

Investopoly
Stuart Wemyss
Each episode is packed with concise tips, strategies, research, methodologies, case studies, and ideas to help you safely and effectively grow your wealth. Stuart Wemyss, a qualified financial advisor, accountant, tax agent, and licensed mortgage broker, delivers holistic advice. With four authored books, including "Investopoly" and "Rules of the Lending Game," Stuart shares his insights through a weekly blog, which is replicated on this podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2023 • 14min
Know when to hold 'em, or when to fold 'em
Ready to unlock the secret to successful investing that many overlook? This episode promises to reveal the power of patience in building a solid financial future. Inspired by the wisdom of Charlie Munger, Warren Buffet's long-term business partner, we'll explore how discipline and patience can yield incredible investment returns. Unpredictability is part and parcel of the short-term investment game, but when you're in for the long haul, returns become more stable. To illustrate, we'll walk you through a real-life example of a client who learned the art of waiting in property investment.But the revelation doesn't stop there! We'll also help you grasp the vital role that major industry super funds play in managing your wealth. Get ready to understand the intricacies of the 2023 financial year superannuation returns. And here's the twist - the art of 'doing nothing' can be a game-changer in the world of investments. This episode is a blend of theoretical insights, practical examples, and anticipatory guidance, all aimed at equipping you to build a prosperous financial future. Tune in and elevate your investing prowess!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.

Jul 18, 2023 • 14min
Laying the Foundation for Wealth: A Guide to Successful Investing
Read the full blog here. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of successful investing? I promise, this episode will equip you with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to lay a solid foundation for wealth-building. As your host, Stuart Wemyss, we'll be tackling the pivotal first steps in this wealth-creation journey. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey, we'll explore the necessity of having a clear goal, understanding the significance of wealth accumulation, and how it can radically alter your financial decisions.But that's not all. We'll also be diving into the value of your team in wealth-building. Hear the insights on leveraging the experience of others to sidestep costly mistakes and enhance your decision-making prowess in investing. We'll also dissect the crucial aspect of mastering your cash flow, showing how to eliminate unnecessary expenditure and the importance of spending less than you earn. So gear up and join the conversation as we navigate the path to successful wealth-building together.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.

Jul 11, 2023 • 12min
Should you invest or repay your home loan? A long-term perspective...
Read the full blog here. Are you ready to challenge conventional wisdom about investing and home loan repayment strategies when interest rates are on the rise? I share why it's essential to rethink your investment tactics in the face of increasing interest rates. We will compare after-tax returns from both scenarios - investing in growth assets or focusing on home loan repayment. By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the significance of compounding returns and how they shape wealth building.In the second half, we peel back the layers of uncertainty that cloud investment returns, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategies rather than chasing short-term gains. I offer strategies for balancing debt reduction and investing, showing you how it's feasible to reduce non-tax deductible debt while simultaneously investing. We'll consider personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and future income expectations to tailor the right approach for you. Tune in and discover how to navigate the turbulent waters of investing and home loan repayments in a high-interest-rate environment.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.

Jul 4, 2023 • 18min
Decoding Homeownership: Financial Implications of Renting vs Owning, Tax Exemptions, and More
Read the full blog here. Ever thought about the financial impacts of owning a home versus renting? We'll be tackling this head-on today. I'm Stuart Wemyss, your guide through this financial labyrinth, and I'm going to clear up some key misconceptions around capital gains tax exemptions and how they can still apply even when renting out your property. We'll decode the six-year rule and its effects on your exemption. Plus, I'll break down the difference between land tax and capital gains tax, and explain how it impacts your exemptions. As we venture further, we'll explore how a downsizing strategy could be your ticket to paying off non-deductible debt, even if that dream home is a little out of reach. We'll also navigate the uncertainties of renting; like that all too familiar fear of being displaced if your landlord decides not to renew the lease. And we'll take a realistic look at the cost of maintaining a family home – spoiler alert, it can sometimes be higher than an investment property. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge, insights, and tips to help you blaze your trail to financial stability.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.

Jun 27, 2023 • 16min
Surviving the high interest rates: tips to navigate the next few months
Read the full blog here. How long can we expect the current high interest rates to stick around, and what can we do to navigate this challenging financial climate? I share my insights and tips on managing debt and restructuring loans to soften the blow of rising rates, while also taking a look back at interest rates over the past 40 years to make sense of the current situation. As we explore the impact of these higher rates on consumer spending, I also discuss how Australians have been taking advantage of lower interest rates by building up their buffers and reveal the surprising reasons why people with higher incomes have benefited more from low rates than those with lower levels of debt. Plus, I share two enlightening CBA charts that paint a clear picture of what's to come. Don't miss this essential episode to help you stay afloat in the rough waters of today's financial landscape!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.

Jun 20, 2023 • 22min
Borrowing capacity isn’t enough to invest in property? What to do…
Read the full blog here. What if your borrowing capacity isn't enough to allow you to invest in a high-quality property? Should you reduce your budget or consider investing in shares? Discover the similarities and differences between property and share investments, as well as the benefits of borrowing to invest. Gain valuable insights on investing in the share market, the significance of timing, and the necessity of financial advice when investing large sums of money over extended periods. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your investment strategies and grow your wealth through careful planning and expert advice.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.

Jun 13, 2023 • 19min
Navigating Stubborn Inflation: Risks, strategies, and portfolio construction for a possible decade of rising prices
Click here to read the blog online. What if inflation remains stubbornly high for over a decade? Today, I explore the potential risks of increased inflation and interest rates, based on compelling research by US firm Research Affiliates. We delve into the historical behavour of inflation since 1970 and discuss the significant impact of low interest rates and quantitative easing on the current inflation scenario.Join me as I examine the ripple effects of higher interest rates on borrowers, the possibility of a wage-price spiral fuelling inflation, and the role of housing costs and energy prices in the consumer price index. I also share insights on portfolio construction during these complex times, including strategies to invest in equities, REITs, and bonds without dramatically reducing exposure. Together, we'll navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the financial landscape, focusing on long-term goals and wealth-building strategies.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.

Jun 6, 2023 • 16min
How much money should you give away now?
Some people plan to give money to beneficiaries (typically children and/or charities) before they pass away, especially if they consider they have more than enough money i.e., surplus wealth. Often, their thesis is that their kids can make good use of the money now, whilst they are younger, rather than waiting another couple of decades. By that time, they’ll probably already be financially established. I discuss what you must consider before making an early inherence. Inheritance tsunamiI’ve stated before that the amount of inheritance (mainly from the baby boomer generation) that is likely to be passed on will increase fourfold over the next three decades. Approximately, $3.5 trillion will be bequeathed over the next decade to reach $224 billion per year by 2050! That’s huge. However, according to ANZ Private Bank’s research, approximately 70% of intergenerational wealth transfers fail because of family conflicts and other problems. The best way to avoid many of these problems is to gift wealth prior to death. Inheritances are often received too late in lifeTypically, by the time both parents have passed away, most people are already (financially) well established. They have worked hard to pay for the costs of raising a family, repaying a home loan, investing in super and other assets. Receiving an inherence will only make an already strong financial position, even stronger. Arguably, and putting aside that I think a bit of ‘financial struggle’ is beneficial and necessary, it would be more useful for people to receive inherences earlier in life. It would help them upgrade their home sooner (and maybe get into a good public-school zone) and invest sooner, thereby benefiting from compounding capital growth. It’s possible that future generations could continue to benefit from early inherence if your children agree to repeating the practice. That is; I’m going to give you an early inherence on the understanding that you will make smart financial decisions, which hopefully puts you in the position of being able to do the same for your children. Of course, nothing is guaranteed especially when gifting monies.Avoiding family disputesMost family disputes can be avoided with clear, regular and forthright communication. If all beneficiaries know what their entitlements will be (when you die), a dispute is less likely. However, the best way to avoid disputes is toSubscribe 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.

May 30, 2023 • 12min
Does household income drive property prices?
Commentators often refer to the price of property relative to household incomes. For example, it is estimated that property in Melbourne and Sydney now costs more than 10 times the median household income. But is this really a meaningful measure because if it is, property cannot continue to grow at a faster rate than incomes (a point often made). If prices continue to rise faster than income, how will property be affordable?At the beginning of this year, I wrote about the factors that have driven property prices higher over the past four decades. I concluded that borrowing capacity together with higher incomes have increased 3.5x since 1980, whereas property prices have increased 4.5x. That is, prices have grown faster than incomes and borrowing capacity growth combined. Clearly, something else has contributed to property growth for it to be affordable for some buyers. It is worth stating at this point that borrowing capacity is likely to be flat in the future. That is, borrowing capacity will not increase anywhere near it has over the past four decades. That will probably have an adverse effect on property price growth in many locations. Do locations with higher incomes perform better? Data analyst, Jeremy Sheppard has done some work on this question and found there’s a weak statistical relationship between income and capital growth rates. The thesis is that people that earn more can afford to pay more for property. Therefore, we should invest in locations that have above average household incomes. A big problem with Jeremy’s analysis is that the data may not be accurate and/or out of date (which Jeremy acknowledges), so this thesis is impossible to test. I think the reality is that incomes do have an impact, but so do many other factors, so it is impossible to isolate the impact of income alone. Also, do you really need census data to identify the locations that wealthy people want to live in? I think those locations are pretty obvious. What other factors may be pushing property prices higher? Approximately, one-third of Australians own their home without a mortgage, one-third own their home with a mortgage and one-third rent. That means that approximately two-thirds of Australians’ (owner-occupier) property decisions are driven by lifestyle goals. Of coursSubscribe 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.

May 23, 2023 • 18min
The news is mostly bad for commercial property investors
All investment asset classes move in cycles. Investment returns are almost never linear. As such, investors must expect good and bad periods, which is why patience and discipline are big contributors to an investor’s success. I suspect that commercial property investors’ patience and discipline are about to be tested. This asset class is facing a lot of challenges. However, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining so there could be good investment opportunities over the coming months and years. What challenges is commercial property facing? Commercial property was the asset class that was the most adversely impacted by Covid lockdowns, especially the retail and office sectors. Commercial property landlords had to provide rent waivers and reductions to retail tenants to help them through lockdown periods. But, unfortunately, not all retail businesses survived which increased vacancy rates. Employees were also encouraged to work from home for long periods of time. This experience demonstrated that people did not necessarily need to be in the office full-time. As such, most of the office workforce has adopted a hybrid work model that involves working from home 2 to 3 days per week. The consequence of this is that large employers have reduced their commercial office footprint. In addition, businesses have been less inclined to commit to new leases until they can ascertain what long-term working arrangements may look like. The upshot of this is that tenant demand for office and retail property is very low at the moment. That said, things are changing - albeit slowly. More employers are demanding that their workforce spend more time in the office. nab is probably the largest corporate leading this charge demanding all senior managers work from the office 5-days per week. I expect other large corporates to follow, especially if the unemployment rate normalises (it’s currently 3.5% - the normal level is circa 5%). But the real problem is cap rates!Cap rates is an abbreviated term for capitalisation rate. It is the key component used to value commercial property. Unlike residential property, the value of a commercial property is dependent on the rental income that a property generates (whereas residential property is driven more by the value of the underlying land). Therefore, to value a commercial propSubscribe 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.


