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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