Can I retire yet? ETF losses & feeling stuck at work – Q&A

Learn how to reward yourself without wrecking your budget, handle ETF losses with confidence, and plan your escape from career burnout or income traps. In this Friday Q&A episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask and Gemma Mitchell tackle the emotional side of money decisions, from learning how to actually enjoy financial progress, to handling early investing nerves, career burnout and retirement timing. This episode is less about spreadsheets and more about behaviour, mindset and realistic trade-offs, especially for people who are doing “well on paper” but still feeling stuck or unsure. If you liked this episode of The Australian Finance Podcast, subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for more weekly episodes. Got a question for a future Q&A? Send it through here https://bit.ly/R-quest. Topics Covered – How to reward yourself after reaching financial milestones – Avoiding the trap of extreme saving & money guilt – Managing early investing nerves and ETF losses – When (and why) people sell shares too early – Why losses feel bigger than they are when you're just starting – Feeling stuck in a high-income job you don’t like – What “golden handcuffs” are & how to escape them – Retirement timing vs super access vs pension age – Building optionality and buffers before quitting a job Resources for this episode How to build a values-based money system https://moneysmart.gov.au Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”- https://amzn.to/42Uz0aK Ask a question (select the Finance podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith: https://bit.ly/R-PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds:  https://bit.ly/beta-25 Rask resources All services: https://bit.ly/R-services Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest We love feedback! https://raskau.typeform.com/to/ZbfHy6IP Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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