DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/ In this case study episode, Stuart takes listeners through a fascinating client journey that showcases a 3.2x growth in investment assets over nine years. Starting with a net worth of $2.7 million in 2015, the clients have seen their wealth soar to $6.5 million by leveraging smart financial strategies. Stuart shares how they helped these clients build a $3.5 million home, increase equity in a ho...
Aug 19, 2024•26 min
DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/ Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart revisits the concept of "liveinvesting," a strategy where you invest more in your family home to secure a prime location with strong growth potential. As property prices in cities like Melbourne are currently more affordable, Stuart explores whether now is the perfect time to implement this approach. He explains how liveinvesting can offer significant...
Aug 13, 2024•29 min•Ep. 317
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. In this episode, Stuart tackles a variety of financial questions, offering expert insights and practical advice on key dilemmas. He begins by discussing whether to sell an investment property to reduce a home loan or hold onto it for long-term growth, weighing the potential returns against the benefits of paying off a mortgage early. Next, Stuart examines the pros and cons of maintaining an invest...
Aug 12, 2024•31 min
DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/ Read full blog here . In this episode, Stuart delves into the six crucial considerations for selling a property, offering valuable insights to maximise your success. He begins by emphasizing the importance of presentation and making small improvements to attract buyers and achieve a higher sale price. Stuart discusses the best times to sell, noting that while spring is popular, other seasons mig...
Aug 06, 2024•34 min•Ep. 316
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. In this case study episode, Stuart explores the impressive journey of a couple who have transformed their net worth from $868k in 2010 to over $5.4m today. Starting with a modest portfolio that included a primary residence, a Tasmanian property, shares, and superannuation, the couple strategically diversified and expanded their investments. Stuart highlights key moves such as acquiring a commercia...
Aug 05, 2024•21 min
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart delves into the critical topic of selecting the best super fund for 2024. With many super funds delivering impressive double-digit returns in the past financial year, Stuart highlights the disparity among funds, particularly in terms of transparency and risk. He emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing funds' investments, especially those with unlisted...
Jul 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 315
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. In this case study episode, Stuart Wemyss shifts from case studies to an interactive Q&A format, addressing several listener inquiries. The episode kicks off with strategies for early retirement, where Stuart discusses balancing investment approaches, living expenses, and aggressive gearing techniques to achieve financial independence in your 40s. He also delves into superannuation contributio...
Jul 29, 2024•30 min
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart delves into the essential topic of how much superannuation you need for a comfortable retirement. Drawing on a recent discussion with James Kirby from The Australian newspaper, Stuart explores the complexities of retirement planning, including how long your retirement might last and the shortcomings of traditional super calculators. He emphasises the im...
Jul 23, 2024•28 min•Ep. 314
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. In this case study episode, Stuart takes us through the financial journey of a high-income client who started with mortgage advice in 2007 and expanded to holistic financial advice in 2014. The client's initial assets included a primary residence worth $1.2 million. Significant property investments followed, including a $3.8 million Camberwell property and several other strategic acquisitions. In ...
Jul 22, 2024•17 min
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart dives into the world of share investing by exploring four alternative rules-based indexing strategies beyond the traditional market cap approach. He starts with a brief history of market cap indexing and highlights its major shortcomings, such as overexposure to overvalued stocks and rebalancing inefficiencies. Stuart then introduces four compelling alt...
Jul 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 313
In this case study episode, Stuart delves into the transformative journey of a couple who embraced the principle that quality trumps quantity in property investment. Beginning their journey in 2015 with a net worth of $1.35 million, their portfolio included several underperforming properties. Through strategic advice, they sold these assets and reinvested in higher-quality properties, significantly boosting their financial position. Key moves included purchasing a property in South Yarra and a h...
Jul 15, 2024•11 min
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart may answer it in the podcast. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart Wemyss delves into the significant impact of the current cost-of-living crisis on retirement planning. Stuart highlights how the sharp rise in everyday expenses over the past four years, often outpacing general inflation, can hinder your ability to save for retirement. He explains that maintaining your standard of living now requires a larger wealth bas...
Jul 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 312
In this case study episode, Stuart Wemyss explores the journey of a client who has successfully navigated property investment within their superannuation, shares, and the importance of diversification. Working with the client since 2009, Stuart details their progression from an initial $4.8 million in assets to an impressive $9 million. The episode highlights the client's strategic acquisition of five apartments in Sydney and Melbourne, achieving significant long-term growth rates of 6.3% and 7....
Jul 08, 2024•14 min
Do you have a question? Email questions@investopoly.com.au and Stuart will answer in the podcast from next week onwards. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart delves into the often-overlooked downsides of property investing. While the benefits are frequently highlighted, it's crucial to recognise and mitigate the potential drawbacks. Stuart outlines six key reasons why property might not be the best investment choice for everyone. He explains how compounding returns require decades to mat...
Jul 02, 2024•17 min•Ep. 311
In this case study episode, Stuart delves into the impressive financial journey of a client who staunchly avoids property investment. Starting in 2016 with $760k in shares and $595k in debt, the client had a combined super of $324k and no home loan on a $2.5m residence. With an income of $440k and living expenses of $96k, his net investment assets stood at $490k. Fast forward to today, his shares have grown to $2.15m with a $725k loan and super has increased to $1.07m. Additionally, he acquired ...
Jul 01, 2024•10 min
Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart delves into the intriguing question: should you invest 100% of your super in shares? He explores the conventional wisdom of diversified asset allocation, highlighting the potential benefits of focusing entirely on shares given the long-term nature of superannuation. Stuart explains how pre-mixed investment options and lifecycle strategies manage your super, often diluting potential returns. He argues that volatility isn't a concern for long-term inves...
Jun 25, 2024•19 min•Ep. 310
In this case study episode, Stuart shares the long-term success story of a client he has worked with for over two decades. Starting with mortgage broking 20 years ago, this client has built an impressive investment property portfolio worth $23.5 million. The key to their success? Patience and strategic property selection. With an average holding period of 25 years, this client has seen properties grow at an average annual rate of 6.8%, resulting in substantial wealth accumulation. Stuart highlig...
Jun 24, 2024•13 min
Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart explores the soaring costs of holding investment properties and whether they still make financial sense. Over the past four years, significant hikes in expenses like insurance, council rates, and maintenance, coupled with a cash rate increase from 0.10% to 4.35%, have challenged property investors. Despite anticipated rental income growth, the discussion reveals that higher holding costs demand properties to achieve even greater capital growth to main...
Jun 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 309
In this case study episode, Stuart explores the remarkable journey of a couple on the road to early retirement. When they began working together in 2015, the couple had a net worth of $420k. Fast forward to today, their net worth has soared to $2.5m, driven by strategic property decisions and smart investment moves. They purchased their first investment-grade apartment in 2016 for $488k, followed by a house in Brisbane in 2019 for $885k, which is now worth $1.4m. They also upgraded their home in...
Jun 17, 2024•9 min
Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart issues a crucial warning to couples: don't let one spouse handle all the financial matters. While it's natural for one partner to take the lead, it's vital for both to stay involved and informed. Stuart highlights the importance of understanding and communicating about financial documents, ensuring both partners know what they’re signing. He stresses the need for both spouses to be prepared for any eventuality, from navigating financial decisions in t...
Jun 11, 2024•11 min•Ep. 308
In this case study episode, Stuart and Frencham unveil a compelling 15-year journey towards financial freedom through property and superannuation. Beginning with a modest net worth of $2.4 million in 2008, their client's portfolio has surged to nearly $10 million today. Through strategic property investments, including homes in desirable locations like Hawthorn and Toorak, and optimising superannuation investments, they've achieved remarkable growth. Key insights reveal the importance of alignin...
Jun 10, 2024•10 min
Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart explores the often-overlooked dangers of being too risk-averse in financial planning. He argues that an excessive focus on reducing perceived financial risk can jeopardise your lifestyle goals due to the high opportunity costs involved. Many people fall into the trap of continuously repaying debt at the expense of exploring other investment opportunities, resulting in a limited risk tolerance that may not serve them well in the long run. Stuart emphas...
Jun 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 307
In this case study episode, Stuart delves into the financial journey of a client he began working with in 2012. Back then, the client had $800k in net investment assets, including shares primarily in Rio Tinto, superannuation, and a property in Hawthorn East. Today, that figure has grown to almost $2.8 million. Despite challenges, such as underperforming investment properties and a shift to consulting work post-2017, strategic decisions have led to significant growth. A key move was gradually se...
Jun 03, 2024•9 min
Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart tackles a common investment dilemma: should you buy an investment-grade apartment in a blue-chip location or a house in a secondary area? He delves into the key factors influencing your decision, such as land value, potential for capital growth, and maintenance costs. Stuart explains why houses typically offer higher returns due to their land value but also highlights the hidden potential in older apartments with significant land components. He examin...
May 28, 2024•19 min•Ep. 306
In this case study episode, Stuart delves into the financial journey of a couple who began building wealth later in life. Starting in 2009, they purchased an entry-level apartment in South Yarra for $390k. Fast forward to 2015, Stuart joined them, and their wealth-building strategy took a serious turn. By 2016, they acquired an investment property in Richmond for $1.3m and restructured their superannuation, moving one spouse from a subpar fund to a wrap account while the other stayed with a soli...
May 27, 2024•10 min
Read full blog here . In this episode, Stuart provides a comprehensive guide to end-of-financial-year tax planning strategies that can help maximise your tax savings. With a wealth of practical tips and considerations, he breaks down complex tax concepts into easily digestible insights. Whether you're a high-income earner, a business owner, or simply looking to optimise your tax position, Stuart's advice covers a range of scenarios and opportunities. From maximising super contributions and utili...
May 21, 2024•17 min
In this case study episode, Stuart shares an insightful journey with long-term property investor clients. He highlights key lessons learned about the importance of diversification and adapting strategies over time. Despite diligently managing cash flow and contributions, the clients' concentrated property portfolio delivered underwhelming returns initially. However, Stuart reveals how diversifying into other asset classes and taking an evidence-based approach ultimately put them on track for a c...
May 20, 2024•9 min
Read full blog here In this episode, Stuart delves into the concept of strategic asset allocation and its critical importance in maximising long-term investment returns. He presents evidence demonstrating the unpredictability of short-term returns across asset classes, highlighting the need for diversification. However, Stuart argues that long-term returns are more predictable due to the principle of mean reversion. He advocates for an approach that involves actively allocating new capital towar...
May 14, 2024•13 min•Ep. 304
In this case study episode, Stuart shares a poignant experience to highlight the importance of involving loved ones in financial planning and ensuring they are well informed and prepared. He recounts working with a client, Grant, since 2009, focusing on debt reduction, superannuation, and share investing. Tragically, Grant passed away suddenly in 2018, leaving his wife in an unfamiliar situation, having never been involved in the financial decision-making process. Stuart had to guide Grant's wif...
May 13, 2024•8 min
Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart makes a compelling case for why the Melbourne property market is poised to deliver the strongest capital growth among Australian capital cities over the next decade. Despite negative sentiment driven by factors like stricter tenancy laws, increased taxation, and concerns over the state's escalating debt, Stuart argues that Melbourne's property prices are currently undervalued relative to other cities like Sydney. He presents data illustrating how Melb...
May 07, 2024•18 min•Ep. 303
