

Investopoly
Stuart Wemyss & Campbell Wallace
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.auWe 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2026 • 30min
Ep 392 : A two-speed property market in 2026: where prices rise (and where they won’t)
Explore the factors shaping the property market in 2026, from lending volumes and interest rate expectations to interstate migration trends. Discover how a two-speed market is emerging, with affordable properties thriving while premium stocks lag. Insights on how buyer behavior has shifted due to serviceability limits and low interest rates provide a critical perspective. Learn which cities are poised for growth and where caution is advised, making this a must-listen for anyone involved in property decisions.

Jan 19, 2026 • 34min
Q&A - Lifestyle upgrades versus financial independence, late-stage property decisions, family trust tax risks, and more
This discussion dives into the tough choices between lifestyle upgrades and financial independence. A couple in their 50s weighs a beachside home against early retirement, revealing the complexities of late-stage borrowing. Key insights emerge around trust tax risks from the Bendel case, highlighting the importance of compliance. The conversation explores how redundancy and uneven super balances affect financial planning, along with the potential pitfalls of property concentration. Real-world scenarios illustrate how strategic decision-making can mitigate risks.

Jan 13, 2026 • 27min
Ep 391: Wealth First Principles # 4: The hidden engine of wealth
Explore the crucial role of cash flow and disciplined debt management in building wealth. Discover how small, repeatable improvements can lead to significant financial gains. Learn about a two-account banking system that automates good financial behavior and helps manage spending without constant oversight. Understand the difference between deductible and non-deductible debt, and the concept of debt recycling to optimize investments. Finally, be wary of behavioral traps that can hinder your financial progress and implement a simple operating system for sustainable wealth.

Jan 12, 2026 • 34min
Q&A - Kids’ inheritance, ETF vs property, & smarter super
In a lively Q&A, Campbell tackles real-life financial dilemmas Australians face. He delves into managing a $50k inheritance for teens, weighing ETFs against property investments. Retirement planning gets a spotlight as he offers strategies on mortgage payments and super contributions. The pros and cons of leveraging property versus shares are explored, alongside smart tax strategies for retirement income. Campbell simplifies ETF options and discusses alternative indexing methods, all while providing actionable insights to help listeners make informed financial decisions.

Jan 6, 2026 • 28min
Ep 390: Wealth First Principles #3: How to build a share portfolio that works
Explore the superpower of shares versus property and learn to build a resilient portfolio with a simple, rules-based framework. Discover why indexing beats active management, and the importance of the equity risk premium in capturing market returns. Avoid common pitfalls like over-trading and performance-chasing, while understanding the value of global exposure in tech and healthcare. Get practical steps for setting investment goals, diversifying, and maintaining discipline to ensure shares work alongside property for long-term success.

Jan 5, 2026 • 32min
Q&A - Structure First: Using Equity, super tactics & smarter portfolio moves
Navigating property investments can be tricky, especially when it involves leveraging equity. Campbell explores the nuances of borrowing capacity and the implications of buying a third home before starting a family. He emphasizes the importance of strategic asset quality over sheer quantity and discusses using trusts effectively. Listeners learn about capital-loss harvesting strategies before retirement and the benefits of a two-fund super tactic. The key takeaway? Establish a solid financial foundation first and always prioritize your options.

Dec 30, 2025 • 32min
Ep 389: Wealth First Principles #2: A step-by-step strategy for property investing
Investing in property requires a strategic approach rather than impulsive tactics. Focus on capital growth for long-term wealth, while yield merely helps with holding costs. Building a smart financing structure and targeting investment-grade assets with strong growth histories are crucial. Land value plays a significant role in appreciation. Monitor cash flow meticulously and choose cities and suburbs with promising future prospects. Managing risk intentionally and reviewing progress regularly can transform your property into a powerful wealth engine.

5 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 30min
Q&A - Develop, rentvest or debt-recycle? Structures, tax & capacity
Stuart delves into critical crossroads for investors, discussing the merits of small-scale development versus rent-vesting. He highlights the pros and cons of different ownership structures, recommending a company owned by a trust for repeat projects. The concept of debt-recycling is explored as a strategy for those unable to afford investment-grade properties. A case study of a high-debt Sydney family sheds light on managing cash flow and investment choices, emphasizing patience during childcare years and the importance of strategic planning.

Dec 23, 2025 • 34min
Ep 388: Wealth First Principles #1: How wealth is actually built – The Wealth Equation
Explore how wealth is built with three key factors: cash-flow surplus, investment efficiency, and time. Learn why sticking to a solid process beats speculation every time. Discover the importance of starting early to benefit from compounding and the risks of behavioral mistakes in investing. Stuart delves into prudent use of leverage, offering strategies for real estate with flexibility in mind. He wraps up with a Q&A on navigating property decisions in Adelaide, emphasizing the value of simplicity and disciplined investing for long-term success.

Dec 22, 2025 • 28min
Q&A – Structure First: Super vs flexibility, smart Gearing & reno timing
In this Q&A, Stuart unpacks two meaty, real-world dilemmas that many high-earning families face. First: should you prioritise concessional super contributions (carry-forward caps, Div 293 awareness, and long-term compounding) or keep capital outside super for flexibility and early semi-retirement? We explore building a liquid “bridge” portfolio, how to structure debt so renovation and investment loans stay deductible, and why borrowing to fund improvements paired with offset cash preserves future options.Next, we stress-test a fast-growing portfolio: a dream PPOR on acreage, a premium Geelong West IP, and an impending second purchase in inner-west Melbourne. Stuart tackles sequencing (buy vs renovate vs super), risk concentration at 80% LVR, cash-flow resilience through cycles, and the hidden traps of cross-collateralisation. We also cover trust distributions to a high-income household, return-on-payroll for a construction business, and the checklist for green-lighting IP #2 without jeopardising the 4–5 year, $1–1.5m renovation.The through-line: optimise for flexibility and durability, use super where it clearly wins on tax and compounding, keep enough liquidity to sleep at night, and make each new asset unquestionably investment-grade.My new book out in mid-2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: https://prosolution.com.au/book-preorder-bonus Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au. If you're interested in working with our team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/family-office-servicesIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. Subscribe to my weekly blog: https://prosolution.com.au/stay-connected 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.


