

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

Nov 6, 2025 • 30min
Maximising Annual Leave, AI Holiday Hacks and 2026 Planning – Q&A
In this engaging discussion, Lexi Smith, a money coach and financial adviser at MoneyVine, shares her expertise on budgeting and family financial planning. She provides practical tips to save during the festive season and maximize annual leave for rejuvenating holidays. Lexi dives into the costs of raising kids and offers strategies for effective savings and investing for their future. Plus, she introduces clever AI tools to aid in holiday planning and emphasizes the importance of setting solid financial goals for 2026.

10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 21min
5 thematic ETFs I'm watching like a hawk
Dive into the world of thematic ETFs! Discover what makes these investment vehicles different and the risks involved. Owen analyzes five specific ETFs, including the Cybersecurity focus of HACK and the environmentally conscious ETHI. Learn about the tech giants in the FANG ETF and the healthcare exposure of IXJ, geared towards an aging population. Finally, explore the opportunities and challenges within the Chinese tech market through DRGN. A treasure trove of insights for savvy investors!

Nov 3, 2025 • 57min
How to retire on $3,000 per week - the property playbook
In this engaging discussion, Ben Kingsley, founder of Empower Wealth and property investment expert, shares insights from his latest book. He explains how to retire with $3,000 a week using a smart mix of superannuation and property investments. He warns against social media trends in property, highlights common mistakes beginners make, and discusses choosing quality investment-grade properties. Ben emphasizes a five-step approach to investing, the importance of mindset, and offers practical strategies like renovation to maximize returns.

Oct 30, 2025 • 54min
Qiao Ma: finding killer companies, surviving the GFC & why founders win
Qiao Ma, Portfolio Manager at Munro Partners, specializes in global small and mid-cap growth investing. She shares insights on identifying killer stocks and the importance of founder-led companies in achieving long-term success. Qiao recounts her survival during the GFC and emphasizes the significance of control in investments. She discusses how AI presents opportunities that overshadow smartphones and highlights the necessity of robust risk management through disciplined strategies. Finally, she advises being true to oneself and the value of early financial guidance.

Oct 29, 2025 • 20min
Your money reset, part 2: Super, property, and the freedom to choose
In this bonus episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell returns with part two of The Money Reset 2 part series.
If you’re ready to take your financial reset to the next level, this bite-sized episode walks you through the final six steps, tackling debt, property, super, and protection, and shows you how to build lasting flexibility and freedom with your money.
Gemma shares simple actions and insights to help you future-proof your finances and create a life that feels secure, balanced, and on your terms.
Resources for this episode
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
Chapters (approximate)
(00:00) Introduction
(02:52) Doubling Down on Debt
(05:50) Planning Your Property Path
(07:47) Maximising Your Superannuation
(10:15) Planning for the Unexpected
(12:38) Protecting Your Financial Future
(14:26) Financial Flexibility
(16:43) Summary
Rask resources
All services
Financial Planning
Invest with us
Access Show Notes
Ask a question
We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27, 2025 • 45min
Australian unicorns: $1 billion startups you've never heard of
In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Wenee Yap and Thomas Derricott, co-authors of the new book “Riding the Unicorn: The Startup Guide You'll Want to Read” In a deeply insightful and inspiring conversation, they explore:
– What makes a company a “unicorn”
– Why Australia punches above its weight in the global startup scene
– The biggest myths about startups and side hustles
– The six-stage founder framework
– What startup success (and failure) really looks like
Whether you dream of launching a business, joining the startup ecosystem, or backing the next Aussie success story, this conversation is a must-listen.
If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
🔗 Apple: Australian Finance Podcast on Apple
🔗 Spotify: Australian Finance Podcast on Spotify
🔗 YouTube: Australian Finance Podcast on YouTube
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for daily insights:
📲 Instagram: @rask.invest
📲 TikTok: @rask.invest
Topics Covered
– What is a Unicorn Startup?
– Why Australia is one of the most capital-efficient ecosystems
– How Australia compares to Silicon Valley
– The six-stage startup founder framework
– The differences between a startup, small business, and side hustle
– Lessons from launching a cat café (yes, really)
– The “Sulopolis Score” and problem-solving in startups
– Why storytelling matters for business growth
– Mistakes to avoid from failed startups (MilkRun, etc.)
– How successful founders think differently the second time around
– Common traits of Australia’s top founders
– The truth about market research and pivots
– How to get started in the startup ecosystem—without quitting your job
Resources for this episode
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4q52j56
Website link: https://www.ridingtheunicornhq.com/
We are on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/riding-the-unicorn/
https://www.instagram.com/ridingtheunicornhq/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ridingtheunicorn
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
All services
Financial Planning
Invest with us
Access Show Notes
Ask a question
We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2025 • 38min
Owen is writing a book! $250k in redraw, super tax & salary sacrifice secrets – Q&A
In this Friday episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell answer your questions on:
– Whether it’s too late to start investing in your 50s and 60s, and how to balance mortgage repayments, redraw funds and retirement goals
– What to look out for when reviewing your first full-time job offer, including salary packaging, super and employee benefits
– Why some government employers use third-party salary sacrifice administrators like Remserve or SmartSalary, and whether those fees are worth it
– What happens to your Super balance above the Transfer Balance Cap, and how withdrawals and taxes work once you hit retirement phase
– Plus we need your help – the challenge Gemma has set our audience to get Owen to write a book!
If you like this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, make sure to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to send in your questions for future Q&As using the link below.
Chapters (approximate)
(00:00) Introduction
(09:24) Financial Questions and General Advice
(17:56) Full Time Job Overseas Company
(21:20) Salary Sacrificing Explained
(27:43) Superannuation and Retirement Planning
Resources for this episode
Sign up for the newsletter
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
All services
Financial Planning
Invest with us
Access Show Notes
Ask a question
We love feedback!
Follow us on social media:
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22, 2025 • 24min
No caps, no LMI, no waitlist — the new 5% deposit rules explained
Discover how the government's new 5% Deposit Scheme is transforming the property landscape for first home buyers. Learn about the removal of income caps and Lenders Mortgage Insurance, allowing buyers to enter the market sooner. Get insights on the eligibility requirements and what to consider before applying. Unpack the potential market impacts and why it matters for newcomers. Plus, find out how to maximize savings by combining this scheme with other incentives. Don't miss this essential guide to navigating home loans!

Oct 20, 2025 • 41min
6 US stocks + 1 ETF we L-O-V-E right now ft Hugh Lam
Join Hugh Lam, a senior representative from Betashares and ETF specialist, as he dives into his top stock picks. He highlights Broadcom's dominance in AI and infrastructure, while exploring Palantir's unique role in defense and data analytics. Discover Intuit’s stronghold in small business software and Adobe’s creative monopoly. Hugh also touches on Netflix's innovative strategies and PepsiCo's steady consumer appeal. Plus, learn why the Betashares NDQ ETF might be the smart investment choice for diversifying your portfolio.

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.


