Investopoly

Dive into the dynamics of the Australian share market, where a handful of banks dominate ASX200 gains while major miners are struggling. Discover why investors may need to reconsider high-valued stocks like CBA, which faces sell signals. Explore the potential upsides of copper despite challenges in iron ore due to China’s uncertainty. Plus, learn about alternative ETF strategies that promote broader market diversification. This discussion is packed with actionable insights for navigating investment risks.

In this Q&A episode, Stuart explores the intricacies of livevesting, a strategy that uses your primary residence as both a lifestyle asset and an investment tool. He responds to a thoughtful proposal to use the equity in a fully paid-off home to fund early retirement while still benefiting from the compounding capital growth of a high-quality property. Stuart unpacks the assumptions, risks, and practicalities of this "bridge" strategy, including cash flow, interest-only loans, and tax considerations.He also helps listeners navigating the transition from investment to forever homes, tackling questions about when to switch from interest-only to principal & interest loans and how to prepare for changing cash flow needs. In a compelling case study, Stuart reviews a listener’s $2.4M property strategy and offers guidance on optimising the loan structure and transitioning to owner-occupier status.For those balancing travel goals with financial growth, Stuart analyses how to manage debt, timing capital gains, and choosing between keeping, selling, or recycling equity from properties into diversified investments. He explains how to execute a part-time travel lifestyle without derailing long-term financial plans.Finally, the episode includes a technical dive into the real top marginal tax rate, including the Medicare Levy and Surcharge, and clears up misconceptions around the tax treatment of super and company income.If you’re thinking about retiring early, leveraging your home for growth, or managing lifestyle ambitions alongside investment goals, this episode is packed with practical strategy and long-term thinking. Tune in now!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.

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.Read full blog here.In this episode, Campbell Wallace dives into one of the most talked-about debates in Australian property circles: rentvesting vs. home ownership. With housing affordability challenges in major cities, many investors are asking, is it smarter to rent where you want to live and invest elsewhere, or should you just buy your own home as early as possible?Campbell unpacks the pros and cons of both strategies, from tax benefits and flexibility to CGT implications and long-term retirement outcomes. Using a detailed case study, he compares the 30-year financial outcomes of a rentvester and a homeowner, factoring in cash flow, capital growth, tax, and retirement planning.The verdict? Home ownership edges ahead in the long run, thanks to the CGT exemption and the powerful cash flow advantage of being mortgage-free in retirement. But Campbell also highlights when rentvesting makes sense, particularly for those with short-term living plans or better investment opportunities elsewhere.Whether you're starting out or rethinking your strategy, this episode will help you weigh your options and understand the trade-offs. Tune in for a clear, numbers-backed perspective on two very different paths to wealthDo 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 diverse mix of listener questions, exploring everything from low-cost SMSF innovation to strategic debt repayment, financial reading recommendations, and smart home upgrade planning.He kicks things off by discussing how falling costs and rising tech-driven solutions have made SMSFs more accessible at lower balances, especially for those wanting control over ETF investing and more flexible tax management. Dean’s question about selling capital gains while debt recycling leads to a valuable discussion on capital gains strategy, reinvestment, and tax-smart debt reduction.For readers seeking more financial wisdom, Stuart shares his top book recommendations across investing, property, and historical market insights. He also demystifies the complex rules around developing property inside an SMSF—addressing what’s possible (like subdivision and construction) and where the limits are, particularly around borrowing and ownership structures.Jeff’s question ties it all together with a practical discussion on buying a forever home, long-term debt planning, and the timeline for introducing an investment property into your portfolio, even later in your financial journey.Whether you're refining your super strategy, weighing a big property move, or just hungry for better financial understanding, this episode is full of expert guidance and useful frameworks. Tune in now!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 episode, Stuart discusses the recent Trump Tariffs and their potential impact on your investments. The US has raised tariffs from 2.5% to 22%, causing the US market to drop 10% over two days, with, for example, Apple losing 17% of its value - equal to one third of the value of the whole ASX - $1 trillion Australian dollars. If these tariffs remain, we could see higher living costs and inflation in the US, while supply chain disruptions could push prices even higher globally. On the flip side, other countries might experience lower inflation and interest rates as the risk of a global recession rises.Stuart discuss whether these tariffs are a permanent strategy or a tactical move, suggesting that their long-term impact is still uncertain. With the US market now trading at April 2024 levels, he reminds listeners not to panic, as market corrections are a normal part of investing.He also explore how this could affect your property investments, with lower interest rates and share market volatility often proving beneficial for the property market. As long-term investors, we see market drops as opportunities to invest more strategically and continue playing the long game.Tune in for insights on navigating this volatility and positioning your portfolio for future growth.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.

Explore a unique strategy for property investment that could slash your capital gains tax by up to 28%! Discover how using a private company for ownership can provide massive long-term tax savings. Learn about the importance of careful structuring, borrowing personally for shares, and distributing capital gains effectively. Hear real-life examples demonstrating significant tax reduction, especially for PAYG and self-employed investors. Plus, uncover potential pitfalls like borrowing limitations and land tax surcharges to navigate your investment journey.

In this Q&A episode, Stuart explores how to make strategic decisions with lump sums, whether they come from inheritances, business opportunities, or property sales. He offers guidance to William, who’s weighing how best to use a $750,000 inheritance to build long-term wealth while balancing homeownership and market timing. Sarah, currently on maternity leave, wants to optimise the $130,000 proceeds from a property sale—whether to pay down debt, invest in shares, or consider another investment property—all while managing cash flow and long-term goals.Stuart also answers Meteor Girl’s question on choosing between buying into a business or investing in property, offering a practical framework to assess risk, return, and control. For Ron, he discusses investing cash within an SMSF—specifically whether to stay in offset or shift into capital-growth-focused ETFs, and how to approach investing during market highs.He also speaks to Kazza, who wants to transition from being equity-rich but cash flow poor to a perpetual income-focused portfolio. Stuart breaks down a potential pathway to generating $180K/year in passive income, using ETFs and a phased exit from property.If you’re managing large sums of money or rethinking your portfolio for the next phase of life, this episode is packed with frameworks, real-world examples, and practical advice. Tune in now for smart, considered strategies to guide your financial decisions.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.

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.Read full blog here.In this episode, Stuart breaks down the 'Investor Risk Premium', a key concept that helps you assess whether you’re being fairly rewarded for the risks you take with your investments. Traditionally used in share investing, Stuart explains why this idea should apply to all asset classes, from shares and property to speculative assets like crypto.Right now, U.S. equities appear overvalued, with future returns unlikely to match the past decade’s gains. In fact, forward-looking data suggests the expected equity risk premium in the U.S. is negative, meaning investors may not be adequately compensated for the risk.By contrast, Australian shares and property offer more attractive return prospects, especially when measured against the risk-free rate.The key takeaway? Don’t chase past performance—focus on future returns relative to risk. Whether you're investing in shares, property, or anything else, you need to ensure the expected return is worth the volatility, liquidity constraints, and uncertainty you're taking on.A sound, evidence-based strategy that prioritises risk-adjusted returns is the smartest way to build long-term wealth. Tune in to learn how to apply this thinking across your portfolio and avoid the common traps of emotional or trend-driven investing.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 unpacks a wide range of listener questions, from navigating complex property strategies to exploring the role of diversification in a balanced investment portfolio. He shares tailored insights with AJ on managing a high-income household, including whether to sell, develop, or hold investment properties, how to structure super contributions and if moving into a completed knockdown-rebuild could offer tax advantages.Peter and Veronika weigh whether to sell their fully paid-off Rockdale unit or hold while rentvesting—and Stuart considers the timing and risks of Sydney’s apartment market. For Greg, the focus is on helping his sons grow their first home savings using more effective vehicles than a basic bank account.The episode also features an in-depth question from DIY David, who is deciding whether to sell two fully paid-off Perth investment properties in favour of ETFs, with a keen focus on diversification and CGT strategy. Lastly, Stuart offers practical, step-by-step investment guidance to Craig as he and his partner look to balance mortgage repayments, wealth building, and retirement goals.If you’re navigating property development, family wealth planning, or retirement strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice and long-term thinking. Tune in now for a strategy-focused Q&A that could reshape how you approach your next financial move.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.

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.Read full blog here.In this episode, we dive deep into the hotspotting vs. buy-and-hold debate to determine which strategy delivers better long-term wealth.🔹 What is hotspotting? Hotspotting involves identifying areas poised for short-term price growth, often in regional locations or outer suburbs. But has it really outperformed over decades, or is it just a risky bet on market cycles?🔹 Why buy-and-hold may be the better strategy Stuart compares the financial outcomes of both strategies, revealing that investment-grade properties with long-term capital growth outperform hotspotting in the long run. With real numbers, he tests best-case and semi-perfect scenarios, showing how missing just one market cycle could cost an investor hundreds of thousands in lost returns.If you’re thinking about investing in property, this episode is a must-listen! Stuart breaks down why a strong, buy-and-hold strategy is often the smarter play for wealth creation. Tune in now!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.