

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

Mar 28, 2025 • 55min
35. Q&A: "Investment returns, using home equity, and when to splurge"
What do Aussie FIRE’s Q&As and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream have in common?Two things:They both feature ampersandsThey’re both very good…okay, so that wasn’t some of our best work, BUT you should definitely check this episode out.Co-hosts Dave and Hayden have opened the mailbag to answer some of the community’s most asked questions. From “When is it okay to splurge during a FIRE journey?” to “Investment loans: yay or nay?”, this session answers a panoply of dicey questions.How many of these questions have YOU asked?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.

Mar 14, 2025 • 58min
34. Dave's hard lessons from 15 years of property investing
Dave loves ETFs. Hayden co-founded a platform which focuses on ETFs. So, when it comes to Financial Independence, these two must have been committed to ETFs from Day One, right?…yeah, nah. In fact, as the title suggests, Dave has accrued 15 years of experience in property investing. And over that timeframe, he’s learned some truths which he wished he’d known before he started.Now, none of this is to suggest that property is a flawed route to FIRE. Indeed, it played a key role in Dave’s work optional status. But by hearing Dave’s experiences, you may be able to lighten your own load on your property journey.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.

12 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 53min
33. FI case study: "Should we buy our dream home?" Plus buying the dip and bonds
Listeners dive into a relatable financial dilemma as a Melbourne couple debates whether to buy their dream home or focus on investments. The discussion emphasizes balancing emotions with financial goals, particularly in the context of rising property prices. Bond strategies also come under scrutiny, especially for older investors, revealing their protective role amid risk. Additionally, trading dynamics are explored through a fun game, shedding light on market unpredictability. Ultimately, the hosts encourage thoughtful financial decisions tailored to individual circumstances.

29 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 53min
32. Credit card hacking
Credit card hacking is a fascinating strategy for maximizing rewards, points, and cashback. The hosts dive into credit card churning, revealing how to navigate promotional benefits and loyalty programs. They share tips on managing multiple cards while avoiding pitfalls and emphasizing responsible usage. Personal experiences highlight the importance of strategic planning to achieve financial perks. Listeners are encouraged to explore their options cautiously as they embark on their journey to make credit cards work for their financial goals.

Jan 31, 2025 • 41min
31. FI case study: "Do I have enough to retire early?" Plus ETFs vs managed funds
Much like the Chupacabra or Berkshire Hathaway’s founding story, Aussie FIRE’s FI case studies have become the stuff of legend. This time ‘round, Dave and Hayden answer a question from a listener which may well have crossed your mind:“Do I have enough in savings, investments, and super to retire early?”Of course, this person’s portfolio, income, and living circumstances are specific to them. Even so, by listening to Dave and Hayden crunch the numbers with this listener, you can form some ideas which can help shape your FIRE journey. The Frugal Fraternity (a nickname we’re trialling for them) also discuss a classic long-term investing topic: ETFs or managed funds?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.

Jan 17, 2025 • 52min
30. Investing in ETFs vs super
Both are often touted as effective vehicles for long-term investing. But for those working towards FIRE, there are some key differences to consider between ETFs and super. On one hand, super is purpose-built for retirement, and offers a number of unique potential tax benefits. On the other, ETFs are more liquid, and may better suit the “early” in “retire early”.So, what’s the right balance? Should you focus on one, the other, or a mixture of both? Well, Dave and Hayden can’t tell you what to do. Even so, they can discuss a range of different hypotheticals that help you find YOUR most suitable outcome. Enjoy!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.

Jan 3, 2025 • 44min
29. FI case study: freedom in your 40s, DRPs, and combating social isolation
That’s right – it’s time for another one of our much-ballyhooed FI case studies! This time, Dave and Hayden hear from a thirtysomething couple who would like to be work-optional by their 40s. They’ve earned, scrimped, saved, and invested… and they’re wondering whether they’ve made any mistakes in the process. Whilst Dave and Hayden aren’t the Arbiters on All Things FI, they’re happy to share their thoughts. By the end of this episode, you’ll ideally have some fuel for your own FIRE journey!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.

Dec 20, 2024 • 51min
28. How to find unlimited motivation on the FI journey
Let’s be honest: Financial Independence can feel like a BIG task. The progress is incremental, the timelines are longer than we’d like, and the temptation to splurge can haunt us. Fortunately, there are a litany of hacks you can apply to remain perpetually motivated.From plugging into “reverse motivation”, to breaking your goals into smaller milestones, to surrounding yourself with like-minded people, the episode runs the gamut of inspirational tactics. Listen in and find the right motivational approach for you!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.

Dec 6, 2024 • 46min
27. FI case study: semi retirement, island living & getting shares stolen
Join a captivating exploration of financial independence through a family's journey to island living while navigating semi-retirement. The hosts unpack the benefits of ETFs, mindful spending, and tax implications of renting property. They tackle the pressing issue of identity theft and share tips for protecting investments from share theft. Engaging with diverse financial perspectives, the discussion inspires listeners to reassess their own financial goals and encourages sharing personal case studies for future insights.

Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 7min
26. A deep dive into Hayden's finances
Send us a textIn a previous episode, we conducted a deep dive into Dave’s finances. However, keen observers and long-time listeners may have noticed something: Dave is only one of TWO hosts on this podcast. What’s more, the other host is renowned for his novel, proactive, and sometimes wacky cost-cutting measures. We are, of course, talking about Hayden – co-founder of investing platform Pearler and man with a thousand savings hacks.Throughout this session, Hayden leaves no stone unturned in revealing every detail of his personal finances. We also hear of his savings and investing approach, and how he plans his financial future as a startup co-founder.Whether you’re a budgeter, an investor, or an entrepreneur, you’ll get a kick out of this episode.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.