FIRE (financial independence, retire early) made a lot more sense when houses were cheaper and the tax rules stayed put. So is it still a realistic goal for Australians in 2026? Tash and Ana take an honest look at the movement, from the maths behind it to the proposed budget changes that have the FIRE community redoing their spreadsheets.
In this episode we'll discuss:
💸 What FIRE actually is: the 25 times expenses rule, the 4% rule, and where those numbers come from
💸 Ana's controversial take on who FIRE is (and isn't) realistic for
💸 The bloke living at a skydiving drop zone saving 80% of his income, and what it says about the non-traditional path
💸 The beginner steps: finding your FIRE number, tracking your spending, and the buffers most people forget
💸 How Lisa, a 38 year old freelancer, swapped full FIRE for Coast FIRE and "work optional at 50"
💸 Why the proposed 30% minimum tax on capital gains has households like Ana's rethinking high growth versus high dividends
None of the budget changes are locked in yet, and nobody can promise what markets, housing or tax rules will do next. But whether you're chasing full FIRE, easing towards Coast FIRE, or just want the option to work less one day, this one's worth a listen.
Disclaimer Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Tash Invests Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative #1317713 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
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