Today I’m chatting to Lacey Filipich, author of 'Money School' which is an Australian book about becoming financially independent reclaiming your life.

Lacey resume is very impressive, she's an engineer, author and successful entrepreneur starting multiple companies who reached financial independence in her early 30s.

Some of the topics in today's pod include:
➡Lacey’s upbringing and her road to financial independence (0:02:12)
➡Burning out at work (0:10:48)
➡Lacey’s investment strategies and current asset allocations (0:22:40)
➡The Money School Book (0:56:42)
➡How you can use Options with a FIRE strategy (1:05:34)
➡Bank bail in-laws and what it could mean for people holding large amounts of cash (1:14:51)

For a full transcription of today's episode plus show notes, please head over to www.aussiefirebug.com/lacey-filipich-money-school/

Episode 35. Lacey Filipich - Money School

Today I’m speaking to Glen James, a multiple award-winning financial advisor who is the creator and host of the very popular podcast, My Millenial Money.

Glen's a self-proclaimed 'spender' but was able to develop a process and system to manged his own money at an early age that ultimately lead him to financial success. He then went into helping others achieve their financial goals starting and selling multiple businesses along the way. Glen highlights some really interesting points about the FIRE movement as well as the importance of giving back as you build your weal

Some of the topics in today's pod include:


➡Glen’s relationship with Money and the systems and processes he has built (00:04:44)
➡Super asset allocations (00:14:01)
➡Glen’s investing philosophy (00:15:40)
➡Why the FIRE movement needs to ditch the RE (00:21:32)
➡Being charitable whilst building wealth (00:32:25)
➡My Millennial Money Podcast (00:39:27)

Aussie Firebug Podcast

Episode 36. Glen James - My Millennial Money

www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

Today’s episode is focussing on family financial topics. I thought I’d get an expert in this subject manner on the pod so I’ve invited Lee from Family Finance to help me answer your questions.

We’re going over three questions today:
➡ Private health insurance and who Family Finance uses (00:03:55)
➡ Balancing how to give your children everything they need without spoiling them (00:15:12)
➡ Some of the biggest costs associated with having children (00:26:08)

Aussie Firebug

Ask Firebug Fridays - 27 feat. Family Finance

www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

Some of the topics in today's episode are:

➡ Tax minimisation (00:01:25)
➡ Should I wait until the next recession before I start to buy shares? (00:10:17)
➡ Leveraging into shares (00:21:14)

Ask Firebug Fridays - 28

www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

I'm joined today by the author of Money School and superstar of the Aussie FIRE discussion group, Lacey Filipich.

We’re going over three questions in this episode:
➡ Buying shares prior to the ex-Dividend date (00:03:29)
➡ I'm scared of making a mistake when investing and losing it all (00:10:00)
➡ Debt recycling (00:27:58)

Ask Firebug Fridays - 29 feat. Lacey Filipich

www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

The topics in today's episode are:

➡ Can I just invest in Vanguard and leave it alone? Do I need to know what’s happening or make changes? (00:01:56)
➡ Is the 4% rule still valid given the current predictions of low returns in this low-interest-rate environment? (00:12:50)
➡ UK pensions for Aussies working abroad(00:21:38)

Ask Firebug Fridays 30

Summary
I have been following today's guest for a few years now. He is one of my favourite FI bloggers and has recently hit financial independence in his mid thirties.
The Mad Fientist analyses the tax code and looks&nbsp;at personal finance through the lens of early financial independence, he develops strategies and tactics to help you retire even earlier.
Most personal finance advice is geared towards people retiring in their 60s or later and doesn&rsquo;t apply to those pursuing early financial independence. The Mad Fientist&nbsp;focuses on providing advice and innovative tax-avoidance methods specifically for people wanting to break away from full-time employment very early in life.
You can check out his site here&nbsp;but be warned, a lot of the information is geared towards the US system. But not all is lost, there is also countless information that can be transferred to an Australian striving for FI so I would defiantly check it out.
One of his best resources is his podcasts which can be found here. I have listened to all of them and they are fantastic! A big reason that I started to podcast was because of how much quality info I was able to get out of the Mad Fientist's podcasts.
Show Notes

What is negative gearing?
www.madfientist.com
Mad Fientist Podcasts
Pickle with more fans than Nickleback (the Facebook group has since been deletec)

Episode 2. Mad Fientist

In this episode I chat to Ben Everingham who was able to retire from full time work at the age of 29. 

Ben knew he was not wired the same as everyone else when he started working full time and quickly discovered that the 'normal' working life was never going to make him happy. After a Euro trip at 19 and finishing Uni, Ben was able to land a great job in Sydney earning over 6 figures. Most would think that they have it made with a great job straight out of Uni but after working a while Ben knew that this job was never going to satisfy him long term and whilst the money was great, he was miserable.

After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, Ben's eyes had been opened up to the possibility of investing and business ownership. Eager to get started, Ben was able to purchase 6 properties within 4 years and started his own business, thus achieving his goal of quitting full time work before the age of thirty...

Episode 1- Ben Everingham: The Stars Align In Paris...

Is there a more hotly debated topic among avid investors than property vs shares? 

Owning 3 investment properties and nearly $90K worth of ETFs over the last 5 years. I feel like I have experienced some of the best and worst of each asset class.

This article details the pros and cons of the two, and ultimately which one is suited better for specific investing styles.

Aussie Firebug Post - Property Vs Shares

Our guest today is Tim Sparks, Senior Key Account Manager, at Vanguard. Tim has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry and joined Vanguard in 2013.

In this episode, we unpack one of the most famous investing companies in the world. Vanguard.
We go into who Vanguards is and what they can offer investors. Explain Some of the key investing philosophies AND We chat about the 4 new diversified ETFs that Vanguard released in Nov 2017 and why they are such a big deal for anyone wanting to reach financial independence.

In this episode, we talk about:

- What Vanguard is
- Vanguard investing philosophies
- What happens if Vanguard goes bust?
- How to invest with Vanguard
- Vanguard diversified index ETFs

Episode 14. Vanguard

Our guest today is Dave AKA Strong Money Australia. Dave reached financial independence at the ripe old age of just 28. Dave is originally from country Victoria but moved to Western Australia at 18 to take advantage of the mining boom. Roughly 2 years into a job, Dave got a new boss and suddenly going to work each day was a struggle. He discovered investing and financial Independence shortly after and after 8 more years of work, 8 investment properties and a lot a stocks later, discovered that he had reached financial independence.

We chat about Dave's early years at work, questioning the 9-5 day grind for the next 50 years, investing and much more.

In this episode, we talk about:

- Daves struggles with work early on
- Questioning everything
- Transitioning from property investing to shares
- Dividend growth investing
- Listed investment companies (LIC's)
- and much more

Episode 16. Strong Money Australia

Our investing strategy explained. This post goes into detail about how we are going to reach FIRE using the investment strategy we have. I detail the nitty gritty of exactly how we will create a passive income stream and also how we have evolved over the years as investors.

Read the full post here http://www.aussiefirebug.com/our-investing-strategy-explained/

Our Investing Strategy Explained

The great Australian FIRE debate! 

ETFs vs LICs. Which one reins supreme? 

I also talk about stratgey three more and why we have moved to a dividend focussed portolfio.

ETFs vs LICs and Strategy 3 Revisited

Huge Pod to start 2019!

I have the man, the myth, the legend, Peter Thornhill himself. Author of bestseller Motivated Money, Peter is famous in the FIRE community for his teachings on dividend investing and why it’s the best strategy for Australians to retire comfortably. And for someone who is currently receiving over $400K a year in passive income via dividends… when he talks, we should listen!

In today’s episode we chat about:

– Peter’s background in investing
– ETFs vs LICs
– How Peter invests
– Capital gains vs Dividends
– International diversification
– Labor removing the franking credit refund
– Why Peter uses a financial advisor
– Debt recycling

and much more

Episode 19. Peter Thornhill

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast-nathan-birch/

Are you ready to come down the rabbit hole? 

Investing in his first property at 18, and starting his first business shortly after, Nathan Birch was able to 'retire' at just 24. He has appeared on such programs as 7 news, Sunday Night and Triple J’s Hack and his story is so incredible it’s hard to believe! 

We delve into so much more than just investing today, Nathan has in his own words, some alternative views about the entire systems that we are born into and some really thought-provoking commentary in regards to money.

We cover so many things in today's episode, and it was actually recorded in the middle of last year. I have been working through a backlog to get these episodes out to you guys but it’s just about finding the time. It’s a big one today so maybe grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy. 

Get excited to exit the Matrix and dive into the brilliant mind of Nathan Birch!

Episode 20. Nathan Birch

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/what-is-retire-early-and-why-its-the-most-important-part

Why would anyone want to pull stumps at 30? Wouldn't you get bored? 

In today's episode, I set the record straight as to what retire early actually means in the context of FIRE and why it's more important than simply reaching financial independence!

What Is 'Retire Early' And Why It's The Most Important Part

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/start-here

If you're new to FIRE or aussiefirebug.com please start with this episode!

If you're a veteran you can probably skip this one. 

I unpack what FIRE is and clear up some common misconceptions. I also go into how Aussie Firebug got started and what's in store for the future!

New to FIRE? Start here

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/making-money-on-youtube-brandon/ 

Have you ever heard stories about some people being able to make a living by uploading videos to YouTube?

You know what I’m talking about, those urban legends of a cat video going viral and the owner receiving thousands of dollar each month in passive income.

Today I’m speaking to Brandon, a 24-year-old Physio from Canberra who also runs the Aussie Wealth Creation YouTube Channel that currently has over 45,000 subscribers and generates over $3,500 thousand dollars a month through YouTube Ad revenue. 

Some of the topics we cover today include:

- Why Brandon started his YouTube channel
- How to monetise a Youtube channel
- What’s important when creating content
- How much money you can expect to make per views
- Other passive income techniques Brandon has tried
- The Young Investors Podcast

Episode 26. Making Money On Youtube - Brandon

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/super-and-fire/

We’re kicking off 2020 with probably my most requested podcast topic of all time… and that’s Super and its role in the FIRE journey for Australians.

This is an absolute monster of a podcast (nearly 1.5 hours long 🤯) where I’m speaking to Super Guru James Coyle. We cover so many things in this pod and the topics range from “I know nothing about how Super works” all the way into the nitty-gritty technical details that hopefully will shed some light for us FIRE folk and maybe will help some people out there that are weighing up the pros and cons of Super when it comes to FIRE.

Shoutout to everyone who contributed to the questions on the Aussie FIRE discussion Facebook group. I did my best to tried to ask James the most ‘liked’ questions from the community but couldn’t get them all in.

Also massive shoutout to Josh for the transcript below and Victoria who helped with some of the technical questions we had 🙏

Some of the topics we cover today include:

- The basics of how Super and the pension work in Australia
- Tax benefits of Super
- The tax-free environment within Super and how it works in practice.
- The major differences between funds and what to look for
- Children inheriting Super
- How it works from the accumulation phase to your pension fund
- Smart things to do if you're 50-60 and nearing your preservation age
- SMSF, are they worth it for FIRE chasers?
- Women-specific considerations to maximize the outcome of Super (great tip below)
- How do minimum withdrawal rates work in retirement
- First Home Super Saver Scheme

And that's not even all of it I swear 😅

Episode 27. Superannuation and FIRE

www.aussiefirebug.com/coronavirus-market-crash-with-peter-thornhill

I chat with Peter Thornhill about the current market crash and if this is any different to previous bear markets. 

Some of the topics we cover:
- Peter's experiences with previous bear markets
- Similarities to the GFC
- What Peter's buying in this downturn
- DCA or lump sum?
- Is this just fear and confusion or maybe a financial reset?

A full transcription of this episode on the blog

Episode 28. Coronavirus market crash with Peter Thornhill

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/starting-an-online-business-games-like-finder

Today I have the pleasure of speaking to Sam from Games Like Finder.com which is a curated video game recommendation database where you can discover new games based on what you’re currently into. 

What I absolutely LOVE about Sam’s story is he took a passion and turned it into an online business that helps out over 10 million gamers and generates up to an astonishing $4K a month in profit. 

Some of the topics we cover:
- How Sam came up with the idea for gameslikefinder.com
- What were the steps from inception into a product
- How does Games Finder make its money
- How much does Games Finder make
- How much time do you put in each month to keep it running
- Tax benefits of having an online business
- Sam's advice for anyone thinking about turning their passion into a side hustle

A full transcription of this episode can be found at aussiefirebug.com

Episode 29. Starting an Online Business - Games Like Finder

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/fire-and-chill-with-pat-dave/ 

What a treat I have for you guys today.

I’m joined by two of my absolute favourite bloggers who have been creating Australian FIRE content for years. We’re speaking to Pat from LifeLongShuffle.com and Dave from StrongMoneyAustralia.com.

Both Pat and Dave have already been on the podcast before... in fact, this will be Pat’s third time.

How greedy I know…😜

Today we’re chatting how COVID has effected each of us, has anyone changed their investment strategies due to the recent events but most importantly, they have some exciting news that coming to the Aussie FIRE space next week and that’s a brand new podcast they’re starting called FI/RE and Chill.

Episode 30. FIRE & Chill with Pat and Dave

www.aussiefirebug.com/early-access-to-super/

Today I’m chatting to Sam.

A financial planner from around the Byron Bay area who had a really interesting path before he landed in Finance. Sam reached out to me after my Super podcast with James from earlier on in the year and explained that there was so much more to cover when it came to Super and FIRE for Aussies.

Some of the topics we cover:

- Early access to Super and what it means
- Eligibility to get early access 
- Circumstances where it makes financial sense to withdraw your Super early
- First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
- Sam's approach to the classic dilemma of investing inside or outside of - Super even when aiming for FIRE

Episode 31. Early Access To Super

https://www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

A bit of a different AFF today guys, 


It's been ages since I last uploaded any audio content and I wanted to give you all an update as to what has been going on and where the podcast is heading.

I also touch on a topic that I've already covered but my thoughts have changed over the last few years and I think a few people would like to hear what I would have done differently if I had to start my FIRE journey all over again from scratch.

- Intro + Podcast update (0:57)
- What I would have done differently if I had to start all over again (7:58)

Podcast update + Ask Firebug Fridays - 24

Today I’m chatting to Dev Raga, a medical professional from Melbourne who migrated from India as a child in the 80's. Dev runs his own podcast at devraga.com and is breaking the stereotype of Doctors not being the best with money with his educational content on various personal finance topics. 

Some of the topics we cover are:
- Dev's background (00:03:03)
- How long does it take to become a doctor and when do they start earning the big bucks? (00:10:30)
- How Dev became interested in FIRE (00:23:12)
- What Dev invests in (00:44:06)
- The Dev Raga Podcast (00:51:14)

For a full transcription of today's episode plus show notes, please head over to https://www.aussiefirebug.com/dev-raga/

Episode 32. Dev Raga

www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

I'm joined today by Captain Fi. 

Some of the topics we chat about are:

- Speaking to financial advisors and where to find good ones (00:05:39)
- Is it a good time to buy bitcoin?(00:18:38)
-  DCA vs lump sum investing(00:33:07)

Ask Firebug Fridays - 25  feat. Captain FI

Today's episode covers the incredible story of how retail investors are taking on billionaire hedge funds. 

This David vs Goliath story heated up last week and the big wigs on Wallstreet resorted to insanely dirty tactics to try and break the internet army. 

Some of the topics we cover are:
- What is GameStop (00:03:40)
- What does it mean to short a stock? (00:08:45)
- Dirty/Ilegal tactics that these hedge funds are trying to implement to stop further losses from occurring (00:17:25)
- Why this story is resonating with so many millennials (00:27:40)
- Aussies were trying to buy $GME stock on the ASX which is actually a mining company 🤦‍♂️ (00:46:13)

#✋💎🤚
#🚀🚀🚀
#🦍💪🦍
#Wejustlikethestock

Episode 33. Can't stop, won't stop, GameStop! Reddit VS Wall Street

Hey guys, welcome to the Aussie Firebug podcast, 

My names Matt, I’m a country boy for regional Victoria. I barrack for the Magpies, I love to snowboard and I play way too much Call of Duty. I’m a pretty normal bloke, but the one area where I’ve always been a bit different is when it comes to money and investing. 

In fact, I’m on track to reach financial independence by my mid-thirties and plan to retire early. That’s what the FIRE acronym stands for, financial independence, retire early. You might be thinking “There’s just no way someone could retire in their 30’s without a big inheritance, high paying job or winning the lotto”! But that’s just not true! Early retirement is 100% possible for most Australian. 

FIRE was a movement that started in the US around 2011 and has since spread all over the world.

I stumbled across it in 2013 and when I read the formula for reaching early retirement, it blew my mind. It was one of those lightbulb moments that changed my life forever. There were heaps of great content creators for the states but they were all talking about 401K’s and Roth accounts. I wanted to know if FIRE was possible for Australians, so in 2016, I created the Aussie Firebug podcast.  

This is the financial independence podcast for Australians where I chat with people who have already reached or are on their way to financial independence. There’s also a segment called Asked Firebug Fridays where I answer listeners questions on the last Friday of every month. 

If you want to know more about me or the FIRE movement in Australia. Head over to https://www.aussiefirebug.com/welcome

I hope you guys enjoy the show and I’ll see you in the next episode

Who am I and what is the Aussie Firebug podcast all about?

Today I invited one of my favourite Aussie FIRE bloggers on the pod, and that’s none other than Aussie HIFIRE. HIFIRE works in finance and is looking to create a higher than average income stream to fund his retirement. 

Some of the topics we cover are:

- Who is Aussie HIFIRE? (00:04:30)
- What is HIFIRE and how does it differ from regular FIRE? (00:05:10)
- What does AHF want to do during retirement? (00:11:53)
- The role that bonds play in a portfolio (00:18:53)
- How Aussie HIFIRE approaches FIRE and kids (00:29:42)
- Income insurance during the accumulation phase (00:44:10)

For a full transcription of today's episode plus show notes, please head over to www.aussiefirebug.com/aussie-hifire/

Episode 34. Aussie HIFIRE

www.aussiefirebug.com/aff/

Some of the topics in today's episode are:
- How do companies like BetaShares and Vanguard weight individual companies in their ETFs? (00:02:34)
- Anxiety from leaving your job once you have hit your FIRE number (00:10:16)
- How to handle tax returns when you start to invest in ETFs (00:21:05)

Ask Firebug Fridays - 26

My name's Matt, I'm a country boy for regional Victoria who is on track to reach Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) by my mid-thirties. 

I interview guests who have already reached or are on their way to financial freedom and also answer listeners questions on the last Friday of every month.

You can learn more about the FIRE movement in Australia here https://www.aussiefirebug.com/start-here/

Aussie Firebug

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