Australian Finance Podcast

• Making sense of retirement: Super & retirement myths, top tips and Rask’s Retirement Academy

  In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli — educator, retirement specialist and one of Rask's Senior Financial Advisers. After working with hundreds of Australians approaching retirement, Tahli has seen the same patterns over and over again. Most people feel unprepared. Many feel intimidated by the jargon. And almost everyone worries they’ve “left it too late”. This conversation cuts through the noise and gives listeners a clear, calm starting point for planning the next stage of life. Together, Gemma and Tahli unpack what retirement really looks like in Australia, the biggest misconceptions, and the practical steps that matter most in your 50s and 60s. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why so many people walk away from retirement chats feeling more confused than when they started - How to map out your own personal balance sheet to work out where you stand - Why lifestyle planning is just as important as the numbers - What “asset rich, cash poor” means and why it catches so many retirees by surprise - How Centrelink treats things like granny flat arrangements and family support - The biggest myth about retirement planning and why relying on “it’ll sort itself out” can derail your goals - What to focus on if you're five to ten years away from finishing full-time work - How to engage with your super fund and what questions to ask right now - Why diversification is about more than investment choices — and how different structures can create flexibility later in life - Simple tools and exercises that help people get clarity, including the spreadsheet Tahli uses with her own clients If you’re ready to understand how retirement works, feel more confident, and make the next decade easier to navigate, this episode is for you. Resources for this episode Retirement Mastery Course 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

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• Do this now for a great 2026

  In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss how to make 2026 your best financial year yet. Here’s what they cover: -Starting now -Clean up old bank accounts, companies, and brokerage accounts  -Choose one thing that’s stressing you out now and tackle it  -Keep a net worth tracker  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

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• BGBL v GGBL, Gearing 101, and debt inside Super

  In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask chats with Cameron Gleeson, Senior Investment Strategist at Betashares, to break down the concept of gearing using ETFs. Together, they explore: – What gearing means in a finance and ETF context – How Betashares Wealth Builder ETFs use leverage – The difference between moderate gearing (30–40%) and high gearing (50–65%) – Why gearing can help you outperform over the long term – Who should (and shouldn’t) consider geared ETFs – How gearing works inside superannuation Whether you're new to investing or looking for advanced portfolio tools, this episode unpacks gearing step-by-step in plain English. If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on ETF gearing, 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 money and investing content. Topics Covered – What is Gearing in Finance? – How Gearing Works Inside an ETF – Example: 100 + 50 = 150 (Loan to Value Ratio explained) – The Difference Between Margin Loans and Geared ETFs – Interest Rates: What Betashares Pays vs Individuals – Rebalancing Explained: Managing the Gearing Level – Drawdowns, Volatility & Risks of Leverage – ETF Ticker Breakdown:  – GEAR (High-geared Aussie Equities)  – GGUS (High-geared US Equities)  – G200 (Moderately Geared Aussie Equities)  – GNDQ (Moderately Geared NASDAQ)  – GGBL (Moderately Geared Global Equities) – Gearing in Super: Pros & Considerations – When Gearing Doesn’t Work – Blending Geared and Non-Geared ETFs in a Portfolio Chapters (approximate) (00:00) Introduction (04:52) How Gearing Works in ETFs (09:15) Advantages of Using Gearing in Investments (11:33) Tax Implications of Gearing (15:04) Risks and Downsides of Gearing (17:44) Comparing Different Gearing Strategies (20:55) Long-Term Performance and Rebalancing (24:15) Investing in Super: Advantages and Disadvantages (27:36) Understanding GGBL: A New Investment Opportunity (29:33) Risk Tolerance and Market Volatility (34:23) Managing Gearing Levels in ETFs (39:03) The Mechanics of Gearing and Rebalancing 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

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• Property or shares: Which wins? Mid-life super worries and investing traps – Q&A

  In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack your questions on super, property and how to juggle big money decisions at different life stages. This week we look at what retirement can actually look like in your 50s, whether it’s worth pausing salary sacrifice to focus on a new home loan, how debt recycling really works, and what to do if you have a deposit saved but no stable job yet. Owen and Gemma cover: – How retirement works when you’re mid 50s, divorced and rebuilding, and what actually happens to your super – Whether stopping pre-tax super contributions to pay down a 620k home build is a smart trade-off or a backwards step – What debt recycling is, how equity can be used for a second investment property, and the common traps to avoid – What to do with deposit savings when you don’t yet have an income to support a mortgage – How to think about investing when you have a shorter life expectancy and want to use your wealth earlier – Shares vs property and which one we favour right now based on long term patterns, not headlines – What needs to change in the finance industry to make advice more accessible and more useful Plus, we still need your help. Our goal is to get Owen over the line to write a book, and your support matters. Jump on our newsletter and help us get there. If you like this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to send in your questions for future Q&As using the link below. Resources for this episode Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for Rask Core 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

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• 5 ways to research an ETF like a pro

  In this The Australian Finance Podcast, your host Owen Rask walks through 5 expert-level steps to research any ETF with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to know what’s actually in your ETF, this checklist will help you make better investing decisions. Owen covers: - How to understand an ETF’s goal & investment universe - What to watch out for with fees - Why holdings and weightings matter - What tracking difference really means - How to check an ETF’s size, liquidity and structure Plus, you’ll learn some key beginner takeaways to avoid costly mistakes, and how to use real ASX ETFs like VAS, A200, IVV and NDQ to compare. If you liked this episode, subscribe to the podcast for new weekly episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen! Topics Covered - Why ETF research matters - Step 1: Understand the ETF’s Objective - Step 2: Check the Fees & MER - Step 3: Look Under the Hood: Holdings & Weightings - Step 4: Compare Performance to the Index - Step 5: Assess Structure, Size & Liquidity - Why these 5 steps matter for beginners - What the “4% rule” has to do with ETFs - The risk of chasing high yield - How diversification helps smooth income - Real ETF comparisons: VAS, A200, IVV, NDQ, GOLD, EMKT - How to use a checklist for your own portfolio research Resources for This Episode Learn more about ETF research: ETF Investing Course (Beginner to Pro): https://education.rask.com.au/courses/etf-course/  ETF Provider Websites: Vanguard ETFs Betashares iShares (BlackRock) VanEck Australia Global X ETFs Example ETFs Referenced: VAS (Aussie Shares) A200 (Aussie Shares) IVV (US S&P 500) VGS (Global Shares) NDQ (NASDAQ 100) GOLD (Physical Gold) EMKT (Emerging Markets) 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

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