Investopoly

• Ep: 367 Best super fund for 2025

  In this episode, Stuart reveals the results of his annual review of super fund performance, naming the best super fund for 2025. He compares returns across both Balanced and High Growth investment options from Australia’s leading industry and retail super funds, including Hostplus, UniSuper, ART, AustralianSuper, and the increasingly competitive Vanguard Super.But investment returns and fees aren’t the only criteria that matter. Stuart delves deeper into overlooked factors, including transparency in asset valuation (especially for unlisted assets), board governance and experience, cybersecurity risks, and service quality. He raises red flags about funds influenced by union-backed boards and highlights service issues, including lengthy wait times and delayed payouts.Stuart also explains the hidden tax costs in pooled super funds, especially the tax drag from unrealised capital gains, and how wrap platforms or SMSFs may offer smarter alternatives for engaged investors. He outlines when splitting super across two funds might be a useful diversification strategy, and who should consider using AustralianSuper’s Member Direct or a wrap platform like Hub24 or Netwealth.Whether you're looking for the best net returns, lower tax drag, or more control over your retirement savings, this episode offers clear insights to help you optimise your super in 2025 and beyond.Do you have a question? Email: [email protected] or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

  --------  

  41:58

  --------

  41:58
• Q&A - Property red flags, home upgrade and downgrade considerations, moving property equity into super

  In this Q&A episode, Stuart covers a wide range of real-life scenarios, offering clear insights on property strategy, superannuation, and retirement planning. He begins by unpacking Paul’s question about setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and whether his current balance is sufficient to make a property purchase viable within it. Stuart also reflects on the quality of Paul’s Melbourne townhouse investment and discusses how to assess whether a property is genuinely investment-grade. Paul’s second question around investing savings for his four young children prompts a broader discussion on smarter options beyond traditional bank accounts.John’s situation leads to a compelling conversation around downsizing in retirement. Stuart evaluates John's unique plan of selling the family home, investing the proceeds into super, and renting to try different locations before settling permanently.Other questions explored include what to consider when upgrading to a more premium home, the risks of holding off on selling your current home, and how to structure equity effectively. Stuart finishes the episode with a deep dive into Amelie’s property portfolio and how to optimise her $2.2 million in equity to build super and potentially upgrade to a better principal residence. A must-listen for property owners and planners alike.Do you have a question? Email: [email protected] or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

  --------  

  31:31

  --------

  31:31
• Ep 366: Boost your super balance by avoiding CGT for the rest of your life!

  In this episode, Stuart takes a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of superannuation, how unrealised capital gains tax (CGT) affects your balance, and how to avoid it. He begins by explaining the irony of the government’s proposed tax on super balances over $3 million: while controversial, most Australians are already paying tax on unrealised gains daily via pooled super funds. Stuart breaks down how these products calculate unit prices and the role of future tax provisions in that process.He then explores smarter alternatives, including wrap platforms and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), which allow investors to directly own assets and potentially eliminate CGT on unrealised gains altogether, provided they stay under the pension cap at retirement. Stuart walks through the financial modelling, showing how the fee trade-off still results in long-term gains, especially for high-contribution investors.Listeners also learn about timing, portfolio turnover, and tax-saving potential across various life stages. He closes with a performance and fee comparison between pooled funds like Vanguard and wrap platforms, offering guidance on when the shift is worth it. This episode is essential listening for anyone serious about optimising their super and reducing tax drag over a lifetime.Do you have a question? Email: [email protected] or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

  --------  

  35:41

  --------

  35:41
• Q&A - Is no negative gearing a problem, when to use a family trust, it’s a ‘who’ not ‘what’ question

  In this Q&A episode, Stuart tackles a wide range of complex financial and property questions from listeners navigating wealth-building decisions. He begins with a couple considering converting their first home into an investment property. Stuart breaks down the implications of their joint ownership structure, refinancing strategy, and whether they've missed the opportunity for negative gearing, providing insight into how high- and middle-income earners can best structure property portfolios.He then addresses a nuanced question about the transfer of assets from a discretionary trust to a testamentary trust upon death. Stuart explains the differences, key considerations, and whether investing under a lower-income spouse’s name may offer more long-term estate planning benefits.Next, Stuart analyzes a detailed case involving a Brisbane-based couple with a multi-million-dollar property portfolio, employee share schemes, and a retirement goal of $200K income in 10 years. He evaluates their asset base, capital growth assumptions, gearing levels, and whether their current strategy is sufficient to meet their goals.Finally, Stuart reviews the future potential of two Sydney investment properties in Edgecliff and Mosman following changes to development zoning. He offers a framework for assessing heritage restrictions, supply risks, and ongoing demand in a shifting market. A rich, insightful episode for investors at all stages.Do you have a question? Email: [email protected] or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

  --------  

  33:53

  --------

  33:53
• Ep 365: Employee share schemes- How to use them to build personal wealth

  In this episode, Stuart explores how to build personal wealth through employee share schemes (ESS), breaking down everything from RSUs and stock options to tax-effective strategies like salary sacrifice. He explains how shares vest, when and how they’re taxed, and the implications of holding versus selling. Stuart also highlights the importance of managing concentration risk and making informed decisions based on valuations, market conditions, and long-term goals.Listeners will learn the difference between tax-deferred and taxed-upfront schemes, how to take advantage of the $5,000 salary sacrifice limit without triggering fringe benefits tax, and how to tactically reduce tax liabilities through transfers or strategic selling. Stuart offers clear insights on trading through issuer-sponsored share registries and outlines practical scenarios for divesting or retaining employee shares.The episode concludes with a detailed response to a listener planning a two-year overseas move. Stuart reviews their investment properties, managed funds, super, and future home upgrade goals, offering a framework for managing surplus cash flow abroad, timing a principal place of residence purchase, and balancing debt, investment, and long-term security. This episode is packed with expert financial planning advice tailored for modern professionals navigating employee entitlements, tax laws, and international transitions.Do you have a question? Email: [email protected] or for a faster response, post a comment on the episode's video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investopolypodcast/podcasts If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://www.prosolution.com.au/stay-connected/ Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/DOWNLOAD our 97-point financial health checklist here: https://prosolution.com.au/download-checklist/IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

  --------  

  32:11

  --------

  32:11

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Investopoly

Investopoly: Podcasts in Family