Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early

Let’s be honest: Financial Independence can feel like a BIG task. The progress is incremental, the timelines are longer than we’d like, and the temptation to splurge can haunt us. Fortunately, there are a litany of hacks you can apply to remain perpetually motivated.From plugging into “reverse motivation”, to breaking your goals into smaller milestones, to surrounding yourself with like-minded people, the episode runs the gamut of inspirational tactics. Listen in and find the right motivational approach for you!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textBecause Financial Independence looks different for everyone, there’s seldom a one-size-fits-all approach to reaching it. That’s why the Aussie FIRE podcast loves to consider case studies from listeners. In doing so, we can all consider how different people, with different circumstances, could reach FIRE.This time around, Dave and Hayden assess a case study from a listener who has moved to an island with their family of five. While this already sounds like an FI dream, the family is still working towards early retirement. Tune in to hear Dave and Hayden’s thoughts on how the family could approach their FI quest – and how you could, too!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobookDisclaimerAny advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn a previous episode, we conducted a deep dive into Dave’s finances. However, keen observers and long-time listeners may have noticed something: Dave is only one of TWO hosts on this podcast. What’s more, the other host is renowned for his novel, proactive, and sometimes wacky cost-cutting measures. We are, of course, talking about Hayden – co-founder of investing platform Pearler and man with a thousand savings hacks.Throughout this session, Hayden leaves no stone unturned in revealing every detail of his personal finances. We also hear of his savings and investing approach, and how he plans his financial future as a startup co-founder.Whether you’re a budgeter, an investor, or an entrepreneur, you’ll get a kick out of this episode.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textDave and Hayden’s Q&As have become a regular thing on this podcast. Sure, audience feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which is the key reason they’ve become part of the landscape. At a deeper level, though, Dave and Hayden see it as a golden opportunity to connect with the community.  That’s why they’re particularly excited about this session.During this episode, they answer a range of questions, from “What ETFs is Dave invested in?” to “Are financial magazines worth it?”. They cover a cornucopia of other queries, too, so you won’t want to miss it!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textDave and Hayden at Aussie FIRE recently received a thought-provoking question from a listener. While we’re paraphrasing slightly, its essence boiled down to:“As a long-term investor, are you better off buying a more expensive home, or buying a cheaper home and investing the difference?”Depending on your own preferences, you might have a clear idea of which approach makes the most sense. However, from an objective point of view, there are a range of factors to consider. So, in the spirit of open-mindedness, Dave and Hayden set out to compare the two.Join them as they measure the potential pros and cons of buying a more expensive home against a cheaper one. By popular demand, Hayden also unpacks his rent vs buy Excel spreadsheet calculations. Listen along, or check out the spreadsheet here.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThere are countless ways to learn as an investor, from books, to podcasts (like this one), to quarterly earnings reports. Even so, some of the most memorable lessons are the ones we make through trial and error. Aussie FIRE co-hosts Dave and Hayden are no exception – in fact, were it not for their investing mistakes, they wouldn’t have made it this far.In this session, they cover the key lessons they’ve learned from their investing mistakes over the years. These include:Trying to pick stocks without really knowing what they were doingOvercomplicating the investing process Putting too much stock in predictions Watching price movements too much And many more. Have you made any of these mistakes? If so, great – it’s all part of the investor’s learning experience!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIf you’re working towards Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE), a question may have crossed your mind: is it easier to reach FIRE as a single person, or as a couple? Unsurprisingly, people within the FIRE community have been debating this one for a long time. And depending on who you ask, you’ll likely receive a different answer.At the end of the day, both singles and couples are equally capable of reaching FIRE. But as a thought exercise, Dave and Hayden have set out to compare the two categories. They do this by measuring both groups across income, spending, investing, and practical/psychological considerations. They also offer some ideas for how both groups can succeed, and share their own personal experiences.Enjoy, and as always, feel free to share any questions!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textA few sessions ago, Dave and Hayden hosted their first Aussie FIRE audience Q&A. Well, the community seemed to enjoy it… so they’re doing it again.This time around, they answer a slew of new FIRE queries – from “What are your thoughts on US tech stocks?”; to “How would you invest $500 per month as part of an ETF strategy?”, to “How is investing for your kids different to investing for yourself?”.Come for the answers, and hopefully you’ll leave with more questions!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textLast episode, Aussie FIRE co-hosts Dave and Hayden discussed debt recycling, and who can benefit from it. As it turns out, people in our community have a lot of questions about this subject. For this reason, Dave and Hayden decided to run a debt recycling FAQ.Join the Aussie FIRE duo as they answer some of the most common questions around debt recycling. These include:Is debt recycling even legal? What type of loans do I need to debt recycle? How do I know whether I should debt recycle? What are the ideal interest rates for debt recycling? And many more. Tune in, and they’ll give you answers – or, at the very least, the questions you should be asking yourself before you try debt recycling.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textYou may have suspected just from its name, but debt recycling can be a polarising topic in investing circles. Some hail it as an effective way to scale your investments. Others deride it as a source of needless complexity. But regardless of where you stand on the matter, one thing is certain: to use debt recycling, you need to know what you’re doing.In this episode, Dave and Hayden explore the subject of debt recycling in depth. They do this by discussing how it works, why it’s popular with some investors, and what you need to understand before you consider it. If you’ve been looking for a launchpad to understanding debt recycling, this session has you covered.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textOne of our hosts became renowned across Australia for reaching FIRE by age 28. We are, of course, referring to Dave Gow, the mastermind behind Strong Money Australia.Because Dave didn’t achieve FIRE through an investment banking job or a lofty inheritance, his journey often inspires other FIRE-seekers. In fact, many of our listeners have asked Dave to provide a detailed breakdown of his finances.In this session, we do exactly that – from “What are your annual expenses?” to “How did forming a relationship change your FIRE habits?”. Anyone who has ever wanted a deep insight into a life once FIRE’d won’t want to skip this ep.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textSince launching back in 2023, the Aussie FIRE podcast has cultivated an incredible community of listeners. And, over the last few months, co-hosts Dave and Hayden have received a lot of thought-provoking questions from their audience. That’s why they were thrilled to run their very first audience Q&A.In this episode, they answer an array of listener queries on long-term investing – from “What are the cons of selling shares when they’re up, then re-buying when they’re down?”; to “Are some of our concerns around ethical investing unfounded?”.Tune in and see how many of these questions have crossed your mind!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textHousing plays a pivotal role in any FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) strategy. Whether you rent or buy, you’ll need to account for your shelter before you can comfortably retire early. That’s why, in a past episode, co-hosts Dave and Hayden explored the relationship between housing and FIRE. This time around, they roll up their sleeves and crunch the numbers.In this session, the Aussie FIRE duo run some calculations to determine whether moving or renting makes more financial sense. As part of their data crunching, they incorporate an array of different factors, from average mortgage rates to moving costs.Of course, these figures are hypothetical, and don’t consider your specific circumstances. But by tuning in to this episode, you can find a framework for making your own decision.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn life, there are various ways to invest. And we’re not only talking about shares versus bonds, or ETFs versus property. In fact, education can offer as much of an investment as any asset.Many Australians seem to agree; according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 32% of Australians hold a bachelors degree. But when you compare the fees to the earning potential, is a uni degree actually worth it?Full disclosure: Dave and Hayden aren’t the Cosmic Arbiters of What Is & Isn’t “Worth It”. With that said, they do love to discuss effective routes to Financial Independence. It’s through this lens that they discuss the pros and cons of university, from “How much could I earn?”, to “How much would the debt impact me?”, to “Is there an argument for using that extra time to work instead of study?”Class is officially in session for the University of Aussie FIRE!**(In case it’s not clear, this isn’t a real university.)PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textPreviously on this podcast, we’ve covered how different mindsets affect your money habits. This time around, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) take it a step further. Beyond simply influencing your money habits, your mindset can determine:How you deal with financial setbacksHow effectively your can plan for your FIRE lifestyleIf and when you reach your FIRE goalsJoin Dave and Hayden as they discuss how to master your mindset for FIRE. They also explore how the right mindset can give you greater resilience, and how accountability can be the secret ingredient in your FIRE kitchen.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textIn your Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) travels, you may have heard of the First Home Super Saver Scheme. To oversimplify, it’s a government plan which allows you to channel some of your superannuation towards your first home deposit.If you’ve been lamenting the costs of real estate lately, the FHSSS may appeal to you. But is it a worthwhile avenue for buying your first address?In this session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) will be making sense of the First Home Super Saver Scheme. During their chat, they discuss how it works, its pros and cons, and who they believe it’s best suited for. With any luck, this episode will help you understand the Scheme, and decide on whether it’s right for you.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textWhen you listen to stories of FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early), you’d be forgiven for assuming that a huge income is a prerequisite. However, while a hefty salary does help, it’s by no means essential. In fact, many people within the FIRE community have retired early without earning in the top tax bracket.In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) explore how someone can reach FIRE on a lower income. They do this by crunching the compound interest numbers for different salaries and sharing their results. They also detail how cutting your expenses can circumvent the limits of a lower income.By this session’s close, you’ll have a clearer idea of how you can work towards FIRE – regardless of your earnings.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThis session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) are doing something a little different. Instead of exploring some theoretical aspect of Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE), they share specifically what it is they invest in. They also detail why they’ve chosen these particular investments, and how they tie into each host’s FIRE plans.Of course, the investments discussed in this episode won’t be to everyone’s liking. They also won’t align with every listener’s goals, investing horizons, or risk tolerance. However, by sharing them openly, and questioning each other’s choices, they aim to create a spirit of curiosity which will inform your FIRE journey.Enjoy!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textWithin the Australian Financial Independence community, shares have always been a popular asset. With a bit of research, it’s easy to understand why – they’re easy to manage, they don’t require debt, and most people can get started with minimal funds. This raises the question: is investing in shares the best way to reach FIRE?In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) tackle this topic head on. They do so by exploring the strengths and drawbacks of shares, and comparing them to other assets like property. They also crunch the data and assess different options for reaching FIRE with and without shares. That way, you can determine the best route for your goals, preferences, and FIRE style.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textFor most people on a FIRE journey, frugality is a potent tool in their toolkit. Yes, investing plays a role – but frugality serves a range of key purposes beyond saving. For starters, it can help you unlock money you didn’t even know you were spending. And, perhaps more importantly, it can train you to better manage your finances both pre- and post-FIRE.However, does there come a point at which too much frugality can become a problem?In this session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) seek to answer this very question. They do this by sharing their own experiences with frugality, and the minimum amounts they’ve been able to live on. They also discuss what to do when frugality goes too far, and how you can rein it in without impacting your goals.By the episode’s end, you’ll feel more optimistic about a balanced approach to FIRE!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-bookStrong Money Australia’s audiobook Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guideIf you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.