Wealth Coffee Chats

In today’s Wealth Coffee Chats Financial Planning Edition, Alex breaks down one of the most common questions investors ask: “What actually happens when you engage a financial advisor?” For many people, meeting an advisor for the first time can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar. This episode provides a transparent, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire journey — from the first introductory chat through discovery, strategy design, implementation, and finally your long-term game plan. Alex explains why the early stages are so important, how advisors build a full picture of your financial world, the difference between strategy options, and why good advice is more than just picking investments. You’ll also learn why estate planning, insurance, and long-term goals matter just as much as wealth creation. Whether you're considering engaging an advisor or simply curious about the process, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence you need to know what to expect.

In this Property Management Edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Kash dives into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of being a successful property investor: landlord insurance. Too many investors take the wrong policy, rely on whatever the bank offers, or—worse—skip landlord insurance altogether. Kash shares real examples from the field, common traps investors fall into, and the five key steps every landlord should take to make sure they’re truly protected. If you own an investment property (or plan to), this episode will help you understand your risks, compare policies properly, assess coverage, avoid costly gaps, and ensure you’re getting real value—not just the cheapest premium. A short, practical, and essential guide for anyone wanting to hold property long-term and minimise financial risk.

In this Tax Edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Kim Wolfenden breaks down one of the most confusing areas for property investors: what you can claim as tax deductions when buying house-and-land for investment. The ATO’s rules have shifted several times in recent years, leaving many investors unsure about deductions for vacant land, construction loans, tiny homes, and holding costs. Kim simplifies the legislation, outlines the key definitions you must understand, and explains what’s deductible — and what’s not — based on real ATO guidance. Whether you're mid-construction, planning to build, or already holding land for an investment property, this episode gives you the clarity you need to stay compliant and maximise your tax outcomes. Episode Highlights

In this fun and insightful Wealth Coffee Chats episode, James explores one of the most unexpected—but powerful—teachers of property investing: Monopoly. From buying boldly to staying in the game when the dice don’t roll your way, Monopoly mirrors real-world investing more than most people realize. James breaks down the biggest investment lessons hidden inside the world’s most popular board game, including buying strategically, diversifying, managing risk, reinvesting for growth, and mastering your emotions. He also shares stories from family game nights, reveals surprising Monopoly statistics, and explains how these principles apply directly to building a real-life portfolio. If you want a light-hearted but powerful reminder of how property investing really works, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights:

In this episode, Sarah from the Positive Money team unpacks the latest updates in the lending world as banks and lenders outline what to expect heading into 2026. With news headlines stirring concern—especially around DTI restrictions and lenders stepping back from trust lending—Sarah cuts through the noise to clarify what’s really happening behind the scenes. She breaks down what DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio) actually means, why the newly announced cap of six isn’t the massive shift the media makes it out to be, and how banks and non-bank lenders are likely to adapt. Sarah also demystifies the recent announcements from Macquarie and CBA regarding trust lending and explains why it’s not as dire as it sounds. Most importantly, she highlights why a clear financial strategy has never been more essential—and how brokers are positioned to help borrowers navigate these changes with confidence. Episode Highlights

In today’s Wealth Coffee Chats, Alex breaks down the latest inflation numbers released for October—showing a sharp rise to 3.8%, along with a slight drop in unemployment. These two metrics form the backbone of the RBA’s interest rate decisions, and together they paint a picture every investor and mortgage holder needs to pay attention to. Alex walks through the inflation components driving the spike—housing, electricity, and services—while exploring how these rising costs could shift the conversation away from anticipated rate cuts and potentially back toward rate increases in 2026. He also covers how these trends may affect property demand, equities, bonds, superannuation, everyday expenses, and your personal cash flow. This episode is your practical guide to preparing for what may be coming next as the economy heads into Christmas and into the new year. Episode Highlights: Stay informed and stay prepared—this episode helps you understand the economic signals that could shape your investment decisions in the months ahead.

In this Property Management Wednesday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Kasey brings a timely update on the tightening rental market across Australia and what it truly means for landlords. With vacancy rates hitting record lows, rents rising, and affordability pressures building across Perth, Queensland, Melbourne, and key regional markets, the big question remains: Is this a signal investors must act on—or just more market noise? Kasey breaks down new rental affordability data, insights from SGS Economics, trends in lease renewals, and why tenants are increasingly staying put rather than heading back into a hyper-competitive marketplace. He also explains the flow-on effects for investors, what rising yields mean in today’s environment, and why diligent screening and rent assessments are more crucial than ever as we head toward 2026. Episode Highlights: With supply still lagging and demand strengthening into 2026, Kasey shares what landlords should anticipate—plus the practical steps to stay ahead in Australia’s ever-tightening rental landscape.

In this Tax Tuesday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, tax and financial adviser Anthony Warford breaks down the latest updates on the Div 296 Super Tax—a proposal the Treasury has been pursuing for more than two years. After significant public pushback, the government has adjusted aspects of the policy, including removing the controversial unrealised gains component. But with new thresholds and higher tax rates now on the table, the implications for Australia’s retirement system remain wide-reaching. Anthony explains why the government is targeting large super balances, the broader economic pressures driving the changes, and how this new tax may affect all superannuation members—not just those with balances over $3 million. He also highlights the long-term risks, including increased complexity, reduced confidence in the super system, and the possibility of future tax changes to trusts, companies, and even individual wealth. Episode Highlights: This episode is your clear, up-to-date overview of where Div 296 stands today—and what may be coming next.

In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, host Emily Miller breaks down the behavioral psychology that quietly shapes every property investor’s decisions. Drawing on Nobel-prize-winning research from Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, Emily explains prospect theory—why losses feel twice as painful as gains feel good, why we compare ourselves to the wrong things, and why small short-term costs often overshadow huge long-term benefits. If you’ve ever hesitated on a great deal, stressed over small numbers, held on to the wrong property, or worried more about doing the “wrong” thing than pursuing the “right” one, this episode will hit home. Learn how understanding your own psychology—and having a strategic coach—can help you overcome fear, bias, and procrastination to make confident wealth-building decisions. Episode Highlights

In this Finance Friday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, we dive into the latest interest rate movements, lender behaviour, and what the lead-up to Christmas means for anyone trying to secure finance. With rate cuts now unlikely for the rest of the year—and mixed predictions for 2025—Alex breaks down what banks are really signalling through their fixed-rate pricing. With Christmas just weeks away, lenders and solicitors are heading into their busiest season, meaning turnaround times are blowing out. If you need finance approved before the break, you’ll need to act now. This episode also covers the essential documents required, new refinancing products, and how borrowers can potentially access equity quickly under simplified assessment rules. Episode Highlights: Whether you're purchasing, refinancing, or just planning ahead, this episode gives you the timing, tools, and insights needed to stay ahead of the holiday slowdown.

In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Alex breaks down a busy week across markets, AI stocks, crypto, and gold. He unpacks Nvidia’s fresh earnings announcement, discusses concerns around an “AI bubble,” and explores how shifting interest rate expectations are impacting global markets. Alex also dives into ASIC’s latest report on Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), revealing their rapid growth, key risks, compliance responsibilities, and why SMSFs now represent a quarter of Australia’s total superannuation assets. Whether you're navigating choppy markets or considering an SMSF strategy, this episode offers timely insights to help you make informed financial decisions. Episode Highlights:

In this practical and insight-packed Wednesday episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Cash Shosthen from the Property Management Group breaks down what he calls the most overlooked—and often most stressful—phase of property investing: the first 100 days of ownership. Whether it’s your first investment or your fourth, Cash explains why the early weeks after settlement are filled with uncertainty, delays, unexpected costs, and cash-flow pressure. He highlights the common mistakes landlords make—such as skipping pre-settlement planning, failing to budget for upfront expenses, and choosing a property manager too late—and shows how these missteps lead to vacancy, slower leasing, and reduced returns. Cash also outlines the essential preparation needed for marketing, photography, compliance checks, depreciation schedules, and navigating tenant notice periods. For off-the-plan properties, he explains the unique challenges of leasing in a brand-new building and why a clear runway is essential. Through real scenarios and practical tips, Cash demonstrates how a well-planned first 100 days can set your investment up for long-term stability, strong rental performance, and far less stress. Episode Highlights:

In this important episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Daniel McPherson from Positive Tax breaks down the newly passed payday super legislation- a major change set to impact every business owner across Australia. With the law officially taking effect on 1 July 2026, Daniel explains why the transition window is shorter than it seems and why businesses that aren’t prepared risk severe penalties. He outlines how the long-standing quarterly super cycle will be replaced with a strict requirement for super contributions to be received by the fund within seven days of each payday, giving employers far less cash-flow flexibility. Daniel also dives into the new penalty structure, real-time ATO visibility through payroll systems, and why the commonly discussed “leniency period” is not actually written into law. He highlights the significant operational changes required-automation, tighter payroll accuracy, award compliance, and more frequent cash-flow planning. Finally, Daniel shares an action plan so business owners can prepare early, avoid unnecessary penalties, and protect their employees’ retirement savings. This is a must-listen for anyone running payroll in Australia. Episode Highlights:

When it comes to building a long-term property portfolio, one of the biggest questions investors face is whether to buy a positively geared property or a capital growth–focused property. In today’s Wealth Coffee Chat, we break down the real numbers behind A-grade, B-grade and C-grade properties, explore how growth rates impact equity, borrowing power and portfolio speed, and reveal why the “safe” high-cash-flow option can actually slow your journey to financial freedom. You’ll discover how long each property type takes to double in value, how quickly you can leverage into your next investment, and why an A-grade growth asset can outperform a C-grade cash-flow property by more than $2.3 million over time — even if it costs you $16 per week after tax. If your goals include wealth, choices, financial security or early retirement, this episode will help you understand which strategy gets you there faster and safer.

In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, guest host Sarah Shome breaks down one of the most powerful — yet often misunderstood — tools used by sophisticated property investors: the master limit structure. Sarah explains how this flexible, pre-approved credit umbrella helps investors clearly separate loan purposes, maintain ATO-friendly documentation, and maximise tax deductibility of interest. She also explores how master limits create faster access to equity, reduce the need for constant refinancing, and streamline efficient debt recycling so investors can transform non-deductible debt into productive investment debt. Sarah kicks off with a quick market recap, including Australia’s surprise unemployment drop, its impact on RBA rate-cut expectations, and how strong rental demand continues to drive investor lending activity. Whether you’re expanding your property portfolio or want to improve your loan structure, this episode offers a clear, practical explanation of why master limits become essential as your investment strategy grows. Episode Highlights:

In this week’s Financial Planning Thursday on Wealth Coffee Chats, Alex dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful habits for financial success - budgeting with consistency. Far from a boring spreadsheet exercise, Alex reframes budgeting as a mindset shift that helps you take control of your money, invest intentionally, and create long-term wealth. He explains why so many people feel they “don’t have any spare funds,” how lifestyle creep silently eats away at savings, and why the key is to pay yourself first — even if it’s just $50 a week. By setting up automatic transfers, treating savings and investments like non-negotiable expenses, and staying consistent, you can transform small efforts into serious financial momentum. Alex also shares real client insights showing how disciplined budgeting led to impressive portfolio growth and peace of mind. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your strategy before the new year, this episode is a timely reminder that the path to wealth starts with simple, repeatable habits. Episode Highlights:

In this Property Management Wednesday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Kat Schoster from the Six Star Property Management team breaks down one of the most common and costly mistakes landlords make — being too passive with rent reviews. After 15 years in the industry, Kat has seen countless investors lose thousands of dollars simply by avoiding or delaying rent adjustments to “keep good tenants happy.” He shares a real example that sparked over 100 online comments, where a landlord kept rent well below market for six years — missing out on over $10,000 in potential income and now facing a tricky rent hike dilemma. Kat explores the psychology behind why landlords hesitate to raise rent, the financial consequences of letting emotion override strategy, and how to balance tenant retention with business sustainability. He also offers practical, data-driven tips on conducting annual rent reviews, using market comparables, and maintaining consistent, manageable rent increases that protect both your income and your tenant relationships. Episode Highlights:

In this Tax Time edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, Anthony Wolfenden, Tax Financial Advisor at Positive Tax Solutions, uncovers a little-known capital gains tax (CGT) exemption that could make a big difference in your property and estate planning. While most investors understand the six-year rule — allowing you to treat a former principal place of residence as CGT-exempt even while renting it out — Anthony dives deeper into an often-overlooked extension of that rule that applies at the end of life. He explains how, under current tax laws, if the last property you own and live in before moving into aged care or passing away is sold by your beneficiaries within two years, it can remain exempt from capital gains tax, regardless of whether it was once an investment property. This episode breaks down how timing, ownership, and estate strategy can significantly affect your tax position — and why good estate and lifestyle planning can protect both your wealth and your family’s future. Episode Highlights:

In this inspiring and eye-opening episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, property coach Caroline Bounds shares the true story of two couples who started with the same income, resources, and opportunities — but ended up in completely different financial realities. Through the journeys of “Jane & John” and “Fred & Freida,” Caroline reveals how goal setting, strategy, and guidance can make or break long-term wealth creation. Jane and John followed their plan, met with their coach regularly, and strategically built a resilient property portfolio — reaching and exceeding their dream of a $100,000 passive income and a fully paid-off home before retirement. Fred and Freida, on the other hand, avoided planning, skipped guidance, and 13 years later have no investments and a large mortgage heading into retirement. Caroline breaks down the key lessons behind these outcomes — from structuring “moats” around your properties to the power of leveraging expert advice, education, and persistence. This story is a must-listen for anyone wondering what consistency, strategy, and coaching can truly achieve in the world of property investing. Episode Highlights:

In this Finance Friday episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, We delivers a fast-paced rundown of the latest money news before diving into practical tips for anyone eyeing a property auction. With the RBA keeping rates on hold amid rising inflation and unemployment, he explains why most banks expect no movement until mid-2026 and what that means for borrowers right now. We also discusses CBA and Westpac’s shift away from brokers, despite brokers handling nearly 80% of home loans, and what that signals for lending strategies. Then, he turns to the property market, where auction clearance rates have jumped from 60% to 72% in just a year — a sign of growing buyer confidence. To help listeners prepare, We outlines five essential auction steps: knowing your borrowing power, setting a firm budget, getting pre-approval, having your contract reviewed by a solicitor, and ordering building or strata reports before bidding. Short, sharp, and full of actionable insights — this episode helps you plan smarter and bid with confidence. Episode Highlights: