In this episode, we discuss the crackdown on financial content by the regulator ASIC. We share our thoughts on these issues and how it affects what bloggers and podcasters are able to say to their audience.  The restrictions are so frustrating that we have decided to end the show. We've both enjoyed making FIRE & Chill over the last two years and we truly hope you've gotten value from the content.  Thanks so much for your support and understanding. More info... ASIC  Guidelines...

In this episode, we talk about the different taxes we face on our financial journeys.  We discuss taxes on our income and investments, different options for reducing tax, including tax deductions and negative gearing.  We also break down examples of what taxes look like when you're living off a portfolio. Discussion points... Intro chat  (01:10)Employment taxes  (03:26)Salary sacrificing and salary packaging  (07:45)Capital gains and dividend taxes  (16:19)Reducing tax on investments ...

In this episode, we discuss the huge overlaps between Minimalism and the pursuit of financial independence.  We talk about the benefits of Minimalism, the possible drawbacks, and how to put these lessons into practice in our everyday lives. Resources and stuff mentioned... How we track our investments:  SharesightLow-cost share investing platform:  PearlerFurther reading on Minimalism:  The MinimalistsFurther reading on Minimalism:  Becoming MinimalistWhen Novelty is the New NormalBeing...

In this episode, we do a thought experiment.  What if we woke up as 18 year old's and had to start our wealth-building journeys all over again? What first steps would we take?  What would we do differently?  Discussion points... Intro chat  (01:10)Would we study or start work immediately?  (05:32)Would we try to earn extra income?  (13:36)Buying vs renting for us starting now  (18:50)Our expected living expenses, savings rate and timeframe to FI  (26:02)Would we be more frugal than we are...

In this week's episode we open the mailbag and answer a bunch of listener questions.  Hope you enjoy! Discussion points... Intro chat  (01:04)Can index funds drop even if shares rise?  (05:16)Should I keep investing or start a business?  (10:01)How do I stay strong during a market downturn?  (14:16)I'm self-employed, should I still put money in super?  (25:05)Can you turn liabilities into assets?  (32:47)I keep investing my cash buffer, help!  (40:14) Resources and stuff mentioned... How...

In this episode, we tackle a topic that has received countless media coverage over recent years.  In one way or another, most financial commentary implies that the future is bleak, and young people are screwed since there's so many factors working against us. In fact, most casual observers would agree with this statement without even questioning it.  But is this true?  We unpack the arguments today and share our thoughts. Discussion points... Introduction  (01:10)Jobs are less secure than...

This week's episode is all about using leverage in the sharemarket.  We look at the different borrowing options, the pros and cons of using debt to buy shares, and the things you need to consider before diving in.  We also share thoughts on which options are the most attractive and whether we'd do it ourselves. Discussion points... Follow-ups on insurance and the pension  (1:34)The benefits of borrowing to buy shares  (06:33)Downsides of using debt to buy shares  (09:47)How does tax work...

In our first episode for 2022, we highlight some key personal habits and traits that help us build a happy and prosperous future.  These things not only help us reach our goals, but keep our lives balanced and healthy too! Discussion points... Quick catchup  (1:18)Be action oriented  (4:30)Gratitude and perspective  (12:06)Keep your wealth and spending in proportion  (19:40)Prioritise investing  (26:11)Health and relationships  (32:09) Resources and stuff mentioned... How we track our...

In this episode, we break down each of the main insurances and share our thoughts on whether they're worth having.  We also discuss strategies for optimising the cost of insurance, other ways to protect yourself, and tailoring it to your own situation. Discussion points... The truth about insurance  (03:34)Home insurance  (09:26)Contents insurance  (13:06)Car insurance  (18:55)Health insurance  (28:14)Life/TPD/Disability  (37:56)Pet insurance  (44:24)Travel insurance  (48:55)Creating your...

In this episode, we answer a bunch of questions sent in by listeners.  A really nice variety of questions with something for people at every stage of the FI journey.  Hope you enjoy! Discussion points... Would you still invest aggressively inside super past age 40?  (05:42)What podcasts do Pat and Dave like listening to?  (16:37)What do you think of the changes to Vanguard Personal Investor?  (20:00)Case study - How can I optimise further?  (28:24)How would you get started investing as a...

In this episode we discuss the idea of using a 'robo-advisor' to handle our investments.  We cover how they work,  their investment strategies, how much they cost, the pros and cons of using a robo-advisor compared to investing by yourself and much more. Discussion points... Introduction  (01:12)What is a robo-advisor and how do they work?  (05:22)Portfolio options and Six Park/Stockspot investment allocations (12:51)How do the fees stack up?  (18:30)Benefits of using a robo-advisor...

In this week's podcast we share some savings ideas which help you sharpen your finances and give you more cash to invest, as well as plenty of other life-enhancing benefits! Discussion points... A follow up on the Barefoot Investor  (01:41)Learning to cook and make our own food  (09:19)Making greener choices  (23:08)Living a more local lifestyle  (33:56)Tips for saving while socialising  (44:42)Creating your own gym  (49:10) Resources and stuff mentioned... How we track our investments: ...

In this podcast, we discuss whether outsourcing anything financial makes sense, or whether we should strive to do it all ourselves.  We cover planning, investment portfolios, paying for advice, accounting, budgeting and more. Discussion points... Intro and what we've been up to  (01:13)Choosing and implementing an investment strategy  (03:58)Outsourcing investments and thoughts on financial planners  (11:28)Paying for advice, super and pension rules, and keeping it simple  (19:55)Budgeting...

In today's episode we dive deeper into Pat's plans to transition into semi-retirement.  Hear the full story on how he's going to do it and what he's weighing up.  We also discuss the trade-offs between working more and retiring sooner, common concerns and fears around leaving work.  Whichever stage of the FI journey you're in, you'll get value from this one. Discussion points... Pat's FI journey to this point  (04:39)Thinking about stepping away from work  (10:13)Finding a work role...

In this podcast, we open the mailbag and answer some of our favourite personal finance and investing questions that have been sent in by listeners.  Hope you enjoy! Discussion points... What do we think of Ray Dalio and the 'All-Weather Portfolio'?  (04:16)What if the sharemarket was open 24/7 every single day?  (11:39)Where should one be financially at different ages and income brackets?  (15:44)How would you treat a $100,000 windfall?  (21:00) Resources and stuff mentioned... How we track...

In today's show, we zoom out and look at how much our lifestyles have changed in the last 20, 70, 120 years.  What did people used to spend their money on compared to today?  How much did people have left after paying their bills, and how has that changed over time? Discussion points... What was life and household spending like in 1900?  (02:42)Lifestyles, work changes, and purchasing power by 1950  (07:36)How far our wealth and incomes stretch in the year 2000  (13:25)Changes in lifestyle...

In today's episode we chat about the practical ways to manage a share portfolio. We discuss how often to buy, balancing your portfolio, what we do personally, dealing with taxes, and more. Discussion points... Choosing a broker (03:31)When should you buy shares? (10:27)How often should you buy? (13:40)Balancing your portfolio over time (18:12)Dealing with individual stock picks (26:22)What about taxes? (30:30)How we each manage our portfolios (35:17)Final thoughts (41:57) Resources and stuff...

 Young high income earners have a unique opportunity to build wealth and reach financial independence relatively quickly.  In this episode we discuss what they can do to make the most of their situation, and the traps to avoid. Discussion points... The most important thing to consider  (04:29)Making the most of your high income  (09:35)The challenges high income earners may face  (12:13)Dealing with expectations from other people  (16:34)Should high earners invest using complex...

In this episode we take a deep dive into investment bonds, also known as insurance bonds.  These are investments which are structured to be tax effective and come with special rules.  We break down the ins and outs and share a few examples to see when investment bonds might be a good idea. Discussion points... What exactly are investment bonds?  (03:46)Unpacking the tax benefits of investment bonds  (06:01)Investment rules and losing the CGT discount (13:58)Example using a high growth fund ...

In this podcast, we answer some juicy investing questions that have been sent in by listeners. Discussion points... Unlisted commercial property funds (04:11)Which assets we think will do well over the next 30 years (20:39)Would we invest in individual stocks? (28:20)How do you decide which shares to sell? (35:09) Resources and stuff mentioned... How we track our investments:  SharesightArticle: Mariah International - JL CollinsPodcast: Listener Questions Roundup #2Article: The Aussie Guide...

In this episode, we discuss some of the mistakes and traps people fall into when working towards financial independence.  Knowing what not to do is almost as important as knowing what to do.  We offer some important reminders and also share what we'd do differently if we had our time again. Discussion points... Additional comments on ethical investing  (01:57)Saving too much  (08:55)Working too much a.k.a. side hustle fever  (16:30)Having no other interests  (26:04)Addicted to accumulating...

In this episode of FIRE & Chill, we explore the topic of ethical investing.  We cover everything from what it is, how it works, the pros and cons and how you should decide whether it's right for you.  We'll cut through the noise and share the important things to consider before diving in to ethical investing. Discussion points... Intro and a big change to a popular index fund  (01:54)What is ethical investing?  (05:54)Benefits of ethical investing  (08:12)Downsides of ethical...

In today's podcast, we explore a few key investment principles that are important to understand when you're investing for financial independence. Discussion points... The power of Dollar Cost Averaging  (04:34)Simplicity versus Complexity  (09:38)Reversion to the mean - nothing outperforms forever  (16:22)Long term ownership of assets  (21:50)Summary and final thoughts  (24:58) Resources... Our favourite portfolio tool:  SharesightVanguard Interactive Index ChartArticle:  Timing the Market -...

In today's episode, we discuss practical and achievable ways to make more money on your way to financial independence. Earning more can help increase your savings rate, bringing your freedom date closer.  We also share what strategies each of us has used to make more money over the years. Discussion points... Introduction to today's topic  (01:35)Working more hours or different hours  (04:03)Getting a better paying job in the same industry  (09:48)Switching roles or industries ...