Investopoly

Read full blog here.In this episode, Stuart explores why sometimes the smartest investment strategy is to do less. With global markets hitting all-time highs and every major asset class delivering positive returns in 2025, Stuart cautions against overconfidence. He explains why sitting on cash or keeping borrowing capacity in reserve can be a strategic move, not a missed opportunity. Drawing on recent market trends, including the unusual simultaneous rise of gold and bitcoin, Stuart unpacks why this environment feels disconnected from economic and political realities.He also discusses the impact of index investing on market momentum, why market-cap indexing may behave like a growth strategy, and why blindly following the crowd can increase your risk exposure. Alongside this market reflection, Stuart answers a detailed listener question from Bernadette, a 51-year-old planning for retirement. He analyses her strategy to maximise super contributions, transition into part-time work, and possibly adopt Hostplus, ChoicePlus or a WRAP account to improve tax efficiency.With practical advice on asset allocation, superstructure selection, and risk management, Stuart reinforces a core message: building long-term wealth doesn’t require reacting to every market move. Sometimes, keeping your powder dry is the most powerful move you can make.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

In this Q&A-packed episode, Campbell tackles a variety of real-life scenarios from listeners navigating property decisions, capital gains tax, and super strategies. He begins by clarifying whether deferring the sale of investment properties until retirement results in meaningful CGT savings, a common assumption he carefully unpacks for Catherine. Elise then asks whether to continue hunting for an investment property, focus on paying off the mortgage, or invest in shares. Campbell shares a practical decision-making framework based on flexibility, returns, and borrowing power.Next, Matt raises a nuanced estate planning question about SMSFs, wrap platforms, and directing super death benefits into a private trust. He explains the pros and cons of SMSFs versus wrap platforms and highlights which providers support direct access without needing a financial adviser.Simon’s question on potential CGT exposure after co-purchasing a home with his mother leads to a clear explanation of how CGT applies to partial ownership, even without rental income. Finally, Ray seeks guidance on which of three strategies will best position him and his wife to buy a future family home while relocating frequently for work. Campbell compares ETFs, investment properties, and CGT exemptions, giving Ray a clear path to building flexibility and wealth. A rich episode for strategic thinkers.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Read full blog hereIn this episode, Stuart reveals the results of his annual review of super fund performance, naming the best super fund for 2025. He compares returns across both Balanced and High Growth investment options from Australia’s leading industry and retail super funds, including Hostplus, UniSuper, ART, AustralianSuper, and the increasingly competitive Vanguard Super.But investment returns and fees aren’t the only criteria that matter. Stuart delves deeper into overlooked factors, including transparency in asset valuation (especially for unlisted assets), board governance and experience, cybersecurity risks, and service quality. He raises red flags about funds influenced by union-backed boards and highlights service issues, including lengthy wait times and delayed payouts.Stuart also explains the hidden tax costs in pooled super funds, especially the tax drag from unrealised capital gains, and how wrap platforms or SMSFs may offer smarter alternatives for engaged investors. He outlines when splitting super across two funds might be a useful diversification strategy, and who should consider using AustralianSuper’s Member Direct or a wrap platform like Hub24 or Netwealth.Whether you're looking for the best net returns, lower tax drag, or more control over your retirement savings, this episode offers clear insights to help you optimise your super in 2025 and beyond.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

In this Q&A episode, Stuart covers a wide range of real-life scenarios, offering clear insights on property strategy, superannuation, and retirement planning. He begins by unpacking Paul’s question about setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and whether his current balance is sufficient to make a property purchase viable within it. Stuart also reflects on the quality of Paul’s Melbourne townhouse investment and discusses how to assess whether a property is genuinely investment-grade. Paul’s second question around investing savings for his four young children prompts a broader discussion on smarter options beyond traditional bank accounts.John’s situation leads to a compelling conversation around downsizing in retirement. Stuart evaluates John's unique plan of selling the family home, investing the proceeds into super, and renting to try different locations before settling permanently.Other questions explored include what to consider when upgrading to a more premium home, the risks of holding off on selling your current home, and how to structure equity effectively. Stuart finishes the episode with a deep dive into Amelie’s property portfolio and how to optimise her $2.2 million in equity to build super and potentially upgrade to a better principal residence. A must-listen for property owners and planners alike.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Read full blog here In this episode, Stuart takes a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of superannuation, how unrealised capital gains tax (CGT) affects your balance, and how to avoid it. He begins by explaining the irony of the government’s proposed tax on super balances over $3 million: while controversial, most Australians are already paying tax on unrealised gains daily via pooled super funds. Stuart breaks down how these products calculate unit prices and the role of future tax provisions in that process.He then explores smarter alternatives, including wrap platforms and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), which allow investors to directly own assets and potentially eliminate CGT on unrealised gains altogether, provided they stay under the pension cap at retirement. Stuart walks through the financial modelling, showing how the fee trade-off still results in long-term gains, especially for high-contribution investors.Listeners also learn about timing, portfolio turnover, and tax-saving potential across various life stages. He closes with a performance and fee comparison between pooled funds like Vanguard and wrap platforms, offering guidance on when the shift is worth it. This episode is essential listening for anyone serious about optimising their super and reducing tax drag over a lifetime.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

In this Q&A episode, Stuart tackles a wide range of complex financial and property questions from listeners navigating wealth-building decisions. He begins with a couple considering converting their first home into an investment property. Stuart breaks down the implications of their joint ownership structure, refinancing strategy, and whether they've missed the opportunity for negative gearing, providing insight into how high- and middle-income earners can best structure property portfolios.He then addresses a nuanced question about the transfer of assets from a discretionary trust to a testamentary trust upon death. Stuart explains the differences, key considerations, and whether investing under a lower-income spouse’s name may offer more long-term estate planning benefits.Next, Stuart analyzes a detailed case involving a Brisbane-based couple with a multi-million-dollar property portfolio, employee share schemes, and a retirement goal of $200K income in 10 years. He evaluates their asset base, capital growth assumptions, gearing levels, and whether their current strategy is sufficient to meet their goals.Finally, Stuart reviews the future potential of two Sydney investment properties in Edgecliff and Mosman following changes to development zoning. He offers a framework for assessing heritage restrictions, supply risks, and ongoing demand in a shifting market. A rich, insightful episode for investors at all stages.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Read full blog hereIn this episode, Stuart explores how to build personal wealth through employee share schemes (ESS), breaking down everything from RSUs and stock options to tax-effective strategies like salary sacrifice. He explains how shares vest, when and how they’re taxed, and the implications of holding versus selling. Stuart also highlights the importance of managing concentration risk and making informed decisions based on valuations, market conditions, and long-term goals.Listeners will learn the difference between tax-deferred and taxed-upfront schemes, how to take advantage of the $5,000 salary sacrifice limit without triggering fringe benefits tax, and how to tactically reduce tax liabilities through transfers or strategic selling. Stuart offers clear insights on trading through issuer-sponsored share registries and outlines practical scenarios for divesting or retaining employee shares.The episode concludes with a detailed response to a listener planning a two-year overseas move. Stuart reviews their investment properties, managed funds, super, and future home upgrade goals, offering a framework for managing surplus cash flow abroad, timing a principal place of residence purchase, and balancing debt, investment, and long-term security. This episode is packed with expert financial planning advice tailored for modern professionals navigating employee entitlements, tax laws, and international transitions.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Listeners get expert insights on transferring UK pensions to Australia, highlighting key rules and ways to cut fees. The discussion delves into smart loan structures for property purchases and how to minimize capital gains tax. Retirement tax strategies take center stage, revealing the importance of the indexed superannuation cap. Stuart contrasts self-managed super funds against high-growth options, offering guidance on making informed choices between investing surplus funds in the market or buying a future home. This conversation is packed with practical financial advice.

Can Australian property values really sustain 7% growth each year? The discussion dives into the power of compounding and the importance of adjusting for inflation. Insights reveal that high-income earners are driving demand for prime properties near CBDs. The conversation challenges perceptions of overvaluation by highlighting geographic scarcity and infrastructure limits. Upcoming changes like lower interest rates and inheritance wealth could further influence property demand, providing valuable context for long-term investors.

In this insightful Q&A episode, Stuart Wemyss dives into three real-life financial questions that highlight the importance of strategic planning as retirement approaches. The episode begins with a deep dive into “Alex’s” situation a successful small business owner aiming to generate a $200,000 annual income in retirement. Stuart explores how Alex might structure assets post-business sale and whether selling an investment property could be necessary to meet income goals.Next, Francois raises a question about fixing a less-than-ideal property ownership structure. Stuart uses this as a springboard to discuss a common trap: designing your financial strategy around existing assets, rather than letting a clear strategy guide asset selection and structure, especially important when tax and long-term efficiency are involved.Finally, Stuart responds to Jason, who asks what defines an “investment-grade” property in Melbourne, and whether it’s realistic to buy one within an $850k–$900k budget in today’s market.Whether you’re planning your retirement, refining your investment structure, or considering your next property purchase, this episode offers practical insights and timeless financial wisdom to help you make smarter, strategy-first decisions.🎧 Click to listen now and discover what steps could bring you closer to financial freedom.Do you have a question? Email: questions@investopoly.com.au or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.