Investopoly

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.In this case study episode, Stuart Wemyss discusses a client’s journey to establishing a successful retirement strategy using a perpetual portfolio. The client, who began retirement with a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) balance of just under $2 million, faced significant losses from a poor stock pick. However, over seven years, the portfolio has grown despite drawing substantial pension payments. Stuart highlights key strategies employed to achieve this growth, such as selling underperforming active funds, including Magellan and Walter Scott, and shifting to a more income-focused equity strategy using ETFs and corporate bonds.The client’s real estate assets have also appreciated, with equity in their property doubling. Stuart emphasizes the importance of diversification, noting that despite some asset classes like banks and bonds underperforming, diversification across sectors smooth returns over the long run. He also stresses the importance of balancing income and capital growth in a retirement portfolio, ensuring all assets contribute. The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges of active management and the benefits of long-term, diversified strategies for a successful retirement.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 realities of borrowing to invest in property inside your superannuation. While SMSFs using Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) have seen impressive asset growth—rising from $43 billion to $70 billion in just five years—the benefits of this strategy are often overstated.Stuart dives into the numbers, comparing returns on property investment inside and outside of super. He highlights key factors such as higher SMSF loan interest rates, reduced negative gearing benefits, and the importance of gearing ratios. While avoiding Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in super sounds appealing, the actual after-tax return may not always outperform traditional property investment in personal names.Should you borrow to invest in property inside super? Or would you be better off leaving your funds in a high-performing super fund instead? Stuart provides in-depth analysis, answering these critical questions and offering practical guidance on making the right investment choice.He also warns of potential liquidity traps and emphasizes the importance of choosing investment-grade property for long-term growth. Tune in to get the full breakdown and a sneak peek into next week’s strategy for overcoming borrowing constraints in super!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 answers a range of listener questions covering property investment strategies, tax considerations, and structuring share portfolios for long-term wealth building. He explores whether it's better to sell investment properties to upgrade a family home, how to balance rental yields with capital growth, and whether to renovate or develop for higher returns.Stuart also dives into tax-efficient superannuation strategies, IRR calculations for property investments, and the differences between investing in personal names versus family trusts. For those looking to optimize their share investments, he provides insights on platforms like Stockspot and Pearler and how to build a tax-efficient portfolio outside of super.If you're navigating property decisions, investment structures, or long-term financial planning, this episode is packed with valuable, practical advice to help you make informed choices. Tune in for expert insights tailored to investors at all levels!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 dives into the essential traits that make a mortgage broker truly great and how they can transform your financial journey. With over two decades of experience in mortgage broking and property investing, Stuart shares unique insights into what separates exceptional brokers from the rest. He explores the five critical attributes every top-tier broker should possess, including property investment experience, a strong understanding of tax-efficient loan structures, and a solution-focused mindset to tackle even the most complex scenarios. Stuart highlights why working with a broker who specializes in clients like you can make all the difference and explains the importance of having a broker who’s not afraid to give honest advice—even when it’s not what you want to hear. While many focus solely on securing the lowest interest rates, Stuart argues that a broker’s real value lies in helping you achieve your long-term financial goals by ensuring smarter, well-informed decisions. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, investor, or someone seeking the right mortgage solution, this episode offers actionable insights to help you find a broker who will support you for life. If you’re looking to borrow or invest wisely, this episode is packed with advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and set yourself up for success. 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 engaging Q&A episode, Stuart tackles a wide range of listener questions on investing, property development, superannuation strategies, and financial planning. He provides expert insights into whether to use dollar-cost averaging or lump sum investing, evaluates the benefits of wrap platforms versus low-cost funds like VDGR, and offers guidance on property decisions, including whether to renovate or develop for higher returns.Listeners will also gain practical advice on optimizing super contributions, debt recycling strategies, and building a high-growth, low-maintenance property portfolio. Stuart delves into the complexities of investing as a non-resident, the tax implications of capital gains, and how to leverage equity effectively.Whether you're planning your next property move, fine-tuning your investment strategy, or considering long-term retirement goals, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make smarter financial decisions. Perfect for investors at every stage of their 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.

Dive into the evolving landscape of investing as strategies for 2025 are explored! Discover how index funds, managed funds, and direct shares compare, revealing the power of evidence-based approaches. Learn why many active managers fall short against their indices and how large-cap stocks are dominating 2024. Unpack the potential of alternative index strategies like equal-weight and value-tilted funds. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, this discussion is filled with practical insights for building a resilient, diversified portfolio.

In this episode, Stuart answers listener questions about share market investing in 2025, exploring the merits of index funds, managed funds, and direct shares. He explains why evidence-based, rules-driven strategies consistently outperform active management, using data from the S&P Dow Jones SPIVA report. Stuart highlights that over 85% of Australian actively managed funds and 90% of U.S. funds fail to beat their respective indexes over the long term. This makes index funds, with their low fees, tax efficiency, and minimal turnover, a compelling choice for investors.Stuart also reviews 2024 market trends, including the dominance of large-cap stocks like banks in Australia and the "Magnificent Seven" in the U.S. He discusses risks associated with growth-focused portfolios, noting that high valuations could limit future returns. The episode delves into alternative indexing strategies such as equal-weight, value-tilted, and quality-focused funds, examining their 2024 performance and potential for diversification.Listeners gain insights into balancing risk and return, constructing diversified portfolios, and focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term predictions. Whether you're new to investing or a seasoned pro, Stuart’s expert advice offers practical guidance for navigating the share market and achieving financial success in the years ahead.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 the dynamic shifts in the Australian property market as key trends for 2025 unfold. Discover why Perth is soaring while Melbourne's growth remains stagnant. Unpack the effects of interstate migration, with Sydney's outflow contrasting Queensland's rising appeal. Consider how the looming federal election and anticipated interest rate cuts could influence property prices. This insightful analysis equips both seasoned investors and first-time buyers with actionable knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape.

In this episode, Stuart dives into listener questions covering a wide array of financial topics, from optimising the use of offset accounts versus SMSF loans to debt recycling as a tax-efficient strategy. He shares insights on how to allocate surplus funds, particularly in scenarios where SMSF loans carry higher interest rates than traditional investment loans.Stuart also explores the complexities of consolidating superannuation accounts to reduce fees, particularly for retirees, and discusses the trade-offs between active financial advisers and industry super funds. Listeners curious about investment property decisions will benefit from a discussion on whether selling properties to pay off personal debts and improve borrowing capacity is a sound strategy.The episode tackles a thought-provoking debate on property versus shares within SMSFs, weighing long-term returns, diversification, and the impact of fees. Additionally, Stuart provides a high-level look at insurance strategies, offering guidance on determining appropriate coverage for families and retirees while balancing value for money.For those navigating tax implications in superannuation or contemplating asset reallocation, this episode offers practical advice and actionable insights tailored to the current financial climate. Don’t miss this informative discussion!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 tackles a common yet complex financial question: should you use your surplus cash flow to pay down debt or invest for the future? Starting with the goal of owning your home outright by retirement, Campbell explains why that’s a sensible priority. He then explores the less straightforward decision of managing tax-deductible debt tied to an income-producing asset, such as an investment property.By examining realistic scenarios, Campbell reveals how strategies like paying off debt, investing in shares or utilising tax-effective super contributions each impact your long-term position. He highlights the potential benefits of maintaining leverage for tax savings, demonstrates the power of compounding returns from growth assets, and discusses the importance of having a balanced mix of property and shares. Throughout, Campbell stresses the value of cash flow forecasting—ensuring your property and investments align with your retirement plans and liquidity needs.Whether you’re looking to maximise your financial efficiency, build a robust investment portfolio, or simply gain clarity on your best next move, this episode offers practical insights. Campbell’s guidance helps listeners navigate the trade-offs of debt reduction versus investment growth and chart a confident path toward a financially secure retirement.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.