In this special Pearler x Rask live episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down the practical strategies that could help you grow your super by an extra $100,000 over your working life.

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

Owen & Gemma look at the three big levers: adding more, earning more and losing less, and how the right strategy can look very different depending on your age, income, time frame and circumstances.

What we cover in today's super episode:

– The $100k Super Boost: How could you potentially add an extra $100,000 to your super?

– Super 101: A quick refresher on how super works and why it matters.

– The Three Levers: Add more, earn more and lose less.

– The Power of Time: Why starting earlier can make a huge difference.

– Making Extra Contributions: How small additional contributions can add up over time.

– Your Investment Option: How the way your super is invested can affect your long-term balance.

– Fees and Costs: Why what you pay inside super matters.

– Age Matters: What you should be thinking about at different stages of your working life.

– Real-Life Scenarios: What a $100k boost could potentially look like at different ages.

– Live Community Q&A: Answering your pre-sent and live questions!

This podcast and video is sponsored by Pearler.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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 Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Cameron McCormack, Senior Portfolio Manager at VanEck, to unpack factor investing in a way that actually makes sense for everyday ETF investors.

The conversation starts with the basics: what factor investing is, how it differs from broad market-cap investing, and why terms like smart beta, rules-based investing and factor investing are often talking about the same idea. From there, Cameron breaks down the major factor lenses investors are likely to hear about, including quality, value and growth, and explains the types of company traits that sit behind each one.

Owen and Cameron then make the discussion practical by walking through real ETF examples such as QUAL and MVW, showing how factor strategies can change portfolio weights, sector exposure and diversification. They also explore when quality can behave defensively, why value can come back into favour in stronger economic environments, and how investors might think about using factor ETFs as core holdings or portfolio tilts rather than chasing complexity for its own sake.

If you have ever wondered whether factor investing is just marketing jargon or a genuinely useful next step after index ETF basics, this episode is a clear and grounded guide.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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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If you had $500 to invest in Australia every month, where would you actually put it?

Join Rask's new platform

In this live weekly Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down their top strategies for investing $500/month in Australia today.

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to automate your wealth-building habit, we share practical ways to construct a sensible, low-cost portfolio designed for the long haul.

What we cover in today's investing episode:

- The $500 Portfolio Pick: Owen and Gemma reveal where they’d invest $500 right now.

- Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Why regular, fixed investments beat trying to time the market.

- The Math of $500/Month: How small monthly amounts compound into long-term wealth over 10, 20, and 30 years.

- Sensible ETF & Index Strategies: How to keep brokerage low and diversification high.

- Live Community Q&A: Answering your pre-sent and live chat questions on money, stocks, and personal finance.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack 10 legitimate ways Australians can access their super and why the rules matter more than most people realise.

From the two most common pathways, retiring after preservation age and turning 65, through to transition-to-retirement strategies, incapacity rules, terminal illness provisions, the First Home Super Saver Scheme, severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds and leaving Australia permanently, this episode gives listeners a practical map of what is possible and what can go wrong.

Owen and Gemma also tackle one of the internet's dumbest myths: that super is a scam. Instead, they explain why super is best understood as a tax-effective structure, why your age and employment status change the rules, and why insurance inside super can make fund-switching riskier than people expect.

You'll also hear why early access is rarely just a paperwork exercise. The discussion walks through the trade-offs behind each condition of release, why short-term relief can create long-term costs, and how Australians can think more clearly about super without falling for panic, hot takes or comment-section nonsense.

If you're approaching retirement, saving for a first home or just trying to make smarter long-term decisions, this is a fast, useful guide to the main conditions of release, the tax advantages of super and the mistakes to avoid before making a move.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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 is a special rewind episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, bringing back one of our favourite Q&A conversations because the questions are still incredibly relevant today.

In this episode, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell work through practical money decisions that many Australians wrestle with: whether extra cash should go into super or against the mortgage, what to do when you’ve saved a first-home deposit but life changes stall the next step, and how to think about retirement when you’re worried you’re behind.

They also unpack why discipline matters when comparing super with debt reduction, how to weigh flexibility against tax benefits, and what to consider if you’re building wealth outside super before preservation age. There’s also a thoughtful discussion about defined benefit schemes, planning for uncertainty, and why a simple, steady plan can matter more than chasing the perfect answer.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to boost super, hold cash, invest, or rethink the timing of a big financial move, this rewind is full of grounded, plain-English insights. It’s a great one to revisit if you’re trying to make smarter decisions with your next dollar.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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 sits down with Hayden Smith from Pearler to unpack why so many money goals fall over before they ever become real habits.

Rather than setting huge targets that feel inspiring for a day and overwhelming for the next six months, Hayden explains why shorter timeframes, smaller milestones and cleaner systems give people a far better chance of following through. They talk through how to turn vague financial intentions into something measurable, why automation matters, and how to reduce the friction around saving and investing.

Owen and Hayden also explore the idea of a research stake - putting a small amount of money to work so you become more curious, more engaged and more accountable to your own future. It is a practical way to build momentum without needing to be perfect from day one.

Along the way, Hayden shares how his thinking has softened on owner-occupied property, why housing still matters in a long-term plan, and how tools like debt recycling may help Australians balance a home with ETF investing. If you want better money habits and money goals that actually stick, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use straight away.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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 sits down with Glen James to talk about buying your first property in Australia when the market feels tougher than ever. Glen explains why so many buyers feel stuck, why the old 20% deposit playbook no longer fits reality for many people, and what first home buyers can do instead of giving up.

The conversation centres on Glen’s new book, The Quick Start Guide to Your First Property, and the practical mindset shift behind it. He argues that buyers need a clear why, a realistic time frame and a willingness to use every legitimate tool available, from the First Home Super Saver Scheme to low-deposit pathways and state-based support. Rather than obsessing over the perfect property straight away, Glen says the goal is to build a workable strategy and keep moving.

Owen and Glen also cover the emotional side of property, why a good mortgage broker can help sooner than most people think, when professional advice is worth paying for, and how parents can better support children trying to enter the market. If you’re feeling priced out, overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this episode offers a grounded, practical guide to taking the next step.

Episode resources

– Buy "The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property"

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– View VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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 Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with James Gil, Head of Product at VanEck, to unpack the relaunch of GOAT and why it matters for ETF investors. Rather than simply buying “AI stocks”, GOAT uses AI inside the portfolio construction process to rank global companies, score signals and build a 150-stock portfolio designed to adapt as markets change.

James explains why VanEck sees GOAT as a new stage of smart beta or “ETF 3.0” that sits between plain-vanilla index investing and traditional active management. The conversation walks through the four-step engine behind the fund: generating signals from huge datasets, scoring those signals, learning from what has worked across market cycles, and validating the model against live conditions.

Owen and James also dig into the difference between GOAT and MOAT, why monthly rebalancing matters, how the portfolio avoids becoming a pure tech bet, and where country and sector tilts are showing up today. They touch on the 21-year simulated track record, why VanEck says the strategy was most resilient in major stress periods, and how investors might use a dynamic ETF alongside more traditional international equity exposures. If you want a practical look at AI-driven ETF investing in Australia, this episode is a great place to start.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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

It is not personal advice. An investment in GOAT involves risks and simulated performance of the index is not indicative of future performance of GOAT.

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In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask speaks with Sarah Court, Chair of ASIC, about what the regulator is seeing across the financial system and why everyday Australians need to pay closer attention to how their money is being handled. Sarah explains ASIC’s role in licensing firms, holding financial institutions to account and stepping in when consumers or investors are at risk.

The core of the conversation focuses on mortgage offset accounts after ASIC uncovered failures at banks that meant some customers were not receiving the interest savings they expected. Sarah explains why these problems matter, why legacy systems and weak processes can create real financial harm, and why banks need to fix the basics instead of assuming customers will spot issues themselves.

Owen and Sarah also talk about scams, risky investments and the importance of slowing down before handing over money. She shares why MoneySmart can be such a valuable resource for Australians who want plain-English guidance on investing, risk, scams and personal finance. If you want a practical reminder to check your offset setup, stay sceptical of fast-talking investment pitches and understand where ASIC fits into the system, this episode is worth your time before it costs you real money.

Episode resources

– Moneysmart

– Investment scam alerts - ASIC

– Professional registers search - ASIC

– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”

– Speak with the Rask Advice team

– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)

Show partner resources

– View VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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 Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith from Pearler to compare the money lessons they wish they had understood much earlier. What starts as a conversation about investing quickly turns into a practical discussion about the decisions that shape wealth in Australia: where you live, how you save, what tax does to returns and why good habits matter more than clever hot takes.

Owen and Hayden unpack why owner-occupied property is hard to ignore in Australia, especially when cheap leverage and the pension rules tilt the game. They also explain why many investors obsess over the wrong fees, how tax quietly touches almost every money decision, and why a strong saving rate still does more heavy lifting than most people expect.

The episode also explores the emotional side of investing. From scary headlines and market downturns to the temptation to constantly switch strategies, they make the case that behaviour is often more important than intelligence. Along the way they touch on diversification, ETFs such as VAS and IVV, the trade-offs between property and shares, and the value of staying invested for the long term.

If you want a grounded Australian take on money, investing and building wealth, this episode is full of honest lessons, avoidable mistakes and practical perspective.

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 VanEck's range of funds

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

– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith

– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe

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