Finance Is a Game of Structure with Kat Stephens

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian is joined by finance strategist and Entourage Finance broker Katherine Stephens. With over a decade in banking, commercial lending, and now broking, Kat shares how she helps clients go beyond a transaction to build real financial strategy.From leveraging equity the smart way, to structuring for long-term growth, and avoiding pre-approval traps, Kat reveals the common mistakes buyers make — and how to avoid them. They also deep-dive into SMSF borrowing, the power of pre-planning, and how working with the right team (accountant, buyer’s agent, broker, and solicitor) is the secret weapon of top investors.(04:00) Breaking into commercial banking and working with high-net clients(06:00) Why she moved from banking to broking(08:00) The big difference a broker can make(10:00) Why broking allows true long-term client relationships(11:00) How Kat preps clients for strategy, not just loans(13:00) Building a team around your finance plan(14:00) The trust trap: why BBQ advice costs real money(15:00) Why fully assessed pre-approvals matter(16:30) The hidden risks of computer-generated approvals(18:00) Business owners and finance — what’s changed?(20:00) SMSF lending: boom, trends, and what’s possible(22:30) What minimum balance do you really need for SMSF property?(25:00) Common SMSF mistakes: equity access, off-the-plan traps(27:00) Why “trusted” advisers still get it wrong(28:30) Cashflow errors that could’ve been avoided(30:00) Staying across government grants and schemes(32:00) Rentvesting is back — and it’s smarter than ever(34:30) Real growth vs. emotional buying(36:00) Case study: how a client went from one to two properties fast(37:00) Where investors are buying in 2024(39:00) Why most investors stall after property #1(40:00) How to unlock and leverage equity(42:00) Structuring for growth: trusts, names, and the ATO(44:00) The reality of owning 10+ properties(45:00) Mindset, maintenance, and managing expectations(46:00) Knowing your comfort zone and cashflow limits(47:00) Final thoughts: plan early, build your finance teamAbout Kat:Kathryn Stephens is Finance Broker at Entourage Finance based in Cremorne, Victoria. Kathryn has over 9 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Entourage Finance, Kathryn held various roles within the financial services industry, including analyst and relationship executive roles at CBA. She worked at the Australian Lending & Investment Centre for 2 years gaining her experience around strategy and structure for her clients. In her current position, she is responsible for providing ethical lending solutions to clients across diverse industries, helping them to build their wealth.On a day-to-day basis, Kathryn meets with clients, helps them make informed financial decisions, and provides them with personalised advice and guidance. She takes a holistic approach to her work, leveraging her experience in retail, corporate, commercial, and premier banking to provide tailored solutions that meet her clients’ specific needs. What sets her apart from her peers is her commitment to building long-term relationships with her clients, with the goal of enabling them to eventually work because they want to, not because they have to.Kathryn is a certified MFAA and AFCA member, with a Certificate IV in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor of Business and Finance, giving her the qualifications and experience to provide exceptional service to her clients. Positive results in her role are measured through happy client feedback and referrals via word of mouth.Connect with Kat:Visit the website: https://entourage.com.au/about/Follow Kat on LinkedIn: Follow Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entourage_au?igsh=NTI4Mm5sNm5vM24yFollow Kat on Facebook About Julian:Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.  Connect with Julian:Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ Follow Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ Follow Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ Follow Julian on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min DisclaimerInvest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.