The Stash by Apex Advice

Property is part of the great Australian dream. But the buying process is fuelled by emotion, driven by real estate agent tactics designed to work against you, and the cost of getting a property purchase wrong can change the trajectory of your financial future.In our latest Q&A, I sat down with Scott Aggett, Property Negotiator and Founder of Green Shoots Property.Scott Aggett, has been on both sides of the property deal across 30 years and 4,000+ property transactions. He started as a real estate agent, built premium agencies, created a global negotiation-as-a-service business, and now helps investors and homebuyers across Australia buy in high-growth suburbs early, avoid costly mistakes, and negotiate a better deal.HERE’S WHAT WE UNPACK:What is a 'green shoot' property, and the type of investor it suitsThe games real estate agents play and why the system is heavily stacked against buyersHow a buyer's agent can protect you from being stitched up and overpaying for a propertyThe art of negotiation: $25K saved in a 3-minute phone call Why auctions are the worst way to buy propertyThe data that actually moves the needle vs what investors focus on too much The most common mistakes home buyers and investors make going it aloneOff-the-plan trapsWhy asset structure and loan set-up matter before you buyThe power of compounding is the one thing Scott wishes every investor understood earlierWhether you're buying your first investment property or adding to an existing portfolio, this is essential viewing for anyone wanting to buy smarter and avoid the traps.#PropertyInvesting #GeelongFinancialAdviser #BuyersAgent #GreenShootsProperty #ApexAdvice #PropertyStrategyFollow Green Shoots Property https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottaggett/https://greenshootsproperty.com/ https://www.instagram.com/greenshootspropertyhttps://www.facebook.com/greenshootsproperty Apex AdviceSubscribe to The Stash newsletter by Apex Advice for more of the good stuff you need to know to organise, grow and spend your money with confidence → apexadvice.com.au/stash-newsletter/General Advice Disclaimer: this video is general in nature & does not take into account your relevant personal circumstances and should not be acted upon without obtaining personal advice prior.

Is the points game actually worth playing to get that business class seat when you factor in the annual fees, the transaction costs, and the time spent searching for reward seats?To unpack this black box, I sat down with Steve Hui from iFlyFlat – aka "the points whisperer."Steve breaks down how to beat the system so you come out on top, not behind: ✅ The biggest misconceptions about points ✅ Where people go wrong with strategy – not knowing what points are actually worth or how much they should be paying for reward seats✅ How to find reward seats (it's one part luck, two parts grit)✅ The difference between points upgrades and reward seats✅ Steve's calculator breaking down the real numbers - points, fees, costs to fly business class half price✅ Upcoming RBA changes around credit card surcharges that could make Visa and Mastercard points harder to accrue✅ The 15 December deadline for AMEX holders – they're changing airline partner redemption rates✅ How business owners can pay BAS, payroll, and supplier payments through credit cards to turn existing expenses into flights✅ The real cost versus benefit breakdown – when points work for you, and when they work against you“Once you fly flat, you’ll never go back”- Steve HuiLinks:Website: iflyflat.com.auPodcast:iflyflat.com.au/always-business-class-podcast/Youtube: youtube.com/@AlwaysBusinessClass 🔥Subscribe to The Stash newsletter by Apex Advice for more of the good stuff you need to know to organise, grow and spend your money with confidence → apexadvice.com.au/stash-newsletter/#apexadvice #geelongfinancialadviser #businessowners General Advice Disclaimer: this podcast is general in nature & does not take into account your relevant personal circumstances and should not be acted upon without obtaining personal advice prior.

You have around 60,000 thoughts per day. 85% of them are working against you.When your mind is racing about work pressures or big decisions, your brain isn't helping you solve problems - it's hijacking your ability to think clearly.In this conversation, John Manserra, Geelong Financial Adviser from Apex Advice sits down with Ben Williamson - Performance and Transition Coach from Mindset 365 - to break down why our brains sabotage us and what to actually do about it.Ben's worked in high-pressure environments from AFL broadcasting to Australian Border Force leadership. Now he helps everyday professionals, tradies, and athletes perform when it matters most - without burning out.This conversation gives you practical tools you can use immediately.What You'll Learn:✅ Why your brain is wired for survival, not pleasure (and how that sabotages you daily)✅ The "swim vs wrestle" approach to emotions that stops burnout before it starts✅ The APE Framework - the only 3 things you actually control in high-pressure situations✅ Why the "high achiever trap" leaves successful people secretly struggling✅ The 4 pillars of resilience most people completely ignore✅ The Driver's Seat Process - a 4-step technique to get your brain back online when stress hitsMore Info & Links:Mindset 365 Website www.mindset365.com.auPodcast: Response Responsibility by Mindset 365LinkedIn: Ben Williamson 🔥Subscribe to The Stash newsletter by Apex Advice for more of the good stuff you need to know to organise, grow and spend your money with confidence → apexadvice.com.au/stash-newsletter/𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧 👉 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Crypto curious, completely confused or convinced you’ve missed the boat entirely? If you're in any of those camps, our latest Q&A with Hugh Lam, Investment Strategist at BetaShares, is essential viewing.Whether you're wondering if you've missed out or just trying to figure out what the hell a "cold wallet" actually means, this conversation covers everything you need to know.🔥 What You'll Learn: ✅ Crypto 101: What it actually is (beyond the hype) ✅ Bitcoin vs Ethereum - why the differences matter ✅ Trump's GENIUS Act and why regulation is huge for crypto ✅ Hot wallets vs cold wallets explained simply ✅ Why crypto volatility is actually stabilising ✅ ETFs vs buying direct - pros and cons of each approach ✅ How much crypto should be in your portfolio (spoiler: not much) ✅ Who crypto definitely ISN'T suitable for ✅ Common mistakes that'll cost you big time"Is it too late to get into crypto? The short answer is no. A lot of these positive developments have only just happened in recent years." - Hugh LamWhether you're 35 and building wealth or 55 and wondering about your options, this is essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand crypto without the BS.#cryptoexplained #GeelongFinancialAdviser #Bitcoin #CryptocurrencyInvesting #BetaShares #ApexAdvice🔥Subscribe to The Stash newsletter by Apex Advice for more of the good stuff you need to know to organise, grow and spend your money with confidence → apexadvice.com.au/stash-newsletter/𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧 👉 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.More Info & Links:BetaShares Website: www.betashares.com.auHugh's Profile: https://www.betashares.com.au/author/hughlam/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughlam1/Paper: https://apexadvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/137/2025/09/QBTC-Bitcoin-Whitepaper-Apex-Advice-Financial-Adviser-Geelong.pdf

Most Australians think estate planning is something they'll deal with "later" - but the right structures today can save your family thousands and protect what you've worked hard to build.In this eye-opening conversation, John from Apex Advice sits down with Geelong-based estate planning lawyer Mitch Collins to uncover the shocking truths about Australian estate planning.🚨 What You'll Discover:Why 50% of Australians die without a will (and what happens to their money)The real horror story of $500K inheritance gone in 2 yearsHow to protect your life's work from future partners through "bloodline trusts"Why testamentary trusts aren't just for rich people ($300K threshold explained)The 4 critical times you MUST update your willCommon estate planning myths that could destroy your family's future💡 Key Takeaways:Blended families need special protection strategiesBusiness owners face unique estate planning challengesSet and forget mentality with wills is dangerousProper structures can keep your wealth in your bloodline foreverWhether you're building wealth or approaching retirement, this conversation will open your eyes to estate planning essentials that every Australian needs to know.🔥Subscribe to The Stash newsletter by Apex Advice for more of the good stuff you need to know to organise, grow and spend your money with confidence → apexadvice.com.au/stash-newsletter/Reach out to Mitch at: gpclawyers.com.au#apexadvice #geelongfinancialadviser #estateplanning General Advice Disclaimer: this podcast is general in nature & does not take into account your relevant personal circumstances and should not be acted upon without obtaining personal advice prior.

Tariffs, Inflation & Market Volatility—What’s Really Going On? In this timely and insightful conversation, John from Apex Advice sits down with Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, to break down the biggest economic forces shaping our world right now. From U.S. tariffs and global trade risks to interest rate movements and what it all means for Aussie households and investors.Diana brings her unique, relatable lens to economics, making complex concepts easy to understand and directly applicable to your everyday financial life.In this episode, we cover:✅ What tariffs really mean and why they’re dominating headlines again✅ How rising trade tensions could impact inflation, interest rates & markets✅ The true state of the Australian economy—are we in a slowdown or on the upswing?✅ What to expect from the RBA, upcoming elections, and inflation data✅ Why short-term volatility could create long-term investment opportunities✅ The mindset shift needed for today’s market environment“Yes, there’s more downside in the short term… but for long-term investors, this could be a time of real opportunity.” – Diana MousinaIf you're looking to cut through the noise and better understand how economic shifts affect your money, this episode is a must-watch.Listen to Diana on AMP’s ‘Simplifying Investing’ podcastSubscribe to AMP’s Econosights newsletterFollow Econosights on TikTok, Instagram & LinkedIn for easy-to-digest updates🔔 Subscribe to Apex Advice for more interviews, real-world insights, and practical financial wisdom.👍 Like & Share this episode if you found it helpful.💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments—are you feeling bullish or cautious right now?

Ever wondered what it takes to become a savvy investor?In this interview, John Manserra from Apex Advice sits down with Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool, to unpack his journey into investing, the biggest lessons he's learned, and how you can apply them to your own wealth-building journey.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Scott made his first dollar (hint: it involves ice cream)✅ The moment that sparked his passion for investing✅ The biggest mistakes he made starting out—and how you can avoid them✅ Why long-term thinking is the key to investing success✅ His thoughts on the Australian economy, interest rates, and financial markets in 2025✅ The #1 money mistake most people make (and how to sidestep it)✅ Book recommendations that will change the way you think about investing"Investing is about playing the long game. The biggest mistake people make? Not getting started early." – Scott PhillipsScott shares real, no-BS advice on building wealth, managing risk, and making smart money moves—without falling for hype or risky get-rich-quick schemes. If you're serious about growing your money, you don't want to miss this.

In this episode, John sits down with one of Australia’s top investing minds—Roger Montgomery—to unpack decades of wisdom on building wealth, avoiding common mistakes, and making smart investment moves in 2025 and beyond.Roger is the Founder & Chairman of Montgomery Investment Management, an expert in stock markets, and the author of the best-selling book Value.able. With over 30 years of experience, he’s helped thousands of investors grow their money—and today, he’s sharing those insights with YOU.💡 In this interview, we cover:✅ How to get started with investing (without feeling overwhelmed)✅ The biggest mistakes young investors make—and how to avoid them✅ Why small-cap stocks could be the secret to big returns✅ How to filter out the noise and focus on real opportunities✅ The key trends shaping the market in 2025Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, or just getting serious about building wealth, this is a MUST-WATCH conversation.👇 Timestamps:0:00 Intro – Who is Roger Montgomery?1:14 Roger’s investing journey & biggest lessons2:35 The biggest shift in investing over the last 30 years4:43 The #1 mistake young investors make7:20 Why patience is your best investing tool10:07 How to navigate market hype (and not get burned)15:36 What’s next for the stock market in 2025?20:01 Why small-cap stocks are still undervalued25:27 The AI boom & what it means for investors💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments!

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Blackburn from Finder to break down everything you need to know about private health insurance in Australia. Whether you're exploring hospital cover, extras, or the tax implications, we've got you covered.Key Topics Covered:Why Private Health Insurance Matters: The tax benefits, lifetime health cover loading, and Medicare levy surcharge explained.Hospital Cover Tiers: Understanding Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels and what they include.Extras Cover: How extras policies can save you money on dental, physio, and more.Tips to Save Money: Learn why it’s worth comparing policies and how switching providers can benefit you.Public vs. Private: When private health insurance makes sense and when it might not be necessary.Resources:https://www.finder.com.au/health-insurancehttps://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance/private-health-insurance-rebatehttps://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance/health-insurance-tax-timehttps://www.finder.com.au/health-insurance/extras-coverActionable Takeaways:Use Finder’s health insurance quiz to find a policy that suits your needs.Decouple hospital and extras cover to save money.Regularly review and compare policies to take advantage of new customer deals.Understand how the Medicare levy surcharge and lifetime health cover loading impact your finances.Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 💬🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more financial insights.General advice disclaimer: The information contained within this post is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances.

Join John from Apex Advice as he sits down with the incredible David Bassanese, Chief Economist at BetaShares and a regular columnist for the Australian Financial Review. David shares his fascinating journey from high school maths to becoming a respected voice in Australian finance and economics. In this discussion, we dive into:David’s early days and what sparked his passion for economicsThe current economic landscape: cost of living, market volatility, and moreChallenges and opportunities for Australian and global investorsHow Trump 2.0 could shape marketsThe magic of ETFs, smart investing, and timeless personal finance wisdomDavid breaks down complex topics with clarity and offers actionable insights to help you navigate today’s economic challenges while identifying growth opportunities.Don’t miss this episode—whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, there’s something for everyone!👉 Subscribe for more expert financial advice and interviews with top industry leaders.📌 Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:30 - David’s journey into economics06:45 - Current economic challenges and opportunities15:20 - Impact of Trump 2.0 on global and local markets23:00 - Interest rate outlook for 202430:10 - Investment strategies for growth36:50 - Timeless personal finance lessonsThanks for tuning in and for more expert insights and practical tips to take control of your finances, be sure to follow us on socials.General advice disclaimer: The information contained within this post is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances.

In this eye-opening interview, John sits down with legendary investor Peter Thornhill, who shares his no-nonsense views on why Australia’s love for property might be doing more harm than good—and how everyday Australians can start building real wealth. Peter doesn’t hold back. Here’s what you’ll learn:Why Peter thinks Australia’s obsession with owning a home is stopping us from investing in more productive assets like shares.How countries in Europe focus on long-term leasing and business investment, and why Australia could benefit from a similar approach.The power of dividend-paying shares and why Peter believes they are the key to a stable, income-generating retirement—without the headaches of property.Simple, proven investment strategies like Listed Investment Companies (LICs) that can help everyday Australians grow wealth without the complexity. Peter also shares his vision for longer-term residential leases in Australia and why we need a mindset shift when it comes to homeownership.Whether you’re looking to build wealth or just tired of the property hype, Peter’s fresh take is sure to make you think twice about how you approach your financial future. Want to learn how to grow your wealth beyond property? Listen now to get insights from one of Australia’s most respected investors.General advice disclaimer: The information contained within this post is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances.

In this interview, John chats with Australian mortgage expert Daniel Rainey about how homebuyers can tackle the challenges of today’s shifting property market. With rising interest rates slashing borrowing capacity by up to 40%, securing the right home loan is more important than ever.John and Daniel cover key strategies for Aussie homebuyers, including:Why regularly reviewing your loan, and making the most of offset accounts and redraw facilities, can save you big on interest.How missed payments and high credit card limits can seriously hurt your borrowing power under Australia’s comprehensive credit reporting system.The importance of getting your budget in order and reducing debt before applying for a home loan to improve your chances with lenders.Why working with a broker in Australia can give you access to a wider range of lenders and better mortgage deals than going directly to the big banks.Whether you're looking to buy your first home, refinance, or invest in property, this interview is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the Australian mortgage market and secure the best possible deal.Ready to unlock your financial future? Listen now to take control of your home loan journey in Australia.General advice disclaimer: The information contained within this post is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances.

Property investing can be challenging to navigate, but with the right data and advice, strong returns are possible. I recently spoke with Phil, Director of Performance Property, a data-driven property firm helping clients build multi-million dollar portfolios. In our conversation, Phil shared insights on:Using market data to make objective investment decisions. By tracking 40 indicators across residential, commercial and industrial sectors, Performance Property identifies opportunities and manages risk.Understanding the differences across property markets. While parts of the commercial office sector are struggling, Phil sees opportunity buying distressed assets like hospitality venues. Housing affordability issues and tight inventory levels also vary widely across Australian cities and regional areas. Avoiding common mistakes like over-improving a home at the expense of investing, buying house and land packages with little land value growth potential, or taking on overly-risky developments early on.Adapting to higher interest rates as the "new normal" and managing cashflow risks. Phil suggests diversification across geographies and property types is key.Whether starting out or expanding an established portfolio, working with an experienced advisor can pay dividends. To learn more about Performance Property's approach and services, visit their website or reach out for a portfolio review.General advice disclaimer: The information contained within this post is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances.  Apex Advice Pty Ltd ABN 14 655 779 187 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (ASIC 1296045) of Paragem Pty Ltd ABN 16 108 571 875 Australian Financial Services Licence 297276. Australian Credit Licence 389087.