Australian Finance Podcast

Is AI in a bubble? Cameron Gleeson on the barbell strategy for AI investing.

AI is one of the biggest investing themes in markets right now, but the smarter question is not just whether OpenAI, Anthropic or Nvidia win. It is who else makes money when AI demand explodes. In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Cameron Gleeson from Betashares to unpack the AI supply chain from hyperscalers, semiconductors and cloud infrastructure through to copper, energy, uranium and the broader commodities complex needed to build and power data centres. They discuss whether AI already looks like a bubble, who is making the money across the hardware, cloud and application layers, and why listed-market investors may need to think beyond the obvious names. The conversation also explores ETFs such as NDQ, ASIA, XMET, FUEL, QAU and MNRS, plus the case for a barbell portfolio that blends technology exposure with hard assets. If you want a practical, non-hype guide to investing in AI beyond the chatbot headlines, this episode is a strong place to start. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – 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

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6 ETFs for passive income with Hugh Lam from Betashares

3d ago00:44:33Tap to summarize

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Hugh Lam from Betashares to build a six-ETF watchlist for investors chasing passive income without sleepwalking into yield traps. Rather than treating income as a race to the highest percentage, they step through where ETF income actually comes from, why total return still matters, and how to think about blending shares, bonds, credit and cash inside one portfolio. Hugh brings three Betashares ideas to the table: ROYL for global royalties, INCM for global dividend-paying companies, and ECRD for enhanced credit income. Owen counters with HYLD for Australian dividend and momentum exposure, GGOV for long-duration US Treasuries, and MMKT for money-market cash exposure. Along the way, they explain why a 7% yield is not automatically better than 4%, how rebalances and capital gains can distort payout figures, and why investors need to look under the hood before buying any income ETF. The conversation also unpacks the trade-offs that matter most in 2026: dividend traps, duration risk, leverage inside credit products, and the role cash-like ETFs can play when markets get jumpy. If you want a practical framework for researching passive-income ETFs, comparing yield with quality, and building a more resilient portfolio, this episode is a strong place to start. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources – View Betashares range of funds – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith 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

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Senator Andrew Bragg on housing, tax and Australia’s productivity problem

1w ago01:02:13Tap to summarize

This episode was originally featured on The Australian Investors Podcast. In this episode, Owen Rask sits down with Senator Andrew Bragg for a wide-ranging conversation about the Federal Budget, housing supply, tax, productivity and why so many Australians feel the country has become harder to get ahead in. Rather than getting stuck in party talking points, they focus on the practical questions investors, business owners and workers are asking right now: what happens when policy makes it harder to build homes, why does productivity matter so much for living standards, and how do taxes, regulation and incentives shape whether Australia creates more wealth or simply fights over what already exists? Andrew explains why he believes cutting housing supply is one of the worst policy choices Australia can make, how rising rents, higher rates and broader cost-of-living pressure are changing the national mood, and why small business, private investment and simpler rules still matter if Australia wants to stay competitive. The conversation also touches on super, the role of large institutions, and why clearer economic thinking matters more when confidence is low. Owen pushes on the bigger picture too: whether Australia has lost ambition, why the policy debate feels less honest than it should, and what needs to change if Australians want better opportunities over the next decade. If you want a plain-English discussion about housing, tax, productivity, competitiveness and the long-run direction of Australia, this is a timely episode to queue next. Episode resources – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – 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

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How rich are you? What 3,000 Aussies told us about wealth

1w ago00:33:20Tap to summarize

How rich are you really, and how do you stack up against other Australians? In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack early results from Rask’s free Wealth Checker after around 3,000 community members benchmarked their finances. Together, they explore what the data says about net worth, debt, super, property, shares and crypto, and why context matters more than comparison alone. Owen and Gemma break down some of the standout findings so far, including the age groups with the highest crypto balances, when men and women typically hit millionaire and multi-millionaire status, and how wealth gaps widen over time. They also look at why property still dominates household wealth, what the data suggests about debt and business ownership, and why benchmarking can be reassuring when you feel behind. Instead of doom-scrolling everyone else’s wins, this conversation shows how tracking your own net worth can help you spot progress, reset goals and focus on the decisions that actually move the needle. If you want a practical, data-led look at what wealth really looks like in Australia, plus a simple way to check your own numbers, this is a great episode to queue up. Episode resources – Try the Rask Wealth Checker – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – 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

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Money coaching vs financial advice: The 5-step framework to fix your finances

1w ago00:40:28Tap to summarize

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell dive into money coaching, financial advice, and the simple 5-step framework anyone can use to take control of their finances. They cover: – The difference between education, coaching, and financial advice – Why most people aren’t as “bad with money” as they think – Real-life insights from working with Christian Hull – How mindset, behaviour, and systems shape your financial success If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on money coaching and financial clarity, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics covered – What is the difference between podcasts, money coaching & financial advice? – Education vs action vs strategy: what actually drives change – Inside money coaching: what a session really looks like – Case study: Christian Hull’s money journey – Why high income doesn’t equal confidence with money – The role of mindset, behaviour & organisation in financial success – Common money beliefs: “I’m bad with numbers” & control vs clarity – Quick wins in coaching: simple changes that make a big impact – Building systems: accounts, habits & routines that support success – When to introduce tools like PocketSmith – Identifying spending problem areas without tracking everything – Connecting goals, cash flow & long-term planning Episode resources – Download your workbook here – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – 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

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ETF tax traps, kids investing, retirement timing & super: Special Q&A

2w ago01:00:20Tap to summarize

ETF tax, kids’ investing, retirement timing and super all in one Q&A? That is what Owen Rask and Tahli Cavagnino tackle in this practical Australian Finance Podcast episode. The episode opens with the tax questions investors often avoid: capital gains, franking credits, ETF cost-base adjustments and US income. Navarre from Navexa joins to explain why record-keeping becomes harder the longer you have been dollar-cost averaging. Then the conversation moves to everyday decisions people actually wrestle with: changing careers into financial advice, when to move on from a Raiz account, how to think about kids’ investing structures, and why retirement is usually about sequencing the right decisions rather than finding the perfect month to stop work. The final question asks whether buying the dip inside super is worth it. Owen and Tahli explain why long-term contribution strategy and asset allocation usually matter more than trying to time the market. If you want a useful Q&A on tax, retirement, kids’ investing and super, this one delivers. Episode resources – RASK Tax For Kids overview report – Retirement Academy course – Navexa – Hypothetical S&P 500 chart – Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” – Speak with the Rask Advice team – 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

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How to invest in your 30s - ETF starter portfolio

2w ago00:40:07Tap to summarize

Your 30s can be one of the most important decades for building wealth, but they can also be one of the messiest. A mortgage, family plans, career pressure and day-to-day cash flow can make investing feel a lot more complicated than it did in your 20s. In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Hugh Lam from Betashares to break down how ETF investors can think about their 30s with more confidence. They unpack what a low-cost core portfolio can look like, how many ETFs is probably enough, and why defensive assets can still matter even if retirement is decades away. You’ll also hear how to think about Australian shares versus global shares, why performance chasing can hurt long-term results, and how to build something simple enough to stick with when life gets busy. If you’re trying to invest while juggling a mortgage, kids, career growth and real-world expenses, this episode is packed with practical perspective. Episode resources View Betashares funds Speak with Rask Advice Ask a question Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” 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

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How to start investing in ETFs: Step-by-step beginner guide [5/5]

3w ago00:40:47Tap to summarize

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell wrap up the ETF mini-series by showing you exactly how to get started. After learning what ETFs are, how they work, how to research them, and how to build a portfolio, this episode turns knowledge into action with a simple step-by-step guide. They cover: - What you need to start investing in ETFs - How to place your first trade - How to build a long-term investing habit - What to expect once you’re invested If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on ETFs, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered - What you need to begin investing: - Brokerage account (HIN vs custodial) - Micro-investing apps vs traditional brokers - Bank account setup - How to place your first ETF trade (step-by-step overview) - How much money you need to start (and why small amounts are okay) - Micro investing explained - Ongoing strategy: - Regular investing (dollar-cost averaging) - Long-term investing vs short-term trading - What to expect as an investor: - Market ups and downs - Staying consistent through volatility - What to do after you invest: - Updating your share registry details - Understanding your tax responsibilities - What is a DRP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan)? - DRP pros and cons - Building confidence and taking action Resources for this episode - Download the ETF mini series checklist here - 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 - TikTok 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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How to build your ETF portfolio: Simple strategies that work [4/5]

3w ago00:32:16Tap to summarize

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell continue the ETF mini-series by helping you actually build your ETF portfolio. After learning what ETFs are, how they work, and how to research them, this episode focuses on decision-making—how to choose ETFs, structure your portfolio, and grow with confidence over time. They cover: - How to build a simple ETF portfolio from scratch - The role of asset allocation and diversification - Common beginner building blocks like A200 and global ETFs - How your portfolio evolves as you become more experienced If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on ETFs, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered - Recap: Risk profiles and choosing suitable ETFs - Understanding risk in your portfolio: - Market ups and downs - Not all ETFs are equal - Overconcentration risk (e.g. all Aussie shares) - What is asset allocation? - How diversification works in a portfolio - Simple portfolio frameworks: - Core and satellite approach - Beginner ETF building blocks: - Australian shares ETF (e.g. A200) - International shares ETF - Bonds ETFs - How many ETFs should you have? - Avoiding ETF overlap (and how to check it) - How your portfolio evolves over time (beginner → advanced) - Common mistakes: - Trying to build the perfect portfolio from day one - Holding too many ETFs - Keeping your strategy simple and repeatable Resources for this episode - Download the ETF mini series checklist here - 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 - TikTok 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

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How to research ETFs: The ultimate beginner checklist [3/5]

3w ago00:53:30Tap to summarize

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell continue the ETF mini-series by showing you how to research and compare ETFs like a pro. After learning what ETFs are and how they work in episodes one and two, this episode focuses on building trust and confidence when choosing between similar ETFs. They cover: – How to research ETFs using a simple checklist – The key documents you need (like the PDS) – How to compare performance, fees and fund size – Why similar ETFs can still be very different If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on ETFs, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify), YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Why ETFs are used by both beginners and advanced investors – Why similar ETFs aren’t always identical – How to research an ETF step-by-step – What is a PDS (Product Disclosure Statement)? – Key documents to review before investing – Comparing ETF performance (and why past performance isn’t everything) – How ETF prices actually work – Does fund size matter? – Does ETF price matter ($5 vs $100)? – ETF research checklist: – Index (what does it track?) – Fees (MER / management costs) – Long-term performance – Fund size (FUM) – Common investor questions: – Should you hold multiple similar ETFs? – Is that real diversification? – Why choose one ETF over another? – Do lower fees always win? – What if an ETF is new with limited history? – When ETFs work well (long-term investing) – When ETFs might not suit your strategy Resources for this episode - Download the ETF mini series checklist here - 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 - TikTok 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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All episodes

Is AI in a bubble? Cameron Gleeson on the barbell strategy for AI investing.

6 ETFs for passive income with Hugh Lam from Betashares

Senator Andrew Bragg on housing, tax and Australia’s productivity problem

How rich are you? What 3,000 Aussies told us about wealth

Money coaching vs financial advice: The 5-step framework to fix your finances

ETF tax traps, kids investing, retirement timing & super: Special Q&A

How to invest in your 30s - ETF starter portfolio

How to start investing in ETFs: Step-by-step beginner guide [5/5]

How to build your ETF portfolio: Simple strategies that work [4/5]

How to research ETFs: The ultimate beginner checklist [3/5]