

Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
Hayden Smith & Dave Gow
The Aussie FIRE podcast is the ultimate guide to Financial Independence for Australians. Having started life as an e-book, then an audiobook, it's now reached its final form: a podcast that will keep on giving.The Aussie FIRE audiobook is brought to you by Pearler, Australia's favourite long-term investing community; and Dave Gow, the brains behind Strong Money Australia. Each episode explores a different aspect of Financial Independence, so stay tuned for new releases!https://pearler.comhttps://strongmoneyaustralia.com/DISCLAIMER: We’re big fans of sharing experiences and talking about money. However, please note that any advice is general, and does not consider your financial situation, needs, or objectives.Consider whether it's appropriate for you, and if in doubt, speak to a licensed financial adviser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

16 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 57min
47. Case studies: Escaping Mortgage Prison & Switching from Property to Shares
Unravel the dilemma of escaping mortgage prison as the hosts explore a listener's struggle with financial strain and impending parenthood. They weigh the pros and cons of selling a home versus holding it, especially in a high-interest environment. Dive into wealth strategies comparing property ownership to ETFs, revealing insights on cash flow and long-term goals. Discover the intricacies of utilizing family trusts for tax efficiency, and ponder whether to invest a lump sum at once or gradually. Engaging discussions invite listener participation throughout.

Aug 29, 2025 • 58min
46. Q&A: Employee share schemes, LICs, and mental accounting
This episode dives into the intricacies of employee share schemes, weighing the benefits of holding versus selling stock. The hosts debate whether listed investment companies are still worthwhile with the rise of ETFs. They also explore mental accounting, revealing how it can deceive us into making poor financial choices. Personal anecdotes illustrate the emotional connections to investments and how rising inflation is shifting consumer habits. Ultimately, the conversation blends practical investment strategies with engaging reflections on money management.

11 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
45. From super to surcharges: tax strategies you should know about
Dive into tax savvy tips like the First Home Super Saver Scheme and how to avoid the Medicare levy surcharge with private health insurance. Learn about novated leases for electric vehicles and how they can save you money. Discover common tax misconceptions and small but impactful deductions, from work-from-home expenses to investment-related costs. The hosts share personal experiences and practical strategies to reduce your tax burden while navigating the complexities of Australian tax law.

19 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 60min
44. Tax strategies we actually use (and would consider)
Dive into the world of tax strategies that can boost your financial growth without dodging your obligations. Explore practical approaches like debt recycling and negative gearing to redirect funds smartly. Discover how understanding tax implications can influence your investment choices and even your charitable donations. Maximize superannuation contributions with proactive strategies, and learn how to navigate tax complexities as you approach retirement. Lastly, the importance of seeking professional guidance is underscored, empowering listeners to make informed decisions.

15 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 2min
43. FI case studies: Retiring now, investing with kids, and using SMSFs
Dive into diverse financial strategies through enlightening case studies! Discover how to navigate the complexities of home buying in today’s unpredictable market. Explore tactics for balancing investing with parenting responsibilities. Learn about the ins and outs of self-managed super funds, including their benefits and costs. Plus, hear real-life stories that highlight the transition to semi-retirement and the importance of tailored financial planning. Engage with the community and empower your investment journey!

5 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 10min
42. Q&A: “The gold boom, work/life balance, and will AI kill share investing?”
Delve into the gold boom versus stocks debate and discover their unique investment potentials. Learn about strategies for investing in children's futures while navigating personal finance challenges. The hosts tackle work/life balance and dissect home loan strategies, weighing the pros and cons of debt management. They also speculate on AI's potential impact on share investing, exploring its influence on financial decision-making and the evolving landscape of investments. Get ready for a wealth of insights!

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
41. What to do when the market crashes
The phrase “market crash” has appeared in the media (both traditional and social) a lot this year. Those of you with iron stomachs and 20-year horizons may have just shrugged and put your phones away. But for many, the constant turmoil has been a reason to start glancing towards the exit. It’s an understandable reaction – but not one you need to live with.If you’ve found that recent market crashes have stolen your peace of mind, this episode is for you. Join Dave and Hayden as they cast an historical reality check on market crashes, and highlight what NOT to do. They also highlight some potential benefits to seize during a downturn, and discuss market crash strategies for people nearing retirement.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
40. FI case study: "How can we retire as soon as possible?"
With a name like “Aussie FIRE”, you’d expect that this podcast would be all about retiring early.And, to be fair, it sort of is.However, the world of Financial Independence, Retire Early is crammed with concepts that can sometimes feel far removed from the goal of early retirement. That’s why this episode’s case study is particularly refreshing.The case study itself is jam-packed with facts, figures, and proposed investing schedules. For the sake of the episode description, we’ve whittled it down to the following:“We’ve recently started on our FIRE journey. How can we reach early retirement as soon as possible?”As always, the answer to this question will differ depending on a range of factors. Even so, by listening to Dave and Hayden do the maths around this case study, you may well find some ideas for your own FIRE goal.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 snips
May 23, 2025 • 44min
39. Q&A: "Property vs shares, debt recycling, and the downsides of super"
Hosts tackle listener questions about the balance of property investments versus shares, revealing insights into the intricacies of debt recycling. They discuss the implications of capital gains tax when selling assets, especially in uncertain geopolitical climates. The conversation highlights the need for a diversified investment strategy while cautioning against simplistic views on property returns. With a nod to the importance of personalized financial planning, they stress the relevance of mindful decision-making in navigating lifestyle inflation and retirement goals.

May 9, 2025 • 1h 13min
38. Geared ETFs, margin loans and NAB Equity Builder
In the past, this podcast has delved into the practicalities and potential perils of using leverage to invest in shares. And in our completely unbiased opinion, it was a brilliant delving. However, the episode in question focused on using home equity. In doing so, left an unanswered question: how can renters or those who don’t like the home equity method, use leverage to invest?In this session, Dave and Hayden explore non-home equity channels for leverage in investing. From geared ETFs to margin loans and everything in between, the FIRE-namic duo share their thoughts. So, pour yourself a beverage and hear about leverage!FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.