Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
Business & Finance
About
The Aussie FIRE podcast is the ultimate guide to Financial Independence for Australians. Having started life as an e-book, then an audiobook, it's now reached its final form: a podcast that will keep on giving.The Aussie FIRE audiobook is brought to you by Pearler, Australia's favourite long-term investing community; and Dave Gow, the brains behind Strong Money Australia. Each episode explores a different aspect of Financial Independence, so stay tuned for new releases!https://pearler.comhttps://strongmoneyaustralia.com/DISCLAIMER: We’re big fans of sharing experiences and talking about money. However, please note that any advice is general, and do...
Episodes
- 73. CGT and Negative Gearing: What the Budget Could Change for Investors
Hayden and Dave discuss potential changes to capital gains tax (CGT) and negative gearing policies in light of the upcoming federal budget. They analyze what the proposed changes could mean for investors and their portfolios, covering topi…
- 72. Case Study: Doubling down on investment properties vs. shares
Chris is at a crossroads, deciding between purchasing a family home, investing further in properties, or opting for a more aggressive share portfolio. Hayden and Dave help him evaluate his financial situation, including his $170k household…
- 71. Q&A: Homebuyer’s regret + does flipping houses still work?
This Aussie FIRE episode features a Q&A with Dave and Hayden addressing listener concerns about homebuyer's regret and the decision to sell or rent a first home. They also discuss the viability of house flipping in today's market, examinin…
- 70. Living off your portfolio during a market downturn
This episode of Aussie FIRE discusses the challenges of living off an investment portfolio during a market downturn. Hayden and Dave cover strategies for managing market volatility, including cash buffers, flexible income, and expense leve…
- 69. FI case study: Rentvest vs. ETFs
This episode features a case study with a self-employed sports coach to discuss property situations, including the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, rent-vesting, refinancing, and balancing lifestyle with financial independence goals. The hosts ex…
- 68. Q&A: Selling shares for solar panels, 5% deposit scheme & high-growth investing
Hayden and Dave answer listener questions about selling shares for solar panels, the 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers, Vanguard ETFs, and high-growth investing with a 5-8 year timeline. They unpack these topics from various angles.
- 67. How we would invest $1M
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, Hayden and Dave explore hypothetical scenarios for investing $1 million, discussing various financial decisions and strategies. They consider how individuals at different stages of their financial independen…
- 66. Q&A: US Tech Risk & Ethical Investing
This episode addresses listener questions on ethical investing and managing tech concentration in a portfolio. It explores ESG principles, the ethical ETF DZZF, and the challenges of defining ethical companies. The discussion also covers t…
- 65. Hayden's top 10 lessons from 10 years of renting
Hayden discusses ten lessons from his ten years of renting, covering practical advice on bonds, inspections, lease negotiations, and managing real estate agents. He shares insights on topics such as documenting property condition, understa…
- 64. The mindset that made Tash start investing at just 18
Natasha Etschmann, also known as 'Tash Invests', shares her experience growing up in a household where money was openly discussed, leading her to start investing at 18. She talks about buying her first ETF at 18 and her first property at 2…
- 63. FI case study: Should I buy my first home with a 5% deposit, or wait until I have 20%?
On the Aussie FIRE podcast, hosts Hayden and Dave discuss a listener's financial situation regarding buying their first home. They explore the pros and cons of using a 5% deposit through the First Home Guarantee scheme versus waiting to sa…
- 62. Is the 4% rule for early retirement still relevant?
This episode of Aussie FIRE discusses the 4% rule for early retirement, examining its origins, common criticisms, and its continued relevance. The hosts explore the assumptions behind the rule and emphasize the importance of flexibility, a…
- 61. Q&A: Debt recycling
This episode of Aussie FIRE features Hayden and Dave answering listener questions on debt recycling. They discuss investing mechanics, tax rules, and practical scenarios for debt recycling.
- 60. FI case study: Should Andy buy a 4th IP or diversify into ETFs?
Andy is at a financial independence crossroads, weighing the decision to either invest in a fourth property or diversify into ETFs. This episode delves into his financial position, the trade-offs between property and shares, and strategies…
- 59. FIRE Later, or Mini-Retirement Now?
Hayden and Dave discuss mini-retirements and gap years, examining the benefits, risks, and financial costs of taking time off work on the path to financial independence. They cover what a mini-retirement is, when it makes sense, and potent…
- 58. Is your super working hard enough for you?
Hayden and Dave discuss superannuation strategies, including how their strategies evolved from default options to more intentional investing, and the role of international diversification. They also cover tax considerations and their curre…
- 57. FI case study: Renee might be closer to financial independence than she thinks
Renee, a listener of the Aussie FIRE podcast, presents her financial details, including income, superannuation, ETFs, and property. She discusses her financial independence progress and seeks advice on prioritizing investments and future s…
- 56. Q&A: ETF strategy, coast FIRE, dividends vs. growth + cash ETFs
This episode of Aussie FIRE features Hayden and Dave answering listener questions. Topics include ETF strategies, Coast FIRE, comparing dividends and growth portfolios near retirement, and the utility of cash ETFs.
- 55. Financial advice we're not subscribing to - part 2
In this episode, Hayden and Dave discuss financial advice related to the property market, including renting versus buying, and the concept of 'rent money is dead money.' They also cover diversifying investments across asset classes and max…
- 54. Financial advice we're not subscribing to - part 1
In this episode, Hayden and Dave discuss financial advice for young people, including the value of insurance, using bucket systems for money management, achieving work-life balance while pursuing financial goals, and navigating today's eco…
- 53. FI case studies: Retiring in Australia vs. overseas, planning for a partner and kids, and house price anxiety
In this episode, Dave and Hayden explore various financial independence case studies. They cover topics such as the considerations for retiring in Australia versus overseas, financial planning when including partners and children, and addr…
- 52. Q&A: Cashflow vs Growth: Monthly ETFs, Tax Tweaks, and Super Strategies
This episode of Aussie FIRE discusses financial dilemmas including monthly-income ETFs, PAYG tax variations, decisions on renting or selling a former home, and strategies for boosting a spouse's superannuation.
- 51. Investing for growth vs income
This episode of Aussie FIRE discusses whether to prioritize dividend income or capital growth for financial independence. Dave and Hayden examine how tax, time horizon, and behavioral factors influence investment strategies, and explain fr…
- 50. FI case studies: Retiring in Your 50s and Investing vs Paying Off the Mortgage
Dave and Hayden discuss two financial case studies: retiring in your fifties and the comparison between paying off a mortgage versus investing in ETFs. They explore how personal circumstances and goals shape strategies for financial indepe…
- 49. Q&A: Market highs, geared super, investment bonds
Dave and Hayden answer listener questions about investing at market highs, the risks of gearing inside super, and the tax benefits of investment bonds. They discuss the pros, cons, and myths surrounding these long-term investment strategie…
- 48. Offsets vs Investing: What’s Really Best for Your Mortgage?
Dave and Hayden discuss the trade-offs between using extra cash for an offset account, savings, or investing. They explore the impact of interest rates, cash flow, and debt recycling on mortgage management and wealth building.
- 47. Case studies: Escaping Mortgage Prison & Switching from Property to Shares
Dave and Hayden analyze two listener case studies focusing on escaping mortgage debt and transitioning from a property-based portfolio to shares. They discuss the practical and emotional factors involved in selling property, renting, and r…
- 46. Q&A: Employee share schemes, LICs, and mental accounting
In this Q&A episode, Dave and Hayden discuss employee share schemes, the role of LICs versus ETFs in an investment portfolio, and the impact of mental accounting on financial decision-making. They also share personal insights on managing m…
- 45. From super to surcharges: tax strategies you should know about
Dave and Hayden discuss various Australian tax strategies, including the First Home Super Saver Scheme, private health insurance for Medicare levy surcharges, and electric vehicle novated leases. They also cover common tax deductions and m…
- 44. Tax strategies we actually use (and would consider)
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, hosts Dave and Hayden discuss their personal approaches to tax minimization. They share the strategies they have used and are considering for the future, including debt recycling, ETF selection, and super co…
- 43. FI case studies: Retiring now, investing with kids, and using SMSFs
This episode of Aussie FIRE features multiple case studies exploring financial independence topics, including retiring now, investing while raising children, and utilizing Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs).
- 42. Q&A: “The gold boom, work/life balance, and will AI kill share investing?”
In this Q&A episode of Aussie FIRE, the hosts discuss the gold boom, investing for children, work-life balance, and whether AI impacts share investing.
- 41. What to do when the market crashes
Hosts Dave and Hayden discuss how to handle market crashes, offering a historical perspective and advice on what actions investors should avoid. They also cover potential opportunities during a market downturn and strategies for those appr…
- 40. FI case study: "How can we retire as soon as possible?"
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, Dave and Hayden review a FIRE case study focused on accelerating the timeline to early retirement. They break down the financial figures and investing schedules involved to help listeners apply similar strat…
- 39. Q&A: "Property vs shares, debt recycling, and the downsides of super"
In this Q&A episode, hosts Dave and Hayden from Aussie FIRE address listener questions concerning property versus shares, debt recycling, and the potential downsides of superannuation.
- 38. Geared ETFs, margin loans and NAB Equity Builder
Dave and Hayden discuss non-home equity methods of using leverage for investing, covering geared ETFs, margin loans, and the NAB Equity Builder. This episode explores options for renters and those preferring alternatives to home equity lev…
- 37. FI case study: "Should we buy more property or invest in shares?" Plus investing with ChatGPT
Dave and Hayden discuss a listener inquiry about whether to invest in property or shares before moving overseas. They also explore the potential value of using ChatGPT for investment purposes.
- 36. Using leverage in the share market
In this episode, hosts Dave and Hayden explore the concept of using leverage in share market investing, examining strategies, debt options, and key considerations. The discussion aims to help listeners understand the risks and factors invo…
- 35. Q&A: "Investment returns, using home equity, and when to splurge"
Co-hosts Dave and Hayden answer community questions about the FIRE journey, including topics such as investment loans and when it is appropriate to splurge.
- 34. Dave's hard lessons from 15 years of property investing
In this episode, Dave discusses his 15 years of experience in property investing and the lessons he learned throughout his journey toward financial independence. He shares insights from his path that may assist others considering property…
- 33. FI case study: "Should we buy our dream home?" Plus buying the dip and bonds
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, hosts Dave and Hayden analyze a listener's financial situation regarding whether to purchase a dream home or continue investing. They also discuss the topics of buying the dip and bonds.
- 32. Credit card hacking
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, hosts Dave Gow and Hayden discuss the practice of credit card hacking. They explore how managing credit cards and rewards programs can potentially be used as part of a strategy for those pursuing financial i…
- 31. FI case study: "Do I have enough to retire early?" Plus ETFs vs managed funds
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, hosts Dave and Hayden analyze a listener's financial situation to discuss early retirement planning. They also compare the pros and cons of investing in ETFs versus managed funds.
- 30. Investing in ETFs vs super
Dave and Hayden discuss the differences between investing in ETFs and superannuation for those pursuing financial independence and early retirement. They explore the tax benefits of super versus the liquidity of ETFs to help listeners cons…
- 29. FI case study: freedom in your 40s, DRPs, and combating social isolation
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, Dave and Hayden review a case study of a couple in their thirties aiming for financial independence by their forties, discussing investing, DRPs, and managing social isolation.
- 28. How to find unlimited motivation on the FI journey
This episode explores various strategies to maintain motivation throughout the Financial Independence (FI) journey. Topics covered include setting smaller milestones, finding supportive communities, and using techniques like reverse motiva…
- 27. FI case study: semi retirement, island living & getting shares stolen
In this episode, hosts Dave and Hayden analyze a listener case study about a family of five living on an island while working toward early retirement. They discuss strategies for reaching financial independence and overcoming various finan…
- 26. A deep dive into Hayden's finances
In this episode of Aussie FIRE, co-host Hayden provides a detailed look at his personal finances. He discusses his investment approach, savings strategies, and financial planning as a startup co-founder.
- 25. Q&A: Dave's portfolio, debt recycling follow-ups, and a listener's success story
Hosts Dave and Hayden answer listener questions regarding portfolio investments, debt recycling, and financial media. The episode also features a listener success story.
- 24. House vs apartment: How to optimise your home price for FIRE
Dave and Hayden explore the financial considerations of buying an expensive versus a cheaper home in the context of achieving financial independence. They discuss the pros and cons of each approach and review a rent versus buy spreadsheet…