How to research ETFs: The ultimate beginner checklist [3/5]

How to research ETFs: The ultimate beginner checklist [3/5]

Author: Rask May 15, 2026 Duration: 54:30
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell continue the ETF mini-series by showing you how to research and compare ETFs like a pro. After learning what ETFs are and how they work in episodes one and two, this episode focuses on building trust and confidence when choosing between similar ETFs. They cover: – How to research ETFs using a simple checklist – The key documents you need (like the PDS) – How to compare performance, fees and fund size – Why similar ETFs can still be very different If you like this Australian Finance Podcast episode on ETFs, you'll love our series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify), YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Why ETFs are used by both beginners and advanced investors – Why similar ETFs aren’t always identical – How to research an ETF step-by-step – What is a PDS (Product Disclosure Statement)? – Key documents to review before investing – Comparing ETF performance (and why past performance isn’t everything) – How ETF prices actually work – Does fund size matter? – Does ETF price matter ($5 vs $100)? – ETF research checklist: – Index (what does it track?) – Fees (MER / management costs) – Long-term performance – Fund size (FUM) – Common investor questions: – Should you hold multiple similar ETFs? – Is that real diversification? – Why choose one ETF over another? – Do lower fees always win? – What if an ETF is new with limited history? – When ETFs work well (long-term investing) – When ETFs might not suit your strategy Resources for this episode - Download the ETF mini series checklist here - 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 - TikTok 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) 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: 50

Australian Finance Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Rewind: should you boost super, pay off debt or save for a home? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:13
This is a special rewind episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, bringing back one of our favourite Q&A conversations because the questions are still incredibly relevant today. In this episode, Owen Rask and Gemma Mit…
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VanEck’s GOAT ETF: how AI is changing ETF investing, with James Gil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:40
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with James Gil, Head of Product at VanEck, to unpack the relaunch of GOAT and why it matters for ETF investors. Rather than simply buying “AI stocks”, GOAT…
Six things we've learnt about money with Pearler's Hayden Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode of Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith from Pearler to compare the money lessons they wish they had understood much earlier. What starts as a conversation about investing qui…
Div 293, first-home rules and the SMSF property crackdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:23
In this episode of Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack a grab bag of money questions that hit a lot of Australians at exactly the wrong time: when tax, super and property rules all seem to be…
Should you DIY your super? Hayden Smith answers the big questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:42
Australian Finance Podcast host Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith from Pearler to answer one of the biggest questions investors ask once they get serious about money: should you take more control of your super, or le…
An AI masterclass with Hayden Smith from Pearler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:29
In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Hayden Smith, CTO at Pearler, for a practical masterclass on what AI actually is, why it matters for investors, and where the real money may be made…