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

Ep 362: 4 property (evidence-based) golden rules

Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart Wemyss distils insights from over a decade and 150+ blogs into four golden, evidence-based rules for successful property investing. He begins with the foundational principle: prioritise capital growth over income when buying, focusing on high-quality, investment-grade assets in tightly held, established suburbs. Income, he explains, can be improved later, but land location is forever. Rule two highlights the importance of understanding property cycles...

Jun 24, 202534 minEp. 362

Q&A: What to do if most of your wealth is in property; update home or invest?

In this Q&A episode, Stuart tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing many Australians today: how to make smart financial moves when most of your wealth is tied up in property. He explores the tension between long-term investment strategy and short-term lifestyle pressure, helping listeners find a better balance between financial progress and personal well-being. From assessing whether a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a wise move to managing multiple investment properties with ti...

Jun 23, 202531 min

Ep 361: How does Vanguard Super stack up?

Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart breaks from tradition to deliver an exclusive review of Vanguard Super, Vanguard’s bold foray into the Australian superannuation market. Known for his commitment to independence and strategy-first insights, Stuart explores why Vanguard’s entry could be a game-changer for Australians dissatisfied with the opaque and politically entangled operations of traditional industry super funds. He delves into Vanguard’s unique not-for-profit structure, ultra-low...

Jun 17, 202531 minEp. 361

Q&A: Investment planning when cash flow is uncertain, when to buy forever home and more...

In this Q&A episode, Stuart dives into real-life financial dilemmas from listeners navigating pivotal moments in their wealth journeys. Daniel, a self-employed father of three, outlines his comprehensive plan to retire at 60 with $100k passive income, using property, super, and ETFs. Stuart unpacks the nuances of risk mitigation when income is uncertain and weighs in on a Geelong investment property. An anonymous listener from Perth wants to buy their “forever home” in 7–10 years and seeks a...

Jun 16, 202536 min

Ep 360: Factors to consider when setting a property budget

Read full blog here. In this episode, Campbell Wallace explores one of the most crucial steps in any property journey: setting the right budget. He breaks the process into two key questions, how much you can borrow vs. how much you should borrow, and explains why borrowing capacity alone shouldn't drive your decision. Campbell outlines: How to calculate a sustainable borrowing limit based on your surplus investable cash flow When it might make sense to borrow to your full capacity, especially fo...

Jun 10, 202539 minEp. 360

Q&A: Adjust ETF cost base annually, help kids into property, asset allocation in retirement and more...

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...

Jun 09, 202531 min

Ep 359: How bad does a property need to be to warrant selling it?

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 g...

Jun 03, 202532 minEp. 359

Q&A: My target audience, investing in US domicile ETFs and whether to repay P&I to minimise interest rate...

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-...

Jun 02, 202536 min

Ep 358: How much wealth is enough?

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, ...

May 27, 202532 minEp. 358

Q&A: Co-investing in property considerations, selling property to adult children, rebalancing portfolios and more...

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...

May 26, 202535 min

Ep 357: Resurgence of investment-grade apartment prices in Melbourne

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 wi...

May 20, 202531 minEp. 357

Q&A: Whether to sell ungeared property, property equity funding retirement, property strategy in Sydney...

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 ret...

May 19, 202532 min

Ep 356: How to choose an investment option in super

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 “Balanc...

May 13, 202533 minEp. 356

Q&A: When to increase super contributions, offset or redraw, super or property and more…

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, an...

May 12, 202531 min

Ep 355: Property ownership in personal names - factors to consider

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-comm...

May 06, 202533 minEp. 355

Case Study: Six-fold increase and now ready for retirement

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 forwar...

May 05, 202530 min

Ep 354: What to do if you are not ready for financial advice… yet

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 profes...

Apr 29, 202536 minEp. 354

Q&A: Interest-only loans, transferring investment ownership, education bonds and more...

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 list...

Apr 28, 202533 min

Ep 353: Are property plans worth paying for?

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, su...

Apr 22, 202532 minEp. 353

Q&A: Surprising tax saving on inheritance, investing in property overseas, repay mortgage or invest and more...

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. S...

Apr 21, 202532 min

Ep 352: Banks and miners: Where to from here for the Australian stock market?

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 CB...

Apr 15, 202532 minEp. 352

Q&A: Livevesting, transition into your forever home, balancing regular travel and investing and more...

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 consi...

Apr 14, 202531 min

Ep 351: Rentvesting vs Home Ownership: A Strategic Comparison

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 c...

Apr 08, 202528 minEp. 351

Q&A: Cheap SMSF, sell shares to repay home loan, best books, forever home strategies

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...

Apr 07, 202534 min

Special: Trump tariffs - what should investors do?

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 ...

Apr 06, 202514 min

Ep 350: Reduce CGT by 28%! How to own property in a company.

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart unpacks a lesser-known strategy in property investing: using a private company to hold investment properties and how it could cut your capital gains tax (CGT) by up to 28%. While companies don’t get the 50% CGT discount or immediate negative gearing benefits, Stuart explains how careful structuring, like borrowing personally to buy company shares, can preserv...

Apr 01, 202533 minEp. 350

Q&A: How to use inheritance, buying into a business, how to invest cash in SMSF, when to get advice and more...

In this Q&A episode, Stuart explores how to make strategic decisions with lump sums, whether they come from inheritances, business opportunities, or property sales. He offers guidance to William, who’s weighing how best to use a $750,000 inheritance to build long-term wealth while balancing homeownership and market timing. Sarah, currently on maternity leave, wants to optimise the $130,000 proceeds from a property sale—whether to pay down debt, invest in shares, or consider another investmen...

Mar 31, 202539 min

Ep 349: Investor risk premium: what is it and why it matters

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here. Read full blog here. In this episode, Stuart breaks down the 'Investor Risk Premium', a key concept that helps you assess whether you’re being fairly rewarded for the risks you take with your investments. Traditionally used in share investing, Stuart explains why this idea should apply to all asset classes, from shares and property to speculative assets like crypto. Right now, U.S. equities appear overv...

Mar 25, 202535 minEp. 349

Q&A: Develop or sell with DA, rentinvesting considerations, does property add meaningful diversification in a portfolio and more...

In this Q&A episode, Stuart unpacks a wide range of listener questions, from navigating complex property strategies to exploring the role of diversification in a balanced investment portfolio. He shares tailored insights with AJ on managing a high-income household, including whether to sell, develop, or hold investment properties, how to structure super contributions and if moving into a completed knockdown-rebuild could offer tax advantages. Peter and Veronika weigh whether to sell their fu...

Mar 24, 202533 min

Ep 348: Hotspotting versus buy-and-hold: Which strategy is better?

New Report: The Evidence-Based Approach to Investing in Property & Shares: download here. Read full blog here. In this episode, we dive deep into the hotspotting vs. buy-and-hold debate to determine which strategy delivers better long-term wealth . 🔹 What is hotspotting? Hotspotting involves identifying areas poised for short-term price growth , often in regional locations or outer suburbs. But has it really outperformed over decades, or is it just a risky bet on market cycles? 🔹 Why buy-a...

Mar 18, 202531 minEp. 348
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