In this case study episode, Stuart Wemyss shares the success story of a couple who experienced a six-fold increase in their investment assets, now positioning them for a comfortable retirement. When they first sought advice in 2015, the couple, aged 54 (him) and 51 (her), had a home valued at $900k with no debt, and co-owned three investment properties worth $1.2 million with $760k of debt. Their superannuation was $180k, and their combined income ranged from $300k to $400k annually.

Fast forward to today, their home is now worth $1.6 million, and they have reduced debt on their properties, resulting in $760k of equity. A new investment property purchased in Melbourne in 2018 has added $600k in equity. Their superannuation has grown to $1.2 million, and family trust investments amount to $595k. Their net investment assets now total $3.15 million, a six-fold increase, with $1 million of that coming from debt reduction.

Stuart highlights key strategies that contributed to their success, such as diversifying investments, optimizing super, and consistently investing in shares since 2020. He also discusses the importance of effective cash flow management and reducing unnecessary insurance cover. The couple, now 64 and 61 years old, are ready to retire comfortably.

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 shares smart, practical steps for those who aren’t quite ready to pay for full financial advice—but still want to make smart money moves.

He explains the difference between straightforward and complex financial decisions. Early in your wealth-building journey, most choices are straightforward if you educate yourself on the fundamentals and find a great professional mentor—like a savvy mortgage broker or accountant—to guide and reassure you.

Stuart also gives real-world examples of how mentorship and basic strategic advice have helped clients successfully build property portfolios and secure financial freedom—without initially needing full-service advice.

However, he warns that when financial complexity increases, or if you lack confidence in making investment decisions, it’s crucial to know when to bring in a qualified financial advisor.

If you’re early in your journey and wondering how to move forward wisely without overpaying for advice, this episode is essential listening. Stuart offers clear, experience-backed guidance to help you stay on track while you build your foundation.

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 yesterday’s Q&A podcast episode, Stuart answered a wide range of listener questions about property investing, tax strategies, and long-term financial planning. He explained options for investors whose interest-only loan terms are ending, covering whether refinancing or switching to principal and interest repayments makes more sense depending on personal strategy. He also discussed the timing of paying down investment loans and different exit strategies for property investors.

Another listener sought advice on structuring future ETF investments and whether it is worthwhile to transfer an existing portfolio into a family trust. Stuart broke down the key factors to consider, including capital gains tax implications and long-term flexibility.

For those planning education funding, Stuart addressed whether education bonds are an efficient way to save for private school fees compared to a regular share portfolio, and the pros and cons of setting up one bond per child versus one combined bond.

The episode also covered the nuances of land value growth for units versus houses, and how to think about the land-to-asset ratio when assessing long-term investment prospects.

Finally, Stuart reviewed a detailed family financial plan involving superannuation consolidation, wrap platforms, education bonds, and SMSF management, offering broad principles to help guide listeners facing similar decisions.

As referenced during the episode, you can also listen to Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Strategic Retirement Planning here.

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 takes a critical look at property planning services, which promise to help you build a portfolio by mapping out your borrowing capacity, cash flow, and investment strategy—for a price tag of $4,000 to $5,000.

He explains why these plans might work if you’re committed to only ever investing in property. But if you want holistic advice that considers shares, super, tax, insurance, and retirement planning, property plans often fall short.

Stuart outlines key limitations—like the lack of licensing, regulatory oversight, and inability to provide comprehensive tax or credit advice. He also questions whether these plans are truly tailored strategies or just templated sales tools aimed at generating buyers’ agent fees.

That said, property plans can offer value in mapping geographic diversification and tenant profiles, especially for investors pursuing multi-property portfolios. But quality always trumps quantity—one $1.5M investment-grade property will likely outperform four $500K average ones.

So, are property plans worth it? Stuart says: maybe—but only in narrow cases. For most people, you’re likely better off working with a financial adviser, accountant, and mortgage broker who can give broader, tailored, and regulated advice.

Tune in for an honest, experience-backed breakdown of this increasingly common offering.

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 unpacks a range of nuanced financial strategies, from tax-effective investing for children to optimising debt, investment structure, and global property opportunities.

He begins with Cara’s question about investing an inheritance for her children and explains the surprising tax concession available through testamentary trusts—highlighting how they can be used to minimise tax on investment earnings for minors, which is a rare opportunity under Australian tax law.

Shawn’s question opens up a discussion on investing in international real estate. Stuart weighs up the potential benefits, like geographic diversification and affordability, against challenges such as foreign tax laws, currency risk, and lack of local knowledge.

In Tom’s case, the classic dilemma of repaying a mortgage versus investing is explored in detail. Stuart helps Tom assess whether to hold onto a non-investment-grade property, how to optimise surplus income post-property upgrade, and whether using equity to buy an investment-grade asset might deliver better long-term returns.

Andy’s scenario focuses on property ownership structuring and tax efficiency. Stuart breaks down how adjusting ownership percentages between spouses can optimise negative gearing benefits, especially when incomes are uneven. He also addresses the often-overlooked role of bonds in asset allocation, particularly for those with mortgages and offset accounts.

Finally, Stuart answers Adam’s niche query about testamentary trusts and corporate beneficiaries, clarifying the flow of profits and tax treatment when a company is owned by a trust, and whether the concessional tax treatment for minors still applies.

Whether you’re investing for children, managing large-scale debt, exploring offshore property, or trying to perfect your tax setup—this episode delivers clarity, strategy, and actionable ideas. Tune in now!

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 dives into the heart of the Australian share market, breaking down how a small group of stocks—the big banks and major miners—are dominating the ASX200. In 2024, just three banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB) delivered more than half the index’s gains, while BHP and Rio Tinto dragged returns down.

Stuart questions whether this concentration risk is sustainable. With CBA trading at historically high valuations and 14 out of 15 brokers rating it a 'sell', it may be time for investors to take profits. Meanwhile, Macquarie Bank stands out with solid long-term growth and attractive valuation.

On the mining side, copper is booming, offering hope for BHP and Rio despite iron ore headwinds and China uncertainty.

Stuart also explores alternative ETF strategies like equal-weight and ex-top-20 indices, which reduce exposure to overpriced large caps and give broader diversification.

If you’re concerned about valuation risk, market concentration, and how to position your portfolio for the future, this episode is essential listening. Stuart offers practical, data-backed insights to help you rethink how you're investing in the ASX.

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 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!

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, 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 wealth

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 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!

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 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.

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.