
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
Hayden Smith & Dave Gow
The Aussie FIRE podcast is the ultimate guide to Financial Independence for Australians. Having started life as an e-book, then an audiobook, it's now reached its final form: a podcast that will keep on giving.
The Aussie FIRE audiobook is brought to you by Pearler, Australia's favourite long-term investing community; and Dave Gow, the brains behind Strong Money Australia. Each episode explores a different aspect of Financial Independence, so stay tuned for new releases!
https://strongmoneyaustralia.com/
DISCLAIMER: We’re big fans of sharing experiences and talking about money. However, please note that any advice is general, and does not consider your financial situation, needs, or objectives.
Consider whether it's appropriate for you, and if in doubt, speak to a licensed financial adviser.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Top 10 Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

34. Dave's hard lessons from 15 years of property investing
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
03/14/25 • 58 min
Dave loves ETFs. Hayden co-founded a platform which focuses on ETFs. So, when it comes to Financial Independence, these two must have been committed to ETFs from Day One, right?
...yeah, nah. In fact, as the title suggests, Dave has accrued 15 years of experience in property investing. And over that timeframe, he’s learned some truths which he wished he’d known before he started.
Now, none of this is to suggest that property is a flawed route to FIRE. Indeed, it played a key role in Dave’s work optional status. But by hearing Dave’s experiences, you may be able to lighten your own load on your property journey.
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

2. How to deal with financial surprises and setbacks
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
12/22/23 • 39 min
The road to FIRE is seldom a straight line. Between job losses, home repairs, medical issues, and other unwelcome surprises, our best laid FIRE plans can easily come derailed. Fortunately, as with most aspects of FIRE, it’s possible to prepare for financial hardship. In doing so, you can mitigate its impact on your FIRE progress.
In this session, Dave Gow (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden Smith (co-founder of Pearler) cover how to contend with financial setbacks. To this end, they share how much they each keep in emergency funds, and discuss their thoughts on insurance. They also detail financial setbacks they’ve each faced, and explore strategies for futureproofing against financial hardship. By the episode’s end, the world will hopefully feel like a less scary place!
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

31. FI case study: "Do I have enough to retire early?" Plus ETFs vs managed funds
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
01/31/25 • 41 min
Much like the Chupacabra or Berkshire Hathaway’s founding story, Aussie FIRE’s FI case studies have become the stuff of legend. This time ‘round, Dave and Hayden answer a question from a listener which may well have crossed your mind:
“Do I have enough in savings, investments, and super to retire early?”
Of course, this person’s portfolio, income, and living circumstances are specific to them. Even so, by listening to Dave and Hayden crunch the numbers with this listener, you can form some ideas which can help shape your FIRE journey. The Frugal Fraternity (a nickname we’re trialling for them) also discuss a classic long-term investing topic: ETFs or managed funds?
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

Chapter 20: Property investing meets FIRE
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
09/29/23 • 23 min
There's an old joke that's been kicking around for the past decade or so:
"If you're struggling to make conversation with an adult Aussie, ask them for their thoughts on the housing market."
Real estate can be a fraught topic in Australia - not least of all because it's so expensive. In fact, there's been a growing assumption that the only people who can afford to invest are the independently wealthy. Well, them, or people who bought into the market 30 years ago.
In this chapter of Aussie FIRE, Victor from the Frugal Samurai is here to bring property to everyone. He explores how to plan for an entry into property investment, and details the different strategies you could apply.
He also covers what he believes you should look for (and avoid) in real estate, and ponders the "rent vs buy" debate for your primary place of residence.
Listen to the chapter above, or read it here.
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

Chapter 3: The Debt Dilemma. Pay it off or invest?
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
05/26/23 • 18 min
In a perfect world, you’d have enough money to pay off your debt and invest at the same time. However, the world is rarely perfect - especially where our finances are concerned. Sometimes, we need to make tough decisions about what to prioritise in our personal budgets.
In this chapter, Ms FireMum from A Family on FIRE breaks down the different types of debt you might accrue. She also runs through cost-benefit analyses, so you can decide which debt you might want to prioritise. Finally, she helps you find the elusive answer to that question: “can I pay off debt and invest at the same time?”
If you'd rather read, you can view this chapter's written form on our blog.
NOTE: This chapter references general topics like deductible debt, but nothing included should be interpreted as tax advice. You should see a tax adviser if considering these topics.
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

4. Balancing future goals with current desires
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
01/19/24 • 48 min
“I’m saving for a home deposit right now, but my friends just invited me to a bottomless brunch. I know that every dollar counts, but I don’t want to miss a morning with my friends. What should I do?”
For many everyday Aussies, tradeoffs like this are not uncommon. But for anyone on a journey towards FIRE, they’re a regular part of life. While it may be less glamorous than investing, balancing future goals with current wants is a crucial part of FIRE. If you focus too much on the present, you’ll never reach your goal. On the other hand, if you forego all of life’s joys, you’ll feel like you’re only living to save money.
That’s why, in this session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) explore how to balance the future and present. To this end, they share their own experiences, and discuss the dangers of veering to either extreme. Finally, they cover some strategies that can enable you to strike a healthy balance.
Give it a listen, and you’ll source a plan to meet your goals while still enjoying your life along the way.
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

9. When does frugality go too far?
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
03/29/24 • 55 min
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!
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

Chapter 21: Find your FIREstyle
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
10/06/23 • 17 min
Much of this audiobook has focused on the path to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). So far, though, there's a crucial question we haven't asked:
"What will you do once you reach it?"
To many listeners, this might seem like a textbook definition of a champagne problem. But by asking yourself this question now, you'll arm yourself with a plan for your FIRE'd life. Perhaps just as importantly, you'll find a fount of motivation for those days on which you'd rather splurge than save.
In this chapter, Frogdancer Jones from Burning Desire for FIRE explores different potential pursuits for your FIRE'd life. She also helps you design the right FIRE lifestyle for your interests and personality. After this chapter, you'll be more FIRE'd up to reach your goal than ever before!
Would you rather let your eyes do the learning? Check out the written chapter at our blog.
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

26. A deep dive into Hayden's finances
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
11/22/24 • 67 min
In 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.
Strong 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-guide
If 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.

Chapter 23: Build financial resilience
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early
10/20/23 • 19 min
For many, reaching FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) is a best case scenario. However, it's even more important to prepare for WORST case scenarios. Investments can crash, interest rates can change, disaster can strike – and without a capacity to adapt, your FIRE could be extinguished.
Luckily, that's what this chapter is all about. Join Serina Bird from the Joyful Frugalista as she explores how to build financial resilience for a pre- and post-FIRE life. Her thoughts range from creating an emergency fund; to diversifying your passive income; to keeping abreast of legislative changes that may affect you. By the chapter's end, you'll feel a little more prepared for the words.
Listen to the chapter here, or read it at your leisure on our blog.
Pearler
Strong Money Australia
Original Aussie FIRE e-book
Strong 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-guide
If 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.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early have?
Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early currently has 69 episodes available.
What topics does Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early cover?
The podcast is about Australia, Financial Independence, Investing, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early?
The episode title 'Chapter 24: Wealth beyond money' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early?
The average episode length on Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early is 38 minutes.
How often are episodes of Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early released?
Episodes of Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early?
The first episode of Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early was released on Apr 22, 2023.
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