Investopoly - podcast cover

Investopoly

Stuart Wemyss & Campbell Wallacewww.prosolution.com.au

Investopoly is a twice-weekly podcast designed to help you make better financial decisions and build wealth with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Stuart (tax adviser, financial adviser, and mortgage broker) and Campbell (senior financial adviser), each episode delivers concise, practical insights grounded in real-world strategy, research, methodologies, and case studies. 

You will get two episodes each week: a main episode that deep-dives into a single wealth-building topic, and a Q&A episode that answers listener questions and real scenarios. Send your questions to questions@investopoly.com.au

We also writes a weekly blog, and many podcast topics build on those ideas and frameworks. Stuart's forthcoming book, Wealth by Design, will be available in July 2026.

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Episodes

Unraveling the Differences: Melbourne vs Sydney Property Markets and What's Ahead for 2024

Read the full blog here. Ever wondered why the Melbourne and Sydney housing markets are as different as chalk and cheese? Well, it's time to quench your curiosity! I'm your host, Stuart Wemyss, and in this fascinating episode, we'll be demystifying the disparities between these two major Australian cities. We'll dive deep into historical growth rates, scrutinise current property prices, and explore unique factors such as population demographics and geographical features that are making waves in ...

Dec 12, 202318 minEp. 286

Why common-sense tax reform is vital to Australia’s future

Read the full blog here. Are you ready to unravel the complexities of tax reform and its potential impact on Australia's fiscal landscape? Together with my co-hosts of Investopoly Podcast, we're set to examine the advantages of GST reform as a fiscal policy tool for economic management and debt reduction, rather than relying solely on monetary policy. We'll discuss the potential benefits of increasing the GST rate for non-essential goods and services as well as shedding light on how this could r...

Dec 05, 202316 minEp. 285

What does the rental yield tell you about a property?

Read the full blog here. Why is the property rental yield an invaluable tool in the world of property investment? How can you interpret it to make smart decisions? Today, we're joined by Stuart Wemyss to pull back the curtain on this lucrative topic. Not only will you understand what rental yield is and how it's calculated, but we'll also dive into why they generally range between 2% and 5% in Australia. We'll be exploring the two main factors that influence rental yields: the size and condition...

Nov 28, 202313 minEp. 284

Why you'll probably pay more tax in an industry super fund

Read the full blog here. Ever wonder how taxes impact your super funds, especially pulled super funds? Get ready to unravel the intricacies of super fund tax treatments and their potential downsides on your balance. This episode offers a deep dive into the realm of unitised products, exposing how capital gains tax liabilities can shrink your super balance, even if you don't sell. We’ll explore alternative direct investment ownership options within super, like a wrap platform or a self-managed su...

Nov 21, 202315 minEp. 284

Does Australia need a recession? Have we become lazy?

Read the full blog here. Looking ahead to Australia's economic future, we're faced with a provocative question - does Australia need a recession now? This episode promises to stir your thoughts and provide some food for consideration as we delve into the impact of interest rates on inflation and how this tool could be used to induce a deliberate recession. Brace yourself for an in-depth discussion of the implications of rising costs of living, including wages, energy costs, and insurance premium...

Nov 14, 202313 minEp. 283

Forecasting property investing returns: 2023-2033. What can we expect?

Click here to read the full blog including charts. What if you could double your real estate investment in a decade? Join our host, Stuart Wemyss, as he ventures into the rich field of residential real estate returns, dissecting the figures to expose a fascinating average decade-long return of 9.7%. He pulls apart this promising percentage, exploring its components of 7.3% capital growth and 2.4% net rental yield. Yet what lies behind the volatility of these returns? Wemyss will take you through...

Nov 07, 202321 minEp. 282

Property 101: How much do you know about property?

Read the full blog here. Ready to ramp up your grasp on the property market? Let's do it together as I, Stuart Wemyss, guide you through the labyrinth of property terminologies like never before. We'll start by unveiling the mysteries of the land value, loan to value ratio, value of improvements, comparable sales and calculating the gross rental yield, essentially everything you need to know to estimate the market value of a property. By the end of this, you won't just be a bystander in the prop...

Oct 31, 202321 minEp. 281

Share market outlook: How to navigate the risks and capture the opportunities

Read the full blog online. Are you prepared to conquer the volatile landscape of share market investing? We'll dissect the intricacies of this exciting yet challenging realm. We'll delve into the art of identifying potent markets through historical data, employ evidence-based methodologies to trim down investment risk, and scrutinise the performance of diverse asset classes over the previous decade. Did you know that a mere 7 stocks on the S&P 500 index account for a quarter of its total val...

Oct 24, 202313 minEp. 280

Should you invest your super in property with borrowings?

Read the full blog here. Are you ready to untangle the complexities of super investing in property with borrowings? We're going back in time to 2007 when the game changed for self-managed super funds. Once the laws allowed these funds to borrow for investment, it sparked a significant rise in borrowing, culminating to almost $45 billion over a decade. But things have shifted in recent years, with borrowing in super declining. What led to this change? And with new lenders on the scene offering ir...

Oct 17, 202319 minEp. 279

ETFs vs. Managed Funds: Which investment vehicle is right for you?

Read the full blog here. Ever wondered how you could smartly diversify your investment portfolio, reduce risk and achieve commendable performance over time? What if I told you the answer lies in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)? Today, we're breaking down everything you need to know about ETFs. We'll discuss what an ETF is, the process of investing in one, and the fees that come with it. We'll also introduce you to the key players who ensure ETFs run smoothly, and discuss the risks involved and how ...

Oct 10, 202315 minEp. 278

How do rising construction costs impact property investment returns?

Read the full blog here. Ever thought about how rising costs of construction can impact your property investment? Brace yourself for a deep dive into the world of property investment with our expert, Stuart Wemyss. With a keen focus on construction costs, we unravel the layers of how a 5.3% p.a. increase from 1966 to 2023 can influence the building value of your property. Together, we'll decipher how these escalating costs are balanced against inevitable factors like depreciation and maintenance...

Oct 03, 202316 minEp. 277

Fundamentals series #5: A simple way to manage cash flow and still enjoy the things that give you pleasure

Watch the presentation on YouTube here. Imagine a world where you have full control over your finances, where every dollar spent contributes to your joy and standard of living. This is not a dream with no basis in reality; it's completely achievable with an understanding of effective cash flow management. I'm Stuart Weems, here to guide you through this crucial financial maze. This episode uncovers the secrets of eliminating unconscious spending, enhancing your enjoyment per dollar, and the nece...

Sep 26, 202311 minEp. 276

Fundamentals series #4: A simple, low-cost, proven approach to investing in the share market

Watch the presentation on YouTube here. Curious about how to navigate the seemingly complicated world of share market investing? Join me, Stuart Weems, as I unravel the key principles of investing and illustrate why you don't need to be a Wall Street expert to grow your wealth. Together, we'll explore the merits of a hands-off investment approach, the beauty of regular income streams, and the freedom of liquid investments. We'll also delve into the potential flipside - the volatility that can so...

Sep 19, 202313 minEp. 275

Fundamentals series #3: How much super do you need to retire comfortable? And how to maximise your balance

Watch the presentation on YouTube here. Link to the table regarding how long super will last. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of superannuation and its impact on your retirement planning? Fear not! We’re here to break down these financial intricacies, equipping you with the knowledge to retire comfortably. In this dialogue, we address the pressing concerns about fluctuating super rules and government control. We dissect the restrictions on contributions, including the nitty-gritt...

Sep 12, 202312 minEp. 274

Fundamentals series #2: How to invest in property explained in 4 simple charts

Watch the presentation on YouTube here. Ever wonder why property investing is such a profitable avenue? It's not just the properties themselves, but the power of leveraging that plays a crucial role. Welcome to an enlightening exploration where I, Stuart Wemyss, peel back the curtain on the ins and outs of property investing. I'll be chatting about key insights like the importance of growth over income and the long-term benefits of holding onto your property investments. In the first part of our...

Sep 05, 202313 minEp. 273

Fundamentals series #1: Navigating Taxes: Deductions, Gains, and Saving Tax

Watch the presentation on YouTube here. Ready to level up your tax knowledge? This episode promises to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about taxes. We're breaking down complex tax concepts and deductions, from understanding ordinary and statutory income to exploring work-related expenses and super contributions. We're paving the way for you to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket, demonstrating how to maximize deductions and create a direct connection between your ...

Aug 29, 202315 minEp. 272

Would a third super fund help you retire early (before age 60)?

Can you imagine opening a third super fund, enabling you to accumulate assets outside of your retirement fund and plan for reduced taxes? What if you learned that you could retire earlier or cut down on work hours without stressing over super balance? Join me in this captivating discussion as we unlock financial planning strategies that propel you towards an early retirement. We'll unravel the power of a third superfund, and I promise you, it's a game-changer! Furthermore, we shed light on the d...

Aug 22, 202315 minEp. 271

Is Perth the next property market to explode?

Click here to read the full blog. Ever wondered why Perth’s property market remains stagnant despite booming markets elsewhere in Australia? Could Perth, in contradiction of its recent performance, soon be the next growth market? Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as we look at the current state of Perth's property market in a fresh light. Leverage insights from the Real Estate Institute of Australia and explore intriguing historical growth patterns which point to a potential surge in P...

Aug 15, 202314 minEp. 270

What is the priority: repaying your home loan or investing?

Read the full blog here. What would you do if you had the opportunity to revolutionise your financial future? Join us as we navigate the complex world of investing and debt reduction, providing you with strategies and insights to build your wealth. This episode explores the importance of financial buffers, the power of reducing debts before retirement, and understanding how your cash flow responds to interest rate changes. We guarantee you'll walk away with a new perspective on managing your fin...

Aug 08, 202317 minEp. 269

Which industry super fund do I recommend? Review of returns for 2022/23

Read full blog here. Do you ever ponder the enigma of superannuation returns and how they're impacted by elements such as increasing interest rates and shifting work dynamics? We promise you an enlightening exploration that would shed light on these queries. We chat about the performance of different industry funds during the 2022-23 financial year, despite the tumultuous times, and how they managed to finish above average. We pull back the curtain on the top 8 industry funds, pinpointing the fa...

Aug 01, 202319 minEp. 268

Know when to hold 'em, or when to fold 'em

Ready to unlock the secret to successful investing that many overlook? This episode promises to reveal the power of patience in building a solid financial future. Inspired by the wisdom of Charlie Munger, Warren Buffet's long-term business partner, we'll explore how discipline and patience can yield incredible investment returns. Unpredictability is part and parcel of the short-term investment game, but when you're in for the long haul, returns become more stable. To illustrate, we'll walk you t...

Jul 26, 202315 minEp. 267

Laying the Foundation for Wealth: A Guide to Successful Investing

Read the full blog here. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of successful investing? I promise, this episode will equip you with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to lay a solid foundation for wealth-building. As your host, Stuart Wemyss, we'll be tackling the pivotal first steps in this wealth-creation journey. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey, we'll explore the necessity of having a clear goal, understanding the significance of wealth accumulation, and how it can radically ...

Jul 18, 202314 minEp. 266

Should you invest or repay your home loan? A long-term perspective...

Read the full blog here. Are you ready to challenge conventional wisdom about investing and home loan repayment strategies when interest rates are on the rise? I share why it's essential to rethink your investment tactics in the face of increasing interest rates. We will compare after-tax returns from both scenarios - investing in growth assets or focusing on home loan repayment. By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear understanding of the significance of compounding returns and how they ...

Jul 11, 202312 minEp. 265

Decoding Homeownership: Financial Implications of Renting vs Owning, Tax Exemptions, and More

Read the full blog here. Ever thought about the financial impacts of owning a home versus renting? We'll be tackling this head-on today. I'm Stuart Wemyss, your guide through this financial labyrinth, and I'm going to clear up some key misconceptions around capital gains tax exemptions and how they can still apply even when renting out your property. We'll decode the six-year rule and its effects on your exemption. Plus, I'll break down the difference between land tax and capital gains tax, and ...

Jul 04, 202318 minEp. 264

Surviving the high interest rates: tips to navigate the next few months

Read the full blog here. How long can we expect the current high interest rates to stick around, and what can we do to navigate this challenging financial climate? I share my insights and tips on managing debt and restructuring loans to soften the blow of rising rates, while also taking a look back at interest rates over the past 40 years to make sense of the current situation. As we explore the impact of these higher rates on consumer spending, I also discuss how Australians have been taking ad...

Jun 27, 202316 minEp. 263

Borrowing capacity isn’t enough to invest in property? What to do…

Read the full blog here. What if your borrowing capacity isn't enough to allow you to invest in a high-quality property? Should you reduce your budget or consider investing in shares? Discover the similarities and differences between property and share investments, as well as the benefits of borrowing to invest. Gain valuable insights on investing in the share market, the significance of timing, and the necessity of financial advice when investing large sums of money over extended periods. Don't...

Jun 20, 202322 minEp. 262

Navigating Stubborn Inflation: Risks, strategies, and portfolio construction for a possible decade of rising prices

Click here to read the blog online . What if inflation remains stubbornly high for over a decade? Today, I explore the potential risks of increased inflation and interest rates, based on compelling research by US firm Research Affiliates. We delve into the historical behavour of inflation since 1970 and discuss the significant impact of low interest rates and quantitative easing on the current inflation scenario. Join me as I examine the ripple effects of higher interest rates on borrowers, the ...

Jun 13, 202319 minEp. 261

How much money should you give away now?

Some people plan to give money to beneficiaries (typically children and/or charities) before they pass away, especially if they consider they have more than enough money i.e., surplus wealth. Often, their thesis is that their kids can make good use of the money now, whilst they are younger, rather than waiting another couple of decades. By that time, they’ll probably already be financially established. I discuss what you must consider before making an early inherence. Inheritance tsunami I’ve st...

Jun 06, 202316 minEp. 260

Does household income drive property prices?

Commentators often refer to the price of property relative to household incomes. For example, it is estimated that property in Melbourne and Sydney now costs more than 10 times the median household income. But is this really a meaningful measure because if it is, property cannot continue to grow at a faster rate than incomes (a point often made). If prices continue to rise faster than income, how will property be affordable? At the beginning of this year, I wrote about the factors that have driv...

May 30, 202313 minEp. 259

The news is mostly bad for commercial property investors

All investment asset classes move in cycles. Investment returns are almost never linear. As such, investors must expect good and bad periods, which is why patience and discipline are big contributors to an investor’s success. I suspect that commercial property investors’ patience and discipline are about to be tested. This asset class is facing a lot of challenges. However, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining so there could be good investment opportunities over the coming months and yea...

May 23, 202318 minEp. 258
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