The Australian Finance Podcast is your guide to sorting out your finances, one episode at a time. Owen & Kate bring you actionable strategies and knowledge that you can put into practice today. Save money, invest better and live life on your terms.
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
Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”
Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)
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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
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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 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
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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Owen Rask and Betashares’ Tom Wickenden construct two themed $100,000 ETF portfolios — one focused on the rise of China and Asia, the other built as an “existential” hedge against US dominance and structural risks. In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Tom Wickenden from Betashares to construct two high-conviction $100,000 ETF portfolios — each with a clear macro theme and five-year horizon. We cover: - What Tom has personally invested in recently — and why - Owen’s first ever investment and what it taught him - Two bold ETF portfolios with zero “vanilla” thinking - How to invest when you don’t have a strong view on the US market If you enjoy learning about ETFs, portfolio construction and macro themes, subscribe to the Australian Finance Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Key Takeaways - Most Australian portfolios remain US-heavy - Market concentration risk is elevated - Emerging markets deserve serious consideration - Factor tilts (momentum, value) can shift portfolio dynamics - Thematic investing requires discipline and long time horizons Resources for This Episode - Betashares ETF fund pages - view all the ETFs - Robot backflip video referenced
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
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, Gemma Mitchell sits down with financial adviser, author and host of the Financially Fierce Podcast, Jess Brady. Jess is the author of Get Growing and founder of The Greenhouse education program.
Together, they unpack Jess’s powerful framework: the four stages of wealth — and what you should actually focus on at each stage.
They cover:
– Why money feels overwhelming (and why you’re probably not the problem)
– The four stages of wealth: Sprouted, Grounded, Thriving and Abundant– Why trying to “skip stages” slows your progress
– The biggest mistakes people make at each stage
– How to identify where you are right now
– The number one “weed” sabotaging most people’s progress
If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on building wealth in stages, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple (hyperlinked with this https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/australian-finance-podcast/id1454193127), Spotify (hyperlinked with this https://open.spotify.com/show/0KEsqdQgVCL6BKomPoNVOz), YouTube (hyperlinked with this https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOPFdkhCBIK2Y5QbDtOZXA), or wherever you get your podcasts!
Follow us on Instagram (hyperlinked with this https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest/) and TikTok (hyperlinked with this https://www.tiktok.com/@rask.invest) for more investing insights.
Topics Covered
– Why Does Money Feel So Hard?
– “Am I the Problem?” (The Hot Iron Theory)
– The Gardening Framework for Wealth
– The Four Stages of Wealth Explained
– Stage 1: Sprouted
– Financial Mindfulness
– Stage 2: Grounded
– Financial Security
– Stage 3: Thriving
– Financial Independence
– Stage 4: Abundant
– Financial Freedom
– What Happens When You Skip Stages
– Common Money “Weeds” That Stall Progress
– How to Identify Your Stage Honestly
– How Long You Should Spend Managing Your Money Each Week
– Matching Your Money Actions to Your Stage
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
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