

Australian Finance Podcast
Rask
The Australian Finance Podcast is your guide to sorting out your finances, one episode at a time. Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer, & Gemma Mitchell, Senior Financial Adviser, bring you actionable strategies and knowledge that you can put into practice today. Save money, invest better and live life on your terms.~~New to the show? We recommend that you head back to our Starter Pack series of the podcast in Jan/Feb 2024, to get your head around some really important concepts! More advanced listeners might enjoy our other show, The Australian Investors Podcast.~~SHOW NOTES: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/podcasts/australian-finance-podcast/~~DISCLAIMER: The information in this podcast series is general financial information/advice only. That means, the advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. Please read our Terms of Service and Financial Services Guide on www.rask.com.au/fsg.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
HELP debt changes, company shares & first home hacks – Q&A
Discover the ins and outs of the new 20% HELP debt reduction and its implications. Learn about salary sacrificing into company shares and the risks involved. Consider the pros and cons of a 19-year-old purchasing an investment property while living at home. Gain insights into superannuation beneficiary rules and the best bill-paying strategies. Finally, delve into the world of candlestick trading and evaluate its real impact on investing.

Oct 15, 2025 • 20min
Your Money Reset: How to Boost Net Worth, Self Worth & Income
Gemma Mitchell dives into transforming your financial mindset as she introduces six key steps for a money reset. Discover how to track your net worth and build a financial safety net, while creating a supportive community around you. Learn the importance of a healthy money mindset and how small habit changes can lead to success. Reassess your goals after major life events and align budgeting systems with your aspirations. Plus, explore ways to boost your income through upskilling and side hustles for long-term prosperity.

Oct 13, 2025 • 48min
Pocket money, compounding, and investing for kids – with Pearler’s Ana Kresina
In this discussion, Ana Kresina, a personal finance educator and head of product at Pearler, shares her insights on teaching kids about money. She emphasizes the importance of starting money lessons early to build lasting habits. Ana explores whether pocket money is beneficial, suggests fun ways to learn about saving and investing, and stresses aligning financial lessons with family values. She also provides practical tips on avoiding common mistakes and initiating kids’ investing journeys with age-appropriate conversations.

Oct 9, 2025 • 52min
Emergency funds, defensive assets & when to pay for advice
This enlightening discussion covers the First Home Super Saver Scheme and its rules for investment properties. The hosts delve into the purpose of defensive assets and their impact on long-term investing. They also clarify the differences between financial advisers, coaches, and accountants, helping listeners decide when to seek professional advice. Plus, they tackle the pros and cons of DIY insurance, alongside Owen's amusing struggles with credit card reward points. A must-listen for anyone navigating financial decisions!

Oct 8, 2025 • 18min
Festive Season on a Budget: 10 Money-Saving Hacks
Get ready to celebrate the festive season without breaking the bank! Discover clever hacks for affordable gift-giving, like utilizing year-round sales and maintaining a thoughtful list. Learn how to plan holiday travel efficiently to snag cheaper fares and save on food waste through smart shopping and potlucks. Plus, find out how to manage your income during unpaid leave and set boundaries to keep holiday stress at bay. This is all about making your celebrations joyful and budget-friendly!

Oct 6, 2025 • 35min
Forget everyone else: goal-setting your way
In this enlightening discussion, property expert Pete Wargent shares insights on effective goal-setting. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine goals and mere ideas. The duo explores why many goals fail and offers strategies for crafting achievable, personally meaningful objectives. They highlight a five-step process, which includes reflecting on values, creating specific action plans, and regularly reviewing progress. Wargent also shares practical tips for first-home savings and replacing costly habits with sustainable alternatives. This chat is packed with actionable advice!

10 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 29min
ETFs vs Mortgage: Where’s Your Money Best Spent? – Q&A
This week’s guest is James Phelan, a senior financial adviser at Rask, known for his insights on superannuation and investment strategies. He discusses how the Age Pension interacts with superannuation, shedding light on eligibility and strategies. Listeners learn what happens to super when someone dies without a will and the nuances of debt recycling. James and Gemma debate whether to focus on paying down a mortgage or investing in ETFs, emphasizing a balanced approach. Plus, they unpack the concept of wrap accounts and what to ask financial advisers.

10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 55min
How I built a $4.5m business, with Phil Thompson
Phil Thompson, founder of Skye Wealth and an expert in personal insurance advice, shares his journey from buying a failing financial advice business at 24 to leading a thriving insurance-only firm generating over $4.3 million annually. He discusses the struggles of flatlining for six years, the pivot to specialization, and the critical role of automation in scaling the business. Phil emphasizes the importance of culture, servant leadership, and a strong team dynamic, all while setting ambitious goals for the future.

Sep 29, 2025 • 28min
No Pay Rise? No Problem (Sort Of)!
Lexi Smith, a money coach and founder of MoneyVine, joins Gemma Mitchell to explore the benefits of financial wellbeing workshops in the workplace. They discuss how these workshops can reduce financial stress, thus improving employee focus and performance. Lexi emphasizes personalized content based on employee surveys, ensuring topics resonate with diverse teams. They also highlight the importance of actionable steps employees can take to ease financial tension and differentiate between coaching and financial advice. Personal stories from attendees reveal how these workshops can spark transformative financial changes.

20 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 45min
Lessons from Peter Lynch, Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett – Q&A
Mitchell Sneddon, Head of Funds at Rask and co-host of the Australian Investor Podcast, shares invaluable insights on investing. He explains the concept of franking credits and their benefits, demystifies ETF management fees, and discusses what annual fees look like on an $800,000 portfolio. For beginners, he highlights the need for financial advice and suggests practical first steps to start investing. The episode also dives into wisdom from investing legends Peter Lynch, Charlie Munger, and Warren Buffett, making it a must-listen for aspiring investors.