Wealth Coffee Chats
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Episodes
Fun things to Come before the EOFY
7 Questions Smart Investors Ask Property Managers
Car Tax Deductions: What the ATO Will-and Won’t-Let You Claim
Think you can claim your car as a tax deduction? Not so fast. In this Tax Tuesday episode, Daniel McPherson unpacks the most misunderstood and most audited deduction: vehicle expenses. Learn the difference between cents per kilometre and logbook methods, the truth about the “ute myth,” and why the ATO cares about your payload and personal use. Packed with real-life case studies and expert tips, this episode helps you maximise your deductions—without risking an audit.
What's smarter for your portfolio?
🏡 Renovate or upgrade and what builds your portfolio faster? In today’s Finance Friday episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, we unpack a real-life scenario: a client is torn between upgrading her home or renovating and keeping the old one as an investment. 💡 Here’s what we covered: ✔️ When keeping your current home actually hurts your borrowing power ✔️ How to use equity in your PPR to buy more investment properties ✔️ Why selling CGT-free could accelerate your portfolio ✔️ What role your life stage...
EOFY Super Tips: Maximise Deductions & Get a 50% Return
In this special Finance Thursday episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Senior Advisor Alex shares the most powerful last-minute superannuation strategies you can still action before EOFY. Whether it's concessional contributions, spouse top-ups, or unlocking government co-contributions for a potential 50% return, this episode is a must-watch for proactive investors. With cut-off dates looming, Alex also explains timing traps that could derail your tax benefits and how to avoid them.
New Property Management Model: Strategy Over Stress
The Wealth Coffee Chat discussed the importance of strategic property management over the traditional transactional approach. Cass Shasta highlighted that 22% of investors sell after 12 months and 50% after two years, emphasizing the need for long-term wealth preservation. The new model includes a 15-year rent growth plan divided into three pillars: occupancy, tenancy, and rent growth. Key strategies involve understanding tenant profiles, managing revenue, and reducing bond disputes. The session...
How to Stay Off the ATO’s Radar: 3 Steps to Avoid Audits
It’s Tax Tuesday, and this Wealth Coffee Chat is all about audit-proofing your property and financial life. Daniel McPherson reveals a simple three-step system to avoid ATO audits, reduce penalties, and protect your wealth. Learn how to keep clean records, lodge on time, and stay transparent—especially if you're earning through Airbnb, crypto, or side hustles. With billions of data points collected annually, the ATO knows more than you think. Are you audit-ready?
Equities Outlook 2025: Why Global Diversification Matters Now More Than Ever
In this special Finance Friday from the Property Summit 2025, we dive deep into global equity markets and the powerful role of diversification. With the ASX hitting record highs, tariffs cooling, and global economies rebounding, where should investors focus next? Explore how markets in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia have performed over the past 2 months, 6 months, and 5 years—and what it means for your portfolio. Whether you're investing via super or directly, understanding global trends is...
The $13 Mistake Costing Landlords $25,000 — Are You Hiring the Wrong Property Manager?
Many landlords choose property managers based on one question: What are your fees? But is saving two cups of coffee a week worth risking tens of thousands in damages and lost rent? In today’s Wealth Coffee Chats Property Management Edition, Cashloss dives into the most common and costly mistake landlords make when appointing a low-fee agent. Learn what detailed questions to ask, what red flags to look for, and how to assess real value—not just price—when it comes to protecting your property inve...
Div 293 Tax Explained: What Property Investors Need to Know Before EOFY
As we approach June 30, understanding Division 293 tax is critical for high-income earners and property investors making super contributions. In this episode, tax advisor Anthony Wolfenden breaks down how Div 293 works, who it affects, and why capital gains from property sales could unexpectedly trigger this extra 15% tax on concessional contributions. You’ll learn how to plan your super strategy smartly—even when the ATO wants a bigger piece of your gain.
Bought Off-the-Plan? Here’s What You Must Do Before Settlement
In this Finance Friday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Positive Money brokers Damien Hauser and Sarah Shown break down what every buyer needs to do after purchasing an off-the-plan property. From managing borrowing capacity to releasing equity at the right time, this episode is packed with practical steps to help you reach settlement with confidence. Learn how lifestyle changes, job moves, and even credit card applications can affect your loan approval—and why regular broker check-ins are essent...
How Alternative Assets Like Gold & Bitcoin Could Supercharge Your Portfolio!
In this final episode of the asset allocation series, Alex from Positive Real Estate dives into the world of alternative investments—a misunderstood yet potentially powerful part of a diversified portfolio. Learn about the role of gold, Bitcoin, private equity, and even art and collectibles in your investment strategy. Alex breaks down how these assets perform, their risks, and how they can be included across personal investments, retail super funds, and self-managed super funds (SMSFs). A must-...
Are Your Investment Properties Compliant? Audit Results Revealed
In this Property Management edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, we break down the findings from over 11,500 rental audits conducted in Victoria. What do the results say about minimum standards, property compliance, and the role of property managers and landlords? Host Cass Shostak shares insights on compliance trends, common failures (like mold and ventilation), and why staying ahead of these standards is not just good practice—it’s a smart investment strategy. Plus, find out how to access your Mini...
Last-Minute Tax Moves to Save You Thousands Before June 30
Tax Tuesday is here, and this Wealth Coffee Chat is packed with critical strategies you can still implement before June 30 to dramatically reduce your tax bill. Whether you're a business owner, property investor, or PAYG employee, this episode breaks down proactive tax planning tactics—from instant asset write-offs and superannuation contributions to prepaying expenses and claiming depreciation. Don't leave money on the table—take control of your financial future while there's still time!
How to Save $61K on Your Home Loan by Doing This One Thing
In this Finance Friday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, we unpack how a simple repayment strategy could save you over $61,000 in interest and shave years off your home loan. Discover the power of maintaining current repayment levels after a rate drop, why banks don’t always adjust your minimum repayments, and how brokers calculate your true borrowing capacity. With insights into HEMs, budgeting, and lender conversations, this episode equips you with practical tools to take control of your propert...
Why Shares Are the Most Active and Emotional Asset in Your Portfolio
In today's Wealth Coffee Chat, Alex breaks down the dynamic world of equities—also known as shares—and why they’re considered the most active asset class in your portfolio. From global diversification and blue-chip stocks to index funds and franking credits, discover how this high-risk, high-reward asset class can fast-track your wealth-building journey. Learn the key distinctions between direct equities, managed funds, and the hidden exposures within your super fund. Whether you're a seasoned i...
Why 22% of Property Investors Sell in 12 Months – Don’t Be One of Them!
In this special Property Management edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Cass Shostak explores a concerning trend—22% of property investors are selling within just 12 months. What’s causing this rapid turnover, and what can you do to avoid it? Cass breaks down the real costs of selling too soon, the long-term benefits of holding, and how tightening vacancy rates and rental returns play into the bigger picture. Plus, find out how the upcoming Property Summit could help you stay in the game and build l...
Should You Invest Your Super in Property or Crypto? The Truth About SMSFs Revealed
On this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, we deep-dive into the pros and cons of using a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to invest in property, shares, and cryptocurrency. Discover how to structure your SMSF to minimise costs and maximise long-term returns, and learn why loan management is the secret to supercharging your wealth inside Super. Whether you're a business owner eyeing commercial property or an investor weighing crypto versus shares, this episode breaks it all down. Get smarter with you...
Unlock Equity & Use Rate Cuts to Buy Your Next Investment Property
In this Finance Friday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, we dive into what the latest 0.25% interest rate cut means for investors and homeowners—and how to use it to your advantage. Learn how to review your current mortgage, calculate available equity, and prepare to access funds for your next property purchase. With lender tactics, broker negotiation tips, and simple formulas to estimate borrowing capacity, this episode equips you with the practical tools to act confidently in today’s shifting ma...
Property in Your Portfolio: Why It's Underused in Super But Overlooked in Planning
Property might be Australia’s biggest asset class, but did you know it’s often underrepresented in your superannuation portfolio? In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Alex dives deep into the true role of residential and commercial property in long-term wealth strategy. Learn how property compares to other asset classes, why it's not as liquid as you might think, and how it fits within your income and retirement goals. A must-watch for any investor aiming for balance and performance in their ...
How to Earn $170 More Rent Per Week Without Changing Suburbs
Can you charge more than market rent? In this episode, Cass Schost and Dean Offering break down a real investor case study from Pallara, QLD—where smart upgrades like solar, Ethernet wiring, and security tech helped push the rent $170 above market average. Learn how to increase cash flow, attract premium tenants, and shorten days on market using targeted strategies for high-demand homes. A must-watch for investors looking to squeeze more value out of their properties.
Backyard Developments: Big Profits or Tax Disaster? What Every Investor Must Know
Thinking about subdividing or building out the back of your property? Before you grab the shovel, tune in to this Tax Tuesday episode where Daniel McPherson explains the hidden risks in backyard developments. From finance pitfalls and GST to losing your main residence exemption, this session breaks down why these “mum and dad” projects require serious planning. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and unlock your equity the smart way.
Banks Are Dropping Rates! How to Negotiate & Restructure Loans in 2025
With fixed interest rates dropping and lenders offering better deals to new clients, now is a prime time to renegotiate your mortgage. In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, we explore how to secure a better rate, the power of discharge forms, and why reviewing your loan structure annually is critical—especially for investors scaling their portfolios. Learn actionable finance tips to protect your cash flow and set yourself up for the next property purchase.
What Is Fixed Interest? The Most Misunderstood Investment Explained
Fixed interest investments like bonds and term deposits are often overlooked—but they play a powerful role in protecting and stabilising your portfolio. In today’s Wealth Coffee Chat, our resident financial planner breaks down what fixed interest really is, how it works, and why it matters in 2025. Learn about government vs corporate bonds, how interest rate changes impact capital value, and how this underrated asset class complements your wealth-building strategy.
55% of Investors Are Missing This Critical Cover | Why Landlord Insurance Matters in 2025
Only 45% of Australian property investors have adequate landlord insurance—are you one of them? In this Wealth Coffee Chat, Cash Schost dives into a recent real-world scenario that highlights why every investor must understand the fine print of their insurance policy. Learn what’s covered (and what’s not), key updates from top providers like Terri Scheer, and how to avoid costly mistakes when managing tenants, pets, rent arrears, and storm damage.
Should You Start an SMSF in 2025? Tax Advisor Explains Key Rules, Risks & Rewards
Thinking about starting a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF)? In today’s Wealth Coffee Chat, financial advisor Anthony Wolfenden kicks off a brand-new series demystifying SMSFs. He unpacks what they are, who they're for, why they’ve exploded in popularity, and the key compliance rules every investor must understand. From tax advantages to potential pitfalls, this episode sets the foundation for strategic retirement investing in 2025.
The Real Reason You’re Investing in Property (Hint: It’s Not Just About the Money)
What’s the real reason behind your property investing journey? In today’s Wealth Coffee Chat, we dig into the deeper “why” behind wealth creation—from passive income and early retirement to legacy planning for your kids. Jason unpacks the long game of property investing, reminding us that it's not just about building wealth—but also about living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Plus, hear about special guest Marcus Pearce and why health is your most undervalued investment strategy. Ready to...
New Government Schemes & Interest Rate Cuts: What Homebuyers and Investors Must Know
Labours is in power whIn this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, we break down the latest government housing initiatives and what they mean for both new and existing property owners. Discover how changes to the Home Guarantee Scheme, the Help to Buy program, and battery rebates could impact your strategy. We also discuss the implications of anticipated interest rate cuts on lending power and property affordability. Whether you're buying your first home, investing with friends, or planning your next...
3 Property Tax Changes That Could Wreck Your Investment Plans
3 Taxes to Keep an eye In today’s Wealth Coffee Chat, Andy Fenton dives into three looming tax changes that could shake up property investing in Australia: Capital Gains Tax on your Principal Place of Residence, the controversial $3M Super Cap tax, and the ever-debated Negative Gearing. With the government now holding firm legislative control, these proposals might be closer than we think. Discover what they mean, why they matter, and how investors can prepare now to protect their portfolios and...