20% HELP debt reduction, new superannuation rules, salary sacrificing for company shares — this week’s Q&A is packed with hot topics and practical money tips.

In this Friday episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell are answering your questions on:

– Whether salary sacrificing for company shares is worth it — and the concentration risk you need to watch out for

– The pros and cons of a 19-year-old buying an investment property while still living at home (and whether it’s worth forgoing the First Home Buyer Grant)

– How to handle superannuation beneficiaries if you’re single with no dependants

– The age-old question: pay bills as they come in or wait until they’re due?

– And finally, what candlestick trading actually is — and whether it’s a real investing strategy or just market noise

Plus, Owen and Gemma unpack the latest government announcements, including the 20% HELP debt reduction and new super changes affecting balances over $3 million and $10 million.

If you like this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, make sure to subscribe for weekly shows 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.

Chapters (approximate)

(00:00) Introduction

(04:20) Understanding HECS/HELP Debt Changes

(08:52) Superannuation Tax Changes Explained

(14:58) Navigating Salary Sacrifice and Concentration Risk

(21:19) Investment Property vs. First Home Buyers Grant

(24:22) Candlestick Trading and Market Speculation

(27:18) Leaving Super to Family Members

(30:00) Managing Bills and Financial Communication

Resources for this episode

HELP DEBT info

HELP DEBT REDUCTION Calculator

DIV296

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

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In this bonus episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell kicks off a two-part mini-series based on her new book, The Money Reset. If you’ve been thinking about a fresh start with your finances, especially as we roll into a new year, this bite-sized episode will help you reset your mindset, rebuild your foundation, and start moving forward with clarity.. Without buying the book. 

Over six key steps, Gemma shares practical actions and mindset shifts to help you take stock, set up strong foundations, and start building momentum — without the overwhelm.

Resources for this episode

- Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK

- Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest 

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:

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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Today, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Ana Kresina from Pearler — two-time author (Kids Ain’t Cheap and How to Not Work Forever) and co-host of the Get Rich Slow Club podcast. Together, they unpack how parents can raise money-savvy kids and start teaching investing early.

Ana shares practical ways to make money lessons fun, age-appropriate and aligned with your family values, without overwhelming yourself in the process.

In this episode we cover:

– Why starting young matters: compounding, habits, and building confidence around money

– Is there such a thing as too young? Teaching kids at different ages

– Pocket money — yay or nay? Should kids earn it or just practice with it?

– Everyday lessons at home: shopping, saving, delayed gratification

– How to make money fun, not scary, with games and apps

– Avoiding overwhelm as a parent (and why you need your own oxygen mask first)

– Mistakes to avoid when teaching kids about money

– Should kids choose investments, or should parents do it behind the scenes?

– Linking money lessons to family values like giving and sustainability

– First steps you can take today to start your kids’ money journey

Subscribe for weekly episodes on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Resources for this episode

Connect with Ana

Ana’s book

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

Follow us on social media:

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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FHSS, defensive assets & the real cost of financial advice – this Q&A has it all

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Today, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli Cavagnino, senior financial adviser with the Rask Advice team, to share 5 tips each to survive Christmas spending without blowing the budget. From gift-giving hacks to travel, food and holiday traditions, Gemma and Tahli cover practical ways to keep the festive season joyful (and affordable).

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:

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, Pete Wargent from the Australian Property Podcast and Gemma Mitchell from the Australian Finance Podcast dig into one of the biggest game-changers for your finances – setting clear goals. But not just any goals — the right ones for you. We cover:

Is it really a goal, or just a nice idea?

Do you actually need clear goals to succeed?

Why most goals fail (and what people get wrong)

How to set goals that are right for you, not just what everyone else is doing

Setting realistic goals – and action plans to match

Gemma’s 5-step process for setting goals that actually stick

Keen to hear more? Check out our other episodes on the Australian Finance Podcast. Want property tips? Make sure you check out other episodes of the Australian Property Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency: https://www.allenwargent.com.au

PreSales for Gemma’s book The Money Reset- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) www.amylunardi.com.au 

Alcove mortgage broking: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/services/mortgage-broking 

All services: https://bit.ly/R-services

Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan 

Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest 

Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes 

Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest 

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

Questions we answer on this episode:  
- How the Age Pension works alongside superannuation (and yes, you can have both)
- What happens to your super if you die without a will
- Mortgage vs ETFs: which should you focus on after buying your first property?

- What debt recycling actually means, and whether it’s worth considering
- Wrap accounts explained: are advisers incentivised to recommend them?

Plus:  What to ask your adviser to understand their advice! 

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

Resources for this episode

- Debt Recycling information- https://www.rask.com.au/financial-advice/debt-recycling-masterguide/

- Buy Gemma’s book The Money Reset- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK

- Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest 

~~ Show partner resources ~~

Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler

Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith: https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith

View Betashares range of funds:  https://bit.ly/beta-25

~~ Rask resources ~~

All services: https://bit.ly/R-services

Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan 

Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest 

Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes 

Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest 

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, your host Owen Rask sits down with Phil Thompson, the founder of Skye Wealth. Phil reveals how he bought into a financial advice business at 24, navigated six years of no growth, and then pivoted the business to insurance-only — ultimately building a team of over 55 and generating over $4.3 million in annual revenue.

Show partner resources

Rask resources

📲 Follow us on social media

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Lexi Smith from MoneyVine to unpack a little-known work perk that’s actually worth it — financial wellbeing workshops.

If you enjoyed this chat, don’t forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Gemma and Lexi dive into:

- What are financial being workshops

- What are other employers doing

- Why they work (and should be added to the next pizza party!)

Resources for this episode

Rask Corporate workshops- https://www.raskmedia.com.au/services/corporate-financial-wellness-programs-australia/

Connect with Lexi Smith https://moneyvine.com.au/

PreSales for Gemma’s book The Money Reset- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK

Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest 

~~ Show partner resources ~~

Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler

Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith: https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith

View Betashares range of funds:  https://bit.ly/beta-25

~~ Rask resources ~~

All services: https://bit.ly/R-services

Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan 

Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest 

Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes 

Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest 

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

Franking credits, ETF fees & starting from zero – we’re answering your burning questions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices