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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29:01
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29:01
AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Pearler co-founder and CTO Hayden Smith to talk all things money, investing, mindset, AI, and financial tech. They explore:
– How Hayden thinks about saving and frugality
– What AI means for investors, workers, and platforms like Pearler
– The story behind Hayden’s famous wisdom teeth money hack
– How Pearler is building investing tools for real humans
– Lessons from being a software engineer in an AI world
If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on money mindset and investing in the AI era, subscribe to hear more weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Follow us on Instagram, and TikTok for more money insights.
Topics Covered
– Hayden’s unconventional wisdom teeth money-saving story
– Why he compares personal finance to skill-building
– How his money mindset has evolved with age & net worth
– Frugality vs. growth: what spending teaches you
– What Pearler got wrong early (and what it’s becoming now)
– Hayden’s take on AI's impact on software, investing & platforms
– What “vibe coding” is — and why it matters
– The truth about passive income tools & automation
– Behind the scenes: how Pearler's UI is built around goals
– The problem with overengineering in finance
– Why simple investing is hard — and where tech can help
– Advice for young people navigating careers in the AI era
– How to develop competence (and why it’s underrated)
– Why diversification matters in life AND investing
– What the future of investing platforms could look like
Chapters (approximate)
(00:00) Introduction
(03:45) Financial Decisions and Personal Growth
(09:22) Building Pearler: Challenges and Community
(10:49) Product Development and Learning from Mistakes
(13:19) The Future of Investment Platforms
(17:22) Admiring Simplicity in Financial Apps
(23:35) Vibe Coding: A New Approach to Software Development
(26:39) The Rise of Entrepreneurial Innovation
(28:54) AI's Impact on Engineering and Coding
(31:43) The Changing Landscape of Professional Skills
(33:27) Industries Ripe for AI Disruption
(35:25) Career Advice in the Age of AI
(39:25) Investing in a Tech-Driven Future
(41:06) Transforming Financial Services and Real Estate
(48:49) Understanding Energy Costs for Savings
Resources for this episode
Hanging with Hayden YouTube channel
Aussie Fire podcast with Dave & Hayden
Invest with Pearler
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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53:40
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53:40
Zero-fee super: Scam or smart? ETF crash myths and FHSSS traps – Q&A
In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dig into your money questions. This week we look at how to spot risks inside your super fund, what’s reasonable to expect from a financial adviser, how to think about market crashes without panicking, and what happens if you can no longer use your FHSS funds.
Owen and Gemma cover:
- Rask Core Membership has had a revamp!!
- How REST offers 0 percent fees on some indexed options, how Macquarie’s True Index works, and what risks you should be aware of
- Whether low-fee index options pose extra dangers given recent scams and what due diligence actually matters
- What’s a fair turnaround time for financial advisers, why some are slow to action changes, and how to decide if your advice relationship is still serving you
- How to talk to family who fear another GFC wiping out their wealth and how long-term investing really behaves in deep downturns
- What happens to your FHSS contributions if you become ineligible, and whether they simply stay in your super
- The real meaning behind knowing “the cost of opening your front door” and why it matters for day-to-day financial confidence
Plus, we need your help. We’re still pushing to get Owen to write a book. You can help us get there by joining our newsletter — we’re aiming for 3,000 new sign-ups in November.
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
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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42:33
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42:33
Emma Edwards’ 5 Rules for Spending Right in 2026
In this short and snappy Wednesday bonus episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by financial behaviour expert and author Emma Edwards to share five practical tips to help you spend less — without feeling deprived.
Emma’s brand new book, The Wardrobe Project: A Year of Buying Less and Liking Yourself More, dives into the emotional side of spending and why it’s not always about spending less — but spending right.
Episode Resources:
Buy Emma’s book “The Wardrobe Project”
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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19:57
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19:57
David Gardner, 6 traits to beat the market, rule breakers & legacy
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask sits down with David Gardner (co-founder of The Motley Fool and author of Rule Breaker Investing) to discuss:
– Beating the market vs indexing
– The “lose to win” philosophy and position sizing
– The six traits of rule-breaker companies
– Conscious capitalism, purpose and culture
If you love learning about growth investing and finding outliers, subscribe to the Australian Finance Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube!
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights.
Topics Covered
– Beating the market: why David still believes individuals can outperform and why most don’t try
– Lose to win: accepting frequent small losses to capture rare, massive winners (Babe Ruth analogy)
– Six rule-breaker traits: top dog & first mover, sustainable edge, strong price action, leadership/backers, brand love, and “overvalued” narratives
– Final thoughts & how to learn more: AI’s role in research (not a reason to quit stock picking) and making portfolios reflect our best vision for our future
Resources for this episode
Ask a question (select the Finance 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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Australian Finance Podcast is your guide to sorting out your finances, one episode at a time. Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer, & Gemma Mitchell, Senior Financial Adviser, bring you actionable strategies and knowledge that you can put into practice today. Save money, invest better and live life on your terms.
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New to the show? We recommend that you head back to our Starter Pack series of the podcast in Jan/Feb 2024, to get your head around some really important concepts! More advanced listeners might enjoy our other show, The Australian Investors Podcast.
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SHOW NOTES: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/podcasts/australian-finance-podcast/
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this podcast series is general financial information/advice only. That means, the advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. Please read our Terms of Service and Financial Services Guide on www.rask.com.au/fsg.
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