- 20 minutes 23 seconds283. Is FIRE still a realistic goal in 2026?
FIRE (financial independence, retire early) made a lot more sense when houses were cheaper and the tax rules stayed put. So is it still a realistic goal for Australians in 2026? Tash and Ana take an honest look at the movement, from the maths behind it to the proposed budget changes that have the FIRE community redoing their spreadsheets.
In this episode we'll discuss:
💸 What FIRE actually is: the 25 times expenses rule, the 4% rule, and where those numbers come from
💸 Ana's controversial take on who FIRE is (and isn't) realistic for
💸 The bloke living at a skydiving drop zone saving 80% of his income, and what it says about the non-traditional path
💸 The beginner steps: finding your FIRE number, tracking your spending, and the buffers most people forget
💸 How Lisa, a 38 year old freelancer, swapped full FIRE for Coast FIRE and "work optional at 50"
💸 Why the proposed 30% minimum tax on capital gains has households like Ana's rethinking high growth versus high dividends
None of the budget changes are locked in yet, and nobody can promise what markets, housing or tax rules will do next. But whether you're chasing full FIRE, easing towards Coast FIRE, or just want the option to work less one day, this one's worth a listen.
Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 July 2026, 7:00 pm - 16 minutes 25 seconds282. How this 33 year old is investing $5k a fortnight
A 33 year old defence worker with a $1.1 million net worth, $365k in super, and $5,000 a fortnight going into investments. All on a $125k salary. The comment section had one big question: how? Tash and Ana crack open this Finance File, walk through the numbers line by line, and take on the debates it sparked. In this episode we'll discuss:
💸 Where the $5k a fortnight actually goes, from S&P 500 ETFs to salary sacrificing hard into super
💸 What catch-up concessional contributions are, and why this person is using five years' worth before starting a family
💸 How a 33 year old ends up with $365k in super (spoiler: defence super plays by different rules)
💸 The $175,000 townhouse that turned into a total money pit, and the lesson it left behind
💸 The great net worth debate: what counts, what doesn't, and whether your car belongs in there
💸 Whether $100 a month of fun money is rough, or proof you don't need cash to have a good time
Finance Files are a window into how other people actually do money, not a scoreboard. This one's a good reminder that the right industry can quietly supercharge your super, a windfall goes further with a plan, and someone else's numbers never tell the whole story. If you've ever seen a stranger's finances online and thought "that can't be right", this one's worth a listen.
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6 July 2026, 7:00 pm - 22 minutes 36 seconds281. Bonus Budget Episode: The latest on SMSF and Testamentary Trust Changes
The federal budget keeps changing, and this time it's SMSFs and trusts feeling the impact. Tash and Ana break down two surprise updates: a ban on SMSFs borrowing to buy residential property, and a new minimum tax on discretionary trusts that had the estate planning world in a spin.
In this episode we'll discuss:
💸 What an SMSF actually is, and how it differs from a regular super fund
💸 What an LRBA is and how people were using it to buy property inside their super
💸 Why this ban wasn't even in the original budget, and why that's got people a little salty
💸 What a testamentary trust is and why it's not just a "rich person" strategy
💸 How the new 30% trust tax almost caught testamentary trusts in the crossfire, and what's changed since
💸 Whether this could spark a rush of people trying to buy property in their super before the deadline hits
Some of this is locked in law, some is still just a proposal, and there are still a few grey areas nobody's been able to answer yet. If you've got a will, a super fund, or you're just trying to keep up, this one's worth a listen.
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 July 2026, 12:58 am - 18 minutes 28 seconds280. Investing for your 30s
"Is it too late to start investing in your 30s?" We get this question a lot. Your income typically goes up in your 30s. But so does everything else. Mortgages, kids, ageing parents, a lifestyle that somehow keeps pace with the payrise. In this episode, Tash and Ana unpack what investing actually looks like once life gets more complicated, and why this decade might need to be one of your most intentional.
In this episode, we'll discuss:
💸 Why your 30s are usually your highest saving decade
💸 The property vs shares debate, and why it might be the wrong question
💸 How much attention your super actually deserves right now
💸 Lifestyle creep, automation, and making the most of a bigger income
💸 Protecting what you've built with insurance, emergency funds, and estate planning
💸 Staying invested through the chaos of kids, career changes, and everything in between
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 July 2026, 7:00 pm - 27 minutes 5 seconds279. What's the real cost of posting your life online?
Most people see the highlight reel. But what does it actually cost to put your life online?
In this episode, Tash pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to be a public figure in the personal finance space. From the opportunities that come with sharing your story, to the criticism, the privacy trade-offs, and the moments that make you question whether it's all worth it, this one gets honest about the side of content creation nobody really talks about.
Ana also shares how her thinking has shifted since becoming a mum, and what she's had to reconsider about what she shares, who can see it, and how she protects her family.
If you've ever thought about sharing more of your life online, or you're just curious what the behind-the-scenes reality actually looks like, this episode is worth a listen.
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29 June 2026, 7:00 pm - 16 minutes 53 seconds278. What would you give up for financial freedom?
In today's ep, Tash is joined with Emma from The Broke Generation to unpack a juicy reddit dilemma: a couple in their early 30s, one-year-old in tow, are weighing up whether to sell both their Sydney properties and start fresh in Melbourne, debt-free.
On the surface it sounds like a clean trade: ditch the debt, escape jobs they hate, and buy back time for family, travel, and a slower pace of life. But the catch? They'd be leaving behind a daily support network of family and friends that, when you've got a one-year-old, might make things tricky.
Lots to unpack!
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24 June 2026, 7:00 pm - 23 minutes 49 seconds277. Hayden's Jetstar Hacks (How to avoid paying for baggage)
Jetstar can be one of the cheapest ways to fly in Australia, but the hidden fees have a way of cancelling out those savings fast.
In this episode, Tash and Hayden (Co-Founder and also most frugal person at pearler) break down the best tricks to get around Jetstar's baggage rules and spend your money on way more fun things. 💃🏻
They cover:
💸 Why your bag choice matters more than you think
💸 Timing tricks for check-in and boarding that can save you at the gate
💸 Whether the bundles are actually worth it (or just clever upselling)
💸 How airport location affects how strictly the rules are enforced
If you've ever been stung by a surprise baggage fee or wondered if there's a smarter way to fly budget, this one's for you.
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 June 2026, 7:00 pm - 41 minutes 45 seconds276. Is the budget actually helping intergenerational wealth creation? (with an economist)
In today's episode, economist and commentator Evan Lucas joins Ana to unpack some of the biggest forces shaping the Australian economy right now. From AI and the jobs market to the federal budget and what the CGT changes actually mean for everyday investors.
In this episode, they cover:
💸 Why AI is an enhancer, not just an efficiency tool
💸 The industrial revolution comparison: what history says about job displacement and where the new opportunities will emerge
💸 Australia's federal budget breakdown: the minimum wage rise, income tax frustration, and why 54% of government revenue coming from one source is a problem
💸 The proposed CGT changes explained in plain numbers (and why Evan thinks they'll hurt everyday investors more than the wealthy)
💸 Why housing affordability is being debated in the wrong arena entirely
💸 The GST conversation nobody wants to have (but probably should)
💸 What Gen Z & Alpha are up against, and why the system isn't rewarding hard work the way it used to
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 June 2026, 7:00 pm - 43 minutes 31 seconds275. Your EOFY Checklist (with an accountant)
Already feeling stressed about EOFY and tax time? We’ve got you covered.
In this episode, Ana sits down with Julian from Mauro to break down what you actually need to know and action before 30 June. From dodgy deductions to sole trader traps, this one is packed with practical tips whether you're an employee, investor, or building something on the side.
In this episode, they cover:
💸 The most common tax mistakes the ATO is actively scrutinising right now (and how to avoid them)
💸 Working from home claims: the two methods, what records you actually need, and which one could give you a better deduction
💸 What "it's a tax write-off" actually means (and where most people get it wrong)
💸 Super contributions before 30 June, including the five-year carry-back rule you might not know you can use
💸 Sole trader vs company: when the switch makes sense and what happens to your tax rate if you wait too long
💸 What investors need to know about dividends, share sales, and why the ATO already knows more than you think
💸 Plus, what's changing from 1 July
Prefer to hand it off to an expert? You can find Julian at @mauro.au
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 June 2026, 4:29 am - 25 minutes 40 seconds274. First Home Buyer Meltdown: What This Reddit Post Gets Wrong About Interest Rates
A first home buyer posted on the Oz Finance subreddit convinced that rising interest rates were about to swallow 84% of their income. The maths looked terrifying. The only problem wast that it was completely wrong.
Tash and Emma from The Broke Generation are back together again to break down exactly where this buyer's calculations fell apart, and why it's far more common than you'd think.
In this episode, they cover:
- The specific mistake that turned a manageable rate rise into a financial nightmare on paper
- Why the lending system already has a built-in buffer most borrowers don't know about
- How fear-driven headlines are making first home buyers worse at reading their own finances
- What to actually do if you're worried about rate rises and don't know where to start
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 June 2026, 7:00 pm - 30 minutes 24 seconds273. How to build wealth when everything feels uncertain
Relying on a single income stream has always carried risk, but in today's rapidly shifting economic landscape, it might be riskier than ever. In this episode, Ana sits down Melissa Browne - entrepreneur, author, and founder of the 'Her Wealth Her Way' conference. Mel has lived through serious financial hardship and come out the other side with a very clear philosophy on how to build resilience, both financially and personally.
They cover a lot of ground, including:
💸 Why a "portfolio career" with could be the smartest move you make right now
💸 How to use AI discerningly in your business without ignoring the very real risks it poses to certain roles
💸 Mel's thoughts on the latest budget announcements and who it hits hardest
💸 How human connection and community can be the antidote to financial shame and overwhelm
💸 The basics that are easy to forget when everything feels uncertain
There's also a candid personal story in here about navigating divorce, debt, and starting over financially that might resonate more than any strategy ever could. Hope you love it!
Check out Mel's resources here.
Use the code 'GRSC' to start investing on Pearler with $20 of free brokerage credits 💸
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 June 2026, 7:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App