
Finance This, Property That
Finance This, Property That is your go-to podcast for expert insights and advice on building wealth through property investment.
Hosted by, Dion Fernandes, a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience, each episode delves into the intricacies of property purchasing, offering valuable tips and strategies for those looking to create wealth through real estate.
From basic questions to advanced technicalities, Dion brings on trusted advisors and specialists in their fields to provide listeners with practical knowledge and actionable steps.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or simply looking to expand your property portfolio, Finance This, Property That is here to empower and educate you every step of the way.
Finance This, Property That
Episode 37 - SMSF Lending, Diversification Troy from Willow Wealth
🎙️ 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
- Build the right advisory team.
- Diversify assets inside and outside of super.
- 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