Is FIRE still possible in 2026? Ft. Dave Gow

Is FIRE still possible in 2026? Ft. Dave Gow

Author: Rask February 1, 2026 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 2026. Is FIRE still achievable in Australia in 2026? Why FIRE feels harder now — and why it’s not impossible How Dave would rebuild financial independence from $0 today The role of income: penalty rates, night shifts and FIFO work Why earning more matters more than saving harder Property vs shares in a modern FIRE strategy When leverage helps — and when it delays freedom Why asset choice matters after you stop working How low-yield property portfolios trap people in work The emotional fear of stepping back from a career Why people keep moving the goalposts after reaching FI Relentless saver syndrome and delayed gratification burnout The ego behind assets and net worth milestones Why “enough” is psychologically harder than getting rich How to create an anti-anxiety financial plan Semi-retirement as a risk-management strategy How flexibility and part-time work protect your portfolio Designing a freedom-focused lifestyle, not just retirement Finding meaning and purpose beyond full-time work Why time — not money — is the real asset Learning how to actually enjoy your wealth Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit – https://bit.ly/Pearler Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith – https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith View Betashares full range of funds – https://bit.ly/beta-25Rask resources Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services Learn about Rask Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question – just select the Finance Podcast – https://bit.ly/R-quest 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 unsure, 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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