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In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen is joined by Emily from the Rask design team for a practical conversation about money in your 20s. Together they unpack the real questions younger Australians face when life is moving quickly and the pressure to “figure it out” feels intense. Emily shares what changed after moving from New Zealand to Melbourne, learning how Australia’s super system works, trying micro-investing for the first time, and setting a goal for her first ETF investment. They also tackle the big decisions that come up early: should you build cash savings or invest first, how do you prepare financially before moving overseas, what should you actually do about super in your 20s, and how can you save for a house deposit when rent and the cost of living keep climbing? There is also an honest discussion about the social side of money, including how to handle friendships when other people seem to earn more and want to spend more. It is a useful reminder that financial progress is not about keeping up appearances, but about building habits that match your goals and values. If you want a grounded, practical starting point for saving, investing and building confidence with money, this episode is for you. 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 Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down sudden wealth events, and what happens when life goes from “normal” to financially complex overnight. They cover: – What counts as a sudden wealth event – Why more money does not always mean less stress – The emotional side of inheritance, guilt, pressure, and decision fatigue – What changes when your wealth jumps quickly – Why structure, tax, protection, and estate planning matter more than ever If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on sudden wealth events, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What is a Sudden Wealth Event? – Why Fast Money Can Create Fast Complexity – Myth: More Money = Less Stress – The Great Wealth Transfer in Australia – Inheritance, Insurance Payouts & Business Sales – The Shift from Budgeting to Structuring – The Shift from Saving to Protecting – The Shift from Accumulation to Strategy – Sudden Wealth Syndrome: What It Is – Overwhelm, Anxiety & Decision Fatigue – Guilt, Family Pressure & Changing Relationships – Why Tax Becomes a Bigger Lever – Structuring, Trusts & Ownership Decisions – Asset Protection & Estate Planning – Separating the Emotional Response from the Practical Plan – Why Doing Nothing Quickly Can Be Smart – Building a “Sleep at Night” Plan – What to Do Before You Act on a Windfall – When to Get Advice Early Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Brian Parker, Chief Economist of Australian Retirement Trust (ART), to discuss how ART thinks about runway, portfolio construction, private markets and when volatility becomes opportunity. They cover: - What a chief economist actually does and how ART turns research into portfolio action. - How “super money” is different: time horizon, tax wrapper and the power of compounding. - Geopolitics, inflation and how ART assesses signals in a multipolar world. - AI — threat vs opportunity, productivity wins, and policy implications for workers. - Why private assets and inflation-linked income matter in portfolio construction. If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on ⁠Apple⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. - What does a Chief Economist do? - How super funds invest differently (decades, not months) - Why market volatility = opportunity - The impact of geopolitics (Ukraine, Middle East, trade tensions) - Inflation vs deflation: what’s really happening - How AI could reshape the global economy - Why diversification is the “only free lunch” - The role of private assets (infrastructure, property, private equity) - Why super funds can access investments you can’t - Real returns: why inflation matters for your future - How to think long-term about your super Resources for this episode Learn more about Australian Retirement Trust here Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down what rising interest rates actually mean for your money — and how you can benefit if you’ve got cash sitting in the bank. They cover: – Why rate hikes aren’t all bad news – Who wins and loses when interest rates rise – How savings accounts really work (and where banks get you) – Why chasing the highest rate isn’t always worth it – Simple, practical tips to make your cash work harder If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on interest rates and saving, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Why everyone hates rate hikes… unless you’ve got cash – What’s happening with interest rates right now – Why banks don’t always pass on rate rises immediately – Who loses: mortgage holders and borrowers – Who wins: savers, first home buyers, retirees – How savings accounts actually work – The fine print: bonus rates, conditions and traps – Common bank tricks (and how to avoid them) – Why chasing the “best” rate can backfire – Example: is a higher rate really worth switching? – How to avoid analysis paralysis – Simple systems to maximise your interest – Final tips: automation, reminders, and staying consistent Resources for this episode - Spreadhseet - Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” - Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources 💰 Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit 📊 Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith 📈 View Betashares full range of funds Rask resources 🔗 Explore all Rask services 📋 Learn about Rask Financial Planning 📈 Start investing with Rask 📜 Access Show Notes ❓ Ask a question - just select the Finance Podcast 📲 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 unsure, 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dive into a listener Q&A covering real-life money challenges and wins. They cover: – Celebrating a listener hitting $5k in savings early in the year – Whether to focus on mortgage repayments or start investing – How to begin investing with just $2–5k – Financial Infidelity and coming back from gambling debt – How to structure assets for retirement income – What you need to know about changes to credit card surcharges – The government announcement to cut fuel excise for three months and what it means for your budget If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠⁠ Apple⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Listener win: saving $5k through expenses & income growth – Cutting costs: insurance, utilities & selling unused items – Mortgage vs investing: how to think about the trade-off – Balancing debt reduction and long-term investing – When financial advice is worth paying for – Managing money when one partner isn’t engaged – Starting to invest with $2k–$5k – ETFs vs savings: where to begin – Building habits before scaling investments – Retirement planning basics: what does “work optional” mean? – Using assets in retirement: property, shares, super & cash – The order of drawdown in retirement Resources for this episode Free Rask Retirement course Finders Keepers challenge tracker and workbook Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds 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

Mitchel Sneddon sits down with Hayden Smith, co-founder of Pearler, to unpack whether FIRE is still achievable and what actually drives financial independence today. The conversation moves beyond theory into the real levers — spending, income, behaviour and simple ETF investing — and reframes investing as a tool, not the solution. Together they discuss: – FIRE remains achievable, but outcomes are driven by income, spending and family choices, not markets alone – Cutting spending is still the fastest and most controllable lever – A simple rule of thumb that anyone can start with – Many investors stall due to analysis paralysis on ETFs, when early decisions have minimal long-term impact – Starting small builds engagement and accelerates understanding – Growth vs income portfolios are shaped by tax position and psychology, not just returns or theory – Investing is not the solution — earning more or spending less drives wealth, with investing acting as a catalyst Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Senior financial adviser at Rask Advice, Chamil Peiris to answer listener questions on estate planning, superannuation and SMSFs. They cover: – What to do with leftover funeral insurance money – Whether you need a will in your 20s – How super beneficiaries actually work – The difference between SMSFs and industry funds for estate planning If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠ Apple⁠,⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What to Do With Funeral Insurance Leftovers – Tax Considerations on Insurance Payouts – Emergency Funds vs Investing Lump Sums – Do You Need a Will in Your 20s? – What Happens If You Die Without a Will (Intestacy Rules) – Who Gets Your Assets Automatically? – Superannuation Death Benefits Explained – Binding vs Non-Binding Nominations – What Happens If You Don’t Nominate a Beneficiary – SMSFs vs Industry Funds for Estate Planning – Control, Flexibility & Risks of SMSFs – When an SMSF Might (and Might Not) Make Sense Financial planning Retirement Academy Free Super course Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Rask Advice Associate Milli Russell to unpack Milli’s journey into financial advice, alongside answering your biggest money questions. They cover: – Milli’s pathway from school to financial planning – What it actually takes to become a financial adviser – How the industry is changing post-Royal Commission – Real-world answers to listener questions on mortgages, ETFs, and investing Topics Covered – Why Milli chose a career in finance – The snow trip story: Advanced Sport → Accounting – Discovering a passion for accounting and business in school – Pivoting from accounting to financial planning – The real financial adviser career pathway – Study requirements & professional year (PY) – Being young and female in finance – The impact of the Royal Commission on the industry – Why financial advice is rewarding – Working with pre-retirees & retirees – Listener Question: Fixing vs variable mortgage decisions – Listener Question: SpaceX IPO & ETF impacts – Listener Question: Shares vs property vs cash for young investors – Spending vs investing vs enjoying life Resources for this episode 📄 Learn more about topics discussed in this episode: What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)? How ETFs work (S&P 500, Nasdaq exposure) Understanding fixed vs variable interest rates What is a financial adviser & how to become one Superannuation basics for retirement planning ~~ Show partner resources ~~ 💰 Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit- https://bit.ly/Pearler 📊 Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith - https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith 📈 View Betashares full range of funds - https://bit.ly/beta-25 ~~ Rask resources ~~ 🔗 Explore all Rask services - https://bit.ly/R-services 📋 Learn about Rask Financial Planning - https://bit.ly/R-plan 📈 Start investing with Rask- https://bit.ly/R-invest 📜 Access Show Notes - https://bit.ly/R-notes ❓ Ask a question - just select the Finance Podcast - https://bit.ly/R-quest 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest - https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest/ TikTok: @rask.invest- https://www.tiktok.com/@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 unsure, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG) - https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss whether first homebuyers should use the 5% deposit scheme. Here’s what they cover: -Criteria for qualifying for the new scheme  -The new property price caps -Getting the right loan -Managing cashflows -Retaining a buffer -The benefits of using the 5% deposit scheme -The risk and the drawbacks And their summary thoughts and tips.  This episode was originally featured on The Australian Property Podcast. Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds 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

If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠⁠ Apple⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Spotify⁠⁠,⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ and⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What is PocketSmith and how does it track spending data? – Understanding the Global Spending Map – Mortgage spending trends in Australia vs NZ vs US – Why Australian mortgage costs have doubled in five years – Fixed vs variable mortgages across different countries – Rent increases and housing pressures in the US – Institutional landlords and rental markets explained – Are renters under more pressure than homeowners? – Utility spending trends across Australia and New Zealand – Why NZ energy costs swing more seasonally – How geography and energy infrastructure affect power bills – Everyday spending trends since 2021 – Why Australian spending is tracking inflation – Why New Zealand households are “trading down” – What trading down looks like in everyday life – How households adjust spending when budgets get tight Resources for this episode PocketSmith – Personal Finance Platform Episode with PocketSmtih Super-User Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Gemma Mitchell and Leigh Gant answer your weekly money and life questions. They cover: – Whether superannuation is really a “gamble” and what happened during past crashes – What the new Super Payday rules mean for when your employer pays your super – What to consider when your fixed home loan rate rolls off – Whether interest-only loans are smart strategy or short-term relief – How to define (and stick to) your ‘enough’ number for stepping back from full-time work If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on⁠ Apple⁠,⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ YouTube⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Is superannuation a gamble or long-term investment system? – What happened during past market crashes (and why balances fell) – Risk, time horizon & asset allocation inside super – What is “Super Payday” and when must employers pay contributions? – Why clearing times can differ between payroll systems and super funds – Fixed vs variable rates: what to consider when your rate rolls off – Are people fixing again in a rising-rate environment? – Interest-only loans explained (cash flow vs long-term cost) – When interest-only strategies may make sense – The psychology of “enough” and shifting financial goalposts – Lifestyle design vs chasing a bigger number You will learn about: - How superannuation works (risk, returns & market cycles) - Understanding market crashes and long-term investing - What is Super Payday? (employer contribution timing changes) - Fixed vs variable home loans explained - Interest-only vs principal & interest loans - How to calculate your ‘enough’ number for financial independence Resources for this episode Book recommendations: Enough: True Measures of Money, Business, and Life You’ve Got Money… Now What? | Book Extras Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds 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

We are only a couple of months into 2026 and we’ve already seen significant retirement changes announced. These updates could directly impact your super, Age Pension eligibility and contribution strategy. -In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by James O’Reilly- co host on the Australian Retirement Podcast and financial adviser at Northeast Financial Wealth, go through three big retirement changes you need to know in 2026 — and then take you through your practical 5-step retirement checklist. If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more everyday money tips. Topics Covered – 3 Big Retirement Changes in 2026 1) ASFA Retirement Standard Update This is the first time ASFA’s lump sum figures have increased in three years. New lump sum targets (homeowners aged 67): – $630,000 for singles (up from $595,000) – $730,000 for couples (up from $690,000) Annual income benchmarks: – Comfortable Couple: ~$77,375 per year – Comfortable Single: ~$54,840 per year – Modest Couple: ~$51,299 per year – Modest Single: ~$35,503 per year More detail here 2) Age Pension Changes – Payment Rates, Deeming & Asset Limits Check for updates here from March 20th 3) Super Contribution Caps Increasing (From 1 July 2026) – Concessional cap increases from $30,000 to $32,500 per year – Non-concessional cap increases from $120,000 to $130,000 per year – General transfer balance cap increases from $2 million to $2.1 million More info here and here Key areas discussed: - ASFA Retirement Standard benchmarks - Age Pension deeming rates and asset test limits - Super contribution caps and carry-forward rules - Transfer balance cap explained - How to build a retirement income plan (5 steps) Free Resources: Check out the free Rask Retirement Academy Budget mastery course Check how your super is tracking with the Rask Super Checker Tool Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen is away so your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Mitchell Sneddon (one of our hosts of the Australian Investor Podcast) to answer your weekly investing questions on ETFs and portfolio construction. They cover: – Hedged vs unhedged international ETFs (and when it matters) – Whether ETF fund size and liquidity should influence your choice – How to think about overlap between super investments and investments outside super – Kids investing via minor trust accounts and the risks/tax considerations of geared ETFs – Distribution yield vs total return (and what investors should prioritise) Listen to Mitchell’s Australian Investors Podcast episode If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – What’s the difference between hedged and unhedged international ETFs? – Currency risk vs portfolio diversification over the long term – Does the size of an ETF fund matter (and what “liquidity” actually means)? – Spreads, trading volume, and why AUM isn’t the whole story – Investing inside super vs outside super: are you “doubling up”? – Overlap, overall asset allocation, and seeing your wealth as one portfolio – ETF selection for kids: minor trust accounts basics – Are geared ETFs ever appropriate for long time horizons? – Tax considerations and why leverage can complicate outcomes – Distribution yield vs total return: what each measure tells you – Why chasing yield can backfire (and what to focus on instead) You will learn about: – Hedged vs Unhedged ETFs (currency risk explained) – ETF fund size, liquidity, spreads & closures (what to check) – Investing inside super vs outside super (portfolio overlap & asset allocation) – Minor trust accounts for kids (ETF investing considerations) – Geared ETFs (how they work, risks, and potential tax complexity) – Distribution yield vs total return (which metric matters most) Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Alex Luck, financial adviser and co-founder of Everest Wealth Group, for a deep dive into financially preparing for kids. Alex works with many Australians in their 20s to 40s navigating career progression, property decisions and starting families. As a father of two himself, he shares both professional and personal insights into what really matters. This episode covers: - Planning maternity and paternity leave - Understanding Centrelink entitlements - Modelling cash flow during parental leave - Childcare costs and subsidies - Property decisions before and after kids - Insurance and wills - The psychology of financial independence within couples If you’re expecting, thinking about your second child, or simply planning ahead, this episode is essential listening. Episode Resources Get financial planning Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds 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 Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli Cavagnino, Senior Adviser at Rask Advice, to answer some of the most common and nuanced questions people face as they approach retirement. This episode focuses on the decisions that sit right at the transition point, when work is winding down, structures start to matter more, and the tax and timing trade-offs can feel overwhelming. If you found this episode helpful, hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Got a retirement money question? Send it through here. Resources for this episode ATO: Transition to Retirement APRA Super Fund Performance Dashboard Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds 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