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How to approach home ownership in a way that fits your life today Topics Covered – Why the First Home Buyer Rulebook is Outdated – Then vs Now: What’s Changed in the Property Market – Rethinking What “Home” Means – The First Question Buyers Should Ask Themselves – Housing as “Success” vs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
Your Money Reset: How to Boost Net Worth, Self Worth & Income [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:08
In this bonus episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, host Gemma Mitchell kicks off a two-part mini-series based on her new book, The Money Reset. If you’ve been thinking about a fresh start with your finances, especi…
Emergency funds, defensive assets & when to pay for advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:46
FHSS, defensive assets & the real cost of financial advice – this Q&A has it all In this Friday episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, your hosts Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell are back for your weekly Q&A. From using…
Festive Season on a Budget: 10 Money-Saving Hacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:28
Today, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Tahli Cavagnino, senior financial adviser with the Rask Advice team, to share 5 tips each to survive Christmas spending without blowing the budget. From gift-giving hacks to t…
Forget everyone else: goal-setting your way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
In this episode, Pete Wargent from the Australian Property Podcast and Gemma Mitchell from the Australian Finance Podcast dig into one of the biggest game-changers for your finances – setting clear goals. But not just an…
ETFs vs Mortgage: Where’s Your Money Best Spent? – Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:26
Questions we answer on this episode: - How the Age Pension works alongside superannuation (and yes, you can have both)- What happens to your super if you die without a will- Mortgage vs ETFs: which should you focus on af…
How I built a $4.5m business, with Phil Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:28
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask sits down with Phil Thompson, the founder of Skye Wealth. Phil reveals how he bought into a financial advice business at 24, navigated six years of no growt…
No Pay Rise? No Problem (Sort Of)! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:12
In this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Lexi Smith from MoneyVine to unpack a little-known work perk that’s actually worth it — financial wellbeing workshops. If you enjoyed this ch…
Lessons from Peter Lynch, Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett – Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:28
Franking credits, ETF fees & starting from zero – we’re answering your burning questions. In this episode of the Australian Finance Podcast, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Mitchell Sneddon, Head of Funds at Rask a…
Life insurance in Australia: What cover do you really need? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
In this Australian Finance Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Phil Thompson from Skye Wealth dive into the world of life insurance in Australia. They cover: – What personal insurance is and why it matters – The di…