Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early

Is the 4% rule still relevant, or has the FIRE movement outgrown it? In this episode, Hayden and Dave break down where the 4% rule came from, why it’s often criticised, and how it actually holds up for early retirees. They unpack the assumptions behind the rule and explain why flexibility, adaptability, and behaviour might matter far more than the percentage itself. In this episode they cover: 👉 Where the 4% rule comes from and what it was designed to solve 👉 Why early retirees worry about longer time horizons and sequence risk 👉 Whether strong recent returns make the rule less reliable 👉 How flexibility around spending dramatically improves success rates 👉 What different “flex rates” mean for sustainable withdrawal levels 👉 Portfolio allocation considerations for long-term retirees 👉 The psychology of living off a portfolio during market downturns 👉 Practical tools like cash buffers and automated selling Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Debt recycling can be powerful, but the details matter. In this listener Q&A episode, Hayden and Dave tackle common questions on debt recycling and investing mechanics, including when to invest, how to place orders, and how to stay on the right side of the tax rules. They break down practical scenarios listeners are facing and explain the trade-offs between simplicity, optimisation, and risk. In this episode they cover: 👉 Market orders vs limit orders and when each one actually makes sense 👉 Whether to wait to debt recycle a lump sum or invest smaller amounts sooner 👉 The opportunity cost of holding cash in an offset versus investing 👉 How to debt recycle while still dollar-cost averaging 👉 How to change a debt recycled investment without losing deductibility 👉 Why redraw timing matters for tax purposes 👉 Common debt recycling mistakes that can break deductibility Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Property has worked well for Andy so far. The question is whether it’s still the best path forward. In this case study episode, Dave and Hayden sit down with listener Andy to unpack a real FIRE decision point. They walk through his full financial picture and explore whether continuing to leverage into property or shifting toward shares makes more sense for reaching long-term passive income. In this episode they cover: 👉 Andy’s current position across property, ETFs, cash, and super 👉 The trade-offs between buying another property or diversifying into shares 👉 How much portfolio value is needed to generate $100k in passive income 👉 Why net yields and cash flow matter more than headline growth 👉 The risks of leverage and concentration 👉 How diversification can reduce risk and volatility 👉 Aligning investment strategy with long-term lifestyle goals and risk tolerance Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Is taking a year off work a bold life move or a setback on the road to financial independence? In this episode, Hayden and Dave dig into mini-retirements and gap years, sparked by a listener question about whether stepping away from work is really worth it. They break down the upside, the risks, and the real trade-offs of pressing pause on work while pursuing FIRE. In this episode they cover: 👉 What a mini-retirement actually is 👉 The benefits of a proper break from work 👉 Why going back to work can be harder than expected 👉 The financial cost of time off 👉 When gap years make sense and when they don’t 👉 The risks of poor structure and lost momentum 👉 When a mini-retirement might be worth it for them Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Is your super quietly doing its thing in the background? That might be fine, but there are a few details worth paying attention to. In today’s episode, Hayden and Dave discuss all things superannuation and walk through the decisions and investing strategies behind their own portfolios. In this episode they cover: 👉 How their super strategies evolved from default options to more intentional investing 👉 When and why they moved toward high-growth and indexed portfolios 👉 The role of international diversification inside super 👉 Tax considerations that influenced their investment decisions 👉 Hands-on vs hands-off super strategies 👉 Their current super portfolios, including the increasing use of geared ETFs 👉 They also touch on Pearler Super Dave has also written a new book called 'You've Got Money.. Now What?' 📚 Sign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months! Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Hayden and Dave are taking Aussie FIRE case studies up a notch by inviting a listener onto the podcast to walk through her real-life numbers and decisions. They’re joined by Renee, an Aussie Fire listener who shares her full financial picture and asks the big question: what should we focus on next? In this episode they cover: 👉 Renee’s financial position, including income, super, ETFs, and property 👉 Whether to prioritise ETFs, another investment property, or staying the course 👉 How close Renee already is to financial independence 👉 Semi-retirement, and buying back family time 👉 The trade-offs between property debt and lifestyle flexibility 👉 Why compounding (not contributions) is doing most of the work now Sign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months! Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Sign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months! In this episode Hayden and Dave are opening their DM’s to answer some listener questions. In this episode they cover: 👉 ETF strategy: all-in-one funds vs splitting across ETFs 👉 Coast FIRE and slowing down on the path to FI 👉 Dividends vs growth portfolios near retirement 👉 Cash ETFs and when (if ever) they make sense Ask a Question FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Sign up to Pearler in January and get one free trade per month for 12 months! Welcome to part two! In part two of this episode, Hayden and Dave are unpacking: 👉 The pressure to get on the ‘property ladder’ 👉 Renting vs buying and your long-term goals 👉 The idea that rent money is dead money 👉 Investing in every asset class to be diversified 👉 Maxing out your super FI Case Study Request Form 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.

If you’re a young person today, it can feel like you’re playing a new game while still being expected to follow old rules that no longer quite fit. In this episode, Hayden and Dave unpack: 👉 If insurance is actually worth it (plus simple calculations you can use to decide if it’s right for you) 👉 Bucket systems and if they can help you manage your money, spending, and savings 👉 Finding work–life balance while still chasing your goals and dreams 👉 How young people can get ahead in today’s tougher economic environment 👉 Should I work harder when I'm younger, or have fun and spend my money? 👉 Whether you should take a more cautious approach to investing as you get older FI Case Study Request Form 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.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden dive into a fresh round of FI case studies and the life-planning dilemmas that shape our money decisions. They start with a powerful scenario from a migrant listener weighing up a future in Australia versus returning home: cost of living pressures, wage differentials, super portability, exchange rate risk, and what “enough” really means when your FI number has to work across borders. They tease out frameworks for modelling two parallel futures and the emotional load that comes with trying to build stability far from family. They move into the perennial FIRE fork in the road: kids or no kids, single or coupled. They unpack how household structure changes savings rates, risk capacity, spending floors, and time to FI, while reminding listeners that planning is not about predicting your life perfectly but about building optionality. Whether you are navigating life solo, partnered, expanding your family, or staying child free, they outline how to model scenarios that still get you to a secure and flexible future. FI Case Study Request Form 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.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden tackle four FI dilemmas. They unpack the allure of monthly-income ETFs like HYLD and why payout timing shouldn’t trump diversification, offering simple ways to create your own paycheck with broad ETFs, cash buffers, and planned sells. They explore PAYG tax variations and how to dial down withholding when you’re always due a refund (think negative gearing) to keep cash flowing through the year. They walk through a listener’s rent-or-sell crunch on a former home: equity concentration, CGT timing, leverage vs diversification, and whether to keep, refi, or offload while cheap employer housing lasts. Finally, they look at boosting a spouse’s super when your own cap is maxed: catch-up concessional space, contribution splitting to even balances, the modest spouse offset, and when non-concessional top-ups make sense. FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Dave and Hayden unpack one of the biggest questions on the path to financial independence: should you focus on dividend income or capital growth? They weigh the pros, cons, and myths, then show simple ways to turn a portfolio into regular income using dividends, scheduled sells, or a blend, so you can choose a strategy that fits your goals, risk profile, and time horizon. FI Case Study Request Form 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.

In this episode Dave and Hayden explore two real-life case studies. First, they discuss whether a couple in their fifties truly needs 25 times their expenses to retire, unpacking how time horizon, risk and the Age Pension reshape the “magic number.” Then, they dive into a pay down the mortgage or invest in ETFs dilemma, weighing certainty versus growth, and the benefits of debt recycling. All round, this episode is a chat about tailoring financial independence to your stage of life, goals and mindset. FI Case Study Request Form 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode, Dave and Hayden tackle three big listener questions: Dave and Hayden unpack the pros, cons, and myths to help you think clearer about your long-term investing strategy. FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Should you pour extra cash into your offset account, stash it in savings, or invest it? In this episode, Dave and Hayden break down the numbers and trade-offs that every homeowner faces. We cover: Whether you're mortgage-stressed or just looking for smarter ways to grow wealth, this episode will help you see offsets, savings, and investing in new ways. FI Case Study Request Form 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.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden tackle two listener case studies. They dive into the emotional and practical trade-offs of selling vs holding property, renting, and transitioning wealth into shares. Episode topics summary: Introduction Case Study 1: Escaping Mortgage Prison The Numbers Behind Selling & Renting Case Study 2: Switching from Property to Shares Practical Scenarios for Transitioning Wealth The Lump Sum Question Final Thoughts FI Case Study Request Form 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.

In this Q&A episode, Dave and Hayden unpack three listener questions: hold or sell employee share scheme stockLICs still a smart choicemental accounting Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (02:30) Employee Share Schemes (07:06) Tax & Concentration Risk (09:37) The “Would You Invest Cash?” Test (13:09) FOMO & Mental Accounting (18:10) LICs vs ETFs (34:07) Mental Accounting & Debt Recycling (42:40) Everyday Money Mind Games (48:27) Hayden’s Investing Slip-Up (54:48) Wrap-Up FI Case Study Request Form 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.

In this episode, Dave and Hayden continue their discussion on tax, covering practical tips and personal experiences. They explore the First Home Super Saver Scheme, private health insurance to avoid the Medicare levy surcharge, and novated leases for electric vehicles. They also chat about common tax misconceptions, and offer insights into long-term tax planning. Packed with examples and advice, this episode helps listeners think strategically about reducing their tax burden without falling into common traps. (01:03) Recap of the previous episode on big tax strategies; introduction to smaller strategies. (02:01) Deep dive into the First Home Super Saver Scheme — eligibility, benefits, and pitfalls. (05:06) Understanding the tax benefits of voluntary super contributions for first home purchases. (10:16) Nuances of government interest rates and predictable growth in the scheme. (16:10) Private health insurance: avoiding the Medicare levy surcharge. (23:02) Why many high-income earners should consider basic private health cover. (26:45) Novated leases for electric vehicles — how they work and who benefits most. (30:41) The impact of interest rates and tax savings on novated leases. (36:36) Smaller deductions: work from home, subscriptions, and everyday expenses. (40:03) Investment-related deductions, including internet, phone, and software. (53:27) Common tax mistakes and misconceptions to avoid. (01:02:04) Episode recap and closing remarks. FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Nobody loves paying tax – but how much time should you really spend trying to avoid it? In this episode, Dave and Hayden share their personal approaches to tax minimisation – including what they’ve done in the past, what they’re doing now, and a few things they might explore in future. From debt recycling to ETF selection, super contributions to future trust structures, this episode isn’t about dodging tax – it’s about making smarter choices that leave more money in your pocket to build wealth faster. Of course, they're not tax experts, and they’re the first to admit it. So don’t expect a masterclass in tax law – just a candid conversation on strategies that have worked for them (and maybe a few they’re still unsure about). Enjoy the episode! FI Case Study Request Form 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.

Imagine being a sci-fi film buff in the year 1986. In the prior several years, you would have been treated to the original Star Wars trilogy, a slew of new Star Trek films, the cult hit Blade Runner, and – who could forget? – the 1979 classic, Alien. Now, after seven years of waiting, you’re finally being treated to a James Cameron-directed Alien sequel. But this time, it won’t simply be ONE alien. Oh, no… this time, it’s going to be AlienS. That’s right, they’ve gone from the singular to the plural. The film saga has forever changed, and as a viewer, you’ve changed with it. Today, Aussie FIRE listeners can expect to witness a similar metamorphosis. In the past, we have run Case Study episodes. Now, in this moment, we branch into the realm of the plural. Yes, you read that right. This episode will feature… …Case Studies. Want to know what’s required to retire now? We have a case study for that. Interested in balancing investments with parenting? Thanks to that little “ies” at the end of “Case Stud”, we have the opportunity to explore that too. What about the wild world of SMSFs? Such is the joy of the plural, we can squeeze in that case study as well! Are you ready? Excellent. Let’s take these case studies into their young James Cameron era. FI Case Study Request Form 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.