Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
The Aussie FIRE podcast is the ultimate guide to Financial Independence for Australians. It started as an e-book and audiobook, and now explores different aspects of Financial Independence in each episode. The podcast is brought to you by Pearler, Australia's favourite long-term investing community, and Dave Gow from Strong Money Australia.
Episodes
83. Should you switch to the newest (and cheapest) ETFs?
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: al
82. Will AI take your job (and what can you do about it)?
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 insider
81. Case Study: Sell the investment property, or hold for the long game?
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 recyclin
80. How to eat cheaply on your path to FIRE
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 cove
79. Should war change how you invest?
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 th
78. Case Study: Should we buy or keep renting on the path to FIRE?
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 loo
77. FIRE Later vs. Living Now
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
76. Should your portfolio change as you approach FI?
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 drawdo
75. A Final Word on the Budget: How We're Thinking About it Now
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 number
74. The Budget: What it actually means for investors
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
73. CGT and Negative Gearing: What the Budget Could Change for Investors
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
72. Case Study: Doubling down on investment properties vs. shares
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 be
71. Q&A: Homebuyer’s regret + does flipping houses still work?
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 di
70. Living off your portfolio during a market downturn
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
69. FI case study: Rentvest vs. ETFs
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 Victoria
68. Q&A: Selling shares for solar panels, 5% deposit scheme & high-growth investing
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
67. How we would invest $1M
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
66. Q&A: US Tech Risk & Ethical Investing
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
65. Hayden's top 10 lessons from 10 years of renting
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 whe
64. The mindset that made Tash start investing at just 18
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
63. FI case study: Should I buy my first home with a 5% deposit, or wait until I have 20%?
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 bigg
62. Is the 4% rule for early retirement still relevant?
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:👉 Wher
61. Q&A: Debt recycling
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
60. FI case study: Should Andy buy a 4th IP or diversify into ETFs?
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
59. FIRE Later, or Mini-Retirement Now?
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
58. Is your super working hard enough for you?
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
57. FI case study: Renee might be closer to financial independence than she thinks
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👉
56. Q&A: ETF strategy, coast FIRE, dividends vs. growth + cash ETFs
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 Que
55. Financial advice we're not subscribing to - part 2
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 Form
54. Financial advice we're not subscribing to - part 1
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 bala
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 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 w
52. Q&A: Cashflow vs Growth: Monthly ETFs, Tax Tweaks, and Super Strategies
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 gea
51. Investing for growth vs income
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, co
50. FI case studies: Retiring in Your 50s and Investing vs Paying Off the Mortgage
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,
49. Q&A: Market highs, geared super, investment bonds
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 Australia
48. Offsets vs Investing: What’s Really Best for Your Mortgage?
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 rate
47. Case studies: Escaping Mortgage Prison & Switching from Property to Shares
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 Wea
46. Q&A: Employee share schemes, LICs, and mental accounting
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 Account
45. From super to surcharges: tax strategies you should know about
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, t
44. Tax strategies we actually use (and would consider)
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 dod
43. FI case studies: Retiring now, investing with kids, and using SMSFs
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.
42. Q&A: “The gold boom, work/life balance, and will AI kill share investing?”
“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&
41. What to do when the market crashes
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
40. FI case study: "How can we retire as soon as possible?"
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, figur
39. Q&A: "Property vs shares, debt recycling, and the downsides of super"
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. Shar
38. Geared ETFs, margin loans and NAB Equity Builder
In the past, this podcast has delved into the practicalities and potential perils of using leverage to invest in shares. And in our completely unbiased opinion, it was a brilliant delving. However, the episode in question focused on using home equity. In doing so, left an unanswered question: how can renters or those who don’t like the home equity method, use leverage to invest?In this session, Da
37. FI case study: "Should we buy more property or invest in shares?" Plus investing with ChatGPT
Who doesn’t like a good Aussie FIRE case study?That wasn’t a rhetorical question, and we’re going to give you an answer.Monsters, that’s who.…okay, so maybe that’s a bit harsh – we’re sure there are upstanding citizens out there who don’t like Aussie FIRE case studies – but we have a feeling that YOU’ll like this one.In this session, Dave and Hayden field a question from a listener whose experienc
36. Using leverage in the share market
You may well have heard the (correct) adage that investing carries risk. And if you’ve ever missed a mortgage, credit card, or BNPL repayment, you’ll be familiar with the risks of leverage. So, if they’re both risky, are there any circumstances in which it would make sense to combine them?In this Aussie FIRE episode, Dave and Hayden discuss this exact topic. Join them as they cover leveraging stra
35. Q&A: "Investment returns, using home equity, and when to splurge"
What do Aussie FIRE’s Q&As and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream have in common?Two things:They both feature ampersandsThey’re both very good…okay, so that wasn’t some of our best work, BUT you should definitely check this episode out.Co-hosts Dave and Hayden have opened the mailbag to answer some of the community’s most asked questions. From “When is it okay to splurge during a FIRE journey?” to “I
34. Dave's hard lessons from 15 years of property investing
Dave loves ETFs. Hayden co-founded a platform which focuses on ETFs. So, when it comes to Financial Independence, these two must have been committed to ETFs from Day One, right?…yeah, nah. In fact, as the title suggests, Dave has accrued 15 years of experience in property investing. And over that timeframe, he’s learned some truths which he wished he’d known before he started.Now, none of this is
33. FI case study: "Should we buy our dream home?" Plus buying the dip and bonds
Folks, it’s time for another FI case study – and this one explores a topic that will hit close to home. Keep reading, and you’ll find out why that was such a hilarious pun.In this episode, Dave and Hayden take a question from a listener which has crossed countless minds. The listener does an excellent job of providing their financial details, so the Aussie FIRE duo can really dive in. In essence,
32. Credit card hacking
At a glance, credit cards might seem at odds with Financial Independence. After all, credit cards accrue “bad” debt, which many people consider anathema to FIRE goals. Even so, for those who manage their budgets well, credit cards can play a role in a frugal lifestyle. And while Dave Gow doesn’t have experience in this realm, Hayden does!Join the duo this session as they explore credit card hackin
31. FI case study: "Do I have enough to retire early?" Plus ETFs vs managed funds
Much like the Chupacabra or Berkshire Hathaway’s founding story, Aussie FIRE’s FI case studies have become the stuff of legend. This time ‘round, Dave and Hayden answer a question from a listener which may well have crossed your mind:“Do I have enough in savings, investments, and super to retire early?”Of course, this person’s portfolio, income, and living circumstances are specific to them. Even
30. Investing in ETFs vs super
Both are often touted as effective vehicles for long-term investing. But for those working towards FIRE, there are some key differences to consider between ETFs and super. On one hand, super is purpose-built for retirement, and offers a number of unique potential tax benefits. On the other, ETFs are more liquid, and may better suit the “early” in “retire early”.So, what’s the right balance? Should
29. FI case study: freedom in your 40s, DRPs, and combating social isolation
That’s right – it’s time for another one of our much-ballyhooed FI case studies! This time, Dave and Hayden hear from a thirtysomething couple who would like to be work-optional by their 40s. They’ve earned, scrimped, saved, and invested… and they’re wondering whether they’ve made any mistakes in the process. Whilst Dave and Hayden aren’t the Arbiters on All Things FI, they’re happy to share
28. How to find unlimited motivation on the FI journey
Let’s be honest: Financial Independence can feel like a BIG task. The progress is incremental, the timelines are longer than we’d like, and the temptation to splurge can haunt us. Fortunately, there are a litany of hacks you can apply to remain perpetually motivated.From plugging into “reverse motivation”, to breaking your goals into smaller milestones, to surrounding yourself with like-minded peo
27. FI case study: semi retirement, island living & getting shares stolen
Send us a textBecause Financial Independence looks different for everyone, there’s seldom a one-size-fits-all approach to reaching it. That’s why the Aussie FIRE podcast loves to consider case studies from listeners. In doing so, we can all consider how different people, with different circumstances, could reach FIRE.This time around, Dave and Hayden assess a case study from a listener who has mov
26. A deep dive into Hayden's finances
Send us a textIn a previous episode, we conducted a deep dive into Dave’s finances. However, keen observers and long-time listeners may have noticed something: Dave is only one of TWO hosts on this podcast. What’s more, the other host is renowned for his novel, proactive, and sometimes wacky cost-cutting measures. We are, of course, talking about Hayden – co-founder of investing platform Pearler a
25. Q&A: Dave's portfolio, debt recycling follow-ups, and a listener's success story
Send us a textDave and Hayden’s Q&As have become a regular thing on this podcast. Sure, audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which is the key reason they’ve become part of the landscape. At a deeper level, though, Dave and Hayden see it as a golden opportunity to connect with the community. That’s why they’re particularly excited about this session.During this episode, they
24. House vs apartment: How to optimise your home price for FIRE
Send us a textDave and Hayden at Aussie FIRE recently received a thought-provoking question from a listener. While we’re paraphrasing slightly, its essence boiled down to:“As a long-term investor, are you better off buying a more expensive home, or buying a cheaper home and investing the difference?”Depending on your own preferences, you might have a clear idea of which approach makes the most sen
23. Investing mistakes we've made (and what we've learned)
Send us a textThere are countless ways to learn as an investor, from books, to podcasts (like this one), to quarterly earnings reports. Even so, some of the most memorable lessons are the ones we make through trial and error. Aussie FIRE co-hosts Dave and Hayden are no exception – in fact, were it not for their investing mistakes, they wouldn’t have made it this far.In this session, they cover the
22. Singles vs couples: which is better for FI?
Send us a textIf you’re working towards Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE), a question may have crossed your mind: is it easier to reach FIRE as a single person, or as a couple? Unsurprisingly, people within the FIRE community have been debating this one for a long time. And depending on who you ask, you’ll likely receive a different answer.At the end of the day, both singles and couples a
21. Aussie FIRE Q&A: ETF strategy, FI case study, and investing for kids
Send us a textA few sessions ago, Dave and Hayden hosted their first Aussie FIRE audience Q&A. Well, the community seemed to enjoy it… so they’re doing it again.This time around, they answer a slew of new FIRE queries – from “What are your thoughts on US tech stocks?”; to “How would you invest $500 per month as part of an ETF strategy?”, to “How is investing for your kids different to investin
20. Debt recycling part 2: FAQs
Send us a textLast episode, Aussie FIRE co-hosts Dave and Hayden discussed debt recycling, and who can benefit from it. As it turns out, people in our community have a lot of questions about this subject. For this reason, Dave and Hayden decided to run a debt recycling FAQ.Join the Aussie FIRE duo as they answer some of the most common questions around debt recycling. These include:Is debt recycli
19. Debt recycling: What is it and who can benefit from it?
Send us a textYou may have suspected just from its name, but debt recycling can be a polarising topic in investing circles. Some hail it as an effective way to scale your investments. Others deride it as a source of needless complexity. But regardless of where you stand on the matter, one thing is certain: to use debt recycling, you need to know what you’re doing.In this episode, Dave and Hayden e
18. A deep dive into Dave’s finances
Send us a textOne of our hosts became renowned across Australia for reaching FIRE by age 28. We are, of course, referring to Dave Gow, the mastermind behind Strong Money Australia.Because Dave didn’t achieve FIRE through an investment banking job or a lofty inheritance, his journey often inspires other FIRE-seekers. In fact, many of our listeners have asked Dave to provide a detailed breakdown of
17. Aussie FIRE Q&A: Dividends, timing the market, and ethical investing
Send us a textSince launching back in 2023, the Aussie FIRE podcast has cultivated an incredible community of listeners. And, over the last few months, co-hosts Dave and Hayden have received a lot of thought-provoking questions from their audience. That’s why they were thrilled to run their very first audience Q&A.In this episode, they answer an array of listener queries on long-term investing
16. How to calculate whether to rent or buy your home
Send us a textHousing plays a pivotal role in any FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) strategy. Whether you rent or buy, you’ll need to account for your shelter before you can comfortably retire early. That’s why, in a past episode, co-hosts Dave and Hayden explored the relationship between housing and FIRE. This time around, they roll up their sleeves and crunch the numbers.In this session
15. Is university worth the money?
Send us a textIn life, there are various ways to invest. And we’re not only talking about shares versus bonds, or ETFs versus property. In fact, education can offer as much of an investment as any asset.Many Australians seem to agree; according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 32% of Australians hold a bachelors degree. But when you compare the fees to the earning potential, is a uni
14. Mastering your mindset
Send us a textPreviously on this podcast, we’ve covered how different mindsets affect your money habits. This time around, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) take it a step further. Beyond simply influencing your money habits, your mindset can determine:How you deal with financial setbacksHow effectively your can plan for your FIRE lifestyleIf and when you reach your
13. Using super to buy a home quicker
Send us a textIn your Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) travels, you may have heard of the First Home Super Saver Scheme. To oversimplify, it’s a government plan which allows you to channel some of your superannuation towards your first home deposit.If you’ve been lamenting the costs of real estate lately, the FHSSS may appeal to you. But is it a worthwhile avenue for buying your first ad
12. Achieving FI on a lower income
Send us a textWhen you listen to stories of FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early), you’d be forgiven for assuming that a huge income is a prerequisite. However, while a hefty salary does help, it’s by no means essential. In fact, many people within the FIRE community have retired early without earning in the top tax bracket.In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder
11. What we invest in & why
Send us a textThis session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) are doing something a little different. Instead of exploring some theoretical aspect of Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE), they share specifically what it is they invest in. They also detail why they’ve chosen these particular investments, and how they tie into each host’s FIRE plans.Of course, th
10. Are shares the best path to FIRE?
Send us a textWithin the Australian Financial Independence community, shares have always been a popular asset. With a bit of research, it’s easy to understand why – they’re easy to manage, they don’t require debt, and most people can get started with minimal funds. This raises the question: is investing in shares the best way to reach FIRE?In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden
9. When does frugality go too far?
Send us a textFor most people on a FIRE journey, frugality is a potent tool in their toolkit. Yes, investing plays a role – but frugality serves a range of key purposes beyond saving. For starters, it can help you unlock money you didn’t even know you were spending. And, perhaps more importantly, it can train you to better manage your finances both pre- and post-FIRE.However, does there come a poi
8. How important is housing to FIRE?
Send us a textYou MIGHT have noticed this, but people in Australia looooooove to talk about property. It’s a surefire conversation-starter if ever you’re struggling to make smalltalk, and the media won’t shut up about it. You’d be forgiven, then, for assuming that home ownership is a lynchpin of any half-decent FIRE strategy.In truth, though, it’s not the only route to long-term wealth in Australi
7. Has FIRE changed since Covid?
Send us a textYou don’t need us to tell you that Covid disrupted a LOT. From the lockdowns, to the obvious health-related dangers, there weren’t many people who were unaffected by its spread. But what has it done for our Financial Independence prospects? For people working towards FIRE before 2020, in what ways did it disrupt their plans? And for those who started after 2021, did Covid change the
6. Passing on the lessons we’ve learned
Send us a textKnowledge is a lot like compound interest: the more you accrue, the faster it grows. How, then, can we ensure that others around us, and future generations, are growing their knowledge the right way? And, more importantly, how can we help them to avoid the mistakes we’ve made?In this session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) cover some crucial money co
5. Choosing work for income vs enjoyment
Send us a textOne of the greatest joys of FIRE are these two hyphenated words: “work-optional”. The freedom to choose whether to work, and what to work on, is a key motivator for many FIRE-seekers. In the meantime, though, there’s little that’s work-optional about the journey towards FIRE. For anyone who aims to reach Financial Independence, paid employment is a fairly non-negotiable part of the p
4. Balancing future goals with current desires
Send us a text“I’m saving for a home deposit right now, but my friends just invited me to a bottomless brunch. I know that every dollar counts, but I don’t want to miss a morning with my friends. What should I do?”For many everyday Aussies, tradeoffs like this are not uncommon. But for anyone on a journey towards FIRE, they’re a regular part of life. While it may be less glamorous than investing,
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