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 Information Sheet Money Magazine's Summary of the Changes Senator Jane Hume Contact Page Dave ..read more

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  (28:15) Negative gearing and debt recycling  (39:47) Taxes in ..read more

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:  Sharesight Low-cost share investing platform:  Pearler Further reading on Minimalism:  The Minimalists Further reading on Minimalism:  Becoming Minimalist When Novelty is the New Normal Being Green And Building Wealth  Discussion points... Intro chat  ..read more

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 now?  (36:24) Semi-retirement or full FI?  (41 ..read more

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 we track our investments:  Sharesight Low cost sha ..read more

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 they used to be  (04:00) Wages aren't growing  (11:55) Young people pro ..read more

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 when we use leverage  (15:23) Working out your profit margin on the bo ..read more

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 investments:  Sharesight Recommended broker for buying sha ..read more

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 own cover (50:55) Psychological aspects of insuran ..read more

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 teenager with $500?  (35:05) Resources and stuff mentioned ..read more