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
Super stats: How does your superannuation compare? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:45
How does your super really stack up? Average vs top 10% super balances explained. In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell and Owen Rask break down the latest Australian superannuation statistics…
Baby on the way? Money tips, leave & childcare costs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:45
In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by James Phelan, Senior Adviser at Rask Advice, to answer the big money questions that tend to come up when a baby is on the way. Fro…
Dare to be wealthy – with Mel Browne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:39
In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by long-time friend of the show, Mel Browne – a multi-time founder, author, and ex-financial adviser with a fresh take on what it really means t…
Executor of an estate and first home buyer trade-offs – Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:15
In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell tackle some of the bigger, more complex money questions that tend to show up in mid-life and major transitions. We cover what it…
Is FIRE still possible in 2026? Ft. Dave Gow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:53
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask is joined by Dave Gow from Strong Money Australia for a deep, honest conversation about the future of FIRE — and whether financial independence is still achievable in…
Summer Series Part 10: Protecting yourself and your family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
Welcome to The Australian Finance Podcast Summer Series — your ultimate kick-start to the new year! Across 10 bite-sized episodes, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell help you reset your money mindset, build solid financi…
Summer Series Part 9: Tax [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Welcome to The Australian Finance Podcast Summer Series — your ultimate kick-start to the new year! Across 10 bite-sized episodes, hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell help you reset your money mindset, build solid financi…
2026 stock game: Owen & Navarre's $100,000 stock game portfolio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:00
The Rask 2026 stock market game is live - it's called Stock Genius. Available at stockgenius.com.au, in collaboration with Navexa, the Rask Stock Market is open for you to compete and enjoy with over 1,000 fellow investo…