Reader reactions and the freedom tally

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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