In this Q&A episode, Stuart addresses a wide range of listener questions, from technical ETF tax adjustments to retirement planning strategies using superannuation.

He starts by explaining how ETF investors need to account for AMIT cost base adjustments when calculating capital gains tax—an often overlooked detail that could mean paying more tax than necessary. He breaks down what AMIT is and why it matters for investors who regularly receive ETF tax statements.

Next, Stuart gives thoughtful advice on helping children into the property market, tackling the challenges of managing differing time horizons and property goals across siblings. He outlines a balanced approach to structuring property purchases with long-term capital growth in mind.

He also responds to a listener planning to move to Brisbane and build a home while selling underperforming investment properties. Stuart discusses how to balance serviceability, construction timing, and preserving cash against inflation.

Finally, he covers asset allocation in retirement, addressing whether it’s risky to have all super invested in a lifecycle fund when to consider diversifying into property and whether cash buffers are needed for market downturns.

This is a helpful episode for anyone navigating wealth building, tax strategy, or long-term planning.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

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Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.

Read full blog here.

In this episode, Stuart tackles a tricky but important question: how bad does a property need to be to justify selling it?

If you suspect a property in your portfolio isn't investment-grade, Stuart walks through a step-by-step process to assess whether replacing it could make you significantly better off—after factoring in selling costs, stamp duty, buyer’s agent fees, and capital gains tax.

He explains how to:

• Estimate your current property’s future return
• Set a realistic benchmark for what investment-grade property should deliver (2% yield + 7% capital growth)
• Weigh opportunity cost and transactional expenses
• Use detailed scenario modelling to compare long-term wealth outcomes

He also highlights key questions to consider before making a decision:

• Can you afford to upgrade to a superior asset?
• Will underperformance materially impact your retirement plans?
• Do you have enough time before retirement to justify the switch?
• Could you hedge by buying a better asset now and selling the underperformer later?

This episode is packed with real numbers, smart frameworks, and cautionary insights. If you're unsure whether to hold or sell a lagging property, this is essential listening.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

In this Q&A episode, Stuart explores whether his financial strategies apply broadly or mainly to wealthier Australians, responding to recent data showing few households have $2M+ in super. He explains how his goal is to equip a wide range of listeners to make better decisions, regardless of starting point, and why aiming high with financial goals can still be relevant and motivating.

He also answers a question on US-domiciled ETFs, covering tax implications, currency risk, and whether Irish-domiciled UCITS ETFs can provide a more efficient option for long-term Australian investors. He discusses how income, reporting, and capital gains are treated, and clarifies some common misconceptions.

Next, Stuart tackles whether it’s worth switching investment property loans from interest-only to principal and interest, weighing the opportunity cost of redirecting cash flow toward debt versus other investments or paying down a PPR loan.

Finally, a listener outlines their detailed financial plan and asks if they should stretch their home budget, buy an investment property, or stay the course with ETF investing and super. Stuart walks through key considerations around private school costs, inheritance timing, and borrowing strategy.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

Register for live event on 28 May at 7pm

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.

Read full blog here.

In this episode, Stuart tackles one of the most important financial planning questions: how much is enough? He shares his personal philosophy—invest just enough to meet your goals comfortably, but no more—and reminds listeners that wealth is a means to enjoy life, not just a number to chase.

Stuart explains how to think about wealth targets, offering a clear framework for calculating how much you need to fund different retirement lifestyles. He covers:

• How to plan around supercaps and tax-free thresholds
• What to do with property in retirement
• Why you should consider reducing property exposure and using super for tax efficiency
• When to invest more, and when to start spending

He also addresses the mental challenge of switching from saver to spender, and why starting early—even with small amounts—makes a big difference.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or already retired, this episode offers a grounded, practical, and values-based approach to wealth building. Tune in to rethink your goals, reset your expectations, and align your money with your life.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

Register for live event on 28 May at 7pm

In this Q&A episode, Stuart dives into questions around co-investing in property with family, selling to adult children, managing tax exposure, and adjusting share portfolios amid market volatility.

He begins by exploring the complexities of joint property ownership among siblings, highlighting the importance of equal ownership, clear legal structures, and protective clauses to manage risk, especially around relationship breakdowns or financial stress. He also covers how to structure a family property when parents will live in it, including handling rental income and tax compliance.

Next, Stuart responds to a parent considering selling 50% of an investment property to their daughter and her partner. He explains the capital gains tax and structuring implications, and whether the strategy is a sound path toward intergenerational wealth transfer.

The episode also features guidance on portfolio rebalancing in volatile markets, including whether to reduce concentrated holdings or invest in emerging market ETFs—plus a few fund suggestions for those looking at Asia.

Lastly, Stuart clarifies the six-year CGT exemption rule and answers a property strategy question for a couple struggling to balance rentvesting, affordability, and long-term home ownership.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

Register for live event on 28 May at 7pm

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.

Read full blog here.

In this episode, Stuart revisits a call he made nearly five years ago—that investment-grade apartments in Melbourne were due for a growth cycle. After a long period of underperformance, the signs are finally pointing to a market turning point.

He outlines the key forces driving a potential resurgence:

• New apartment supply is not keeping up with population growth
• Construction costs are up 30%, raising replacement costs and limiting new stock
• Expanded government incentives like the First Home Guarantee will supercharge demand
• Falling interest rates and relaxed HELP debt rules are boosting borrowing capacity
• Melbourne’s apartment prices look historically cheap compared to both houses and other capital cities

Stuart also draws a comparison to Brisbane, where apartment prices surged nearly 60% after a 13-year flat spell. Could Melbourne be next? A recent sale in Hawthorn may already be hinting at a shift.

If you've been holding an investment-grade apartment or are considering entering the market, this episode is packed with data, strategy, and timing insights. Tune in to understand why the next growth phase could be closer than you think.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

Register for live event on 28 May at 7pm

In this Q&A episode, Stuart explores whether it's worth holding low- or ungeared property investments when shares often offer higher returns. He explains why opportunity cost matters—but also why property’s stability, tax treatment, and long-term compounding still make it a valuable part of a diversified portfolio.

He also answers a common question: if you don’t plan to sell your investment properties, how do you turn that equity into cash flow in retirement? Stuart outlines several strategies, including using offsets, redrawing, or modest leverage to access equity without selling.

The episode then shifts to property strategy, with a listener debating whether to buy now in Sydney, wait to purchase in their ideal suburb or invest interstate. Stuart unpacks the trade-offs between negative gearing, borrowing limits, and timing the market.

Finally, he responds to a listener deciding whether to sell a Geelong property to buy in Queensland or hold it under the six-year rule while rentvesting.

Whether you’re managing equity-rich properties, planning a home upgrade, or navigating high interest rates, this episode offers practical, thoughtful strategies to help guide your next move.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

Register for live event on 28 May at 7pm

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here.

Read full blog here.

In this episode, Stuart shares practical advice for one of the most important superannuation decisions you'll make: how to invest your super once you've chosen your fund.

He explains the differences between pre-mixed investment options like Conservative, Balanced, Growth, and High Growth, and why you can't always trust the label. Some “Balanced” options are really aggressive, so always check the underlying asset allocation.

Stuart breaks down the two key factors to consider: your time horizon and your risk tolerance. If you're under 50, the evidence clearly shows that growth assets (like shares and property) outperform over the long term—even if they’re more volatile. For those not accessing super for decades, that volatility is worth enduring.

He also warns against common mistakes like mixing investment options, trying to manage your own asset allocation, or using DIY investment tools without advice. Instead, he recommends choosing one pre-mixed option that matches your goals and sticking with it.

Whether you're just starting out or approaching retirement, this episode will help you make a smarter, evidence-based choice for your super. Tune in and take control of your long-term financial future.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.

In this Q&A podcast episode, Stuart tackles timely questions on super contributions, property strategy, and how to structure wealth to optimise flexibility, returns, and tax outcomes—particularly as retirement nears.

Jack opened the episode with a practical question about offset accounts versus redraw facilities. As he approaches retirement, he's focused on maximising flexibility and wanted clarification on how each structure works, especially with salary deposits, credit card repayments, and long-term access to funds.

George, aged 58, sought guidance on how to best deploy $260,000 in spare cash after selling a Queensland investment property. Stuart explores the pros and cons of contributing to super (both concessional and non-concessional), buying property (including the impact of Melbourne’s land tax), or investing in ETFs—especially during periods of market volatility. George’s goal is to retire at 62, and Stuart offers a strategy that balances growth potential with tax efficiency.

Shan and his wife, both in their mid-30s, wanted to understand when it makes sense to increase super contributions, given they already have a mortgage-free home and neutral investment properties. Stuart outlines the questions young families should ask when weighing super versus other wealth-building paths during their peak earning years.

Pat, 32 and a company director asked when a family trust becomes more beneficial than investing personally. With a growing share portfolio, he wanted clarity on the cost-benefit tipping point for using a trust structure—especially in a down market where transferring assets might carry lower CGT.

Finally, Vanessa explored whether to use inherited funds to purchase a property within super or invest in ETFs now and contribute later. Stuart shares general insights on liquidity, long-term growth, and the trade-offs between inside and outside super environments.

If you’re weighing super, property, ETFs or trust structures—or trying to figure out when to dial up your retirement strategy—this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, 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 key factors to consider when owning property in your personal name. While it is the most common structure among investors, there are important decisions to make that can have a lasting impact on your tax outcomes, cash flow, and asset protection.

He outlines the three main ownership options: sole ownership, joint ownership, and tenants-in-common. Each structure comes with its own benefits. For example, sole ownership may maximise negative gearing if one spouse has a higher income, while a tenants-in-common split can be tailored for tax efficiency and cash management.

Stuart also explains how ownership affects land tax thresholds, capital gains tax, and estate planning. He shares strategies using offset accounts to optimise loan structure, particularly for couples with uneven incomes.

When it comes to your family home, Stuart covers when asset protection or future investment use might influence how it should be owned.

The key takeaway is that changing ownership after purchase is usually expensive and triggers stamp duty or CGT, so it is essential to get it right from the start.

If you are planning to buy property soon, this episode will help you choose the best ownership structure for both current and future circumstances.

Our most popular free guides:

Over the years we've written hundreds of articles. These three bring our best thinking together on the topics that matter most right now: choosing a super fund, debt recycling, and navigating the new tax changes.

Download them here

My new book, Wealth by Design, is out now:

Buy online or in bookstores. The ebook is available now, audiobook coming soon.

Got a question for the podcast?

Email us at [email protected]

Interested in working with our team?

Discover how we can work together

Subscribe to my weekly blog:

Stay connected here

Important

This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.