

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 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!

9 snips
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.

15 snips
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.

9 snips
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!

14 snips
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!


