Australian Retirement Podcast

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, Drew Meredith and James O’Reilly unpack four retirement issues that could affect how Australians access the Age Pension, choose a super fund and manage investment risk. First, they examine a proposal for better data sharing between Centrelink and super funds. Easier, pre-filled Age Pension applications could help eligible retirees claim sooner, but giving funds a broader picture of your finances also raises questions about privacy, product sales and who benefits from the data. They also discuss whether people in physically demanding careers—such as nurses, tradies and other manual workers—should qualify for the Age Pension before age 67. The idea may sound fair, but the hosts explore the cost, complexity and unintended incentives that could follow. Next, Drew and James look at renewed scrutiny of self-managed super funds. SMSFs can offer control and flexibility, yet lower balances, aggressive sales tactics and unsuitable investments can leave members carrying more cost and responsibility than they expected. Finally, a listener asks why a “balanced” super option can still hold 81% in growth assets. The hosts explain how labels differ between funds, what growth and defensive assets actually mean, and the long-term return ranges investors might expect as risk rises. It is a practical reminder that a fund’s name matters far less than what is inside it. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe 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 The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly unpack the latest Delivering Better Financial Outcomes, or DBFO, changes and why retirees should care. This episode looks past the political acronym to the real decisions facing Australians who want affordable advice, better super prompts and fewer traps as they move into retirement. Drew and James explain how the reforms could reshape the way advisers charge fees, renew ongoing service agreements and communicate with clients. They also trace how the reforms have evolved since the Hayne Royal Commission and why progress has felt painfully slow. The conversation then turns to why nudges from super funds and providers matter more than most people think, especially for people who may be eligible for the Age Pension or who have not yet switched super into pension phase when it would make sense to investigate it. They also tackle the darker side of the system: cold-calling lead generation, poor incentives and the practical risks around self-managed super funds. To finish, they answer a listener question on whether paying for a platform inside an SMSF is worth it, or whether staying DIY can still be the better move. If you want a calm, practical read on the latest advice reforms, this episode is a smart place to start. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe 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

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly begin with a stat that cuts through the noise: retirement confidence has fallen sharply, even after a strong year for investment markets. They unpack why rising living costs still dominate how pre-retirees feel, why good returns do not always create peace of mind, and why confidence is as much an emotional question as a financial one. They also discuss the surprising gap between seeing an adviser and actually feeling ready for retirement. From there, the conversation turns to property. Drew and James explore whether the old playbook of leveraging into investment properties still holds up for people approaching retirement, especially as negative gearing, capital gains tax settings and holding costs come under more pressure. Rather than making a dramatic crash call, they focus on the practical trade-offs between income, flexibility, debt, and the opportunity cost of keeping too much wealth tied to one asset class when other income options are improving. The episode finishes with a practical listener question on inherited shares, cost bases and how age pension status can change the tax outcome. If you are weighing up retirement timing, asset sales, or how policy shifts could affect your long-term plan, this episode offers a grounded framework for the questions worth asking next. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe 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

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Ryan Dinsdale from Deposit Power to unpack a part of the property journey that can quietly shape retirement decisions: how downsizers bridge the gap between selling one home and buying the next. Ryan explains why the real challenge is rarely just finding the right property. It is timing the two transactions, freeing up enough equity, and avoiding a rushed decision that leaves cash sitting idle or forces a more expensive financing option. The conversation compares the usual paths people think about, including selling first, buying first and using a bridging loan, before breaking down how a deposit bond works as an alternative. They also explore when a deposit bond may suit retirees and pre-retirees buying off the plan, bidding at auction or trying to keep money in an offset, investments or super for longer. Just as importantly, Ryan walks through the trade-offs, the application process, the fee structure and the safeguards that help buyers understand what they are actually signing up for. If you are thinking about downsizing, helping family move, or simply want a clearer way to think about deposits, liquidity and flexibility, this episode will give you a practical framework to start with. This episode was proudly sponsored by Deposit Power. Episode resources – ⁠Deposit Power website⁠ – ⁠Deposit Power fee calculator⁠ – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, James O'Reilly and Drew Meredith unpack one of the biggest retirement planning mistakes: assuming your spending stays flat for decades. They explain why retirement expenses are rarely linear, why some costs fall away while others creep higher, and how that can change the timing of when you can comfortably stop working. The episode opens with the latest super fund return numbers and a reminder not to confuse one strong year with a long-term plan. From there, James and Drew tackle the explosion in ETF choices on the ASX. They explain why lower fees and easier access have improved investing, but also why too much choice can create new risks for retirees and near-retirees, especially when thematic products make it easy to chase stories instead of strategy. The episode also gets practical about spending. Housing, travel, health costs and helping adult children can all shape retirement in ways spreadsheets often miss. They share a useful framework for separating essential spending from discretionary spending so you can see what is fixed, what can move, and what trade-offs are actually available. They finish with a listener question on excess super contributions, explaining what happens if you breach the cap, how the ATO process works today, and why the right response is usually to stay calm and deal with it methodically. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe 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

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly unpack ASIC’s latest report into adviser fees and the growing pressure on super platforms to prove clients are getting fair value. It’s a timely conversation for retirees, pre-retirees and business owners who are wondering what financial advice should cost, what good oversight looks like, and how to ask sharper questions before signing on. Drew and James explore why platform-based fee deductions have become such a focus, what ASIC appears to be targeting, and how poor-value advice can still slip through even in a heavily regulated system. They also break down the tension between cost and value: why the cheapest adviser is not always the best fit, why specialised advice often costs more, and what investors should expect to receive in return. The episode finishes with a practical listener question from a couple comparing two very different advice proposals. If you’ve ever wondered whether an upfront fee is too high, how ongoing fees should be judged, or what outcomes an adviser should be able to show in year one, this conversation will help you think more clearly before making a decision. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, Owen Rask sits down with Kanish Chugh, Head of ETF Sales at PIMCO Australia, to unpack why higher interest rates are changing the case for defensive assets. They explore why bonds are no longer the 'boring' part of a portfolio, what today's yield environment means for retirees and income-focused investors, and why the starting yield on fixed income matters more than many people realise. Owen and Kanish break down the trade-offs between savings accounts, term deposits and cash ETFs, including why liquidity, monthly distributions and portfolio role matter just as much as headline yield. They also explain how short-duration strategies differ from longer-duration bond exposures, why retirees often need a clearer cash plan than accumulators, and how fixed income can reduce the need to sell growth assets in weak markets. If you're building a retirement income plan, managing a cash bucket or simply trying to understand where fixed income fits in 2026, this conversation offers a practical framework for researching your next move. Kanish also shares the PIMCO products and fixed income ideas investors can add to a watchlist and explains why now may be one of the most compelling periods in years to revisit bonds, cash-plus strategies and diversified defensive exposure. Episode resources – PIMCO - EARN – PIMCO - PGBF – PIMCO - PDFI – PIMCO - PAUS – PIMCO - PCRD – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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: The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Australian Retirement Podcast hosts James O'Reilly and Drew Meredith step away from base-case planning and ask a harder question: what could genuinely go wrong for retirees if markets stop behaving? They unpack three plausible stress scenarios investors should understand: sticky inflation that keeps bond yields high and squeezes equity valuations, private-market pressure that exposes illiquidity and stretched assumptions, and a geopolitical shock from oil to Taiwan that hits supply chains, sentiment and portfolio returns all at once. The point is not to predict disaster, but to understand the chain reaction before fear takes over. Then they bring it back to real life with two thoughtful listener questions. First, what should a 60-year-old do after inheriting $500,000 when the pull between enjoying life, helping the kids and protecting retirement feels impossible to balance? Second, if retirement is only two years away, is it smarter to pay down the mortgage aggressively or lean harder into super when both peace of mind and tax efficiency matter? If you want a practical framework for thinking about downside risk, optionality and the decisions that matter most in the final stretch before retirement, this episode is a smart place to start. It is a grounded conversation about staying flexible without becoming paralysed by every scary headline. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

Australian Retirement Podcast hosts James O'Reilly and Drew Meredith tackle a problem that quietly traps a lot of retirees and pre-retirees: when a great investment becomes too big to ignore, but selling feels impossible because of capital gains tax. Using familiar names like CSL and Cochlear, they unpack why tax fear can keep people stuck in overexposed positions long after the risk has changed. The real question is not whether paying CGT hurts. It does. The better question is whether holding an undiversified portfolio is even more dangerous when one position starts to dominate your retirement plan and your future income. From there, Drew and James widen the lens to the property market, why some investors underestimate downturn risk, and how high rates, weak clearance rates and stretched affordability could shape the next chapter for housing. They also explain why property often gets more emotional leeway than shares, simply because it is not repriced in front of us every day. The episode also moves from theory to action, covering when debt reduction can beat extra investing, when additional super contributions deserve a closer look, and why understanding your cash flow matters more than most people think. If you want a clearer framework for balancing tax, diversification, super and cash in the years before retirement, this episode is a smart place to start. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit – Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, James O'Reilly and Drew Meredith walk through the biggest financial-year changes retirees, pre-retirees and business owners should be thinking about right now. The conversation covers the flood of FY27 planning questions now landing on advisers’ desks, from family trust rules and negative gearing changes to contribution caps, transfer balance caps and the practical reality of Div 296. James and Drew explain what is already changing, what is only proposed, and where people should be planning ahead rather than panicking. They unpack the implications of minimum tax proposals for discretionary trusts, the changing case for property, why payday super matters more than many people realise, and how asset location could become more important for people with larger balances inside and outside super. The episode also answers two practical listener questions: how reversionary pensions work inside an SMSF when Div 296 is in the mix, and whether long service leave is better taken as a lump sum, at full pay or at half pay when retirement is close. If you want a clear, grounded guide to the new financial year and the retirement planning decisions that may matter most over the next 12 months, this episode is a strong place to start. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

In this episode of Australian Retirement Podcast, Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly unpack the latest retreat from the Federal Budget's most controversial tax changes and what it means for retirees, pre-retirees and business owners trying to plan ahead. They explain why the government eased back on small-business CGT concessions, what the clarification on testamentary trusts really fixes, and why the age pension carve-out could become one of the most important strategic details in the whole package. The conversation then shifts to the Greens' push to ban SMSF borrowing for residential property, including why that proposal matters for rental supply, investor behaviour and the broader retirement planning landscape. Rather than stopping at headlines, Drew and James focus on the behavioural fallout: how people may respond when tax rules change, why good policy can still create bad incentives, and what retirees need to watch before making major moves with property, trusts or super. They also answer a practical listener question from a couple in their 60s weighing up an approaching retirement: should they prioritise smashing the mortgage or shovel as much as possible into super, and is an SMSF with listed assets still worth the cost once work winds down? If you want a clearer, calmer read on the Budget walk-backs, super strategy and the real retirement decisions sitting underneath the politics, this is a timely episode to queue up. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit EOFY deals to know about - ending June/July 2026 – $200 bonus for opening your first TermPlus account with $20k or more with code “EOFY26” – 1 free trade per month, for 12 months, for new Pearler customers 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

In this episode of the Australian Retirement Podcast, Drew Meredith is joined by Caite Brewer, a Queensland barrister who specialises in wills, estate disputes and superannuation. They unpack the estate-planning mistakes that can create years of conflict after someone dies, including DIY wills, informal wills, probate disputes, family provision claims and poor communication inside families. Caite explains why a will written on a napkin can sometimes still be valid, what solemn form probate actually means, and why executors, blended families and warring siblings can end up in court for years. The conversation also dives into superannuation, binding death nominations and family trusts. Drew and Caite explore why super is often treated differently from the rest of an estate, how small SMSF paperwork errors can derail a plan, and why specialist advice matters when family wealth is spread across wills, trusts and super. They also discuss elder abuse, the warning signs families miss, and the practical steps that reduce the risk of disputes. The biggest takeaway is simple: communicate early, keep documents current and get proper estate-planning advice before a crisis forces the issue. If you want a clearer understanding of wills, inheritance disputes, probate, super death benefits and the real-world risks of poor succession planning, this episode is a practical starting point. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, James O'Reilly and Drew Meredith unpack a side of retirement planning spreadsheets cannot solve: what happens when you stop working. Using four retirement archetypes - stayers, leavers, blenders and the disengaged - they explain why people can thrive after leaving work or feel flat, isolated and directionless even when the money looks fine on paper. The conversation then turns to the practical friction many Australians underestimate. Drew explains why getting money out of an SMSF can take longer than expected, why interim accounts and asset valuations matter, and why winding up or rolling out a fund is rarely as simple as pressing sell. They also tackle the emotional side of the transition, including how connected you are to your current work and how ready you are for what comes next. James and Drew round it out with listener questions on growth versus defensive assets at 75, reversionary pensions, and what a surviving spouse needs to think about if a death benefit may push them over the transfer balance cap. If you are planning retirement or wondering whether your SMSF still makes sense, this episode offers a clearer framework for both the lifestyle and structural decisions that come with leaving work. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O’Reilly, from Northeast Wealth, pull back the curtain on what actually happens between “let’s get some advice” and the document landing on your desk 10 weeks later — and why proper modelling involves a lot more than three columns on a spreadsheet. They also talk through a confronting client story where test-driving the retirement budget cut spending by nearly 40 per cent, and answer two big listener questions on healthcare buffers and complex SMSF property holdings. Topics covered today - Markets at all-time highs while every news headline says the world is broken — what the disconnect means for retirees - The Atlassian whipsaw and what it says about AI panic in big tech valuations - Why a statement of advice takes four to ten weeks: research, third-party authorities, modelling, quality control - Three-input modelling versus proper multivariate modelling — and why most calculators sit at the lazy end - Test-driving your retirement budget: the “rip the band-aid” case study that cut $180,000 of spend down to $110,000 - Why the most underrated job of an adviser is forcing the trade-off conversation - Hugh’s question: how much should you buffer for healthcare costs before the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card kicks in at 67? - Mr No Idea’s question: $12 million property portfolio, an SMSF property in Mernda, and why this is firmly in personal-advice territory - Retirement location reality-check — Queenscliff wind, Queensland surf breaks, and why you should rent before you buy Episode resources – Services Australia — Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – ATO myGov — review contribution caps and balances – ASIC Moneysmart — retirement planner – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O’Reilly, from Northeast Wealth, bust the myth that financial advice fees are fully tax-deductible after the 2024 changes, walk through a real client case where an insurance refund accidentally triggered the bring-forward non-concessional cap, and run the numbers on what a daily coffee, a weekly pub meal, and three streaming services really cost a retiree over 25 years. They also explain what professional indemnity insurance actually covers (and what it does not), and answer two listener questions: the best month of the year to retire, and whether a still-working 60-year-old with $2 million should set up an allocated pension now. Topics covered today – The myth that all financial advice fees are tax-deductible — what actually changed in 2024 and why accountants are tightening up – A real case study: an insurance premium refund accidentally treated as a non-concessional contribution and the bring-forward trap it triggered – Why the latest age pension increase was completely wiped out by higher deeming rates, petrol, and grocery prices – The $432,000 cost of a daily coffee, weekly pub meal, and three streaming services over 25 years — and why we still say spend it anyway – Professional indemnity insurance: what it actually covers, what it doesn’t, and why “bad returns” aren’t a claim – Mad About Money’s question: what is the best time of year to retire? (Hint: August) – Super Sandwich’s question: 60 years old, $2 million in super, still working five more years — should you start an allocated pension now? – The over-60 super recycling strategy: meeting a condition of release, drawing the minimum, and re-contributing to save up to $14,000 a year in tax If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on tax, coffee, and the over-60 super loophole, you’ll love the series. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Resources for this episode – Wattle Partners – Northeast Wealth – ATO — deductibility of financial advice fees (TD 2024/7) – Services Australia — deeming rates – ASIC Moneysmart — conditions of release – Drew’s book — request a free copy via the show – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit 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

This episode was originally featured on the Australian Investors Podcast. In this episode, Owen Rask sits down with Senator Andrew Bragg for a wide-ranging conversation about the Federal Budget, housing supply, tax, productivity and why so many Australians feel the country has become harder to get ahead in. Rather than getting stuck in party talking points, they focus on the practical questions investors, business owners and workers are asking right now: what happens when policy makes it harder to build homes, why does productivity matter so much for living standards, and how do taxes, regulation and incentives shape whether Australia creates more wealth or simply fights over what already exists? Andrew explains why he believes cutting housing supply is one of the worst policy choices Australia can make, how rising rents, higher rates and broader cost-of-living pressure are changing the national mood, and why small business, private investment and simpler rules still matter if Australia wants to stay competitive. The conversation also touches on super, the role of large institutions, and why clearer economic thinking matters more when confidence is low. Owen pushes on the bigger picture too: whether Australia has lost ambition, why the policy debate feels less honest than it should, and what needs to change if Australians want better opportunities over the next decade. If you want a plain-English discussion about housing, tax, productivity, competitiveness and the long-run direction of Australia, this is a timely episode to queue next. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit 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

Drew Meredith and James O’Reilly on why AI-built retirement modelling routinely gets the numbers dangerously wrong, plus the end-of-financial-year traps and condition-of-release tricks every Australian retiree should know before June 30. In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O’Reilly, from Northeast Wealth, work through five high-stakes mistakes they keep seeing in DIY retirement plans — from AI tools that forget income tax and the age pension, to notice-of-intent timing errors that quietly delete tax deductions worth tens of thousands. They also unpack a clever (and entirely legal) condition-of-release strategy involving the Census, plus how to think about gifting an adult child a house deposit without blowing up your own retirement. Topics covered - Why AI-built and industry-fund retirement calculators keep missing income tax and the age pension - Treating AI like a sharp intern — useful, but you still have to check the work - End-of-financial-year planning: why “June” is too late and what to be doing in March and April - Notice of intent to claim — the timing trap that quietly deletes tax deductions - Excess concessional contributions: how the ATO’s flexibility has changed the game - Property settlements vs exchange-of-contracts — why the date you assume isn’t the tax date - The Census condition-of-release trick: unlocking tax-free super after 60 - Cash-out and re-contribution — saving adult-child beneficiaries tens of thousands in tax - How secure are annuities really? APRA, statutory funds, and what the government guarantee does (and doesn’t) cover - Gifting an adult child a $150k house deposit — gifting limits, the 5-year deeming rule, and why a guarantor arrangement is often the better move Resources for this episode - Wattle Partners - Northeast Wealth - ATO myGov — check your concessional cap and carry-forward space - ATO — Notice of intent to claim a deduction for personal super contributions - Services Australia — Gifting and the age pension - Challenger — Australia’s biggest annuity provider (mentioned in the annuities discussion) – Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources – Visit TermPlus to learn more – Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly tackle one of the trickiest questions for Australians heading into retirement: if you still have a large home loan in your 50s, should every spare dollar go into the mortgage, or could super actually be the better lever? Using a real-world case study, they unpack why maximising personal deductible super contributions can sometimes leave retirees in a stronger position than aggressively paying down the loan, particularly when catch-up concessional caps and tax deductions come into play. They also explain the risks: super is locked away, markets are never linear, and the right move depends on cash flow, time horizon and confidence in the plan. The episode also explores a new push to make pensions easier to start, including the idea of defaulting older Australians into pension products later in life. Drew and James dig into where that could help, where it could go too far, and why personal choice still matters. Plus, there’s a practical conversation on how retirees can use AI in everyday life — from planning trips and social activities to making day-to-day admin easier. If you’re weighing up mortgage versus super, thinking about pension timing, or just want to retire with more clarity, this is a sharp and practical listen. Episode resources Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth open with footy chaos and ageing parents challenges, then dive into what's really happening in property markets using the fresh Cotality April 2026 report. The Boomer Briefing exposes the super rollover waiting period double hit: outgoing funds must now provide risk warnings before you can switch - designed to make you think twice. But here's the absurd catch: those same funds cannot pay for independent advice about whether switching is right for you. The rules are so restrictive (SOA requirements, payment limits) that advisers won't touch it. So you get the warning... but no help navigating it. Then Drew and James unpack the growing issues in property values. The Cotality April 2026 report reveals what retirees planning to downsize or leverage equity need to know right now - pages 5 and 7 tell the real story behind the headlines. Plus: Are SMSFs actually good for retiree couples, or are most people simply not up to full control? Drew doesn't hold back. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today: Super rollover waiting period - the double hit for fund switchers Why outgoing funds can't pay for switching advice (and what that means) $250M AustralianSuper exodus - members switching blind Property values reality check - Cotality April 2026 report deep dive Are SMSFs good for retiree couples? Most aren't up to it Resources for this episode Cotality Housing Chart Pack April 2026 Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth, react to Treasurer Jim Chalmers' Federal Budget bombshell - the biggest shake-up to property and investment tax in a generation. Negative gearing has been axed for future purchases of established property. The 50% CGT discount is gone, replaced by an inflation indexation model. And for the first time, a 30% minimum CGT rate is being layered in - mirrored by a matching 30% minimum on discretionary trust distributions - aimed squarely at older Australians who'd otherwise pay less tax in retirement. Even pre-1985 assets, untouchable for over 40 years, are being dragged into the tax net. Drew and James talk through what's grandfathered, what isn't, what the 1 July 2027 start date means, and why anyone running income through a family trust needs to revisit their strategy. If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on the Federal Budget, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today The headline changes from Chalmers' Budget Negative gearing - what's been axed, what survives, and the new-build carve-out The death of the 50% CGT discount and the move to inflation indexation The new 30% minimum CGT rate - and why retirees are the real target The 30% minimum tax on family trust distributions Pre-1985 assets brought into the tax net for the first time What's grandfathered and what to do before 1 July 2027 Episode resources Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more Have the chance to win a 5k travel voucher. Take the TermPlus survey here (last entry 31st of May) 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