Q&A - Starting out, scaling up, and knowing when to sell

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This episode brings together five listener scenarios that span the full arc of wealth building, from a 24-year-old taking his first steps to couples approaching retirement with complex, multi-property portfolios and competing priorities.

The first question comes from a 24-year-old earning $80k with $75k across shares and savings, limited borrowing capacity, and a genuine desire to start building wealth deliberately. The question is simple but important: shares or property first?

The second involves a Perth couple in their late forties, accidental investors who now hold four investment properties across Perth, regional NSW, and WA, asking whether their current asset base is enough to deliver $100k in passive income by age 60 and what strategy adjustments might be needed to get there.

The third scenario involves a high-income Sydney couple with a $3.5 million family home and two investment properties, weighing whether to sell a Box Hill property they no longer consider investment-grade to fund a $750k renovation, or hold it and carry a larger debt into their early fifties.

The fourth comes from a couple planning to retire at 55 and live in Asia on $110k per year, with a plan to sell two investment properties and shift proceeds into index funds while renting out their home.

The fifth involves a rural GP with three properties, strong income growth ahead, and a clear plan to purchase in Brisbane, looking for a sense check on sequencing, asset selection, and whether the strategy holds up as family life approaches.

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This podcast provides general information about finance, tax and credit. It doesn't take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs, so you need to assess whether it's relevant to your circumstances before acting on it. If you're not sure, speak to a licensed, trustworthy professional.