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🎙️ Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Finance This, Property That, host Dion Fernandez sits down with Troy from Willow Wealth Partners to explore the strategic use of Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) in property investment, especially for time-poor professionals and self-employed individuals. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of SMSF lending, structuring investments correctly, and the often-overlooked value of building a trusted advisory team.

Listeners will gain practical knowledge on diversifying investment strategies, avoiding common pitfalls in SMSF property purchases, and why long-term financial planning with the right professionals is essential. Whether you’re a medical professional, lawyer, business owner, or a high-income PAYG investor, this episode delivers actionable insights tailored to help you build wealth with confidence and clarity.

📌 Episode Breakdown

00:00 – 02:30 | Introduction

• Dion sets the stage, introduces the podcast and guest Troy from Willow Wealth.
• Focus: Educating time-poor professionals on smarter finance strategies.

02:30 – 08:00 | Meet Troy & The Willow Wealth Story

• Troy shares his journey from accounting studies to launching his own financial planning business.
• Discusses his client base and how rapid growth has come from focusing on high-income professionals and self-funded retirees.

08:00 – 15:30 | What You Need to Know Before Investing in SMSFs

• Breaking down SMSF lending options: individual, company/trust, or SMSF structures.
• The importance of strategy, sustainability, and compliance.
• Setting up the right trustee structure and understanding the extra setup/admin costs involved.

15:30 – 24:00 | Property Acquisition in SMSF – Trusts, Bear Trusts, and Lending Realities

• The process of rolling over funds, SMSF setup timelines, and trustee considerations.
• Limited recourse borrowing and bear trust structures explained.
• Real-world examples of SMSF property pitfalls and how to avoid them.

24:00 – 30:00 | Building the Right Team and Why It Matters

• The critical roles of accountants, mortgage brokers, financial planners, and solicitors.
• Common contract and compliance errors that can derail a deal.
• Why a team that challenges you—not just agrees—is key to success.

30:00 – 36:00 | Rooming Houses, Commercial Properties & Diversification Through SMSFs

• Rooming house investments as a high-yield, high-demand option in today’s housing climate.
• How SMSFs can work for business owners buying their own premises.
• Detailed case studies with strong valuations and returns.

36:00 – 39:30 | Troy’s Top 3 Tips for Financial Success in 2026

1. Build the right advisory team.
2. Diversify assets inside and outside of super.
3. Prioritize ongoing financial education.

39:30 – 40:00 | Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

• Where to find Dion and Troy online.
• Reminder: Advice in this episode is general in nature—seek tailored guidance.

📲 Links & Resources

• Willow Wealth Partners Website
• Emerge Finance Website
• Follow Dion on Instagram: @dionfinancespecialist
• Follow Troy & the team: @willowwealthpartners

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🎯 Episode Synopsis:

In this value-packed episode of Finance This, Property That, host Dion Fernandez teams up with Megan from Third Space Accountants to demystify the often overwhelming world of self-employed finance. With most of Dion’s clients being self-employed, this episode tackles head-on the challenges they face when it comes to getting loans approved—especially in industries like construction where income can be inconsistent.

Megan shares practical insights from her own entrepreneurial journey and offers strategic advice on business structure, cash flow management, tax planning, and how to work more effectively with your accountant. Whether you're just starting your business or already scaling up, this episode is full of gold for those wanting to build a stronger financial foundation and access finance faster.

🧠 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – 03:30 | Introduction & Episode Overview

• Dion sets the stage, explaining the episode’s focus on helping self-employed individuals navigate finance.
• Introduction of special guest Megan from Third Space Accountants.

03:30 – 08:00 | Meet Megan: Accountant & Entrepreneur

• Megan shares her backstory, the vision behind her business, and how she supports business clients across industries.
• Dion and Megan reflect on their shared immigrant backgrounds and adaptability.

08:00 – 17:00 | Why Accountants Are Key to Self-Employed Success

• The role of accountants as strategic partners.
• Why early conversations with your accountant matter for long-term success.
• The two-year self-employed rule and how to work around it with the right planning.

17:00 – 26:00 | Structuring, Forecasting & Cash Flow

• Common mistakes new business owners make with structure.
• Planning with intent: How structuring affects future finance and succession plans.
• Tips for managing cash flow and understanding your obligations.

26:00 – 35:00 | Construction & Inconsistent Income

• Why construction is a standout example of “lumpy” income.
• Megan breaks down how to use work-in-progress reporting to smooth financials.
• Tools and tips for builders to track and present income clearly.

35:00 – 41:00 | Working with Banks & Brokers

• How to present financials in a way banks can understand and approve.
• The importance of communication between broker, client, and accountant.
• Challenges with accountant letters, low doc lending, and policy inconsistencies.

41:00 – 44:30 | Final Advice for Business Owners

• Megan’s top 3 tips for self-employed success in FY25/26:
  1. Know your numbers—especially your operating costs.
  2. Build the right team.
  3. Maintain structure and routine to stay grounded and productive.

44:30 – 45:00 | Wrap-Up & Contact Info

• Dion encourages listeners to share the episode.
• Where to find Dion and Megan online.

📢 Ideal For:

• Self-employed professionals
• Business owners in construction or trades
• First-time entrepreneurs
• Brokers and financial advisers looking to better support self-employed clients

📌 Key Takeaway:

Self-employed success isn’t just about income—it’s about structure, strategy, and the right team. With a proactive accountant and a smart broker, even lumpy income streams can lead to big financial wins.

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In this special panel edition of Finance This Property, That, host Dion Fernandez is joined by a powerhouse group of finance professionals for an energetic and informative discussion on the latest shifts in the property and lending space. With expert insights into the recent RBA rate cut, stamp duty exemptions, LMI waivers, and the evolving strategy of rentvesting, this episode delivers actionable advice for first home buyers, property investors, and anyone navigating today’s market.

Packed with client scenarios, lending policy updates, and award-worthy banter, this episode sheds light on what’s really happening in the property market, how to structure debt smartly, and why rentvesting may be the unexpected key to wealth-building.

📌 Episode Breakdown

00:00 – 03:00 | Welcome & Setup
Dion introduces the panel, shares his mission for generational financial education, and sets the stage for today’s conversation focused on recent market changes.

03:01 – 09:30 | The RBA Rate Cut: What It Means

• Impact of the 0.25% cut
• Sentiment shift among clients
• Why borrowers shouldn’t rush to change repayments
• Bank responses and timing of rate adjustments

09:31 – 13:30 | Borrowing Power & First Home Buyers

• Small rate change, small boost to borrowing capacity
• Transparency challenges with first home buyers
• Why better policy thresholds are needed for grants and waivers

13:31 – 17:30 | Stamp Duty Waivers & QLD Policy Shifts

• New QLD exemptions for owner-occupied new builds (no price cap)
• $85K stamp duty savings example
• Broader access to buyers agents, builders & strategists

17:31 – 23:00 | Market Confidence & Refinancing Real Talk

• Rate cut as a psychological relief
• When refinancing makes sense—and when it doesn’t
• How banks are handling retention and what brokers advise

23:01 – 27:00 | LMI Waiver Expansions & Lending Policy Shifts

• More professions eligible (nurses, paramedics, police, etc.)
• 95% LVR LMI-free loans
• How these changes impact investment structuring

27:01 – 34:00 | Rentvesting: Strategy, Flexibility & Real Examples

• Why brokers are choosing to rentvest
• Client case studies and yield comparisons
• How rentvesting can increase borrowing power and reduce pressure
• Ideal for singles, those living at home, or young investors

34:01 – 36:00 | Award Nominations & Wrap-Up

• The Emerge Finance team is up for 6 major awards
• Industry recognition for innovation, mentoring, customer service, and thought leadership
• Final thoughts, social media plugs, and what’s coming next

✨ Why Listen?

This episode is a must for:

• First-time buyers seeking clarity in a shifting landscape
• Rentvestors looking to maximise returns with smarter strategies
• Property investors curious about how lender policy changes affect them
• Finance professionals wanting to hear how top brokers are navigating the market

Tune in for real talk, real numbers, and real solutions—all in under 40 minutes.