So, here we are: the Aussie FIRE podcast is finally happening.
It all began as the Aussie FIRE eBook in 2020, a collaboration between Pearler and a host of Aussie finance bloggers. It then evolved into an audiobook in 2023, reaching listeners far and wide. Now, it's an ongoing podcast hosted by Dave Grow from Strong Money Australia and Hayden Smith, the co-founder and CTO at Pearler.
At the heart of our podcast is the FIRE movement — Financial Independence, Retire Early . It's for those who yearn for a life of options and freedom, beyond the traditional 40-year career grind. The podcast is intended for anyone who aspires to build a life where financial constraints don't dictate their choices.
We’re not doing this podcast for the numbers and charts. We're not here to lecture you on what you should or shouldn't do, either. That’s not our style.
We want this show to be a part of your daily life, a relatable companion as you go about your day, adding value without adding stress. And we're not here to rehash the same old financial advice. Expect us to tackle the trickier topics about FIRE, the ones that often get overlooked or oversimplified.
What can you expect from the podcast?
We’re just a couple of regular folks, but when it comes to making money make sense, that's where we shine. We know that this space can be intimidating, filled with jargon and complex concepts. But it doesn't have to be.
As Dave highlights here, it’s crucial to simplify FIRE-related concepts for better understanding, but not to the extent that important details are lost. The Aussie FIRE podcast aims to sit in the sweet spot. Simple enough to grasp, yet comprehensive enough to cover the nitty-gritty of achieving Financial Independence.
When you subscribe to the Aussie FIRE podcast, we’ll discuss how to build a shares portfolio for Financial Independence and how to manage money post-retirement. But there’s so much more to this podcast than that.
First, let’s set the scene for the other exciting stuff lined up for you within the whole spectrum of achieving FIRE.
Finding (and maintaining) inspiration and motivation on your journey to FIRE
Sure, you'll get your fill of strategies and money moves. Yet, it's one thing to know what to do, and another to actually get up and do it. Dave and Hayden know that, in the quest for FIRE, the biggest hurdle isn't always the how, but the why. Otherwise, every Aussie would have been financially independent by now, right?
We understand that to start, you need something that lights the fire under your feed. And we’re here to provide it. We ask the big picture questions: why do you want Financial Independence? What drives you towards it? Then, we become your personal cheerleader, pushing you past the “I wish I could” to the “I'm doing it.”
Mind over money: building a powerful money mindset
What's the one thing that matters more than investing strategy or savings rate in building a better financial future? Your money mindset.
Dave’s big on mindset, and for good reason. Imagine having a fat savings account but not the wisdom to keep it or grow it – that's like owning a Ferrari without a steering wheel.
Without the right mindset, even the most solid financial strategies crumble. And it's not enough to have money. Understanding how to manage risks and grow it long term is where the magic happens. This podcast aims to fortify that foundation, making your journey to Financial Independence not just successful, but sustainable.
Developing a mental model for your personal finances
With that said, our financial decisions aren't made in a vacuum. They're part of a complex web of trade-offs and outcomes. Developing a mental model that helps map out these decisions is crucial. It's like having a GPS for your financial journey, guiding you through the twists and turns of choices and consequences.
Crafting the story of your ideal FIRE life — and making it happen
And then there's Hayden's take: look at each financial decision as a part of an unfolding story.
How does skipping that extra whipped cream on your coffee translate to weight loss over time? Similarly, how does saving an extra thousand dollars contribute to a future that you’re excited about? A tangible narrative like this helps you connect daily actions to long-term goals. Every financial decision makes sense for you personally, because you appreciate that each one is part of a larger plot towards Financial Independence.
Budgeting for your Financial Independence goals
Your lifestyle, goals, and priorities are unique. Hence, your path to Financial Independence should reflect that. The Aussie FIRE podcast is about figuring out what works for your situation, from saving hacks to investment choices, and finding what aligns with your personal narrative.
Finding the balance between savings and life
The Aussie FIRE podcast also touches on learning from extremes. It’s like a financial workout, where you stretch your saving muscles, only to find a more comfortable, sustainable posture for the long haul.
In your quest to FIRE, pushing the boundaries of frugality can help identify what truly matters to you. This process lets you work towards a balance in which you're saving enough without missing out on life's joys.
Diverse and timeless lessons on investing and wealth
Dave, with his roots firmly planted in the world of finance blogging, and Hayden, the co-founder and tech brains behind Pearler, might seem like an unlikely duo. We couldn't be more different, and that's the beauty of it. Together, we are bringing to this show diverse life experiences, shares, and viewpoints in personal finance. You’ll hear stories, challenges, and triumphs that help you see from different perspectives and find your own path to FIRE.
Learning from and supporting the community
In the Aussie FIRE podcast, we don't just talk at you. We invite you to share your stories, questions, and challenges to make this podcast a shared journey towards Financial Independence. This is a safe space where everyone's experiences and insights can contribute to a broader understanding of Financial Independence.
Who’s this podcast for?
Dave and Hayden started the Aussie FIRE podcast for those who are passionate about finance but don’t want to drown in jargon or get bogged down in excessive detail. It's like enjoying a tub of ice cream without the brain freeze – satisfying yet digestible.
We promise, no endless banter or upselling of expensive programs here. Just two mates, passionate about finance, eager to share our knowledge and experiences without any catch. If you're yearning to level up your finances, minus the jargon and sales pitches, you're in the right place.
A rundown of our first episode
In this little taster, we've laid out the groundwork. We are setting the stage, talking about who we are, and sharing our vision for this Aussie Fire podcast.
So, what's on the agenda for the next one? In the first episode, we're unpacking what freedom really looks like and how it ties into our money moves. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect from that first topic-specific episode.
1. What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom. It's the word on everyone's lips when we talk about Financial Independence (FI), but what does it actually mean? Dave's got it down to an art — a life brimming with socialising, nature strolls, bike rides, interesting projects, and the luxury of choice.
But it's not one-size-fits-all. From semi-retirement plans to full FI dreams, everyone's vision is unique. Rather than being about ditching work entirely, FIRE can also offer the kind of life where work fits around you, not the other way around.
2. What if money was free?
If money was no object, what would you do differently? We went there, and it’s not for daydreaming. The first episode is a deep reflection for anyone on the path to Financial Independence. It challenges you to think about your values, desires, and how you'd shape your life if financial constraints vanished.
Would you still clock in at work? Travel the world? Dive into a new passion project? You are about to understand how close you are to a life where financial concerns take a backseat. It's a thought experiment that brings clarity to your narrative of financial freedom.
3. Life after FIRE
We also tackle the elephant in the room: the fear of boredom and losing purpose post-retirement. What does life once FIRE’d look like? Is life after work just an extended weekend? Spoiler: there's more to it.
Purpose doesn't always wear a work badge. It could involve honing a hobby, volunteering, or just enjoying life at your pace. The first episode redefines productivity and purpose outside the confines of a 9-to-5 job.
Final thoughts
So, what does FIRE look like to you? Chew on that as we wrap up this intro episode and roll out the next one. We’ll be doing episodes every two weeks, and the next few are already live . We're working on some additional exciting content in the background, so watch this space and subscribe.
We're always keen to hear your thoughts and topic suggestions, so hit us up at hello@aussiefirepod.com. Head over to Pearler for resources, calculators, and community insights that complement what we chat about on the show.
Until next time, keep dreaming big and living on your terms. Catch you on the next one, and happy long-term investing.
Dave and Hayden
