Australian Finance Podcast

In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Milli Russell for a practical Q&A covering some of the money questions that can feel small in the moment but have a huge impact over time.

They unpack what a 21-year-old should focus on if buying a first home is only 12 months away, including why speaking to a mortgage broker early matters, what lenders may look for, and how to think about cash flow before you apply. From there, they break down the difference between offset accounts and redraw facilities, when flexibility matters, and why the tax treatment of a future investment property can make that choice more important than people realise.

Gemma and Milli also talk through what to do if you think you have received bad financial advice, including when to go back to the adviser, when to escalate a complaint, and what role AFCA and ASIC can play. They also answer a thoughtful question about retirement boredom and explain how returning to work can interact with super, pension accounts and future contributions.

Along the way, they share an update on the Finders Keepers savings challenge and highlight some of the small changes that can create surprisingly meaningful savings momentum.

Episode resources

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026

– 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers

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 episode of Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell sits down with Jason Leong from PocketSmith to unpack one of the biggest pressure points for modern households: childcare and education costs.

Using PocketSmith's Global Spending Map, they compare what families are spending across Australia, New Zealand and the US and explain why childcare can feel like a second mortgage. They unpack how subsidies shape Australia, why New Zealand costs are rising, and what the data says about the cost-of-living squeeze on parents.

But this is not just about big numbers. Gemma and Jason explore the real trade-offs behind those bills: going back to work, public versus private schooling, and why childcare should be assessed as a whole-of-family money decision rather than a simple net-income test.

They also cover the factors households often miss, including tax, superannuation, career momentum, workplace flexibility and the mental load that can sit behind family planning. For couples thinking about children, they argue that earlier conversations about values, lifestyle and money can prevent stress later.

If you want a practical, data-backed conversation about raising kids and planning ahead, this episode offers a clearer way to think about the real cost of family life in Australia.

Episode resources

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026

– 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers

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

This Rask Rewind episode is pulled from the Australian Finance Podcast archives, with plenty of timeless money lessons worth revisiting.

Investment hacks, AI fears, Debt recycling, family trusts & whether you really need VAS – there is a lot packed into this one!  In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen and Gemma are back for your weekly Q&A and answering your questions on:

- Why some people invest through bucket companies- If you actually need a lot of money to see a financial adviser

- What to do once you’ve fully debt recycled your home loan

- Whether fees in your super are tax-deductible- Is it still worth having a family trust if it’s not saving you tax (yet)?- And how to clean up your financial life if it feels like a mess

Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. And send in your questions via the link below.

Resources for this episode

- Sign up for the Ladies Finance Club Online summit

- Epiosde- Family Trusts

- Get Rich Quick episode

- Books we recommended: Emma Edwards Good with Money. Victoria Vivente Know Your Worth. Queenie Tan The Fun Finance Formula

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– View Betashares range of funds

– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026

– 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers

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

In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell move from money mindset to money momentum in Episode 4 of the Christian Hull Hot Money Mess series.

After unpacking Christian’s money story, coaching framework and financial dashboards, this episode focuses on what actually helps you make progress toward big goals.

They cover:

– How to invest if your timeframe is 5 years or less

– Investing vs paying down debt: what matters most?

– Christian Hull’s $2 million tiny home goal and possible pathways to get there

– How high-income earners think about wealth building

– How to work out how much wealth you actually need

– Why net wealth and investable assets are different

– The levers that help bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be

– The role of super, property, investment bonds and debt in long-term wealth building

– What financial planning steps still matter, including insurance and estate planning

If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on investing, debt and wealth building, 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.

⁠⁠Download your workbook here⁠⁠

Topics Covered

– Recap: Christian Hull’s Hot Money Mess journey so far

– From goals to momentum: how to actually build traction with money

– Christian’s $2 million tiny home goal: where do you even start?

– Investing when your timeframe is only 5 years or less

– Investment options: offset account, investing, investment bonds and trade-offs

– Investing vs paying down debt: what should come first?

– Understanding new debt and property strategy decisions

– Does negative gearing still matter for future property plans?

– How much money do you actually need to retire or feel financially secure?

– Does the 4% rule still work? What about 5%?

– Net wealth vs investable wealth: why the difference matters

– Bridging the gap between goals and reality using practical financial levers

– Christian’s wealth-building mix: super, investment bonds and property

– Insurance reviews and estate planning: the financial jobs people forget

– Tools to support better money decisions, including Wealth Checker, Super Checker and financial modelling

Episode resources

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– View Betashares range of funds

– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

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

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell tackle the questions Australians are asking right now as post-Budget uncertainty ripples through property, super and long-term wealth plans. From negative gearing and borrowing power to super contributions, calculators and inheritance, this is a practical Q&A for people who want clearer next steps.

Owen and Gemma explain why property decisions feel harder when tax rules move, how lenders may react before the broader market does, and what to focus on if you’re trying to build wealth without blowing up your cash flow. You’ll also hear why negative gearing should never be the whole investment thesis, how “accidental investors” may need to think more intentionally, and why good financial advice often means revisiting the plan as the rules change.

They also break down why popular calculators can spit out wildly different answers, how spouse super contributions, co-contributions and splitting actually work, and the rule details that can catch people trying to do the right thing. Finally, they unpack inheritance planning and why gifting or restructuring property too early can create tax, Centrelink and family complications that are easy to underestimate. If you want calm, plain-English guidance on property, super and estate questions in a messy policy environment, this is a strong episode to queue next.

Correction: This episode has been updated to reflect the correct 2025/26 government co-contribution income thresholds. An earlier version incorrectly referenced the 2026/27 thresholds. The audio has now been amended and all information in the current version is accurate for the 2025/26 financial year.

Episode resources

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– View Betashares range of funds

– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

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