Investopoly

In this case study episode, Stuart delves into the transformative journey of a couple who started working with Prosolution in their mid-40s, back in September 2016, with a $900k investment portfolio. Over the past eight years, they've grown their investment assets to $2.5 million, a remarkable 2.8x increase.Stuart discusses how Prosolution played a crucial role in cleaning up their investments and ownership structures, including eliminating expensive managed funds, optimising direct shares, and strategically using a trust with a corporate beneficiary. The clients also benefited from expert guidance on superannuation and smart allocation of surplus cash flow.One of the significant moves was purchasing an investment property in 2017, which has appreciated by $200k. Stuart also shares insights into the emotional relief the clients experienced by outsourcing complex financial decisions, allowing them to focus on their careers and personal lives.Throughout the episode, Stuart highlights the importance of tax efficiency through corporate beneficiaries, super contributions, and gearing strategies, noting that while gearing hasn't fully matured yet, it's a solid foundation for future growth. This episode offers valuable lessons on wealth management and strategic financial planning.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.

DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here.Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart explores the critical question of whether financial advice is worth the cost. He delves into how the value of advice is closely tied to the amount you have to invest, the complexity of your financial needs, and the range of services required. Stuart highlights how professional advice can optimise investment returns, reduce taxes, and prevent costly mistakes through behavioural coaching. He also discusses the true value of advice, emphasising its role in helping you achieve long-term lifestyle goals rather than merely chasing returns. Additionally, Stuart provides a breakdown of the costs associated with financial advice and shares insights on when it might be better to take a DIY approach to managing your finances. This episode is packed with practical guidance for anyone considering whether to engage a financial advisor.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.

DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here.In this Q&A episode, Stuart answers a range of insightful questions from listeners, covering various aspects of property investment, share market strategies, and borrowing capacity. He discusses the best vehicles for holding investments, such as companies, trusts, and superannuation, and offers his perspective on why the Adelaide property market has remained strong despite its economic challenges. Stuart also delves into the use of trust structures for building a property portfolio, weighing the benefits against the potential drawbacks like higher costs and reduced negative gearing benefits.Listeners will also hear Stuart's thoughts on whether income-yielding locations can match the performance of high-growth cities over the long term and how to approach investments in affordable markets. Additionally, Stuart offers advice on navigating borrowing capacity issues when investing in property and whether renting might be a more strategic option when planning significant property projects.This episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights tailored to the current market conditions, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to make informed decisions in their investment journey.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.

DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here.Read full blog here.In this episode, Stuart delves into why Australia’s share market often seems to underperform compared to global markets, despite occasional bright spots. He reflects on the recent 6% market drop followed by a modest recovery in Australia compared to the US. While historical data shows a relatively small difference in long-term returns between Australian and international markets, Stuart highlights how recent years have been driven by the tech boom, particularly in the US. Companies like the "Magnificent 7" have propelled global indexes, but Stuart cautions that their future growth may already be priced in, making them riskier investments moving forward.He discusses forecasts by Research Affiliates, predicting strong future returns for the Australian market, largely driven by high dividend yields. With expected annual returns of 7.9% for Australian shares, Stuart argues that Australia could outperform global markets in the coming decade. However, he advises against neglecting international exposure, as Australia makes up only a small portion of global markets and is heavily concentrated in sectors like mining and banking. This episode is packed with insights for investors looking to optimise their portfolios for the future.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.

DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/In this case study episode, Stuart takes listeners through a fascinating client journey that showcases a 3.2x growth in investment assets over nine years. Starting with a net worth of $2.7 million in 2015, the clients have seen their wealth soar to $6.5 million by leveraging smart financial strategies. Stuart shares how they helped these clients build a $3.5 million home, increase equity in a holiday property from $350k to $1.6 million, and boost their superannuation from $700k to $2.15 million. They also acquired an investment property in Clifton Hill, which is set to underpin future super growth despite modest initial returns.The episode highlights key learnings, including the importance of having a clear strategy around repaying home debt, divesting employee shares to reduce debt, and optimising superannuation for maximum returns. Stuart reflects on how the COVID boom perfectly timed the holiday house investment and explains why planning is ultimately about achieving life goals, not just financial returns. Whether you're looking for practical insights or inspiration from real-life success, this episode delivers both.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.

DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/Read full blog here.In this episode, Stuart revisits the concept of "liveinvesting," a strategy where you invest more in your family home to secure a prime location with strong growth potential. As property prices in cities like Melbourne are currently more affordable, Stuart explores whether now is the perfect time to implement this approach.He explains how liveinvesting can offer significant tax-free capital growth, improve your lifestyle, and boost your retirement savings by downsizing later. However, Stuart also highlights the risks, including the lack of tax-deductible home loan interest, concentration risk, and the potential emotional challenge of downsizing in the future.With Melbourne's property market poised for potential growth and interest rates likely to stabilize, Stuart discusses why this might be an opportune moment to consider liveinvesting. Tune in to learn more about this innovative strategy and whether it could be the right move for your financial future.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.

Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast.In this episode, Stuart tackles a variety of financial questions, offering expert insights and practical advice on key dilemmas. He begins by discussing whether to sell an investment property to reduce a home loan or hold onto it for long-term growth, weighing the potential returns against the benefits of paying off a mortgage early.Next, Stuart examines the pros and cons of maintaining an investment property in retirement versus selling it to invest the proceeds into superannuation, exploring the balance between capital growth and tax efficiency.He then delves into the risks and timing considerations of leveraging home equity to invest in ETFs, cautioning against the potential pitfalls of borrowing to invest.Stuart also touches on the implications of moving into the pension phase while living overseas, including tax residency considerations and how this might affect Australian superannuation.Additionally, he provides guidance on constructing a well-diversified, ESG-compliant share portfolio, offering insights into selecting ETFs that align with long-term investment goals.Finally, Stuart explains strategies for boosting superannuation, such as contribution splitting, to help maximize retirement savings. Tune in to gain valuable financial knowledge and learn how to navigate these complex topics with confidence.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.

DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/Read full blog here.In this episode, Stuart delves into the six crucial considerations for selling a property, offering valuable insights to maximise your success. He begins by emphasizing the importance of presentation and making small improvements to attract buyers and achieve a higher sale price. Stuart discusses the best times to sell, noting that while spring is popular, other seasons might be more advantageous depending on your property's unique features and location.Choosing the right real estate agent is highlighted as a key factor, with Stuart advising on what to look for in an agent and the benefits of vendor advocates. He then covers the complexities of taxation, explaining how Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can impact your sale and offering strategies to minimize liability. Mortgage management is another critical topic, as Stuart outlines steps to ensure you retain control over the sale proceeds.Finally, Stuart addresses tenancy agreements, providing guidance on selling tenanted properties and the importance of planning ahead. This episode is packed with practical advice and expert tips to help you navigate the property selling process with confidence and success. Don't miss it!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.

Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast.In this case study episode, Stuart explores the impressive journey of a couple who have transformed their net worth from $868k in 2010 to over $5.4m today. Starting with a modest portfolio that included a primary residence, a Tasmanian property, shares, and superannuation, the couple strategically diversified and expanded their investments. Stuart highlights key moves such as acquiring a commercial property for their business, investing in shares, and navigating the challenges of cash flow management while funding private school fees.Listeners will learn valuable insights from their experiences, such as the impact of quality investments like their double-fronted Victorian home in Northcote, which contributed significantly to their wealth increase. Stuart also discusses the importance of timing and location in property investments, comparing different outcomes from commercial property purchases.The episode underscores the power of patience and compounding, with Stuart noting that the couple's continued success now hinges on time rather than additional contributions. Key takeaways include the significance of cash flow management, the benefits of forced savings through mortgages, and the value of taking action within one's budget constraints. This episode is packed with practical lessons and inspiration for anyone looking to build and manage a successful investment portfolio.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.

Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast.Read full blog here.In this episode, Stuart delves into the critical topic of selecting the best super fund for 2024. With many super funds delivering impressive double-digit returns in the past financial year, Stuart highlights the disparity among funds, particularly in terms of transparency and risk. He emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing funds' investments, especially those with unlisted assets, and the potential conflicts of interest tied to industry funds' connections with trade unions and political parties.Stuart advises on the benefits of choosing super funds with a significant allocation to listed investments for better transparency and reliability. He also discusses the recent legislative changes allowing super funds to provide limited financial advice, noting the potential conflicts of interest.For those with substantial super balances, Stuart suggests exploring alternatives to industry funds, such as wrap platforms, which offer greater transparency and potentially lower fees. He champions UniSuper as the top industry fund due to its consistent strong returns, low exposure to unlisted assets, and competitive fees.Tune in to gain insights on maximizing your super returns and making informed decisions about your retirement savings.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.