Why buying your first home feels impossible (and what to do instead) with Lucinda Hartley

Why buying your first home feels impossible (and what to do instead) with Lucinda Hartley

Author: Rask April 27, 2026 Duration: 46:43
Discover why the traditional path to buying your first home no longer works, the trade-offs modern buyers must make, and how to rethink home ownership in today’s market. In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Lucinda Hartley, author of Finding Home, to unpack what’s really changed when it comes to buying your first home. They cover: – Why the traditional “rulebook” no longer applies – How first home buyers need to rethink what “home” means – The key trade-offs you must understand before buying – How to approach home ownership in a way that fits your life today Topics Covered – Why the First Home Buyer Rulebook is Outdated – Then vs Now: What’s Changed in the Property Market – Rethinking What “Home” Means – The First Question Buyers Should Ask Themselves – Housing as “Success” vs Housing as “Security” – Is “Worst House, Best Street” Still Relevant? – Suburb vs Property: What Matters More Today – Changing Buyer Preferences (Apartments, Location, Lifestyle) – The Impact of Government Grants & Incentives – Is the 30% Housing Rule Still Realistic? – The Trade-Off Triangle Explained – The 10 Lifestyle Trade-Off Lenses – Common Trade-Offs Buyers Regret – Defining Your Non-Negotiables Before Buying – Credit Scores: What Actually Matters – Final Advice for First Home Buyers Resources for this episode Connect with Lucinda: Finding Home – Lucinda Hartley Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Speak with the Rask Advice team 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
How to invest in your 30s - ETF starter portfolio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:07
Your 30s can be one of the most important decades for building wealth, but they can also be one of the messiest. A mortgage, family plans, career pressure and day-to-day cash flow can make investing feel a lot more compl…
How to start investing in ETFs: Step-by-step beginner guide [5/5] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:47
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell wrap up the ETF mini-series by showing you exactly how to get started. After learning what ETFs are, how they work, how to research them…
How to build your ETF portfolio: Simple strategies that work [4/5] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell continue the ETF mini-series by helping you actually build your ETF portfolio. After learning what ETFs are, how they work, and how to r…
How to research ETFs: The ultimate beginner checklist [3/5] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:30
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…
What does the federal budget mean for your money, property & super? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:47
What does the 2026 Federal Budget actually mean for your money once you cut through the noise? In this Australian Finance Podcast Q&A, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack the biggest proposed changes and explain what the…
What is an ETF? Beginner guide to investing in ETFs [1/5] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:37
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell kick off a 5-part ETF investing mini-series by breaking down what ETFs actually are and why they’ve become so popular. Over this series,…
Christian Hull’s Hot-Mess Money Makeover: Where to Start [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:02
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell kicks off Episode 1 of the Christian Hull ‘Hot-Mess Money Makeover’ coaching series. With over six million followers, Christian Hull is no stranger to…
Super vs property vs ETFs: What should you focus on? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:46
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell unpack more listener questions around investing strategy, superannuation, and navigating today’s economic environment. They cover: – How…