Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early

A few years ago mortgages were under 2% and cash earned you nothing. Now rates sit around 6% and every option looks different: savings accounts are suddenly respectable, offsets feel like a guaranteed win, and borrowing to invest looks scarier than it maybe is. Dave and Hayden work through how a high-rate environment reshuffles the deck, and the mental shortcuts that lead people astray in both directions.In this episode we'll discuss:💸 Savings accounts are back, but interest is taxed at your marginal rate, and plenty of high earners forget that 5% is really more like 3%💸 A quick test for whether you're carrying too much debt: how nervous do you get before RBA meetings?💸 Dave's peak-debt confession: millions owed in his twenties, and why a 2% rate rise would have broken the strategy💸 The offset trap: why "a guaranteed 6% return" isn't permanent (it moves with rates), and why "6% tax-free equals 10% invested" is the wrong comparison. Compare after-tax returns to after-tax returns💸 Waiting for rate cuts before investing: why asset prices reprice on the way down, and if everyone has the same plan, you need to be early for it to work💸 Dave's counterintuitive maths on borrowing to invest: how borrowing at 8% into a low-yield growth ETF can still come out ahead after the tax deduction💸 Why people happily suspend the maths for property ($923 a week in interest on an $800k Sydney apartment) but won't extend the same long-term logic to shares💸 Hayden's crusade: housing's advantages are mostly structural (CGT exemptions, pension treatment, cheap secured lending), and why he wants mortgage-rate loans against boring index ETFs to exist💸 A cracking listener tip from Jared: pay a lump sum into the loan and ask the bank to recalculate your repayments. Unlike an offset, it actually improves your monthly cash flow💸 The cherry-picked chart problem: the friend who "proved" property beats shares using 1998 to 2018, and why you should go find the raw dataThe thread through all of it: know what a decision actually costs you over the long term before you anchor to big theoretical numbers. Questions, disagreements or your own scenario: [email protected] or reach out on socials at Strong Money Australia and Pearler.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people sit firmly on one side of the property versus shares fence. Dave Gow spent 15-plus years on both, building a property portfolio, hitting the borrowing ceiling, then selling down to fund the ETF portfolio he now lives off. In this episode Hayden puts him through a barrage of listener-style questions on how the transition actually works, and why most property investors have never honestly audited their returns.In this episode we'll discuss:💸 Why the property-only plan stalled: maxed-out borrowing capacity, and cash flow forecasts that looked grim even with the properties paid off💸 The mechanics of the switch: sell a property, park the lump sum in an offset, live off part of it, and dollar cost average the rest into ETFs over a couple of years💸 Why holding maximum debt while living off your portfolio rarely works, even when the maths of leverage looks appealing💸 Surviving the brutal years: Perth rents falling while expenses rose, negative cash flow on a falling asset, and why Dave banked on mean reversion💸 The self-delusion audit: anchoring to purchase price and forgetting stamp duty, holding costs, selling fees and CGT. "I bought for 600 and sold for a million" rarely means what people think💸 Why leverage only works when returns clearly beat the cost of servicing it, and why interest rates and timing matter more than the property you pick💸 How much you need to retire via property: roughly 30 to 35 times annual expenses instead of 25, to cover selling costs and tax on the way through💸 Which property to sell first: most equity, strongest market, worst cash flow, and the psychology trap of always keeping the recent winner💸 Dave's contrarian take on Melbourne: why the unloved market (with some land, away from apartment oversupply) might be the interesting oneFollow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last episode Dave and Hayden covered the general idea of geographic arbitrage: take your Aussie wealth, live somewhere cheaper, retire sooner. This episode is the technical follow-up, and it's a sobering one. Brett Evans from Atlas Wealth has spent nearly three decades advising Australian expats across 65 countries, and he joins the boys to walk through everything that changes the moment you step on that plane. Fair warning: Hayden reckons it's the most information-dense episode they've published.In this episode we'll discuss:💸 The main residence trap: why selling the family home while you're a non-resident can mean capital gains tax all the way back to the purchase date, and the six and seven figure bills Brett has seen because of it💸 Deemed disposal on shares, ETFs and crypto: the one-time election at departure that stops you accruing CGT overseas, why plenty of accountants don't know about it, and the client sitting on a seven-figure bill who found out too late💸 How Australian tax residency actually works: the resides test, the domicile test, the 183-day test, and why "resident of nowhere" defaults you straight back to being an Australian tax resident💸 The proposed new residency rules: a hard 183-day line, a 45-day count, and a four-factor test where holding an Aussie passport already counts as one strike against you💸 What non-residents lose: no tax-free threshold, 30% from the first dollar of rental income, no 50% CGT discount since 2012, and why positive cash flow property becomes a problem💸 Withholding tax on dividends at 15% or 30% depending on where you land, and how franking credits can offset it💸 Why SMSFs are brutal for expats, including a case study where a client ignored the advice, got audited, and lost 45% of his balance💸 The brokerage headache nobody warns you about: platforms freezing accounts, CHESS holdings converted to issuer-sponsored, and share registry mail going to a country with no postal delivery💸 Getting your money home: the deemed acquisition rules, why to start planning 12 months out, and the $10,000 transfer myth that makes you look like a money launderer💸 Why Brett tells clients to stop asking ChatGPT, and why good advice for expats is simple and flexible rather than clever and structuredAround 70 to 80% of expats eventually come home, so the decisions you make before you leave matter more than most people realise. Nothing here is personal advice, and Brett's own point is that if your situation is simple you probably don't need someone like him. But if you're carrying property, a share portfolio, an SMSF or a trust, this is an hour and a bit well spent before you book the flight.Atlas WealthFollow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the recent tax proposals, plenty of people were half joking about packing up and taking their money overseas. Enough of them were half serious that Dave and Hayden decided to make an episode out of it. This one is the broad overview of geoarbitrage (or "geo-FIRE"): why people do it, who it actually suits, where they tend to go, and what it does to your FI number. The technical side, tax residency, visas, and how to structure it properly, is coming in the next episode with a guest who does this for a living.In this episode we'll discuss:💸 The $800 a month apartment in Chiang Mai, modern build, lagoon pool, walking distance to shops, that would cost roughly $800 a week in Australia (one of Dave's readers is testing it right now)💸 Purchasing power vs exchange rates: why "the exchange rate is great over there" means nothing, and what the Big Mac index actually tells you💸 The real numbers: singles living well on $15k to $25k a year in Southeast Asia, a recently retired couple budgeting $100 a day, and what that does when you multiply it by 25💸 What a decade off looks like: a 15 year FI journey turning into 7, or half a million to a million dollars less in the portfolio you need💸 The bit nobody budgets for: consumer guarantees, the ombudsman, banks that have to make it right, police body cams (Hayden on why it all feels academic until the day it isn't)💸 Never quite being a local: the guy born in Japan, fluent, schooled there, who says he is "from Japan" but not Japanese, and why two white kids from regional Australia have never had to think about belonging💸 Selling the Sydney house: a million in cash, invested, could fund a very good life overseas forever, so why do the alarm bells go off, and is the fear of not being able to buy back in a reasonable one?💸 What actually moves the needle: housing, childcare and schooling, not $4 Grab rides and $6 chicken skewers (a fun novelty, not a financial plan)💸 Why you have to live somewhere, not holiday there: three months of grocery runs, bank accounts and boring admin beats a year of nice trips, plus visiting in the bad season before you commit💸 Your portfolio probably needs to change: if you won't be spending Aussie dollars, a big home bias stops making sense💸 Geoarbitrage as a backup plan rather than a goal: why the people it works best for are somewhere in the middle, not the ones who can already comfortably buy a house hereWe're not pro or anti this idea. If you come away googling what life is actually like somewhere you'd never considered, that's a win.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick off our FY27 tax-time series, Dave and Hayden are joined by Navarre Trousselot, founder of Navexa — an investment tracking and tax reporting platform (if you've heard of Sharesight, it plays in the same space). Because here's the thing: most of us agonise over what to buy, then put zero thought into how we sell — and selling is the part where you actually get your money back. As Navarre puts it, too many investors are "selling in the dark" and handing the ATO far more than they need to.In this episode we'll discuss:💸 How the exact same sale can be a $30 loss or a $20 gain: why choosing which parcels you sell (not just what you sell) can save you thousands in capital gains tax💸 The ETF tax trap most investors have never heard of: AMIT cost base adjustments, and why ten years of dollar cost averaging leaves you 120 parcels to adjust every single year (get it wrong and you've either overpaid tax or filed incorrectly — hello, audit risk)💸 FIFO, LIFO, minimise gain, maximise gain and minimise CGT explained — including why everyone's a FIFO milk drinker, but nobody's a LIFO milk drinker💸 When realising a bigger gain is the smart move: using a maximise gain strategy in a low-income year (career break, slow year for the business) to land in a lower tax bracket💸 The NAB shares Navarre almost sold as a dud — until he added up the dividends and realised he'd made roughly 40% (why annualised total return beats staring at the share price)💸 Why ChatGPT can't do your capital gains tax: LLMs still only score around 70% on maths benchmarks, and "ChatGPT said so" won't cut it with the ATO💸 Record-keeping 101 for new investors: keep every contract note and AMMA statement, don't assume your old broker sends your trade history to your new one, and remember foreign dividends (Apple, Tesla and friends) don't prefill with the ATONavexa is offering Aussie FIRE listeners 20% off their first year, plus a two-week free trial — head to navexa.com/aussiefire to check it out.Happy EOFY from pearler! Sign up in July using the code AUSSIEFIRE for 12 months worth of free trades 💸And for existing customers, sign up to a new pearler product and you'll get 12 months worth of free trades too! 💸Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you sell your ETFs just to save 0.1% a year in fees? In this episode, Hayden and Dave unpack some of the newest additions to the ETF marketplace, and work out where (if anywhere) they'd fit in a long-term portfolio.They cover: 👉 BGBL vs VGS: half the management fee for basically the same portfolio, and why switching isn't free once tax enters the picture 👉 VDAL, Vanguard's answer to DHHF: all-growth and all-in-one, minus VDHG's 10% bonds, and when one-fund portfolios make the most sense 👉 EMKT and factor investing: why this emerging markets fund has outpaced VGE, and the catch of paying guaranteed fees for an unguaranteed outcome 👉 Currency hedging, finally explained: what HNDQ actually does differently to NDQ, and who might genuinely need it 👉 V500 and A300, the new cheap rivals to IVV and VAS, and whether brand power beats a lower fee 👉 Old-school LICs trading at 15% discounts: buying a dollar of assets for 85 cents, and the risks hiding in the bargainHappy EOFY from pearler! Sign up in July using the code AUSSIEFIRE for 12 months worth of free trades 💸And for existing customers, sign up to a new pearler product and you'll get 12 months worth of free trades too! 💸Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to your job, your income and your investments when intelligence becomes almost free? In this episode, Dave uses Hayden as his window into the tech world, unpacking what AI actually means for jobs, businesses and long-term investors.They cover: 👉 How AI went from "write me a poem" to breaking big problems into bite-sized steps, and why the last 12 months surprised even the tech insiders 👉 Which parts of your job are actually at risk: why AI disrupts skills rather than whole jobs, and why the alone-at-your-computer work is the exposed bit 👉 The graduate problem: starting uni in a booming industry and finishing in a shrunken one, faster than the industrial revolution ever managed 👉 Whether AI is a bubble, a 20 to 30 year megatrend, or both, and what that could mean for indexing, Aussie property and white collar incomes 👉 Why your best hedge isn't a hot AI stock: keep earning, keep upskilling, and use the cheap intelligence everyone's worried about to your own advantageHappy EOFY from pearler! Sign up in July using the code AUSSIEFIRE for 12 months worth of free trades 💸And for existing customers, sign up to a new pearler product and you'll get 12 months worth of free trades too! 💸Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it's appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you sell a property that's grown from $280k to $800k, even if it meant a six figure tax bill? In this episode, Hayden and Dave sit down with listener Lachlan to work through a big financial decision: whether to sell his investment property or keep holding on.They cover:👉 The equity Lachlan has built up on his investment property, and what selling would actually cost him in CGT👉 Debt recycling and whether redrawing equity could achieve the same goal without triggering a tax hit👉 Why simplifying from property to shares might reduce stress, even if it's not the highest returning move👉 What semi-retirement within a decade would actually require from Lachlan and his wife's finances👉 The pull of sentimental value and FOMO, and how that shapes decisions that are supposed to be purely financialHappy EOFY from pearler! Sign up in July using the code AUSSIEFIRE for 12 months worth of free trades 💸And for existing customers, sign up to a new pearler product and you'll get 12 months worth of free trades too! 💸Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if one of the biggest leaks in your budget is sitting in your fridge? In this episode, Hayden and Dave get honest about how much they're actually spending on food right now, and running through some hacks to eat on more of a budget on your path to FIRE.The gap between a $15 and $25 daily food spend might not feel like much. But compounded over 20 years, that difference could be huge.They cover:👉 How much each host is actually spending on food right now (one answer is going to raise some eyebrows)👉 The slow creep of "brand drift" and food waste that inflates your grocery bill👉 Why skipping breakfast might be the easiest budget and health hack you're not using👉 Cheap protein swaps, bulk cooking and home brand experiments worth trying👉 Whether it's worth shopping online👉 How to tell if your food spending actually reflects your valuesWhether you're deep into your FIRE journey or just starting to question where your money goes each week, this episode will make you look at your next supermarket run a little differently.Happy EOFY from pearler! Sign up in July using the code AUSSIEFIRE for 12 months worth of free trades 💸And for existing customers, sign up to a new pearler product and you'll get 12 months worth of free trades too! 💸Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What actually happens to your portfolio when the world feels like it's on fire? In this episode, Hayden and Dave look back at how share markets have responded to major global conflicts, from WWI and WWII through to COVID, and what that history can teach us about investing through periods of fear and uncertainty.They walk through the data most people have never seen: markets that fell sharply in the first six months of a war, only to roar back stronger than before it began. It's a timely reminder that the instinct to act during a crisis isn't always the one that serves us best.They cover:👉 How the US and Australian share markets actually performed during WWI and WWII, including the sharp falls and surprising recoveries👉 What 31 wars across 130 years of market data reveal about how long downturns really last👉 Why war tends to be inflationary in a way that's different to a typical recession, and what that means for share prices👉 How governments have historically intervened in markets during wartime, and where COVID fits into that picture👉 Why 24/7 news and social media might be making market volatility feel worse than it actually is👉 The case for sticking to dollar-cost averaging and diversification even when the headlines are darkAt its core, investing through conflict is a bet on humanity's ability to find its way through. A look at history that might just change how you think about the next crisis, whatever it turns out to be.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your landlord puts the property up for sale, the rent vs. buy question stops being theoretical. For Shyann and her husband, that moment became the push they needed to make a decision they'd been circling for a while.In this case study episode, Shyann walks through how she and her husband approached one of the biggest financial decisions a FIRE-chasing couple can make, and what it actually looked like once they got the keys.They cover:👉 Why security and long-term control tipped the scales toward buying over rentvesting👉 How they funded the purchase on a strong combined income while keeping their investment strategy intact👉 The trade-offs in choosing a home that fit the life they were planning, not just the budget they had👉 Managing mortgage anxiety when one income might shrink after starting a family👉 What actually happens when you move into a renovated home and the plumbing has other ideasIs buying always the right move for someone on the path to FIRE? And how do you keep building toward financial independence when a mortgage is suddenly in the mix?Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Hayden & Dave are unpacking an email they received from a listener. He's 29, originally from the UK, drives trucks for a living and keeps moving on after a year or two because the passion just isn't there. He loves to travel, wants to build wealth, but struggles to commit to investing when the next adventure feels a lot more appealing to him. He also lost his brother 13 years ago, which has really changed his outlook on things.They cover:👉 Why losing a loved one can make the "now vs. later" question so much harder to answer👉 The problem with expecting your job to be a source of passion (and what to expect instead)👉 A simple mental framework for deciding whether spending & living today is actually worth it👉 How to stop thinking about life choices as all-or-nothing trade-offs👉 Whether the rise of AI is a reason to bunker down financially, or something else entirelyIf you've ever felt the pull between building for the future and not wanting to miss the present, this one's worth a listen.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hayden and Dave dig into one of the most overlooked parts of the FI journey: what to do with your investments as you get closer to pulling the trigger. Does your strategy need to change? And if so, when and how?They cover:👉 Whether you actually need to de-risk your portfolio before retiring, or whether it's just a psychological thing👉 The difference between accumulation and drawdown, and why the same portfolio can feel very different depending on which phase you're in👉 Cash buffers, offset accounts and other ways to protect yourself from selling at the wrong time👉 How paying off debt fits into a pre-retirement strategy and what it does for your cash flow certainty👉 Growth ETFs vs. income ETFs: does the distinction actually matter when you're drawing down?👉 What Dave is doing with his own portfolioFree calculator here to work out your CGT with the new proposed changes.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The episode was updated on the 30th of May to remove some comments around assumptions around tax losses in the new budget if an asset underperforms inflation, as well as removing some comments around tax deductions which were oversimplified.The dust has (somewhat) settled on the Federal Budget, and Hayden and Dave are back to go beyond the initial reactions. This week they dig into the real numbers, the philosophical tensions behind the changes, and what investors should actually be doing differently (if anything).They cover:👉 If and how our investing strategies will change👉 How the CGT changes hit a sell-down strategy versus a dividend/income strategy differently👉 Why the two-phase super strategy takes a bigger hit than most people realise👉 The case for semi-retirement over full FIRE under the new rules👉 Whether continuing to invest is still worth it when the rules keep shiftingPlus, is the budget actually doing anything meaningful for housing supply? And what does the 30% floor really mean for someone trying to live off their portfolio?Free calculator here to work out your CGT with the new proposed changes.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian federal budget just dropped and there is a lot to unpack. Hayden and Dave dig into the changes that matter most for everyday investors and the FIRE community, cutting through the political noise to focus on what actually affects your money.They cover:👉 The switch from the 50% CGT discount to indexation👉 The surprise 30% minimum tax floor on capital gains that nobody saw coming, and who it really hits👉 Why the "death of debt recycling" narrative doing the rounds online misses the point entirely👉 Negative gearing changes, what's grandfathered, what's not, and who actually benefits👉 How growth vs. dividend investing strategies stack up under the new rules👉 Whether super just became a lot more attractive overnight👉 The six year exemption loophole that rentvesting fans will want to know aboutThere are still plenty of details being worked out in Canberra, exemptions being carved out, and edge cases nobody has good answers to yet, but these are our thoughts so far.Free calculator here to work out your CGT with the new proposed changes.Follow us on InstagramWatch on YoutubeAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The federal budget is coming, and there's already noise around two policies that could shake up the investment landscape: capital gains tax and negative gearing.Hayden and Dave break down what's actually being floated, and what it could mean for your portfolio.They cover:👉 How governments "soft launch" policy changes before they're official, and why it matters for investors right now👉 The current CGT discount rules and the proposals that could change what you actually keep when you sell👉 Whether indexation could be a better deal than a flat discount, depending on how long you've held an asset👉 The grandfathering question that every existing property investor needs answered before panicking👉 How capping negative gearing could reshape who benefits from it and what it means for property pricesPlus, a timely reminder on building your investing strategy around any single tax settings.Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris is at a crossroads and unsure which way to go. He's spent time in his career working in real estate, and now he's trying to decide whether to buy a family home, double down on investment properties, or pivoting entirely into a more aggressive share portfolio.He's got a good case of analysis paralysis, and Hayden & Dave are here to help him work through some of the numbers and thinking behind it all.In this episode they cover:👉 How much Chris saves & invests on a $170k household income👉 His ultimate FIRE goal👉 What Chris should do with an underperforming IP👉 Chris' concerns about mortgage stress👉 How Hayden & Dave would approach all of these things!Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Got a property and wondering if it's time to sell, rent it out, or just… hold on? In this episode, Dave and Hayden tackle two listener questions that a lot of people are quietly sitting with. First up is a listener who bought their first home two years ago is now craving more flexibility to make some big career moves, and wants to know whether to sell or become an accidental landlord.Then, they dig into the age-old question of house flipping and whether or not it still stacks up in today's market? They'll walk through the numbers you need to crunch and the situations where it might actually make sense.It's pearler's 5th birthday! Get 5 free trades here 🥳Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookDave's books on Amazon and SpotifyDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens if the market crashes as soon as you hit FIRE? In this episode, Hayden and Dave get into one of the most practical and underrated challenges of early retirement: actually living off your portfolio when things get rocky.They cover:👉 The stage of retirement where you're most at risk from market volatility👉 The psychological shift from receiving a paycheck to relying on a portfolio, and why it's harder than it sounds👉 Why having a backup plan before you need one changes everything👉 Cash buffers, flexible income and expense levers you can pull without selling assets at the wrong time👉 How debt, home equity and diversification fit into a drawdown strategyIt's pearler's 5th birthday! Get 5 free trades here 🥳 Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a government equity scheme starts to feel like a trap? In this episode, Hayden and Dave sit down with listener Steve to unpack his property situation and map out a path forward.Steve is a self-employed sports coach earning around $120,000–$130,000 a year, with a partner on $100,000. He owns an apartment worth roughly $570,000, holds a $200,000 ETF portfolio, and used the Victorian Homebuyer Fund to get into the market with a 25% government equity stake still sitting on his property.In this episode they cover:👉 How the Victorian Homebuyer Fund works and why Steve is feeling stuck👉 Whether refinancing could free him from the government equity stake without selling his ETFs👉 The case for rent-vesting as a flexible alternative to upsizing👉 How to weigh lifestyle preferences against pure FIRE optimisation👉 Why financial flexibility can matter more than squeezing every dollar out of a strategyIt's pearler's 5th birthday! Get 5 free trades here 🥳Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Aussie FIRE, Hayden and Dave are unpacking some listener questions around:👉🏼 Selling shares to invest in solar panels at home👉🏼 The 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers👉🏼 Vanguard ETFs👉🏼 And investing for high growth with a 5-8 year timelineAs always, they'll unpack it, share their thoughts, and come at it from a few different angles. Hope you enjoy it!Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if $1 million landed in your bank account tomorrow? In this episode, Hayden and Dave get hypothetical and things get interesting fast. From taking on a gelato giant to debating whether a swimming pool counts as a financial decision, this one's a little different. But buried in the fun are some genuinely useful ideas about how people at different stages of their FIRE journey think about sudden wealth.Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we answer two listener questions. One on ethical investing and ESG funds, and another on managing tech concentration in a portfolio. We'll unpack:👉 Whether aligning with ESG principles means reducing exposure to Australian equities👉 Why assuming the US market will always outperform Australia might be👉 What the ethical ETF DZZF is👉 Why defining “ethical” companies is harder than it seems👉 The trade-offs of ESG investing👉 An alternative approach: investing broadly and donating the fee savings?👉 Why adding more ETFs might not protect a portfolio from a major market crash👉 How to think about tech concentration in your portfolioAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hayden reflects on 10 lessons from 10 years of renting — covering everything from bonds and inspections to negotiating rent and managing agents.After a decade of renting across share houses, sublets, and full leases, he shares the practical lessons he wishes he knew earlier.👉 Why taking detailed photos when you move in can save your bond later👉 What tenants actually need to do when cleaning a property at the end of a lease👉 How bond refunds work (and why disputes are rarer than you might think)👉 What to know about inspections, maintenance, and “quiet enjoyment”👉 How to handle urgent repairs if your agent isn’t responding👉 The difference between fixed-term and periodic leases👉 When it might be worth negotiating rent or lease terms👉 How strategic disclosure can affect rental applications👉 Why renting in high-supply areas can make life easier👉 A simple way to cut moving costs without hiring removalistsAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the pod we're chatting with Natasha Etschmann, or you may know her as 'Tash Invests' online. We wanted to know what life was like for Tash before TikTok, Instagram, and “Tash Invests” became a thing.Growing up in a house where money was openly discussed, saving felt like a game she wanted to win. That mindset led her to buy her first ETF at 18 and her first property at 22, setting the foundation for the strategy she continues to build on today.In this episode we cover:👉 What it was like growing up in a household where money was openly talked about👉 Why saving felt like a game, and how that mindset shaped her early investing👉 Buying her first ETF at 18 and her first property at 22👉 The early trade-offs she made to build momentum in her 20s👉 Navigating online criticism and tall poppy syndrome👉 How her investing strategy has evolved across shares and property👉 Why the real goal is freedom and optionality (not just a big round number)Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should you buy your first home with a 5% deposit, or wait until you have 20%? In this episode, Hayden and Dave sit down with listener Khaing to unpack the numbers and the trade-offs.Khaing is in their late 20s, earning $125,000 and saving around 50% of their income. With roughly $68,000 available, they are weighing up the First Home Guarantee scheme against waiting a few more years to build a bigger deposit and take on less debt.In this episode they cover:👉 How the 5% deposit scheme works and the potential savings on LMI👉 Whether waiting for 20% really reduces risk if property prices keep rising👉 What repayments could look like compared to Khaing’s current rent👉 How to think about worst-case scenarios, including renting the property out👉 What to look for in an apartment, including strata costs and building qualityAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the 4% rule still relevant, or has the FIRE movement outgrown it? In this episode, Hayden and Dave break down where the 4% rule came from, why it’s often criticised, and how it actually holds up for early retirees.They unpack the assumptions behind the rule and explain why flexibility, adaptability, and behaviour might matter far more than the percentage itself.In this episode they cover:👉 Where the 4% rule comes from and what it was designed to solve👉 Why early retirees worry about longer time horizons and sequence risk👉 Whether strong recent returns make the rule less reliable👉 How flexibility around spending dramatically improves success rates👉 What different “flex rates” mean for sustainable withdrawal levels👉 Portfolio allocation considerations for long-term retirees👉 The psychology of living off a portfolio during market downturns👉 Practical tools like cash buffers and automated sellingAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debt recycling can be powerful, but the details matter. In this listener Q&A episode, Hayden and Dave tackle common questions on debt recycling and investing mechanics, including when to invest, how to place orders, and how to stay on the right side of the tax rules.They break down practical scenarios listeners are facing and explain the trade-offs between simplicity, optimisation, and risk.In this episode they cover:👉 Market orders vs limit orders and when each one actually makes sense👉 Whether to wait to debt recycle a lump sum or invest smaller amounts sooner👉 The opportunity cost of holding cash in an offset versus investing👉 How to debt recycle while still dollar-cost averaging👉 How to change a debt recycled investment without losing deductibility👉 Why redraw timing matters for tax purposes👉 Common debt recycling mistakes that can break deductibilityAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Property has worked well for Andy so far. The question is whether it’s still the best path forward. In this case study episode, Dave and Hayden sit down with listener Andy to unpack a real FIRE decision point.They walk through his full financial picture and explore whether continuing to leverage into property or shifting toward shares makes more sense for reaching long-term passive income.In this episode they cover:👉 Andy’s current position across property, ETFs, cash, and super👉 The trade-offs between buying another property or diversifying into shares👉 How much portfolio value is needed to generate $100k in passive income👉 Why net yields and cash flow matter more than headline growth👉 The risks of leverage and concentration👉 How diversification can reduce risk and volatility👉 Aligning investment strategy with long-term lifestyle goals and risk toleranceAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is taking a year off work a bold life move or a setback on the road to financial independence? In this episode, Hayden and Dave dig into mini-retirements and gap years, sparked by a listener question about whether stepping away from work is really worth it.They break down the upside, the risks, and the real trade-offs of pressing pause on work while pursuing FIRE.In this episode they cover:👉 What a mini-retirement actually is👉 The benefits of a proper break from work👉 Why going back to work can be harder than expected👉 The financial cost of time off👉 When gap years make sense and when they don’t👉 The risks of poor structure and lost momentum👉 When a mini-retirement might be worth it for themAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your super quietly doing its thing in the background? That might be fine, but there are a few details worth paying attention to. In today’s episode, Hayden and Dave discuss all things superannuation and walk through the decisions and investing strategies behind their own portfolios.In this episode they cover:👉 How their super strategies evolved from default options to more intentional investing👉 When and why they moved toward high-growth and indexed portfolios👉 The role of international diversification inside super👉 Tax considerations that influenced their investment decisions👉 Hands-on vs hands-off super strategies👉 Their current super portfolios, including the increasing use of geared ETFs👉 They also touch on Pearler SuperDave has also written a new book called 'You've Got Money.. Now What?' 📚Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hayden and Dave are taking Aussie FIRE case studies up a notch by inviting a listener onto the podcast to walk through her real-life numbers and decisions.They’re joined by Renee, an Aussie Fire listener who shares her full financial picture and asks the big question: what should we focus on next?In this episode they cover:👉 Renee’s financial position, including income, super, ETFs, and property👉 Whether to prioritise ETFs, another investment property, or staying the course👉 How close Renee already is to financial independence👉 Semi-retirement, and buying back family time👉 The trade-offs between property debt and lifestyle flexibility👉 Why compounding (not contributions) is doing most of the work nowSign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months!Ask a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months!In this episode Hayden and Dave are opening their DM’s to answer some listener questions.In this episode they cover:👉 ETF strategy: all-in-one funds vs splitting across ETFs👉 Coast FIRE and slowing down on the path to FI👉 Dividends vs growth portfolios near retirement👉 Cash ETFs and when (if ever) they make senseAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months!Welcome to part two! In part two of this episode, Hayden and Dave are unpacking:👉 The pressure to get on the ‘property ladder’👉 Renting vs buying and your long-term goals👉 The idea that rent money is dead money👉 Investing in every asset class to be diversified👉 Maxing out your superAsk a QuestionFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a young person today, it can feel like you’re playing a new game while still being expected to follow old rules that no longer quite fit. In this episode, Hayden and Dave unpack:👉 If insurance is actually worth it (plus simple calculations you can use to decide if it’s right for you)👉 Bucket systems and if they can help you manage your money, spending, and savings👉 Finding work–life balance while still chasing your goals and dreams👉 How young people can get ahead in today’s tougher economic environment👉 Should I work harder when I'm younger, or have fun and spend my money?👉 Whether you should take a more cautious approach to investing as you get olderFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden dive into a fresh round of FI case studies and the life-planning dilemmas that shape our money decisions. They start with a powerful scenario from a migrant listener weighing up a future in Australia versus returning home: cost of living pressures, wage differentials, super portability, exchange rate risk, and what “enough” really means when your FI number has to work across borders. They tease out frameworks for modelling two parallel futures and the emotional load that comes with trying to build stability far from family.They move into the perennial FIRE fork in the road: kids or no kids, single or coupled. They unpack how household structure changes savings rates, risk capacity, spending floors, and time to FI, while reminding listeners that planning is not about predicting your life perfectly but about building optionality. Whether you are navigating life solo, partnered, expanding your family, or staying child free, they outline how to model scenarios that still get you to a secure and flexible future.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden tackle four FI dilemmas. They unpack the allure of monthly-income ETFs like HYLD and why payout timing shouldn’t trump diversification, offering simple ways to create your own paycheck with broad ETFs, cash buffers, and planned sells. They explore PAYG tax variations and how to dial down withholding when you’re always due a refund (think negative gearing) to keep cash flowing through the year. They walk through a listener’s rent-or-sell crunch on a former home: equity concentration, CGT timing, leverage vs diversification, and whether to keep, refi, or offload while cheap employer housing lasts. Finally, they look at boosting a spouse’s super when your own cap is maxed: catch-up concessional space, contribution splitting to even balances, the modest spouse offset, and when non-concessional top-ups make sense.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave and Hayden unpack one of the biggest questions on the path to financial independence: should you focus on dividend income or capital growth?Should you prioritise dividend income or capital growth on the path to financial independenceHow tax, time horizon, and behaviour shape your mixWhat franking credits, CGT discounts, and ETF distributions really mean for your returnsThey weigh the pros, cons, and myths, then show simple ways to turn a portfolio into regular income using dividends, scheduled sells, or a blend, so you can choose a strategy that fits your goals, risk profile, and time horizon.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Dave and Hayden explore two real-life case studies.First, they discuss whether a couple in their fifties truly needs 25 times their expenses to retire, unpacking how time horizon, risk and the Age Pension reshape the “magic number.”Then, they dive into a pay down the mortgage or invest in ETFs dilemma, weighing certainty versus growth, and the benefits of debt recycling.All round, this episode is a chat about tailoring financial independence to your stage of life, goals and mindset.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, Dave and Hayden tackle three big listener questions: Should you invest a lump sum when markets are at all-time highs? Is gearing inside super worth the risk? Are investment bonds really as tax-friendly as they sound?Dave and Hayden unpack the pros, cons, and myths to help you think clearer about your long-term investing strategy.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should you pour extra cash into your offset account, stash it in savings, or invest it? In this episode, Dave and Hayden break down the numbers and trade-offs that every homeowner faces.We cover:Why offsets slash long-term interest but don’t help your monthly cashflowThe cases where savings accounts can competeHow investing stacks up against offsets, and the risks involvedThe role of interest rates and how debt recycling can tip the balanceWhether you're mortgage-stressed or just looking for smarter ways to grow wealth, this episode will help you see offsets, savings, and investing in new ways.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden tackle two listener case studies. They dive into the emotional and practical trade-offs of selling vs holding property, renting, and transitioning wealth into shares.Episode topics summary:IntroductionCase Study 1: Escaping Mortgage PrisonThe Numbers Behind Selling & RentingCase Study 2: Switching from Property to SharesPractical Scenarios for Transitioning WealthThe Lump Sum QuestionFinal ThoughtsFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Q&A episode, Dave and Hayden unpack three listener questions:Should you hold or sell employee share scheme stock?Are LICs still a smart choice, or have ETFs taken over?How mental accounting tricks us into bad money decisions.Timecodes:(00:00) Intro(02:30) Employee Share Schemes(07:06) Tax & Concentration Risk(09:37) The “Would You Invest Cash?” Test(13:09) FOMO & Mental Accounting(18:10) LICs vs ETFs(34:07) Mental Accounting & Debt Recycling(42:40) Everyday Money Mind Games(48:27) Hayden’s Investing Slip-Up(54:48) Wrap-UpFI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden continue their discussion on tax, covering practical tips and personal experiences. They explore the First Home Super Saver Scheme, private health insurance to avoid the Medicare levy surcharge, and novated leases for electric vehicles. They also chat about common tax misconceptions, and offer insights into long-term tax planning. Packed with examples and advice, this episode helps listeners think strategically about reducing their tax burden without falling into common traps.(01:03) Recap of the previous episode on big tax strategies; introduction to smaller strategies.(02:01) Deep dive into the First Home Super Saver Scheme — eligibility, benefits, and pitfalls.(05:06) Understanding the tax benefits of voluntary super contributions for first home purchases.(10:16) Nuances of government interest rates and predictable growth in the scheme.(16:10) Private health insurance: avoiding the Medicare levy surcharge.(23:02) Why many high-income earners should consider basic private health cover.(26:45) Novated leases for electric vehicles — how they work and who benefits most.(30:41) The impact of interest rates and tax savings on novated leases.(36:36) Smaller deductions: work from home, subscriptions, and everyday expenses.(40:03) Investment-related deductions, including internet, phone, and software.(53:27) Common tax mistakes and misconceptions to avoid.(01:02:04) Episode recap and closing remarks.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobody loves paying tax – but how much time should you really spend trying to avoid it?In this episode, Dave and Hayden share their personal approaches to tax minimisation – including what they’ve done in the past, what they’re doing now, and a few things they might explore in future. From debt recycling to ETF selection, super contributions to future trust structures, this episode isn’t about dodging tax – it’s about making smarter choices that leave more money in your pocket to build wealth faster.Of course, they're not tax experts, and they’re the first to admit it. So don’t expect a masterclass in tax law – just a candid conversation on strategies that have worked for them (and maybe a few they’re still unsure about).Enjoy the episode!FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine being a sci-fi film buff in the year 1986.In the prior several years, you would have been treated to the original Star Wars trilogy, a slew of new Star Trek films, the cult hit Blade Runner, and – who could forget? – the 1979 classic, Alien.Now, after seven years of waiting, you’re finally being treated to a James Cameron-directed Alien sequel. But this time, it won’t simply be ONE alien. Oh, no… this time, it’s going to be AlienS. That’s right, they’ve gone from the singular to the plural. The film saga has forever changed, and as a viewer, you’ve changed with it.Today, Aussie FIRE listeners can expect to witness a similar metamorphosis. In the past, we have run Case Study episodes. Now, in this moment, we branch into the realm of the plural.Yes, you read that right. This episode will feature……Case Studies.Want to know what’s required to retire now? We have a case study for that. Interested in balancing investments with parenting? Thanks to that little “ies” at the end of “Case Stud”, we have the opportunity to explore that too. What about the wild world of SMSFs? Such is the joy of the plural, we can squeeze in that case study as well!Are you ready? Excellent. Let’s take these case studies into their young James Cameron era.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“These Aussie FIRE Q&As are, in my opinion, the single best resource on Earth for long-term investors.” - Warren BuffettSo it probably won’t surprise any listeners to read this, but Warren Buffett isn’t actually responsible for the above quote. But could you imagine if he was? Like, he’s serving his final six months as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, and he decides to give a shout-out to this Q&A? What a world that would be!Anyway, we’re pretty sure you’re going to like this session. In addition to the gold boom, investing for kids, and striking the right work/life balance, we address the electric sheep in the room:“Will AI bring an end to share investing?”Enjoy!FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The phrase “market crash” has appeared in the media (both traditional and social) a lot this year. Those of you with iron stomachs and 20-year horizons may have just shrugged and put your phones away. But for many, the constant turmoil has been a reason to start glancing towards the exit. It’s an understandable reaction – but not one you need to live with.If you’ve found that recent market crashes have stolen your peace of mind, this episode is for you. Join Dave and Hayden as they cast an historical reality check on market crashes, and highlight what NOT to do. They also highlight some potential benefits to seize during a downturn, and discuss market crash strategies for people nearing retirement.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a name like “Aussie FIRE”, you’d expect that this podcast would be all about retiring early.And, to be fair, it sort of is.However, the world of Financial Independence, Retire Early is crammed with concepts that can sometimes feel far removed from the goal of early retirement. That’s why this episode’s case study is particularly refreshing.The case study itself is jam-packed with facts, figures, and proposed investing schedules. For the sake of the episode description, we’ve whittled it down to the following:“We’ve recently started on our FIRE journey. How can we reach early retirement as soon as possible?”As always, the answer to this question will differ depending on a range of factors. Even so, by listening to Dave and Hayden do the maths around this case study, you may well find some ideas for your own FIRE goal.FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You want to know the best thing about the Q&A format? It delivers what it promises. People ask questions, other people give answers, bing bang boom.Now, do you want to know the best thing about the Aussie FIRE Q&A format? The answers are almost always awesome.In this qanda to end all qandas, Aussie FIRE hosts Dave and Hayden field queries on some of this podcast’s most popular topics. Shares vs super? You’d better believe it. Debt recycling? There’s enough here to impress Tony Soprano and Captain Planet (experts on debt and recycling, respectively). The downsides of super? No investment vehicle is all upsides, and Dave and Hayden will prove it on the super front.Every question has an answer – and this episode sure does provide some of them!FI Case Study Request FormPearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.