

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

Mar 3, 2025 • 56min
Love, Lies & Lost Savings: Tracy Hall’s Journey After a $70M Con
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell, chats to Tracy Hall, author of The Last Victim, to hear her incredible story of love, deception, and financial betrayal at the hands of notorious conman Hamish McLaren.Tracy opens up about how she lost everything—her trust, her savings, and her sense of security and how she hasrebuilt stronger than ever. If you found this Australian Finance Podcast episode on rebuilding your finances insightful, there's more to explore! Check out our other episodes covering investing, saving, financial resilience, and smart money moves to help you take control of your financial future.Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.Topics covered today:
What happened? How it happened and if there were any red flags?
What was the hardest part of rebuilding—your finances, your confidence, or something else?
How Tracy rebuilt, and how others can- regardless of the set back they've faced
How the experience has shaped her life, work and money now.
Plus, a dive into how different financial crimes unfold, their lasting impact, and the lessons we can learn to protect ourselves.
Resources for this episode
Connect with Tracy -The Last Victim | Tracy Hall (1) Tracy Hall | LinkedIn www.instagram.com/tracyleehall/
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

Feb 27, 2025 • 46min
Reverse Mortgages, debt & super contributions and picking your platform| Q&A with Gemma and Owen
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell answer the questions you have sent in. If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode and want to send in your questions- we’d love to hear from you. Remember we can't 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:
What should I expect to pay for financial advice? And payment options?
Should I take out a personal loan to add money to super?
How do I pick an investing platform?
Reverse mortgages- will we need one?
And we have an update on the Education fees we discussed in last week's episode.
Resources for this episode
See if you are on track for super- MoneySmart Retirement Calculator- Retirement planner - Moneysmart.gov.au
See if you are on track to pay off your mortgage by your planned retirement- Mortgage calculator - Moneysmart.gov.au
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

Feb 24, 2025 • 34min
Where to find (good) income in Australian shares & ETFs, ft. Tom Wickenden
Where can an investor find income from shares or ETFs in 2025? Given the rise of the share market, people are worried about where their income might come from.VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/QT1bPgbIVKcIn this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer of Rask Invest, is joined by Betashares' Tom Wickenden, to talk about finding passive income from ETFs.If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on passive income from ETFs, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.Topics covered today:
Why income matters in 2025
What is "yield" and how is it calculated?
Are Australian shares still good for income?
Why ETFs can unlock more sources of income
One big theme for 2025 & beyond
An overview of 5 ETFs:
A200
AAA
YMAX
CRED
EX20
Resources for this episode
Betashares ETFs to research: https://bit.ly/beta-25
Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest
~~ Show partner resources ~~View Betashares range of funds: https://bit.ly/beta-25Join 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-PocketSmith~~ 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 DISCLOSURE: Betashares is a long-term sponsor of the podcast.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

22 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 39min
Family trusts, super contributions and saving tax | Q&A with Gemma and Owen
The hosts dive into listener questions, discussing the nuances of super contributions and personal versus employer contributions. They explore the merits of setting up family trusts for property investments as a tax strategy. Retirement planning is tackled, with insights on how much is needed for a comfortable retirement. The duo also highlights the importance of salary sacrificing super contributions and the benefits of financial planning to boost confidence in managing finances.

11 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 47min
PocketSmith co-founder Jason Leong: a life-affirming budget, open banking and scaling a SAAS business to 300,000 users
In this lively discussion, Jason Leung, co-founder and CEO of PocketSmith, shares his insights on creating a life-affirming budget and the importance of open banking for financial inclusivity. He highlights the joy of thrift shopping while linking sustainable choices to personal well-being. The conversation also explores unique financial behaviors of Gen Z and the empowerment that comes from innovative financial tools. With a touch of humor, Jason reflects on scaling PocketSmith to 300,000 users, illustrating the transformative power of thoughtful financial management.

Feb 14, 2025 • 53min
Is Super a good investment, private school, and ETFs or property - weekly Q&A with Gemma & Owen
Is Super a good investment? Should I buy a house with family? Do I save for property or for shares?On this Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts, money coach and financial adviser Gemma Mitchell and Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer at Rask, answer your questions and dive into what's making news this week.Topics covered today:
When buying a house with family... goes wrong
Gemma is famous (again)
Review my budget!
Binding financial agreements
Owen is reading This Is Strategy by Seth Godin
Managing money in a couple
Does it make sense to put money in Super?
Is starting an SMSF to invest in residential property a good idea?
Private school: how to save for it as a single parent
Resources for this episode
Book a call with Gemma: https://calendly.com/gemma-rask/quick-chat-rask
Book a call with Mitchell for investing: https://calendly.com/mitchell-wswf/investing-the-rask-way-sn
Join the free community (e.g. to get event updates): https://community.rask.com.au (psst, you need a free Rask account to access it - for safety)
Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest
~~ Show partner resources ~~View Betashares range of funds: https://bit.ly/beta-25Join 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-PocketSmith~~ 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

4 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 40min
Are you worried about US shares? Ways to invest in 2025, AI & more
Hugh Lam, an investment strategist at BetaShares who specializes in ETFs and technology, shares insightful perspectives on the future of investing. He discusses the potential performance of US stocks in 2025 and the role of AI in reshaping investment strategies. Hugh highlights key themes for 2025, including defense, cyber security, and AI innovations. He also emphasizes the importance of managing risks in ETF portfolios, pointing out specific ETFs worth considering, and provides advice for navigating market volatility.

Feb 6, 2025 • 51min
Are car leases worth it? Budgeting for freelancers & how Owen saved $10,000 on an engagement ring [Part 11 of 11]
Navigating budgeting can be tricky for freelancers with irregular incomes. Discover personalized approaches to financial management tailored for variable earnings. Learn how Owen saved thousands on an engagement ring through smart shopping and ethical choices. Explore the complexities of budgeting as a couple, focusing on transparent communication and adapting strategies to fit unique situations. Plus, insights into the pros and cons of car leasing will help you make informed financial decisions.

18 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 49min
Protect your family: Insurance, Wills & Emergency Funds [Part 10 of 11]
Discover the critical importance of insurance and emergency funds in protecting your family's financial future. Explore how superannuation can serve as a budget-friendly insurance option, especially for single parents. Unravel the complexities of Total Permanent Disability insurance and differentiate it from life insurance. Get insights into the essential steps for effective estate planning, including the significance of wills and managing assets. Plus, learn the vital role of executors and trustees to ensure your legacy is handled smoothly.

24 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 31min
How tax works (and how to save on it!) [Part 9 of 11]
Dive into the intricacies of the Australian tax system, where common misconceptions around progressive taxation and deductions are revealed. Learn how marginal tax rates and tax brackets influence your financial strategy. Discover the ins and outs of capital gains tax, including the 50% discount for investment properties. Plus, get tips on tracking expenses for multiple jobs and the importance of consulting with tax professionals. Lastly, understand the difference between gross and net pay to better manage your earnings!