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Explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can support (and mislead) your financial planning, understand key differences between pre- and post-tax super contributions, and unpack SMSF concerns around ETF custodial ownership. In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack some of the most common and timely questions we’re seeing right now around AI, superannuation strategies and SMSF investing. With tools like ChatGPT becoming part of everyday decision-making, we talk about where AI can genuinely help with money organisation and planning, where it falls down, and why judgement, context and regulation still matter when real money is on the line. We also step through practical super contribution questions that confuse a lot of people, and clear up concerns around ETF custodial ownership for SMSFs. If you like this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app. And follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more free insights. Topics Covered – Can ChatGPT help with your financial planning? – Where AI tools are useful (and risky) with money – Are AI-generated return estimates for super reliable? – Target date funds: what they are & how Aussies use them – What SMSF investors need to know about ETF custodial ownership – Betashares Direct & other SMSF platform structures – Pre-tax (concessional) vs post-tax (non-concessional) contributions – How to claim a tax deduction for super contributions – Why timing & paperwork matter for pre-tax strategies – Practical steps to avoid breaching your super caps Resources for this episode 📄 Learn more about this episode: – ChatGPT and Financial Planning – ASIC Guidelines - https://moneysmart.gov.au – ATO guide to Super Contributions - https://www.ato.gov.au Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith: https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds: https://bit.ly/beta-25 Rask resources All services: https://bit.ly/R-services Financial 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 We love feedback! https://raskau.typeform.com/to/ZbfHy6IP Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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

How does your super really stack up? Average vs top 10% super balances explained. In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell and Owen Rask break down the latest Australian superannuation statistics and answer the question so many people quietly worry about: Am I behind on super? This episode cuts through the averages, explains what the numbers actually mean, and gives you practical ways to improve your superannuation position whether you’re behind, on track, or already ahead. If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Want help sorting your super or retirement plan? Explore the free resources and advice links below. Topics Covered – What you ‘should’ have in super by age – What places you in the top 10% of super balances – Why average super figures can be misleading – Median vs average: what really tells the story – Career breaks, part-time work & super outcomes – “Comfortable retirement”: what it really means – Why context matters more than general rules – Inflation & changing retirement income targets – Top 10% super balances by age – and how to use the data – Why top 10% doesn’t mean “set”, and being behind doesn’t mean “failed” For those behind on super: – Contributions: how small boosts can grow – Fees & insurance: hidden costs that add up – Investment settings: don’t go too conservative too soon For those ahead on super: – Does “comfortable” reflect the life you want? – Check your insurance is still right for your needs – When building assets outside super makes sense Key takeaway: Understanding where you sit can be motivating – but what matters most is what you do next. Resources for this episode Rask Super Course (free) Rask Retirement Academy (free) What is a comfortable retirement? – ASFA APRA Quarterly Super Report (June 2025) Gemma’s book – The Money Reset Ask a question or give us feedback 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

In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by James Phelan, Senior Adviser at Rask Advice, to answer the big money questions that tend to come up when a baby is on the way. From planning for income changes to understanding parental leave, childcare costs and shared money dynamics, this episode focuses on practical, real-world decisions new and growing families are navigating right now. If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, follow us on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Got a parenting & money question for a future Q&A? Submit it here. Topics Covered – What to expect financially when a baby is on the way – Creating a cash buffer and planning for one-off baby expenses – Employer vs government parental leave: how to sequence it – Navigating Child Care Subsidy and estimating weekly costs – Understanding childcare waitlists & minimum day policies – Managing shared money when one partner stops or reduces work – Avoiding resentment in uneven financial contributions – Systems that work with low energy, low time, and a new baby – How to keep control of money in the early parenting fog Resources for this episode: – Paid Parental Leave – Services Australia – Child Care Subsidy Estimator – Gemma’s book: The Money Reset – Ask a question 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 Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services 📋 Rask Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan 📈 Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest 📜 Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes ❓ Ask a question – https://bit.ly/R-quest 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest – https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest/ TikTok: @rask.invest – https://www.tiktok.com/@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 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) – https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by long-time friend of the show, Mel Browne – a multi-time founder, author, and ex-financial adviser with a fresh take on what it really means to be wealthy. With her new book Dare to Be Wealthy hitting shelves, Mel and Gemma dive into some of the biggest mindset blocks, money myths and systemic challenges holding people back – especially women – from feeling in control of their financial lives. From redefining wealth, to unpacking the hidden costs of traditional success, to rethinking how we talk about investing, debt and progress – this is a conversation packed with big questions and honest answers. Topics Covered – What inspired Mel’s new book Dare to Be Wealthy and how it differs from her earlier work – Why “wealth” is such a loaded word and how language around money shapes our beliefs – The difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy” – Why terms like “aggressive” in investing can be unhelpful or misunderstood – A new framework for thinking about debt – beyond “good” vs “bad” – How systems around us (like tax, housing, and gendered expectations) work against financial progress – What individuals can actually do to counter those systems and make change – The emotional side of money: what happens when you tick the “invisible checklist” and still feel stuck – Mel’s three types of success – and why recognising them can change everything – Advice for anyone feeling behind, stuck, or disconnected from their financial future Resources for this episode 📄 Explore more: – Buy Dare to Be Wealthy by Mel Browne – Booktopia or Amazon – Mel Browne’s website: https://www.melbrowne.com.au – Previous episodes with Mel: Search "Mel Browne" in The Australian Finance Podcast archives – Ask a question for the podcast: https://bit.ly/R-quest 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

In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell tackle some of the bigger, more complex money questions that tend to show up in mid-life and major transitions. We cover what it really means to be an executor of an estate, how to think through first home and property decisions as a couple, and how investors at different stages can make more confident choices without feeling out of their depth. Owen and Gemma cover: - Where to start when you’re named executor of an estate, what your responsibilities actually are, whether there’s a government checklist, and when to involve lawyers and other professionals - The pros and cons of keeping an existing apartment as an investment versus selling it to reduce debt on a new home, including tax considerations over the next few years - Where to seek personal advice on property, tax and structuring decisions when things move beyond general education - How to make a meaningful financial contribution in a relationship where one partner has significantly more investing experience, and how confidence, behaviour and consistency often matter more than technical knowledge - ETF investing considerations for someone mortgage-free in their mid-50s with a 10–20 year time horizon, medium-high risk tolerance, and high marginal tax on cash savings If you enjoyed this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, make sure you hit follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.And if you’ve got a money question you’d like us to unpack in a future Q&A, send it through using the link in the show notes. Resources for this episode - Sign up for the newsletter - Sign up for Rask Core - 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 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 #finance #asx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with finance journalist and author Chris Kohler to discuss the systems designed to separate Australians from their money – and what you can do to protect yourself. They cover – The psychological tricks behind modern consumerism – Chris’s viral interest rate videos and their surprising impact – How businesses subtly extract more from your wallet – The hidden cost of convenience – Why loyalty isn’t always rewarding This conversation is full of insights for anyone looking to take back control of their spending and think critically about modern money systems. If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, don’t forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics Covered – Chris Kohler’s media and finance journey – Going viral: How humour made economics click – Behind the scenes of his creative process – What inspired his new book: “They Get You” – Psychological levers used by marketers – Loyalty programs: Who benefits most? – The dangerous normalisation of gambling – How data is used to drive spending – Subscription creep & the illusion of value – What you can do to fight back – Why it’s never too late to become financially aware – Chris’s advice to his younger self – How the “little guy” can regain control Resources for this episode: - Find Chris on Instagram - Find Chris on TikTok - Buy How They Get You - 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this short episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, your host OwenRask, Chief Investment Officer for Rask Invest, explains why he invested $100,000 into Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) this week, despite lots of uncertainty in the stock market. Topics covered:1. The ETFs Owen bought2. Why he invested a lump sum3. How he did his equity redraw4. Why getting financial advice is important if you're worried5. The benefit of diversification6. Why timing the market isn't something Owen doesIf you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.Resources for this episode Rask Invest Martian:https://www.rask.com.au/rask-invest/martianOwen's LIVE show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBxxCavI2LoFinancial planning: https://www.rask.com.au/adviceAsk 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-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

The ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) price is crashing down 6.5%. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) share price is down 7.7%. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price is down 8%. VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/SBxxCavI2LoASX 200 investors, what should you do in a market crash?!If you're watching the ASX 200 sell-off in fear, rest assured - at 12 noon today (MEL/SYD time), Chief Investment Officer Owen Rask will break down his 5-part market crash investing checklist. ✨ Resources ✨Rask Invest portfolio: https://www.rask.com.au/rask-investJoin our community: https://community.rask.com.auGet financial advice: https://www.rask.com.au/adviceSpecial guest Claude Walker:https://arichlife.com.au/All information in this podcast is strictly general in nature. It is not personal financial advice as it does not take into account your needs, goals or objectives. So don’t act on it before speaking with your financial planner. Owen Raszkiewicz can be verified on asic.gov.au. He is the ultimate holder of AFSL 563907 and you can read Rask's Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg Investing can be risky and result in permanent capital loss.#investing #asx200 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell chats with Victoria Vivente, founder of Bad Bitch Money and author of Know Your Worth. They dive into healing your relationship with money, looking after future you, and the incredible work financial counsellors do to support Australians in tough times.If you enjoy this episode, you'll love our other conversations designed to help you take control of your finances. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Topics covered in this episode: The important work financial counsellors do—beyond just money Financial literacy and education: why it matters more than ever Practical ways to connect with future you and set yourself up for success Building healthy financial habits that actually stick Key lessons from Victoria’s time as a financial counsellor And the hard-hitting question: What do you wish 20-year-old you knew about money and life? Resources for this episode Connect with Victoria- Bad Bitch Money | Learn the basics of money Sign up Victoria’s Newsletter https://open.substack.com/pub/victoriavivente Explore counselling services- Welcome Page - National Debt Helpline Buy ‘Know your Worth’ by Victoria Vivente- Know Your Worth by Victoria Vivente - 9781923022430 - Dymocks or Know Your Worth: Heal your relationship with your money and your self : Victoria Vivente: Amazon.com.au: Books Kate and Victorias previous episode about Debt Counselling https://youtu.be/VJgRR6oyvD0?feature=shared ~~ 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

In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell answer the questions you have sent in, plus they chat about their own investment wins and losses that became lessons. 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: Using your leave entitlements after finishing up work New super fund – do I need to add $6K to get insurance? Best way to use a divorce settlement Invest with $50- what am I doing wrong? When to DIY and when to see an adviser for ETF investing PLUS Gemma and Owen talk about their best investments to date. Got questions? Send them in & subscribe for weekly episodesResources for this episode Join the Rask Community - Free Rask Account sign up Rask Advice: https://www.rask.com.au/advice Rask ETF Series- https://youtu.be/r_unbyby6Sg Rask ETF free course- Beginner's ETF Investing Course Gemma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmamitchell.finance 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 #finance #asx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices