand the family finances, and how to start helping children even when the budget is tight. Small, consistent actions — even saving a dollar or two a week — can build habits and momentum. Sarah’s memorable rule, “speed to your needs and wait for your wants”, offers a simple way to teach delayed gratification without making money feel scary. If you want to raise capable, confident and money-smart kids — while improving your own relationship with money — this episode is full of practical ideas you can use today. Episode resources – How to Raise Rich Kids book – 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

This episode was originally featured on the Australian Investors Podcast. In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask speaks with Jon Stahl from Salesforce about how AI agents are moving beyond answering questions and starting to complete real work inside businesses. Jon explains the difference between a chatbot and an agent, including how agents can reason through multistep tasks, call tools and APIs, update business systems and retain useful context. He shares where the technology is already creating value across customer service, software development, research, order management and commerce. The conversation also tackles the controls businesses need before giving an AI agent meaningful autonomy. Jon compares an agent to the “world’s smartest but least experienced intern” and explains why permissions, clear identities, audit logs, hard-coded guardrails and human escalation remain essential. Owen and Jon then explore what must happen before agents can safely buy products or make payments on our behalf. That includes verified authority, spending limits, tokenised payment credentials, merchant recognition and common standards across the payments ecosystem — challenges that cannot be solved by a smarter language model alone. Finally, Jon separates the hype from the practical opportunity. Fully autonomous shopping is still largely experimental, while brand, trust and storefronts remain important. He also explains why trusted business data can dramatically improve an agent’s usefulness, and how businesses may soon use agents to resolve delayed orders, enrich product catalogues, support sales teams and help employees build their own tools. 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 This podcast episode was sponsored by Stripe. 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 explores why the business stack of the future may be changing investing faster than most markets really appreciate today. Starting with Stripe’s 2025 annual letter, Owen breaks down four business clocks now speeding up at once: how fast companies can build, distribute, monetise and scale. He explains why APIs, cloud software, AI tools and global payments infrastructure are compressing the path from idea to paying customer. This is not just an AI hype story. Owen looks at what faster growth means for investors, including why power-law winners may pull away harder, why weaker competitors can still launch more easily, and why speed is not the same thing as durability. Using Stripe, Anthropic and WiseTech, he shows how stronger products can create reinforcing flywheels of usage, revenue, talent and trust. He finishes with a practical framework for analysing fast-growing businesses: what has actually become faster, what reinforces the lead, whether the economics improve with scale, whether the infrastructure itself is an advantage, and what headline number you are really looking at. If you want a clearer lens on AI, software infrastructure and modern business economics, this episode is a smart place to start. 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 This podcast episode was sponsored by Stripe. 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

Is AI in a bubble, or are today’s soaring share prices backed by real business growth? In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack what an investment bubble actually is and why price, profit and valuation are different things. Using examples from tulip mania, Beanie Babies, NFTs, pandemic-era puppy prices and Pokémon cards, they explain how scarcity, hype and FOMO can push prices far beyond fundamentals. The conversation then turns to AI. Owen walks through the extraordinary spending behind data centres and chips, why NVIDIA has captured so much of the industry’s revenue, and how circular financing between chipmakers and customers can complicate the picture. They also revisit Microsoft after the dot-com crash, when investors waited about 15 years to recover the previous share-price peak. So what happens if the AI bubble bursts? Owen and Gemma explain why the technology is unlikely to disappear, but prices, access and business models could change sharply. They also discuss why selling everything and waiting in cash creates its own risks, especially when the market’s best and worst days often arrive close together. If elevated prices are making you nervous, this episode offers a beginner-friendly framework for thinking about bubbles, diversification and long-term investing without trying to predict the next crash. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) - ⁠Is AI Profitable Yet?⁠ - ⁠Morgan Housel’s investing talk⁠ - ⁠PriceCharting: Charizard [1st Edition] #4⁠ 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

Are you a wage slave? Do you WORK for money? (yawn) Do you also think Crypto is an investment? Is your investment strategy "buy low, sell high"? In this live weekly Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down your questions and pull apart 9 money and investing myths people tell you all the time. From "buy low, sell high" and "cash is king" to "rent money is dead money" and "you should always pay off your mortgage before investing", we'll break down what these sayings actually mean, where they fall short and what you should be thinking about instead. What we cover in today's money episode: - Money Advice We Hear All the Time: The common financial sayings and rules that sound sensible at first glance. - What's Actually Wrong With It?: We unpack why some popular money advice can be misleading, incomplete or just plain unhelpful. - Is There Some Truth To It?: Because most money sayings aren't completely wrong. We look at the useful principle hiding underneath the cliché. - What Should You Actually Do?: Practical, sensible alternatives you can apply to your own financial decisions. - Investing, Property, Debt & Spending: Tackling advice around buying the dip, market timing, mortgages, renting, property, debt and building wealth. - Live Community Q&A: Answering your pre-sent and live chat questions on money, investing and personal finance. 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