Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early

This 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-book 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.

Within 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-book 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.

For 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-book 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.

You MIGHT have noticed this, but people in Australia looooooove to talk about property. It’s a surefire conversation-starter if ever you’re struggling to make smalltalk, and the media won’t shut up about it. You’d be forgiven, then, for assuming that home ownership is a lynchpin of any half-decent FIRE strategy.In truth, though, it’s not the only route to long-term wealth in Australia. Sure, anyone aiming for FIRE needs to account for a roof over their head. However, the concept of owning a home doesn’t need to be critical to your FIRE targets.In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) discuss the relationship between housing and FIRE. They also compare renting vs owning for a FIRE’d lifestyle, and weigh up the pros and cons of each. If you’d like a non-clickbaity take on the topic, you’ll want to tune in for this session.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

You don’t need us to tell you that Covid disrupted a LOT. From the lockdowns, to the obvious health-related dangers, there weren’t many people who were unaffected by its spread. But what has it done for our Financial Independence prospects? For people working towards FIRE before 2020, in what ways did it disrupt their plans? And for those who started after 2021, did Covid change the way new FIRE-seekers need to reach their goals?In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) explore the impacts Covid wrought on FIRE – from job losses, to increased house prices, to higher interest rates. They also discuss how the experience changed many people’s lifestyles, which has delivered a flow-on effect to FIRE plans. With this episode, you can understand how Covid may have affected your goals – and how to prepare for future disruptions.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

Knowledge is a lot like compound interest: the more you accrue, the faster it grows. How, then, can we ensure that others around us, and future generations, are growing their knowledge the right way? And, more importantly, how can we help them to avoid the mistakes we’ve made?In this session, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) cover some crucial money concepts to pass on. They also discuss how to frame complex topics (like compound interest and delayed gratification) in a way that anyone can understand. Finally, they share some tips for imparting money wisdom to those stubborn learners in your life. Whether you have children, or simply want to make the world a better place, this episode is for you.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

One of the greatest joys of FIRE are these two hyphenated words: “work-optional”. The freedom to choose whether to work, and what to work on, is a key motivator for many FIRE-seekers. In the meantime, though, there’s little that’s work-optional about the journey towards FIRE. For anyone who aims to reach Financial Independence, paid employment is a fairly non-negotiable part of the process.This begs the question: if we need to work, should we strive to maximise our income to shorten the time to FIRE? Or should we aim to find a job we love and enjoy the journey – even if it means earning less?In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) dive into this very topic. As part of their discussion, they share the potential pros and cons of each, and weigh in with their preferences. They also explore other approaches, so listeners aren’t only confronted with a binary choice. If you’re looking to answer questions about work, this episode will work for you.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

“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.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

In the realm of money psychology, different mindsets can affect the way we spend, save, and invest. Two of the most relevant mindsets for FIRE are scarcity and abundance. To strip them down to their scaffolding: a scarcity mindset can help you save, but make you worry. An abundance mindset leads you to look at the biggest expenses, and not worry so much about the rest.In this episode, Dave (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden (co-founder of Pearler) compare how these two different mindsets can affect different aspects of their FIRE journey. This ranges from investing risk tolerance, to savings behaviour, to attitudes towards early retirement.By the episode’s end, you’ll be able to identify your money mindset – and leverage it in your quest for FIRE!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

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!PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

The quest for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) requires planning, discipline, and structured money management. It’s no surprise, then, that most FIRE-craving people focus on these topics (or aspects of them). Even so, a sound FIRE strategy doesn’t begin and end with saving, budgeting and investing.Our goals once FIRE’d, and our sense of purpose beyond our careers, play just as crucial a role. Without these, we don’t know what we’re working towards – let alone what to do once we get there.In this episode, Dave Gow (Strong Money Australia) and Hayden Smith (co-founder of Pearler) explore how to identify what freedom looks like for you. They also cover how to design the perfect FIRE’d lifestyle for you, and how to find meaning outside of work. This way, you’ll be able to maintain your motivation towards FIRE – and make the most of it once you reach it.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

Welcome to Aussie FIRE, the podcast designed to educate and inspire you towards a better future! This podcast evolved from an audiobook of the same name, and explores the path to FIRE – Financial Independence, Retire Early. If you want to level up your FIRE game without being overwhelmed by jargon, this is the show for you.In our introductory episode, you’ll meet the dynamic duo of hosts: Dave Gow, AKA Strong Money Australia; and Hayden Smith, co-founder and CTO at long-term investing platform Pearler. You’ll also find out what you can expect from this season, and learn some of the co-hosts’ quirkiest money-savings hacks.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

Congratulations! You've made it to the final chapter of our original Aussie FIRE audiobook. In each chapter, we've covered a different step in the journey towards Financial Independence. Now that we've reached the end of the book, we wanted to reflect on everything we've covered. That way, you can extract the key points from Aussie FIRE in one easy, eight-minute resource. Now that we've shared the O.G book, we're already planning our next instalment of Aussie FIRE. We'll be releasing new material here soon, so watch this space! PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

From budgeting to ETFs, this audiobook has covered a range of routes to reach FIRE. However, beyond earning, saving, and investing, there are non-monetary tools that can propel you closer to your goal. And in this chapter, we're going to explore what they are, and how they can help you. Join Michelle from Frugality & Freedom as she details the non-monetary forms of capital at your disposal. She'll also discuss how you can reduce your FI number through non-conventional forms of wealth. After this chapter, you may realise that you're closer to FIRE than you'd initially thought! Absorb the audio version here, or check out the written chapter at our blog. PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

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. PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

In the last chapter, we covered how to choose your FIREstyle. By "FIREstyle", we mean the type of life you'd like to live once you've retired early. This time, we're forging further into our FIRE futures to assess what life will look like on a day-to-day basis. In this chapter, Dave Gow from Strong Money Australia gives you a glimpse into your life once FIRE'd. To this end, he provides a breakdown of his daily post-FIRE routine, and some pointers for designing the right FIRE lifestyle for you. He also covers what to expect from early retirement, and shares some surprises about FIRE life. Listen to the audio chapter, or read all about it on our blog. PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

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.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

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.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

First off, we want to make something clear: debt and leverage can be a slippery slope. Many people in our community either avoid debt like the plague, or see it as a demon to slay. In fact, badly managed debt can scuttle even the surest of FIRE plans. However, as we've said before, not all debt is created equal. While debt and leverage can sap our resources, they can, in some cases, propel our long-term investing. With this idea in mind, Victor from the Frugal Samurai uses this chapter to explore how leverage can serve our FIRE goals. He also assesses different leverage strategies for FIRE, and compares the pros and cons for each.  Would you prefer to read this content? Meander on over to our blog. DISCLAIMER: This chapter references general topics like debt and financial leverage, but nothing included should be interpreted as tax or credit advice. You should see a tax adviser if considering these topics.PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.

We Aussies love to travel abroad. More than half of us have passports, which makes us one of the world's more globe-trotting nations. If you're investing, though, you shouldn't confine that global outlook to the airport. Your portfolio could also benefit from some international love. In this chapter, Ms. FieryIce from Two to FIRE delves into the benefits of international investing. She also details how you can start investing in other markets, and what you need to consider before you do. By the chapter's conclusion, you'll be ready to turn your portfolio into a miniature U.N! Listen to the episode here, or read the written version at our blog. PearlerStrong Money AustraliaOriginal Aussie FIRE e-book 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.