AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith

AI career disruption, vibe coding & investment apps reviewed with Hayden Smith

Author: Rask November 17, 2025 Duration: 53:40
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Pearler co-founder and CTO Hayden Smith to talk all things money, investing, mindset, AI, and financial tech. They explore: – How Hayden thinks about saving and frugality – What AI means for investors, workers, and platforms like Pearler – The story behind Hayden’s famous wisdom teeth money hack – How Pearler is building investing tools for real humans – Lessons from being a software engineer in an AI world If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on money mindset and investing in the AI era, subscribe to hear more weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram, and TikTok for more money insights. Topics Covered – Hayden’s unconventional wisdom teeth money-saving story – Why he compares personal finance to skill-building – How his money mindset has evolved with age & net worth – Frugality vs. growth: what spending teaches you – What Pearler got wrong early (and what it’s becoming now) – Hayden’s take on AI's impact on software, investing & platforms – What “vibe coding” is — and why it matters – The truth about passive income tools & automation – Behind the scenes: how Pearler's UI is built around goals – The problem with overengineering in finance – Why simple investing is hard — and where tech can help – Advice for young people navigating careers in the AI era – How to develop competence (and why it’s underrated) – Why diversification matters in life AND investing – What the future of investing platforms could look like Chapters (approximate) (00:00) Introduction (03:45) Financial Decisions and Personal Growth (09:22) Building Pearler: Challenges and Community (10:49) Product Development and Learning from Mistakes (13:19) The Future of Investment Platforms (17:22) Admiring Simplicity in Financial Apps (23:35) Vibe Coding: A New Approach to Software Development (26:39) The Rise of Entrepreneurial Innovation (28:54) AI's Impact on Engineering and Coding (31:43) The Changing Landscape of Professional Skills (33:27) Industries Ripe for AI Disruption (35:25) Career Advice in the Age of AI (39:25) Investing in a Tech-Driven Future (41:06) Transforming Financial Services and Real Estate (48:49) Understanding Energy Costs for Savings Resources for this episode Hanging with Hayden YouTube channel Aussie Fire podcast with Dave & Hayden Invest with Pearler Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating the financial landscape can feel overwhelming, but Australian Finance Podcast cuts through the noise with grounded, practical advice tailored for life in Australia. Hosted by Owen Rask, the Chief Investment Officer, and Gemma Mitchell, a Senior Financial Adviser, conversations on this podcast feel less like a lecture and more like a direct chat with experts who genuinely want you to succeed. Each episode is built around actionable strategies-whether it's about restructuring debt, understanding investment vehicles, or tax efficiency-that you can apply immediately, not just abstract theories. The focus is on building the confidence to make informed decisions with your money, aiming for a future where your finances support the life you want to live, rather than dictating it. For those just beginning their journey, the hosts suggest diving into their foundational "Starter Pack" series to build a solid base of knowledge. This isn't about get-rich-quick schemes; it's a steady, educational companion for developing lasting financial health. Tune in for a straightforward blend of market insights, personal finance management, and long-term wealth-building principles, all delivered with a clear Australian context. The Australian Finance Podcast from Rask is that reliable resource for turning financial complexity into manageable, actionable steps.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Australian Finance Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Money in your 20s: investing, super and your first home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:52
In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen is joined by Emily from the Rask design team for a practical conversation about money in your 20s. Together they unpack the real questions younger Australians face…
Sudden wealth explained: inheritance, pressure, risk & what to do next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:08
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down sudden wealth events, and what happens when life goes from “normal” to financially complex overnight. They cover: – What coun…
Inside a $350bn super fund: How your money is really invested [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:11
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Brian Parker, Chief Economist of Australian Retirement Trust (ART), to discuss how ART thinks about runway, portfolio construction, private mar…
Interest rates are rising… here’s how to actually benefit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell break down what rising interest rates actually mean for your money — and how you can benefit if you’ve got cash sitting in the bank. The…
Estate planning, super & SMSFs: What happens to your money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:17
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Senior financial adviser at Rask Advice, Chamil Peiris to answer listener questions on estate planning, superannuation and SMSFs. They cover: –…
Becoming a financial planner, SpaceX IPO & your questions answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:14
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Rask Advice Associate Milli Russell to unpack Milli’s journey into financial advice, alongside answering your biggest money questions. They cov…
Low deposit, high stakes: Inside Australia's 5% revolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss whether first homebuyers should use the 5% deposit scheme. Here’s what they cover:…
Are Australians really doing it tougher? Real spending data from AU, US & NZ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:42
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