February 01, 2026

Is FIRE still possible in 2026? Ft. Dave Gow

58 minutes

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Dave Gow from Strong Money Australia for a deep, honest conversation about the future of FIRE — and whether financial independence is still achievable in 2026.

Is FIRE still achievable in Australia in 2026?

Why FIRE feels harder now — and why it’s not impossible

How Dave would rebuild financial independence from $0 today

The role of income: penalty rates, night shifts and FIFO work

Why earning more matters more than saving harder

Property vs shares in a modern FIRE strategy

When leverage helps — and when it delays freedom

Why asset choice matters after you stop working

How low-yield property portfolios trap people in work

The emotional fear of stepping back from a career

Why people keep moving the goalposts after reaching FI

Relentless saver syndrome and delayed gratification burnout

The ego behind assets and net worth milestones

Why “enough” is psychologically harder than getting rich

How to create an anti-anxiety financial plan

Semi-retirement as a risk-management strategy

How flexibility and part-time work protect your portfolio

Designing a freedom-focused lifestyle, not just retirement

Finding meaning and purpose beyond full-time work

Why time — not money — is the real asset

Learning how to actually enjoy your wealth

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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 unsure, 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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