Australian Retirement Podcast

In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth explain the critical building blocks of a resilient retirement portfolio.

Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or already managing your super, understanding asset allocation is one of the most important investment concepts you'll ever learn. This isn't about picking the next hot stock or timing the market—it's about building a portfolio that can generate returns while managing risk over decades.

Drew and James break down what asset classes actually are, why diversification matters more in retirement than at any other life stage, and the practical tools you can use to implement a smart asset allocation strategy. They also explain Modern Portfolio Theory in plain English and show you how to think about combining different assets to maximise your potential returns while keeping volatility manageable.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on asset allocation and diversification, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:
- What is an asset class and why does it matter?
- Breaking down the major asset classes: Cash, Fixed Interest, Shares, Real Assets, and Alternatives
- Understanding asset allocation and Modern Portfolio Theory
- Why diversification is critical when you have a finite pool of capital in retirement
- The tools available to implement your asset allocation strategy
- How different assets perform in different market conditions
- Building resilience through both growth and income assets

Resources for this episode

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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The Rask 2026 stock market game is live - it's called Stock Genius. Available at stockgenius.com.au, in collaboration with Navexa, the Rask Stock Market is open for you to compete and enjoy with over 1,000 fellow investors.

In this episode, we cover:

- Is AI killing app investing in 2026?

- Are you a stock market genius? Play our game to find out

- How the game works

- Smart tracking for portfolios

- Owen and Navarre’s top picks

Resources for this episode
Join the game: https://www.stockgenius.com.au/
Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK
Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest

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Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast episode is strictly general in nature. It does not take into account your needs, goals or objectives. So do not act on the information until you have spoken to your financial adviser.

The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative (No. 1313447) of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd (AFSL: 563 907). The information in our shows is general financial advice only. That means, the advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making a decision to acquire any financial product. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. Please read our Terms & Conditions and Financial Services Guide on rask.com.au/legal.

The Stock Genius website is built and maintained by Navexa. It does not provide financial, legal or tax advice of any kind. The Rask Stock Market Game has been created purely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not real money and should never be considered as a recommendation, "stock picking", or investment service. The purpose of the game is community, not recommendations for, or against, investments. Investing is risky and can result in permanent capital loss. The Rask Group Pty Ltd and Navexa do not endorse or recommend investments as part of the Stock Genius website, and make no warranty for the performance of portfolios.
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In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth continue their back-to-basics summer miniseries by tackling one of the most important decisions in retirement planning: which type of super fund is right for you?

While the super rules are the same for everyone, the differences between industry funds, SMSFs, platforms, and corporate funds can have a huge impact on your retirement outcome. Drew and James break down what really matters when comparing options: control over investments, transparency of holdings, fee structures, flexibility in strategies, and the ability to tailor your approach.

They also demystify the fee structures you'll encounter - from trustee and member fees to administration costs, investment fees (MER and ICR), and transaction costs. Understanding these differences is crucial whether you're starting out or considering a switch in your pre-retirement years.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on super fund options, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:

- The four main types of super funds: Industry, SMSF, Platform, and Corporate

- Super rules are the same - so what really differs between funds?

- Control: How much say do you have over your investments?

- Transparency: Can you actually see what you own?

- Fee structures compared across different fund types

- Flexibility and the ability to tailor strategies to your situation

- Understanding the commoditization of super

- Breaking down ALL the fees: Trustee/member, admin/platform, investment fees (MER/ICR), and transaction costs

Resources for this episode
- ASIC's MoneySmart Super Fund Comparison
- ATO Self-Managed Super Funds
- Watch our previous episodes on super contributions: [https://youtu.be/xE-Cnq9diQk] and [https://youtu.be/Dr6NcUw5Tvg]
Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest

Rask Resources

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Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
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Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):

https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth continue their summer miniseries by tackling the complex world of getting money OUT of your super.

They break down the critical concepts of taxable vs tax-free components, preservation age, and the various conditions of release that allow you to access your super. Drew and James explain the difference between lump sum withdrawals and pension payments, and dive into the tax implications - including the infamous 20+ different tax rates that can apply to super (check out their dedicated video for the full breakdown).

They also cover the more sensitive topics of death benefits, invalidity payments, and compassionate release provisions including terminal medical conditions.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on accessing your super, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:

- Understanding taxable vs tax-free components in your super

- What is preservation and when does it end?

- Conditions of release - when you can legally access your super

- Lump sum withdrawals vs pension payments - what's the difference?

- Tax implications of super withdrawals (and why there are 20+ different rates!)

- Death benefits and how super is distributed when you die

- Invalidity and compassionate release provisions

- Terminal medical condition payments - accessing super tax-free in your final months

Resources for this episode

- ATO Preservation Age

- ATO Conditions of Release

- ATO Death Benefits

- Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest

Rask Resources

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Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):

https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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In this Australian Retirement Podcast episode, your hosts Drew Meredith, from Wattle Partners, and James O'Reilly, from Northeast Wealth kick off their summer miniseries by going back to basics on super contributions.

They break down ALL the ways you can get money into super, including concessional contributions (employer, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible), non-concessional contributions, the downsizer scheme, and the often-overlooked CGT retirement exemption that could let you contribute up to $500,000 tax-free.

Whether you're just starting out or want to maximize your final years before retirement, this episode gives you the complete playbook - plus one simple tip that could change everything: automate your contributions.

If you like this Australian Retirement Podcast episode on super contributions, you'll love the series. Don't forget to subscribe for weekly shows on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics covered today:
- Why bother contributing to super at all?
- Concessional contributions explained: employer, salary sacrifice, and personal deductible
- Understanding contribution caps and catch-up provisions
- Non-concessional contributions and the bring-forward rule
- Downsizer contributions - the $300,000 opportunity
- CGT retirement exemption - up to $500,000 per person
- The one automation tip that makes contributions effortless

Resources for this episode
- ATO Concessional Contributions
- ATO Non-Concessional Contributions
- ATO Downsizer Contributions
- Ask a question (select the Retirement podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest

Rask Resources

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @rask.invest
TikTok: @rask.invest

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG):

https://www.rask.com.au/fsg
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