AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith

Nov 17, 2025

In this discussion, Hayden Smith, co-founder and CTO of Pearler, dives into the intersection of AI and finance. He shares his unconventional wisdom teeth money-saving story and explores how personal finance parallels skill-building. Hayden discusses the impact of AI on investing tools, revealing the pitfalls of overengineering in fintech. He explains 'vibe coding' and its implications for software development while offering career advice for navigating the challenging AI landscape. Expect valuable insights on simple investing and the future of financial apps!

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ANECDOTE

Wisdom Teeth Tradeoff

Hayden skipped general anaesthetic for wisdom-teeth removal to save ~$900 and rode the train home afterwards.
He found the local procedure painful later but ultimately called it one of his best financial decisions because of the saved cost and experience.

insights

INSIGHT

Spend On Growth, Not Guilt

Hayden now spends on things that develop him or create clear enjoyment because his net worth changed his trade-offs.
He avoids paying for things that offer no learning or growth value even when he can afford them.

insights

INSIGHT

Product Clarity Takes Years

Building the software was the easy part for Pearler; getting product-market fit and the right product took years.
Hayden says January 2025 felt like the moment they finally understood what Pearler should be.

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How Hayden Uses AI and When Not To

01:19 • 2min

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Why Hayden Values Frugality and Learning

02:59 • 7min

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How Hayden's Money Mindset Evolved

09:40 • 10sec

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Building Pearler: Product vs Community Challenges

09:50 • 1min

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Product Mistakes: Features Added Because Competitors Had Them

11:10 • 44sec

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What a Limit Order Means for Investors

11:54 • 2min

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Designing Simple Investing Experiences

13:30 • 1min

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How AI Will Replace Complex UI Flows

14:50 • 2min

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Combining AI Conversation with Robust Back-End Math

16:46 • 1min

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Admiration for Warm, Simple Investing Apps

18:03 • 2min

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Balancing Simplicity with Personalization

What Is Vibe Coding and When It Works

24:21 • 2min

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AI's Effect on Software Careers and Productivity

26:43 • 5min

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Why Pros Shouldn't Fear Amateurs with AI

31:47 • 2min

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Which Industries Are Vulnerable to AI Disruption

33:33 • 3min

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Career Advice for Young People in the AI Era

36:34 • 4min

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Investing Theme: Why Software Companies Interest Investors

40:14 • 1min

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Opportunities to Modernize Superannuation and Property

41:44 • 5min

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Hidden Manual Work Behind Financial Apps

46:20 • 1min

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Hayden's Peanut Butter Story and Prize Tease

47:28 • 2min

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Save Money by Understanding Electricity Usage

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In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Pearler co-founder and CTO Hayden Smith to talk all things money, investing, mindset, AI, and financial tech. They explore:

– How Hayden thinks about saving and frugality

– What AI means for investors, workers, and platforms like Pearler

– The story behind Hayden’s famous wisdom teeth money hack

– How Pearler is building investing tools for real humans

– Lessons from being a software engineer in an AI world

If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on money mindset and investing in the AI era, subscribe to hear more weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Topics Covered

– Hayden’s unconventional wisdom teeth money-saving story

– Why he compares personal finance to skill-building

– How his money mindset has evolved with age & net worth

– Frugality vs. growth: what spending teaches you

– What Pearler got wrong early (and what it’s becoming now)

– Hayden’s take on AI's impact on software, investing & platforms

– What “vibe coding” is — and why it matters

– The truth about passive income tools & automation

– Behind the scenes: how Pearler's UI is built around goals

– The problem with overengineering in finance

– Why simple investing is hard — and where tech can help

– Advice for young people navigating careers in the AI era

– How to develop competence (and why it’s underrated)

– Why diversification matters in life AND investing

– What the future of investing platforms could look like

Chapters (approximate)

(00:00) Introduction

(03:45) Financial Decisions and Personal Growth

(09:22) Building Pearler: Challenges and Community

(10:49) Product Development and Learning from Mistakes

(13:19) The Future of Investment Platforms

(17:22) Admiring Simplicity in Financial Apps

(23:35) Vibe Coding: A New Approach to Software Development

(26:39) The Rise of Entrepreneurial Innovation

(28:54) AI's Impact on Engineering and Coding

(31:43) The Changing Landscape of Professional Skills

(33:27) Industries Ripe for AI Disruption

(35:25) Career Advice in the Age of AI

(39:25) Investing in a Tech-Driven Future

(41:06) Transforming Financial Services and Real Estate

(48:49) Understanding Energy Costs for Savings

Resources for this episode

Hanging with Hayden YouTube channel

Aussie Fire podcast with Dave & Hayden

Invest with Pearler

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

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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