The Australian Retirement Podcast by Rask is your field guide to retirement, hosted by financial advisers Drew Meredith and James O'Reilly. If you're 45 and up, planning for retirement, transitioning now, or already there, we cover all of the topics you want and need to know: Super, tax, investments, legacy, work, behavioural psychology and maybe even a few travel tips. Get retirement advice: https://bit.ly/R-plan Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/3QtiY00 In every episode of the podcast, in the description provided, you will find our key resources, including: A link to work with us and our expert teams A link to the free Rask community - join the conversation, it's free. A link to ask us questions for the podcast - it's a free service we offer to educate thousands of Australians, and Extra resources for each episode Don't forget, this Rask podcast contains general financial information only, issued by The Rask Group Pty Ltd. The information does not take into account your financial needs, goals or objectives, so be sure to speak to a licensed and trusted financial planner before acting on the information. You can find more information about Rask podcasts and services provided at www.rask.com.au/FSG
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 – 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 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
In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth both spent the holidays in Bright - talking reducing mobility, extending the golden years, and coaching. Plus Grace's bike crash and x-rays. The government just announced financial advisers will no longer need an approved degree - reversing post-Royal Commission reforms. Pre-2019 it was a diploma, post-RC it was a finance degree, now it's any degree plus required finance knowledge. Why the band-aid solution? Adviser numbers are collapsing: 28,000 in 2018, 22,000 in 2020, just 15,000 in 2026 - an all-time low and 46% decline. Red tape is outrageous, costs to deliver advice have ballooned (80% increase since 2019, with 320% increase in the financial advice levy), and there have been very few wins over the last decade. The Boomer Briefing tackles the global recession threat with higher inflation - slowing growth, higher costs for groceries, travel, fuel. How do you manage a recession with higher inflation where costs are increasing, returns may fall, and you have a finite pool of capital? Australia is in one of the worst positions as a net importer. If you're retiring today, should you be worried? Drew and James explain recession vs. crisis, why you can't "wait until everything settles down," and how markets rebound on outlook. Plus TermPlus questions: "If you could implant one belief into every retiree's brain on day one, what would it be?" and "If every Australian family had one conversation before someone turns 70, what's the topic?" 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. Resources for this episode 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
Div 296 changes, July super payments & worst retirement advice ever heard
In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth open with camping vs. vanning debate, optimal camping setups, and serious camping envy. Then the worst retirement advice they've ever heard clients repeat: "Put 100% of my super in crypto in the leadup to retirement," "I'll just invest in income stocks," and "Super is a scam, I'll take it all out and put it in a term deposit." The Boomer Briefing unpacks Division 296 and the CGT reset, then dives into the massive 1 July 2026 changes forcing employers to pay super at the same time as salary payments. The ATO estimates $3-4 billion in unpaid super each year - but industry analysis suggests it's closer to $5 billion, representing 3-5% of total super guarantee liabilities. Around 40% is attributed to insolvent employers, another 40% to the shadow economy (cash-based industries, contractor misclassification, underreported wages). Higher-risk workers - casuals, migrants, younger and lower-income workers, and contractors - are less likely to check super or report underpayment. Late payments attract super guarantee charges (interest and admin fees) with no tax deductibility, so employers caught with arrears may be better off resolving this in FY26. Drew and James answer questions from HardlyBroke about TermPlus capital protection and time-is-ticking on accessing super over 60 when self-employed with an ABN - can you return to work invoicing the same clients? 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: - Worst retirement advice ever - 100% crypto, income stocks only, super is a scam - Division 296 and CGT reset explained - 1 July 2026 super payment changes - $5B unpaid super scandal - TermPlus capital protection - is your capital really safe? - Accessing super over 60 when self-employed - ABN and same client rules Resources for this episode 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
Industry super funds have been hit by hacking attempts and outages. Should you be worried? Drew Meredith and James O’Reilly break down what’s happening — plus answer your top retirement questions on super access, non-concessional contributions, downsizer rules, and early retirement strategies. If you enjoyed this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on protecting your super and retirement planning, subscribe for weekly episodes on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Topics covered today: - Industry super fund hacks and downtime — why it’s worrying - Can you re-contribute super after drawing a pension? - Preservation rules for superannuation: 60, 65, and retirement triggers - How to add a spouse to a property title affordably - Superannuation strategies for couples with large age gaps Resources for this episode 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 school holiday money-saving tips, then dive into the private credit boom sweeping retirement portfolios. Not all private credit funds are equal. Drew and James break down what retirees need to know: illiquidity premiums, fund manager transparency, borrower quality, concentration risk, and whether evergreen funds are worth the hype. What should you actually look for before jumping into private credit? Then the big question from "Panicking Parents": "My parents have $1M combined super and plan to withdraw ALL of it to move to an individual financial adviser, just like their friends did. What research should we do? How do I convince them to leave it in super?" Drew and James expose the massive red flags, tax implications, and conflicts of interest that families need to understand before making this move. 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: 1. Private credit risks - illiquidity premium, fund manager evaluation, borrower quality 2. Evergreen funds - benefits and costs reviewed 3. Concentration risk - how many underlying loans in your fund? 4. $1M super withdrawal red flags - tax implications and conflicts of interest 5. One piece of retirement advice - Drew and James' best wisdom Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Speak with the Rask Advice team Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Visit TermPlus to learn more 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, we take a close look at the US-Iran war volatility: Should you sell or hold? Did you know, missing the 10 best market days cuts returns in HALF. Plus your week-by-week GFC crash playbook for year 1 retirees. In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth tackle the question terrifying every retiree: with markets down 10%, Iran war escalating, and oil prices spiking - should you SELL or HOLD? The data is brutal. Research shows missing just the 10 best market days over 30 years cuts your returns in HALF. Miss 30 days? Returns drop 84%. The kicker: 76% of the best days happen during bear markets or in the first two months of a bull market. JP Morgan found that seven of the 10 highest-returning days happened within two weeks of the market's largest declines. Drew and James debate both sides - the case for staying invested versus the "this time is different" argument - then answer a listener's question: "How safe is my super during global conflicts? Can I park it somewhere safer?" Finally, the big one: if you got a GFC-style crash in year one of retirement, what does the playbook actually look like week by week? 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: - Trump war geopolitics - sell or hold your portfolio? - Missing 10 best days = 50% returns loss (Hartford Funds 30-year study) - Why 76% of best days happen in bear markets - Can you park super somewhere safer during volatility? - GFC crash in year 1 retirement - your week-by-week playbook Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” 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
In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners and James O'Reilly from Northeast Wealth expose the "balanced" fund myth. Remember "Compare the Pair"? Two funds both labeled "balanced" can hold 40% vs 80% growth assets. Despite influencing millions of retirement outcomes, "balanced" has NO legal, regulatory, or industry-standard definition. It's marketing, not investment strategy. James delivers shocking health news: Add 9 years to your life with just 7-8 hours sleep, 40 minutes moderate exercise daily, and a healthy diet. Even baby steps work - UK study of 59,078 participants found adding just 5 minutes sleep, 2 minutes exercise, and half a vegetable serving per day adds ONE EXTRA YEAR of life expectancy. The Boomer Briefing tackles three critical questions: "Where There's a Will, Is There a Way?" - With life expectancies increasing, when does it make sense to skip your retiree children and leave inheritances directly to adult grandchildren? Can you reassign your share of your parents' estate to your kids? Legal and tax implications explained, plus testamentary trust strategies. "Wood Miner" asks: How do I protect my investments from litigation and being sued? Is super in accumulation phase better protected than pension phase? Today's big question: "If aged care costs doubled in the next decade - which they might - should retirees be earmarking super specifically for that, or is that just planning for fear?" Topics covered today: - "Balanced" fund myth exposed - No legal definition, 40% vs 80% growth assets both called "balanced" - Live 9 years longer - 7-8 hours sleep, 40 min exercise, healthy diet - Baby steps add 1 year - Just 5 min more sleep + 2 min exercise + half serving vegetables - Skip generations in wills - Leaving inheritance to grandchildren instead of retiree children - Reassigning estate shares - Can you redirect your parents' inheritance to your kids? Tax implications Resources for this episode Five minutes exercise life span study Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more 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
