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

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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

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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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