The Investor Lab

Peter Van Der Merwe, a savvy technical writer and the mastermind behind Bright Circle, who shares his compelling journey from the world of writing to property investment.  With the relentless rise of AI impacting his industry, Peter reveals how he transitioned to investing in real estate, inspired by his father’s legacy in the field. Peter faced challenges in finding the right investment properties until he found the expert guidance of Dashdot. Peter discusses the irreplaceable value of emotional intelligence and creativity—skills that AI simply cannot replicate—and how he plans to use his investments to mitigate the economic shifts brought about by technology while balancing his superannuation contributions. As a single investor, Peter shares insights into the unique freedoms and challenges of making independent investment decisions, stressing the importance of a solid financial safety net and a diversified portfolio to manage risks.  Looking ahead, Peter outlines his ambitious goal of acquiring eight properties over the next 10 to 15 years, not only for wealth creation but also to create a legacy and give back to the community through his investments. Peter reflects on the resilience of property as a safe haven in uncertain times, reminding us all of the importance of adaptability in a fast-changing world.  If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 02:20 Peter's Property Investment Journey 03:53 Insights into Peter's Property Investments 04:48 AI's Impact on Jobs and Business Models 11:31 Property's Role in Wealth Creation and Risk Mitigation 24:26 Navigating Challenges as a Single Investor 26:57 Peter's Vision for His Property Portfolio 29:55 Personal and Professional Aspirations 32:13 AI in Writing and Creative Fields Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us in this exciting episode of Dashdot Insider as we dive into the investment journey of Marcos Volich, a CFA charter holder and COO of a fixed income investment firm.  With a keen eye for financial strategies, Marcos shares his insights on managing personal, market, and aspirational risks while building a successful property portfolio.  Discover how to categorise your financial risks into these three buckets, ensuring you have a robust strategy for both safety and growth. Hear how Marcos turned initial hesitations into successes with two properties, boasting impressive growth values—$97,000 and $200,000, respectively.  Also gain insights into how market fluctuations can impact investment choices and why maintaining a diverse portfolio is crucial for safeguarding your future.  Marcos also touches on the often-overlooked psychological aspects of managing wealth, sharing strategies to cultivate discipline and avoid the pitfalls of lifestyle inflation.  Explore the necessity of professional financial advice and how having a structured plan from the outset can make all the difference in achieving your financial goals. If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 43:03 - Meet Marcos Volich and His Portfolio 43:17 - Marcos' Investment Journey and Background 43:33 - Balancing Your Portfolio and Personal Financial Goals 43:47 - The Importance of Financial Advice in Property Investment 45:04 - Navigating Market Conditions and Personal Risk Management 45:16 - Understanding the Psychology of Wealth and Financial Planning 45:47 - How Property Plays a Role in Wealth Creation 45:59 - The Value of Professional Advice and Strategic Planning   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that a whopping 57% of working adults don’t have any formal financial training? So if you feel like you could be managing your finances better, don’t worry.  You are not alone. But here’s the good news: Managing your cashflow doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this episode of Dashdot Insider, Terry Condon is diving deep into all things cashflow. He’s breaking down how to make small, smart money moves that’ll help you take control of your spending without feeling like you’re missing out on the good stuff. We get so focused on the short-term, we forget about the big picture. Terry’s here to help you flip that mindset and make deliberate choices that actually work for you. So, if you’re sick of feeling like your cash is vanishing into thin air, this episode is for you.  If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 1:05:54 Why Cash Flow and Financial Education Matter More Than Ever 1:06:08 Using Evidence-Based Methods for Smarter Financial Choices 1:06:25 Breaking Free from Financial Inertia: How to Make Deliberate Money Moves 1:06:37 The Trap of Functional Fixedness in Money Decisions 1:06:47 Measuring the Impact: What Sets Financial Success Apart 1:06:58 How Technology Can Streamline Your Finances 1:07:37 The Psychology Behind Your Money Decisions 1:07:49 How Financial Education Can Supercharge Your Property Investments 1:07:58 Navigating Debt: A Key Piece in Property Investment Strategy   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan)   About the Guests:Terry is all about making money meaningful. He’s got a talent for breaking down big financial ideas into simple, practical steps that help people feel confident and committed to learning. His expertise comes from two key areas. First, as a performance coach, he worked with some of Australia’s top sports teams and athletes, where he learned how to turn big dreams into concrete plans and a few powerful habits. Then, after earning his MBA and moving into management consulting, he gained the skills to create adult learning programs that make financial knowledge valuable and accessible. In 2019, Terry teamed up with Ryan Monaghan, his co-founder, to combine their strengths and create a unique financial education platform designed especially for young professionals. Together, they’re making it easier for people to take charge of their finances. Connect with the Guests: Cashflow Co. - https://au.linkedin.com/company/cashflo-dojo Terry Condon - https://au.linkedin.com/in/terry-condon-cashflowco See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ronald Smith’s story is something familiar to many of us.  He wanted financial freedom… but he didn’t want to give up living life. Now at 31, he’s already got a couple of properties under his belt. And they’ve gone from average-priced homes to serious money makers. But Ronald isn’t glued to his desk watching the market 24/7.  In fact, he’s off planning a six-month adventure from Scotland to South Africa.  While he’s away, his properties will keep growing in value on their own.  So how did he do it? How did he gain financial freedom through property investing… without stressing over every market movement? Hear the answer straight from Ronald himself in this episode of the Dashdot Insider Podcast. If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 01:40 Inside Ronald’s Impressive Property Portfolio 03:47 How to Juggle Property Investment and Travel Like a Pro 05:47 Unpacking the Theory of Constraints in Property Investing 09:30 Ronald’s Game Plan: Strategies for Successful Property Investment 22:49 Why Outsourcing Property Management Is a Game Changer 23:06 Mapping Out Long-Term Property Goals and Travel Adventures 24:18 Travel Tales and Property Lessons Learned Along the Way   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever thought… “I’d love to get into real estate, but I have no idea what I’m doing,”  then this episode is for you.  Leanne Portman was in the same boat. She’s a busy project manager, juggling life, family, and work—and the idea of investing felt like a huge leap. In this episode, Leanne opens up about how she went from having zero investment experience to building a 5-property portfolio, including a Townsville property that’s already grown by over 23%.  She also talks about how Dashdot’s research and no-pressure consultations helped her and her husband take the plunge and haven’t looked back. If you’re looking for a relatable, real-world story about how to grow your wealth without the stress, this one’s for you.  You’ll walk away feeling inspired—and maybe with a few ideas of your own to get started. If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 01:44 Current Property Portfolio and Impressive Growth 08:38 Why Choose Property Over Other Investment Options 12:10 Future Retirement Plans and Property Ambitions 19:39 How to Manage Properties from Afar 24:21 Leanne’s Career Journey and Aspirations for the Future   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysis paralysis is real. Many investors dive into the property market with high hopes but find themselves unable to make a move. Often, it’s because of the sheer amount of info out there that’s making them afraid to take a single step. That’s why in this episode of the Dashdot Insider Podcast, we’re chatting with David Villaume to help you get rid of analysis paralysis. David is one of our senior property advisors who’s got extensive experience helping clients navigate the complex — and sometimes intimidating — world of real estate.  Since joining Dashdot in early 2023, David has been a key figure in guiding property investors through strategic planning, personalised goal setting, and crafting tailored investment paths. His hands-on approach takes the anxiety out of making that first step into building a thriving investment portfolio. So if you’re ready to gain some valuable insights into how to overcome your fears, set achievable goals, and build a successful property portfolio, this episode is for you!  If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 02:32 Understanding Client Needs: The First Step to Tailored Solutions 05:13 Setting Common Goals: Realistic Expectations for Investors 07:57 Aligning Client Wants with Needs 12:54 The Emotional vs. Financial Side of Property Investment 17:38 Overcoming Client Objections 26:55 The Importance of Tailored Plans in Current Market Conditions 30:54 Inspiring Client Success Stories: A Look at Long-Term Goals 31:07 Facing Fears: Making Informed Investment Decisions   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to go from working two jobs to having a thriving real estate empire? In this episode of Dashdot Insider, we’re joined by Chris Spillane, who started out working two jobs and saving every spare dollar. Today, he owns 18 properties, including commercial spaces, and has built a portfolio that many investors dream of.  In this episode, Chris dives deep into the discipline it takes to save, why paying off debt can sometimes be easier than building savings, and how a strategic mindset is key to long-term success.  Whether you're looking to buy your first property or scale your investments, Chris’s journey will inspire you to think differently about how to build wealth through real estate. If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside! In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 04:47 How Financial Discipline Shaped Early Property Investments 08:59 Building a Portfolio: Expanding into New Markets 20:38 Juggling Property Investments and Personal Life 32:02 The Power of Family Influence and Financial Lessons   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like you’re navigating the property market blindfolded?  You’re not alone.  Claire Westra, our guest on Dashdot Insider, has been there.  She went all-in on a DIY approach, thinking she could handle it solo—until she found herself frustrated with a property in Toowoomba that sat stagnant for a whole year.  Her first property investment in Brisbane brought some early success, but when the stock market crash hit, it made her rethink everything. That’s when she realised the real cost of relying on emotions and outdated market data. Claire found Dashdot, and suddenly, everything changed.  Using predictive data and a team of experts, she stopped guessing and started investing. Her goals shifted, too—from dreaming of a forever home to focusing on building a life that gave her freedom. She’s now well on track to early retirement with a thriving portfolio. Claire’s advice? Don’t go it alone. Get yourself a team—solid professionals who can guide you through the ups and downs. And be open to new strategies, like rent-vesting or even Airbnb.  She’s learned that with the right support, those big, scary goals start to look a whole lot more achievable. If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 03:24 Realising When It’s Time to Seek Professional Help 11:51 Discovering Dashdot: The Game-Changer in Predictive Modeling 14:47 Shifting Goals: From Dream Homes to Strategic Investing 18:04 Key Lessons and Winning Strategies for Success 28:53 Why Professional Advice and Portfolio Planning Matter   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Dashdot Insider, we sit down with Annamaria Meszaros, who shares her story of turning her savings strategy on its head by investing in property through her super fund.  She discovered that leveraging property in her super could potentially double her returns compared to shares. It’s not just about buying houses every few months, either – it’s about making strategic moves that set her up for long-term success.  So if you’ve ever thought about diving into property investment, or if you’re just curious how the average mum and dad investors are making it happen, you won’t want to miss this episode.  Tune in now and find out how you could be setting yourself up for a much more comfortable future – because honestly, who wouldn’t want that?  If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 01:58 Anna’s Growing Property Portfolio with Dashdot 04:27 How Anna Made Her First Property Investment 06:20 Unlocking the Power of Leverage in Property 10:19 Anna’s Continued Success with Property Investments 24:25 Why Professional Advice Matters 24:41 Anna’s Retirement Goals and Vision 34:00 Top Tips for Aspiring Property Investors 34:36 How Dashdot Plays a Key Role in Smart Investing 38:58 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people dream of creating a life filled with freedom, flexibility, and security, but the path can seem overwhelming… especially when it comes to property investment.  That’s exactly where David Restrepo found himself a few years back. David, originally from Colombia, moved to Australia in 2020 and quickly realised the immense opportunity in property. But, like many new investors, he wasn’t sure where to start.  In this episode of the Dashdot Insider Podcast, David shares his journey from renting an apartment in Brisbane to owning multiple properties across Australia.  He opens up about the importance of building the right support system and how finding the right people can make all the difference. Tune in to hear how he’s planning to hit $3.5 million in equity by 45. If you want real, relatable advice from someone who’s walked the path, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.  If you love this episode, email us at podcast@dashdot.com.au, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast!  See you on the inside!    In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Coming Up 25:25 Crafting a Winning Property Investment Strategy 25:41 From Colombia to Australia: A Journey to Property Ownership 25:53 The Philosophy Behind Smart Property Investing 26:03 How Dashdot Transformed the Investment Game 26:20 Future Property Plans and Strategies 26:32 Managing Stress in Property Investing 28:34 Essential Advice for Aspiring Property Investors   Connect With Us: Free Rentvesting Calculator (https://dashdot.com.au/rentvesting)  Subscribe on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@dashdotinsider)  Listen on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3Np19x8) Dashdot Website (https://www.dashdot.com.au/) Ready to work with us directly? (https://dashdot.com.au/discovery) Get your Property Portfolio Growth Plan (https://dashdot.com.au/portfoliogrowthplan) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.