

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

11 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 24min
How to Start Investing in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
Discover the essential steps to kickstart your investing journey in 2025. Learn why an emergency fund is vital before diving into the market. Explore various investment platforms tailored for beginners, including micro-investing options. Uncover the benefits of ETFs as a great first investment. Get tips on writing your personal investment thesis and minimizing brokerage fees. Plus, find out how to navigate the world of investing safely and avoid potential scams!

7 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 47min
What do I do about my private health insurance?
Dr. Steven Lu, a longevity expert and founder of Everlab, shares insights on navigating private health insurance in Australia. He reveals the history and evolution of private health cover, addressing how it can lower tax bills. The conversation highlights when PHI offers real value and warns of common pitfalls. Lu discusses the shift toward preventative health measures and stresses the importance of tailoring insurance to individual needs. He urges listeners to actively review their policies to ensure they align with personal health goals.

6 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 51min
Weekly Q&A- your investment questions answered
This session tackles share buybacks—why companies pursue them and their implications for investors. It breaks down the essentials of dollar-cost averaging and momentum investing, offering practical strategies for optimizing investment portfolios. Additionally, there's a detailed look at diversifying within superannuation versus personal investments. The hosts provide valuable tips on identifying crossovers in ETF asset allocations, ensuring listeners stay informed and make savvy financial decisions.

Mar 19, 2025 • 27min
[Bonus] Chris Bates on Alcove, lessons learned in business & future of mortgage broking
Chris Bates, founder and CEO of Alcove, speaks with Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer of Rask, about the lessons learned growing Alcove, the role of a broker and future of property advice.Topics:
Chris' journey from financial planning
The partnership with Rask
Name & brand changes
Lessons learned working in an unsuccessful business partnership
The future of mortgage broking
~~ Episode resources ~~Mortgage broking: https://bit.ly/R-services~~ Rask Resources ~~All services: https://bit.ly/R-servicesFinancial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-planInvest with us: https://bit.ly/R-investAccess Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notesAsk a question: https://bit.ly/R-questDISCLAIMER: 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

Mar 17, 2025 • 37min
How geared ETFs can grow your portfolio, ft. Betashares' Cameron Gleeson
In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask is joined by Cameron Gleeson from BetaShares to discuss geared ETFs. They cover:
What gearing means and how it applies to investments
Margin loans vs. internally geared ETFs
Why gearing is commonly used in property but under-utilised in shares
How BetaShares Wealth Builder ETFs provide structured leverage
Why self-managed super funds (SMSFs) might benefit from these ETFs
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Topics Covered & Timestamps0:00 Welcome & Introduction 2:30 What is Gearing & How Does It Work? 6:00 Why Gearing is Common in Property but Not in Shares 10:20 The Role of Leverage in Building Wealth 15:50 Risks & Benefits of Geared Investing 20:30 How BetaShares’ Wealth Builder ETFs Work 25:10 The Difference Between Margin Loans vs. Internally Geared ETFs 30:20 How Interest Rates on Geared ETFs Are Determined 35:00 Gearing in Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) 40:10 Comparing Returns: Geared vs. Ungeared ETFs 45:00 Who Should Consider These ETFs? 50:00 Cameron’s Advice for Investors Considering Gearing 55:00 Final Thoughts & How to Stay Connected📄 Resources for this Episode🔗 Learn More About Geared Investing & ETFs:
BetaShares Wealth Builder ETF – betashares.com.au
Rask Education – raskmedia.com.au
❓ 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 full range of funds~~ Rask resources ~~🔗 Explore all Rask services📋 Learn about Rask Financial Planning📈 Start investing with Rask📜 Access Show Notes❓ Ask a question📲 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest
DISCLAIMERThis 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 unsure, 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2025 • 55min
Market Crashes, Brokers going bust, and Owens model portfolios | Q&A with Gemma and Owen
Listeners dive into the current turbulence of the share market and the implications of broker defaults. The hosts tackle the intricacies of diversified portfolios and model portfolios versus ETFs, helping audiences make informed investment decisions. There's a cautionary discussion about online safety and scams, as well as the value of loyalty programs and cashback rewards. Plus, Gemma shares some exciting personal news! Tune in for insightful answers to listener questions and a fresh take on navigating financial challenges.

41 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 46min
How to Build Passive Income with ETFs
Tom Wickenden, a financial expert specializing in ETFs and passive income strategies, joins the conversation to share insights on generating reliable income through ETFs. He explains what passive income is and how to effectively utilize the 4% rule for financial freedom. The discussion highlights the importance of diversification for income stability and provides detailed breakdowns of various ETFs like QOZ, YMAX, and MMKT. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for building a robust passive income portfolio.

Mar 10, 2025 • 56min
The Power of Equality: It’s for All of Us
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell chats with Lacey Filipich, founder of MoneySchool, about International Women’s Day—what it really means, why it matters for everyone, and how gender equality benefits both women and men.If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love the other episodes where we cover lots of areas to help your financial journey. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.Topics covered today:
What International Women’s Day is and why it matters
What about International Men’s Day? (Spoiler: It’s Nov 19!)
The gender pay gap vs. equal pay – what’s the difference?
Financial challenges women face in pay, super, and investing
Why more women in leadership benefits everyone
How gender equality helps men too
One simple action to create change
Resources for this episode
Connect with Lacey-Money School | Financial independence and education
Learn more about IWD: International Women's Day 2025
Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest
~~ Show partner resources ~~Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/PearlerGet 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith: https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmithView Betashares range of funds: https://bit.ly/beta-25~~ Rask resources ~~All services: https://bit.ly/R-servicesFinancial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest 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

Mar 6, 2025 • 35min
Crystal ball on ETF performance, Market crashes in retirement & investing in business | Q&A with Gemma and Owen
If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode and want to send in your questions- we’d love to hear from you. Remember we cant give personal advice so general questions are great and don't forget to get creative with your names!.Make sure you subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.Topics covered today:Listener questions answered:
Should you consider your business an investment?
Should an emergency fund be in an offset account?
What happens if the market crashes and you're retired?
Can I cancel my financial adviser?
And Owens insights into which ETF he would love a crystal ball to sneak peak its future performance and why
Resources for this episode
Free business course
Rask Advice
Gemma's Instagram
ETFs mentioned by Owen: HACK, FOOD
Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)
~~ Show partner resources ~~Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/PearlerGet 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith: https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmithView Betashares range of funds: https://bit.ly/beta-25~~ Rask resources ~~All services: https://bit.ly/R-servicesFinancial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest 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

Mar 5, 2025 • 41min
RSUs: How can I get the most from my package?
James O'Reilly, a financial advisor and co-host of the Australian Retirement Podcast, joins to unravel the mystery of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs). He explains why RSUs exist, how they impact cash flow, and the tax complexities involved. Discover common pitfalls employees face with their RSUs and strategies to avoid them, ensuring these financial tools help achieve major goals. Plus, O'Reilly shares a useful spreadsheet to simplify management of RSUs!