Australian Retirement Podcast

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth deliver critical updates on tax changes and relationship traps that could cost you thousands.

After quick summer highlights and the CBA share price update (plenty of AI-driven outperformers despite volatility), they dive into the Boomer Briefing's two massive topics:

PROPOSED CGT CHANGES - New proposals threatening the capital gains tax discount could dramatically affect retirement planning and asset sales. Drew and James break down what's being proposed, who's pushing for it, which assets are targeted, and what retirees should do RIGHT NOW before potential changes take effect. Should you accelerate asset sales? Change your portfolio strategy? This is urgent information every retiree needs.

INTEREST RATES & INVESTMENT MARKET IMPACT - What's happening with rates and how it's reshaping portfolio strategies heading into 2026.

Then comes the de facto relationship pension trap:

"Not Your Average Listener" asks: "I'm 64M on Disability Support Pension with limited assets. My partner (57F) is working full-time with investment properties and shares - doing much better financially than me. We're looking to move in together soon, but I'm concerned about what this will do to my pension. Can you demystify this for me?"

Plus: Savvy Stay-at-Home Mum's credit card hack - Using interest-free periods with a redraw account to save $10K/year on a $200K mortgage. Does it actually work over 10 years?

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on CGT changes and pension relationship traps, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources for this episode

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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 Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth kick things off with high energy - school drop-offs turning them into unpaid taxi drivers, interest rate movements affecting overseas travel plans, and whether term deposits are finally worth a look again.

The Boomer Briefing tackles two massive stories shaking up the super industry:

First Guardian & Netwealth finally came to a deal. After months of drama, the collapsed super fund scandal has reached resolution. Drew and James break down what happened and what it means for members.

AustralianSuper is experiencing competitive outflows as more members flee to platforms. Why? Access to advice, better retirement planning tools, and broader support beyond generic product offerings. The industry super dominance is being challenged by platforms offering personalized service. What does this mean for your super choice?

They also dive into what's happening with commodities - gold, silver, and crypto movements that captured headlines this week.

Then comes today's big question from Stephen Fry (not that one): A 54-year-old truck driver earning $150k with overtime, $420k in super, salary sacrificing $210/week. His wife is 50 with $60k super, sacrificing $100/week. They have $50k in personal loans and credit card debt clearing in 2 years. Both earn around $70k base salary.

Stephen knows he needs professional financial advice but it's not cheap. His critical question: How far out from retirement should he seek professional advice?

Drew and James deliver the brutal truth about timing your first adviser meeting - wait too long and you've missed critical opportunities. Move too early and you might waste money. They break down the sweet spot and what Stephen should do RIGHT NOW.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on when to hire advisers and super fund strategies, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)

Visit TermPlus to learn more

Rask Resources

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Financial Planning

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Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

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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 Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth kick things off with Drew's CBA share price bet update. The bet backfired when CBA fell in 2025, costing Drew $150. But he's doubling down - the new bet is whether CBA will finish above or below $150. Will Drew learn his lesson?

The Boomer Briefing tackles a fascinating trend: Why are retirees checking their super balances more than their kids' wellbeing? New data reveals heightened anxiety among retired members, particularly in funds like UniSuper where engagement with retirees has spiked. Drew and James unpack what's driving this retirement anxiety and whether it's justified.

They also break down what balanced returns look like for calendar year 2025 and reveal the 2025 top super fund performers according to SuperRatings.

Then comes today's big question: How do you avoid or reduce paying a massive $130k capital gains tax bill when selling an investment property at or just before retirement? A 61-year-old listener with $800k in super, still working and planning to retire at 65, needs smart CGT strategies. Drew and James deliver practical solutions.

Plus, the Moooving Paramedic (the 41-year-old farming paramedic with 5 kids) asks whether he should switch from pre-tax to post-tax super contributions. Currently contributing 9% via salary sacrifice and looking to increase, he's worried about the 15% tax on payout. Should he diversify his contribution strategy now?

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on CGT planning and super strategies, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:

- Drew's CBA bet backfires - Lost $150 as CBA share price fell in 2025, now doubling down on over/under $150

- Balanced fund returns for 2025 - What to expect from your super this year

- Retiree super anxiety - Why retirees are checking super more than their kids, - UniSuper engagement spike

- 2025 top super performers revealed - SuperRatings breakdown of best-performing funds

- How to avoid $130k CGT bill - Strategies for selling investment property at retirement (61yo, $800k super, retiring at 65)

- Pre-tax vs post-tax super contributions - Moooving Paramedic's dilemma: 41yo with 5 kids, 9% salary sacrifice, should he add post-tax?

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)

Visit TermPlus to learn more

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
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In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth break down the complete landscape of retirement income in Australia.

One of the most common questions financial advisers hear is: "Where will my income actually come from in retirement?" The answer isn't simple—and that's actually a good thing. The most successful retirees don't rely on a single income source; they strategically combine multiple streams to create flexibility, tax efficiency, and security.

Drew and James walk through the five main sources of retirement income: allocated pensions from your super, the Age Pension, investment income from shares and property, term deposits and savings accounts, and annuities. They explain how each works, the pros and cons of different strategies, and why having multiple income sources is crucial for managing risk and maintaining lifestyle throughout retirement.

They also tackle a big question: Is property really the right asset for retirement income? The answer might surprise you.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on retirement income strategies, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:

- Allocated Pensions: Converting your super into regular income

- Why starting an allocated pension is often a "no-brainer" decision

- Understanding minimum drawdown requirements and tax benefits

- The Age Pension: Why over 90% of retirees receive it

- Investment income: Shares, dividends, and franking credits

- Property income in retirement: Is it the right choice?

- Annuities explained: Guaranteed income with trade-offs

- Why combination is key: Asset allocation and opportunity cost

- The importance of liquidity in retirement

Resources for this episode

Centrelink AP

Back to basics ep 2

Pension w Justin Bott

Pension w Justin Bott (2)

Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)

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Financial Planning

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Ask a question

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Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

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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 Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth explain the critical building blocks of a resilient retirement portfolio.

Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or already managing your super, understanding asset allocation is one of the most important investment concepts you'll ever learn. This isn't about picking the next hot stock or timing the market—it's about building a portfolio that can generate returns while managing risk over decades.

Drew and James break down what asset classes actually are, why diversification matters more in retirement than at any other life stage, and the practical tools you can use to implement a smart asset allocation strategy. They also explain Modern Portfolio Theory in plain English and show you how to think about combining different assets to maximise your potential returns while keeping volatility manageable.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on asset allocation and diversification, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:
- What is an asset class and why does it matter?
- Breaking down the major asset classes: Cash, Fixed Interest, Shares, Real Assets, and Alternatives
- Understanding asset allocation and Modern Portfolio Theory
- Why diversification is critical when you have a finite pool of capital in retirement
- The tools available to implement your asset allocation strategy
- How different assets perform in different market conditions
- Building resilience through both growth and income assets

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast)

Visit TermPlus to learn more

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
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