Aussie Firebug

After 10 years of Aussie Firebug, I’m stepping back, with October 2025 marking both my final net worth update and the point we reached financial independence. My priorities have shifted away from FIRE content towards family, business, and a more intentional approach to spending. I’m taking an extended break, with the podcast likely continuing in a broader form. Firebug OUT ✌️ Links Engaging Data Calculator www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today’s episode is a special one - it’s the 100th episode of the show. I just want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who’ve supported the podcast over the past 10 years. Whether you’ve been here from the start or only recently discovered the show, your messages, reviews, and support have meant the world to me. Today on the podcast, we have a man who many consider to be the pioneer of the early retirement community. Pete Adney, aka Mr Money Mustache. I don’t think Pete needs an introduction, but in case you somehow don’t know who he is… Pete retired at the age of 30 after a career as a software engineer by living frugally and investing wisely. Through his blog, Mr. Money Mustache, he’s inspired millions with his philosophy on financial independence, meaningful living, and sustainability. It was Pete’s blog that first opened my eyes to early retirement - and showed me that financial independence didn’t have to be something you waited until 60 to achieve... Discovering it all those years ago was a pivotal moment - one that completely reshaped how I viewed money, work, and time. That single moment set me on a path that’s profoundly enriched my life, and my family’s life, ever since. In today’s episode, we chat about: Pete’s upbringing in Canada and his journey to FIRE at 30 (00:04:00) The evolution of the FIRE movement and its shifting philosophies (00:24:23) His thoughts on loosening spending habits and enjoying wealth (00:38:27) Insights on fitness, fatherhood, and the lessons he’s learned along the way (00:55:06) How he balances financial freedom with personal growth (01:00:39) Links Website - Mr. Money Mustache www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

This week, I’m joined by Ben Felix, Chief Investment Officer at PWL Capital and co-host of the Rational Reminder podcast. Ben is best known in the FIRE community for his YouTube channel, which has nearly 500K subscribers and features insights on investing, financial decision-making, and living a good life. Ben is one of the clearest voices in evidence-based investing. His work breaks down complex financial ideas into straightforward, data-driven insights that help investors cut through the noise. It’s a masterclass in rational investing, delivered by one of the best in the game. In this conversation, we cover: The truth about "beating" or timing the market (00:13:06) Why market efficiency matters more than most investors think (00:24:41) How to think about asset allocation and your own risk tolerance (00:49:26) Why chasing dividends might not be the smartest path to FIRE (00:56:55) What a realistic safe withdrawal rate looks like today (01:07:52) Links Website - PWL Capital Website - Rational Reminder YouTube - Ben Felix Podcast - Rational Reminder www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Alan Donegan - co-founder of Rebel Business School and host of the Rebel Entrepreneur Podcast. Alan and his wife Katie reached financial independence in 2019, and since then they’ve been travelling the world, teaching people how to start businesses debt-free and take control of their finances. In this episode we cover: What role did your upbringing play in shaping your view on money and risk? (00:04:57) Tell us about the Rebel Business School - when was it created and what’s its mission? (00:47:20) You’ve taught business and finance around the world - have you noticed cultural differences in how people think about money and entrepreneurship? (01:10:16) If you could only teach one skill outside of finance and business, what would it be and why? (01:13:31) Links Website - Rebel Donegans Website - The Rebel School www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Andrew Page - founder and Managing Director of Strawman.com. With over 20 years’ experience as an analyst, commentator, and private investor, Andrew is a well-known voice in the Australian investing community. Before launching Strawman, he worked at The Motley Fool and Team Invest, and now focuses on helping everyday investors cut through the noise and build better portfolios. In this episode, we cover: How Andrew first got started in investing (00:03:09) Why he believes stock picking still has a place, even in the age of index funds (00:27:21) What separates a good business from a bad one, and how he evaluates founders (00:45:18) His thoughts on Bitcoin and where it fits in a value investor’s world (01:28:49) The best resources for anyone looking to branch out from passive investing (02:14:02) Links Website - Strawman www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Evan Lucas - behavioural economist, financial commentator, author of Mind Over Money , and former Head of Strategy at InvestSMART. Some of the topics we dive into are: How the increase in dual income households is reshaping family dynamics. (00:16:03) How we can rewire our brains to spend less and live more freely. (00:34:06) The link between identity, emotion and financial behaviour. (00:47:19) The role behavioural finance plays in reaching FIRE. (00:41:09) Links Website - Evan Lucas www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Pete Wargent—investor, author, market analyst, and one of Australia’s earliest FIRE pioneers. Originally from the UK, Pete reached financial independence by age 33 after building a portfolio of shares and property across both Australia and the UK. Since then, he’s written multiple best-selling books, launched a property buying business, and become a trusted voice on investing, markets, and wealth creation. In today’s episode, we dive into: Pete’s journey to FI and what helped him get there (00:05:26) The role of personality, passion projects, kids, and travel (00:09:58) Some of the biggest challenges people face on the path to financial freedom (00:22:41) Why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to financial independence (00:28:03) What’s changed in the FIRE space over the past 20 years (00:48:53) Links Website - Pete Wargent www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we have Andy Darroch, an Independent Financial Adviser and Director of Independent Wealth Advice. Andy is one of the very few truly independent advisers in Australia—less than 1% fall into that category. After time at Macquarie, Wilson HTM, and Deloitte, he started his own firm to offer advice free from commissions, kickbacks, and product pushing. He charges a flat fee, publishes his prices online, and believes advice should work like any other profession—you pay for it when you need it. In this episode, we discuss: Why independent advisers are so rare (00:04:30) Myths around financial advice (00:05:05) What good advice looks like when it’s actually designed to help you (00:27:51) Whether the current model is working, and how to fix it (00:45:55) The biggest mistakes the FIRE community makes (01:21:30) Links Website - Independent Wealth Advice Website - The Honest Advisor www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today on the podcast, we have Mark LaMonica, CFA, a Director at Morningstar and co-host of the Investing Compass podcast. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having spent time in both the US and Australia, which gives him a unique perspective on their financial systems and retirement landscapes. In today’s episode, we dive into: The current state of financial planning in Australia (00:09:18) Mark’s thoughts on his recent article, "Are We Being Ripped Off by Super?" (00:16:04) How the US and Australian retirement systems stack up against each other (00:20:58) Why he’s against super funds charging for certain financial advice costs (00:30:57) His controversial take on the 4% rule and the FIRE movement (00:47:13) Links Podcast - Investing Compass Website - Morningstar www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

It’s been a decade since I started down the FIRE path, and life looks very different these days - especially since becoming a dad. In this episode, I reflect on how early retirement gave me something more valuable than money: time. But it also left me unexpectedly restless. I talk about mini-retirement, purpose, starting two businesses, and how becoming a parent reshaped my perspective on work, freedom, and what really matters. Whether you're deep into your FIRE journey or just getting started, this one’s for you. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: The Unexpected Dissatisfaction (00:03:33) The Value of Discomfort and Growth (00:05:03) Rediscovering Purpose Through Entrepreneurship (00:08:34) How FIRE Helped with Parenthood (00:10:35) Financial Security as a Buffer (00:11:13) Not Loving Early Retirement (00:12:06) Links Blog post www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Welcome back to the Aussie Firebug Podcast, the financial independence podcast for Australians, where I interview interesting people on topics relating to financial independence. Today on the podcast we have Amy and her partner Matt from FI Freedom Retreats, a five-day financial independence retreat in Bali. This was a passion project born out of Amy’s love and gratitude for the F.I.R.E movement and community. Heads up, I recorded this podcast in January this year and haven’t released it until now because I’ve been distracted with other things. This means there’s a good chance there won’t be any spots left in the retreat for this year, but I think you’ll still find our conversation interesting. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: Amy’s fear-based relationship with money (00:02:29) Geo-arbitraging in Mexico, Thailand, and Bali (00:09:37) Matt & Amy’s experience with healthcare while living in SE Asia (00:14:42) 90% savings rate in SE Asia (00:22:45) Why Amy started FI Freedom Retreats (00:35:41) Matt & Amy’s top tips for pursuing FI and living your best life (00:46:36) Links Website – FI Freedom Retreats www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today we're joined by Ana Kresina, Head of Product and Community at Pearler and the Co-host of the 'Get Rich Slow Club' and 'ETFs for Beginners,' podcasts. She’s also just become a published author with the book “Kids Ain't Cheap”. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: Ana’s FIRE journey (00:03:37) Hitchhiking through Europe (00:07:09) Why Ana wrote a money book around raising kids or preparing to raise kids (00:10:02) The importance of normalising money conversations with children (00:23:12) Philanthropy and teaching your kids why giving matters (00:35:41) Links Website - Ana Kresina Book - Kids Ain't Cheap Podcast - Get Rich Slow Club www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today's episode is something a bit different. Terry, the host of the Wealth Time Freedom (WTF) podcast interviewed me a few months ago. The response was so positive from that episode that I decided to repost it on my show. In this episode, Terry asks me about becoming a dad, my recent pivot with work and my new perspective on FIRE. I found it to be a great conversation, and I hope you'll enjoy it too. Links Podcast - Wealth Time Freedom (WTF) www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today, my guest is fellow FIRE enthusiast/podcaster/blogger, Captain FI! He’s actually been on the podcast before but I had to take that episode down due to ASIC’s 2022 guidelines. Cap came and stayed at the Firebug household after attending the Rask event in my hometown. It was a lot of fun meeting and greeting others from the FIRE community and it was extra special to do so in my own backyard. This was very much an improv podcast and I didn’t have any set questions. We had a general chitchat about Captian Fi’s financial journey and other topics relating to FIRE. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: Who is Captain FI? (00:02:36) Investing a big lump sum into the share market (00:04:47) Finding a financial planner (00:16:01) Investing psychology (00:26:24) Reaching financial independence (00:41:26) Does your FI number include a paid-off house? (00:43:43) Selling shares to pay your living expenses (00:45:46) The psychology of spending (00:52:26) Links Website - Captain FI www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today, my guest is none other than my accountant, Clayton! Clayton and I have talked about doing this podcast for a while. I pay him thousands of dollars each year to help with tax planning, structuring our investments and businesses and other strategic decisions that ultimately help me reach FIRE sooner. I thought it would be interesting to chat to him about what role an accountant can play when someone is trying to reach FIRE, and explore why certain decisions were recommended for our family in terms of tax advice and planning. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: The difference between an accountant, a tax advisor and a financial planner (00:05:36) The role an account can play in someone’s journey to financial independence? (00:09:08) Common financial structures for people wanting to improve their situation (00:11:56) Some of the advantages of a financial trust structure (00:14:13) The difference between tax minimisation and tax evasion (00:16:52) How can people get the most out of their accountant? (00:22:30) Easy things you can do to help you at tax time (00:26:58) How do you find a good accountant who'll work with you to build wealth? (00:34:33) What are the main things to consider when starting a sole trader/freelancer business? (00:36:54) How often does the ATO actually audit people? (00:49:10) Links Website - McMillans www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

I've been thinking about this post for the past 18 months, and to be honest, it's long overdue. So much has changed over the last 11 years since I first stumbled across FIRE. And if the podcast's feature image wasn't obvious enough, I recently became a father. So, now is the perfect time for a big update/recap on life at the Firebug household. www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today my guest is Carl Jensen who is better known in the FIRE community as Mr. 1500. He’s a family guy living in Colorado with his wife and two young children and managed to retire at the ripe old age of 43. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: The story behind the name "Mr. 1500" (00:02:06) Investment philosophy and strategies (00:07:25) Carl’s interest in Tesla and EVs in general (00:18:44) Balancing frugality and fulfilment on the path to FI (00:23:49) The biggest benefits of achieving FI (00:26:31) How Carl handled the cultural challenges of pursuing early retirement (00:39:04) What Carl wishes he knew when he started his journey to FI (01:09:58) Links Website - 1500 Days to Freedom www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

Today’s episode is very special to me personally. I’m speaking with my dad about how he grew up and what money and life lessons he learnt along the way. He’s probably had the biggest impact on how I view the world (along with my mum) and set the foundations early on for me to be in the position I’m in today. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: What life was like growing up in Melbourne with immigrant parents (00:02:16) How Tony learned about money management as a child (00:13:08) Leaving school at 15 to help contribute to the family farm (00:19:26) Life lessons learnt from Tony’s immigrant parents (00:23:29) Comparing the housing market in 2023 to the 1970s (00:29:13) Learning about property investing (00:35:44) Stock market investing (00:48:15) Tony’s essential life lessons (00:53:47) www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

I’m excited today to be having a conversation with Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley who co-host the very popular podcast called The Property Couch. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: How Ben and Bryce originally made a connection (00:02:00) Property investing guidelines and regulations (00:12:37) Their investing strategy/philosophy (00:23:25) The Australian housing and rental crisis (00:48:56) Active property investing vs passive share market investing (00:37:03) Are property investors adding to affordability issues or are they being used as political scapegoats? (00:56:45) How The Property Couch podcast got started (01:20:33) Links Website - The Property Couch Episode 446 | Property Spruikers Exposed www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast

My guest today is Dr Toni Lindsay. Toni is a clinical psychologist who works primarily with people who are at the end of their life or have a severe illness (usually young people!). In her own words: “My work has shaped how I think about all this FIRE stuff!”. Toni is also the author of multiple books but the one which probably has the most application with FIRE would be “The Certainty Myth: How to be resilient when the world keeps changing”. Some of the topics we cover in today’s episode are: What does Toni actually do in the field of clinical psychology? (00:04:02) What motivated Toni to write “The Certainty Myth”? (00:15:54) How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help with the journey to FI (20:19:00) The relationship between uncertainty and anxiety and how we can better manage this (00:55:54) Cognitive flexibility - how flexibility can be an antidote to uncertainty (01:01:43) How FIRE plays a role in resiliency (01:10:54) How Toni’s experience with mortality has shaped her FIRE journey (01:21:50) Links Website - www.tonilindsay.com.au Book - The Certainty Myth Book - The Resilience Project by Hugh van Cuylenburg www.aussiefirebug.com/podcast