Investopoly

Discover why PAYG employees face unique tax challenges and how they can navigate the system for better outcomes. Explore strategies like super contributions and negative gearing as part of a long-term wealth plan, not just for short-term relief. Learn about maximizing tax-free benefits through the Transfer Balance Cap and using the main residence exemption wisely. Stuart offers practical advice on reallocating investments and managing cash flow, making tax planning about lifetime strategies instead of yearly gains.

In this engaging discussion, listeners explore the dilemma of upgrading to a forever home versus investing elsewhere. With insights on home buying timing and the benefits of early ownership, the conversation covers practical strategies like refinancing and the perils of cross-collateralisation. Post-divorce financial rebuilding is addressed, as well as how to structure investments for early retirement. From evaluating risks in property cycles to optimizing superannuation, this Q&A delivers valuable advice for navigating complex financial choices.

Stuart dives into why property investors should be wary of relying on the last five years of data. He highlights how unique disruptions like soaring construction costs and extreme interest rate changes skews true market trends. The shift in borrowing capacity and overseas migration patterns further complicate the landscape. He warns against hasty conclusions from recent trends, advocating for a focus on long-term data. Local knowledge, he argues, remains crucial for successful investments amidst evolving market dynamics.

In this episode, Campbell addresses a wide range of thoughtful listener questions covering retirement planning, property strategy, superannuation structuring, and the real cost of working with brokers. “Fred” runs through a detailed retirement plan with over $5M in super, trust, and cash assets and seeks a sanity check on his 3.25% spending rate and family gifting strategy. Campbell provides perspective on sequence risk, cash buffers, and longevity planning. Kayt asks whether using a financial advisor is worth the cost compared to a low-fee Vanguard income stream and raises concerns around fees and trust. Campbell explores the pros, cons, and value of advice.Dan challenges whether mortgage brokers truly offer better value than DIY research, especially for borrowers with simple needs. Campbell explains when brokers add value and the industry incentives shaping their recommendations. Lyn asks how to execute the recontribution strategy across pension accounts, while Paul raises a practical question about simple family trust arrangements. Finally, Brad, a developer, wonders whether investor resales currently priced below replacement cost offer an opportunity or are a value trap.Whether you're planning a long retirement, rethinking property strategy, or weighing adviser fees, this episode delivers clear, balanced answers to help you make more confident financial decisions.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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 unpacks what it really means to construct an evidence-based investment portfolio and why portfolio construction is arguably the most important decision an investor can make. He explains how diversification across shares and property helps smooth returns, not because it eliminates volatility, but because it helps investors stay the course and adapt to life’s inevitable curveballs.Stuart takes a deep dive into factor-based investing, highlighting the importance of selecting investment strategies grounded in fundamentals like Value and Quality, while being wary of overhyped strategies such as Momentum, which often falter when trading costs and taxes are factored in. He discusses how to build an "all-weather" share portfolio, the importance of starting valuations, and the role listed property and infrastructure can play in balancing growth and defensiveness.He also explores the role of liquidity, why he remains cautious about unlisted investments, and how residential property, with its low correlation to shares, can enhance diversification. Finally, Stuart outlines his preferred approach to asset allocation, blending direct property and diversified shares using rules-based strategies, all while staying agnostic to asset class labels and focusing purely on what best serves long-term financial goals. A must-listen for serious investors looking to sharpen their portfolio strategy.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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 episode, Stuart answers a wide range of listener questions on property strategy, superannuation, and capital gains tax, each offering a unique perspective on wealth management across different life stages. Jim and his wife are considering whether to upgrade their home now, invest in ETFs, or continue expanding their portfolio through a trust structure. Stuart weighs the options and long-term implications of each. Kayt asks whether a low-fee option like a Vanguard retirement product is a better choice than working with a financial adviser, prompting a discussion on the value (and cost) of advice in retirement.Andrew raises questions about potential changes to the CGT discount and negative gearing rules, asking whether indexation or rising yields could offset these changes. Stuart also reviews Andrew’s calculations around CGT savings when selling assets with no other income. Penny considers moving investment properties out of her SMSF to a family trust to manage exposure to the proposed $3 million super tax and unrealised gains regime. Stuart unpacks the trade-offs, including CGT and stamp duty.Whether you're starting to build wealth or managing a significant portfolio in retirement, this episode delivers clear, grounded insights to help you navigate policy changes and strategic decisions with confidence.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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 takes a deep dive into momentum investing, what it is, how it works in theory, and whether it holds up in practice when applied to shares and property. Momentum is a factor strategy that involves buying assets that have performed strongly over the past 6–12 months. While it sounds compelling, Stuart explains why real-world results often fall short due to high trading costs, tax drag, and dilution when trying to reduce turnover. He also shares why the most popular momentum ETFs have consistently underperformed broad market indexes over time, despite short-term outperformance.Shifting to property, Stuart questions whether momentum has any place in property investing, especially when social media is filled with spruikers showcasing booming suburbs and recent wins. He explains why transaction costs, timing risks, and the long lead times in property make momentum strategies largely ineffective, and why long-term capital growth, underpinned by strong fundamentals, remains the key to building wealth through real estate.Whether you're intrigued by share market factors or wondering when to jump into the property cycle, this episode unpacks the myths of momentum investing and reminds you that successful investing is about strategy, not chasing yesterday’s winners.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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 episode, Stuart tackles one of the most frequently asked investing questions: property vs. shares, but through a sharper lens: how leverage, gearing levels, and borrowing constraints impact the comparison. Sam asks at what point property stops outperforming shares if you can't borrow 100% of the purchase price. Stuart explains the inflection points and when ETFs might offer a better return for your capital. Bob, planning for retirement abroad, outlines a sophisticated strategy involving property sales, prepaying interest, super catch-up contributions, and CGT exemptions using the 6-year rule. Stuart dissects the layers of complexity and tax implications.Vanessa considers selling a 1-bed unit that’s underperforming to boost super contributions and weighs the pros and cons of holding vs. exiting. Julia, with a substantial share portfolio and large cash reserves, is re-evaluating her DCA strategy due to potential burnout and health concerns. Stuart offers guidance on cash deployment and balancing liquidity with long-term planning.Finally, Steve shares several options for managing two trust-held units and $170K in savings, including paying down debt, expanding the portfolio, or diversifying into ETFs. Stuart helps him weigh risk, return, and timing. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone fine-tuning their next move.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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 data-driven episode, Stuart explores what really predicts property price movements, beyond the headlines about population growth. Using lending volume data across major Australian cities, Stuart shows why borrowing activity is one of the most reliable indicators of short-term property price trends. He compares trends in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, highlighting how lending volumes often correlate far more strongly with price growth than population alone. Stuart also examines investor participation across the states, noting that Melbourne and Perth may offer compelling opportunities based on current lending patterns and market dynamics.He then answers a listener's question from Steve, who is managing two investment properties in a trust for his daughters and is considering the best way to use $170K in savings. Should he pay down debt, buy a third property, or invest in ETFs for long-term diversification? Stuart discusses the pros and cons of each path, balancing risk tolerance, timing, and goals.Whether you're watching the market closely or managing a multi-property portfolio, this episode unpacks how lending drives price cycles and offers practical frameworks to help you decide what to do next. A must-listen for property investors looking for clarity and a smarter edge.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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 packed Q&A episode, Stuart answers listener questions from all stages of life and wealth, covering everything from young families building momentum to seasoned investors managing multi-million-dollar portfolios. Amit asks whether to sell a newly built property in Beveridge and reinvest closer to Melbourne, like Frankston, for long-term compounding, and weighs up whether to redevelop or sell his current home before buying into a better school zone. Ron from Brisbane wants to know if he and his wife can retire early by splitting time between Manila and Australia, and whether they should prioritise debt reduction, super contributions, or property investment. Zach, a new dad in his 30s, asks where to focus over the next decade: offset savings, shares, or prepping for property, especially with a trading trust in the mix.Blair shares his proposed ETF allocation inside his SMSF and seeks Stuart’s thoughts on tilting toward value and emerging markets. Anthony, a high-end developer with a strong property portfolio, questions whether to prioritise super contributions now or allow compounding to work its magic with his standout A-grade asset. As always, Stuart offers grounded, evidence-based insights that help each listener weigh lifestyle, tax, and long-term goals. A must-listen for clarity at any stage of your financial journey.Subscribe via www.investopoly.com.au/emailDo 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.