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

Read full blog here.

In this episode, Stuart explores the best strategies for investing in the share market in 2025, comparing index funds, managed funds, and direct shares. Backed by data from the S&P Dow Jones SPIVA report, Stuart explains why evidence-based, rules-driven strategies consistently outperform active management. He also unpacks the dominance of large-cap stocks in 2024, the risks of growth-focused portfolios, and the potential of alternative index strategies like equal-weight and value-tilted funds. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you build a diversified, long-term portfolio.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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.

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:

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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 delves into the key trends and expectations shaping the Australian property market in 2025. He unpacks the fascinating dynamics driving property prices across the nation’s capital cities. From Perth's explosive growth to Melbourne's ongoing flat cycle, Stuart provides expert insights into the factors influencing the market, including interstate migration, loan volumes, housing supply, and the anticipated interest rate cuts.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this episode offers valuable perspectives on:

• Why Perth remains a standout performer.
• Melbourne’s potential to transition from a flat to a growth cycle.
• The impact of interstate migration patterns, from Sydney’s population outflow to Queensland’s popularity surge.
• How 2025’s federal election and interest rate adjustments could shape property prices.

Stuart also shares his predictions for market performance in 2025 and why now could be the perfect time to explore opportunities in slower markets like Melbourne. Packed with actionable insights and historical context, this episode is a must-listen for anyone planning their next property 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:

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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.

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!

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 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.

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:

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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.

In this episode, Stuart addresses a variety of listener questions covering topics like helping family members plan for retirement, understanding the tax implications of superannuation options, and the intricacies of asset protection in personal and business relationships. He explores strategies to assist parents with low financial literacy, including structuring their business for tax savings and leveraging super contributions effectively.

Stuart delves into the nuances of capital gains tax in superannuation, comparing pooled and non-pooled investment options, and their impact on long-term returns. He also tackles questions about active fund management versus index options, providing an evidence-based perspective on the viability of high-fee strategies.

The episode includes a deep dive into asset protection for business owners, focusing on safeguarding assets against risks from personal and business relationships. Stuart also weighs in on the timeless debate between investing in property or shares, addressing tax implications, long-term returns, and the role of leverage in wealth creation.

Whether you're navigating family financial support, fine-tuning your super strategy, or protecting your business assets, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Don’t miss this engaging discussion!

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 delves into the often-overlooked liquidity challenges of holding property within a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). While the tax-friendly environment of superannuation can make SMSF property ownership seem attractive, the reality is more complex. Campbell explains how borrowing restrictions, higher interest rates, and reduced negative gearing benefits can impact returns. He also highlights the pivotal issue of maintaining liquidity once you enter the pension phase, where minimum withdrawal requirements may outpace your property’s rental income.

Through practical examples, Campbell illustrates why balancing your property investments with a substantial allocation of liquid assets—like shares, bonds, and cash—is essential. Doing so provides the flexibility to meet pension payments without being forced to sell your property under potentially unfavourable market conditions. He examines various scenarios showing how adjusting the share of property within an SMSF affects the timeframe you can comfortably hold onto it, allowing for greater potential growth and better timing for eventual sale.

By understanding these liquidity traps and managing them proactively, listeners learn how to maintain true financial freedom in retirement. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering property investments within their SMSF, aiming to maximise returns while retaining control and flexibility.

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 week’s Q&A episode, Stuart dives into a variety of listener questions that touch on key aspects of financial planning, investment decisions, and retirement strategies. Topics include the ongoing debate of superannuation versus property investment, understanding the capital gains tax implications of rebuilding an investment property as a principal residence, and managing tax-efficient loan structures when multiple properties are involved.

Stuart also shares insights on including adult children in SMSFs, the benefits and potential drawbacks, and explores scenarios for selling well-performing properties to upgrade or capitalise on new opportunities. For expats planning future moves, Stuart offers advice on whether to invest in lifestyle properties or focus on long-term investment strategies.

Finally, he discusses how to best allocate surplus cash flow between super contributions, offset accounts, and ETFs, while considering life events like starting a family. Packed with practical guidance and tailored advice, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone navigating complex financial choices.

Whether you’re an investor looking to optimise your portfolio or planning for future retirement, this episode is full of actionable insights. 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 dives into one of the most debated investment topics: property versus shares. Drawing on a practical, real-life scenario, he explores how much capital growth a property needs to produce before it outperforms a share portfolio, factoring in critical variables like leverage, tax implications, and ongoing costs. By comparing a leveraged property investment to a diversified, income-generating share portfolio, Campbell illustrates why the intuitive assumption that property will always outdo shares isn’t guaranteed.

He sheds light on the tipping point where a property’s growth rate must surpass around 5.4% just to match returns from shares—and even higher if you consider selling and incurring capital gains tax. Campbell also examines how retirement timing affects the final outcomes, revealing that selling down shares strategically can help minimise tax more effectively than selling a single, large property.

Far from a one-size-fits-all conclusion, this episode emphasises the importance of understanding the nuances of both asset classes. Whether you’re considering a property purchase, diversifying into shares, or pondering if it’s time to shift strategies, Campbell’s insights will help you make more informed decisions about where to invest your hard-earned money. Don’t miss this chance to gain clarity on a perennial investment question.

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 week’s Q&A episode, Stuart tackles some insightful and diverse listener questions covering tax strategies, investment structures, and retirement planning. He explains how bucket companies operate under different tax rates, the importance of comparing investment returns before and after tax, and whether family trusts can help kids leverage equity to buy property.

Stuart also explores strategies for time-poor investors with surplus cash flow, addressing whether ETFs are a viable alternative to property for those who prefer a simpler, lower-stress investment approach. For retirees and estate planners, he discusses SMSF considerations, such as whether large property assets must be sold upon death, and offers practical insights into wrap accounts versus SMSFs for direct investments.

Finally, Stuart examines how to accelerate early retirement goals, outlining how consistent surplus investing and tax-efficient strategies can generate significant passive income. Whether you’re navigating tax rules, planning for your children’s future, or aiming for financial independence, this episode is full of practical tips and evidence-based advice to help you make informed decisions.

If you’re looking for clear answers to complex financial questions, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 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.