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
Do this now for a great 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:16
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Pete Wargent of Allen Wargent Property Buyers and Gemma Mitchell from Rask discuss how to make 2026 your best financial year yet. Here’s what they cover: -Starting n…
BGBL v GGBL, Gearing 101, and debt inside Super [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:56
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask chats with Cameron Gleeson, Senior Investment Strategist at Betashares, to break down the concept of gearing using ETFs. Together, they explore: – What gear…
5 ways to research an ETF like a pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:01
In this The Australian Finance Podcast, your host Owen Rask walks through 5 expert-level steps to research any ETF with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to know what’s actually in your ETF, this checkli…
Emma Edwards’ 5 Rules for Spending Right in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:57
In this short and snappy Wednesday bonus episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by financial behaviour expert and author Emma Edwards to share five practical tips to help you spend less — wit…
David Gardner, 6 traits to beat the market, rule breakers & legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:56
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask sits down with David Gardner (co-founder of The Motley Fool and author of Rule Breaker Investing) to discuss: – Beating the market vs indexing – The “lose t…
Maximising Annual Leave, AI Holiday Hacks and 2026 Planning – Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:14
In this Friday episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Money Coach Lexi Smith from MoneyVine to answer your money questions. We look at how to get through the most expensive time of ye…
5 thematic ETFs I'm watching like a hawk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:39
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, Owen Rask dives deep into 5 of Australia's most popular thematic ETFs for long-term growth potential. Owen profiles these thematic ETFs: - Betashares Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HA…