“If you are trying to build a portfolio and you are chasing rate as your number one priority, just go directly to the bank.”

“My personal philosophy is that I prefer to let the market do the hard work and not me.”

“Who tells you no?… sometimes the best advice is no or not yet.”

Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Finance this, Property that, Dion sits down with Michael Shaw (Avid Hawkes) to unpack what smart property investing looks like when you strip away the hype. Michael shares how his background in risk protection, mortgage broking, and financial planning shaped a “property with purpose” approach—starting with foundations, matching strategy to lifestyle, and buying quality assets in data-backed markets so the market can do the heavy lifting. They bust myths about buyer’s agents, talk the dangers of one-size-fits-all advice online, explore rentvesting and evolving strategies through life stages, and Michael tells the unforgettable story of how he bought his first property at 18—by running an underground event to raise a deposit.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – 03:00 | Welcome + why Michael stood out
Dion introduces Michael Shaw from Avid Hawkes and shares why Michael’s “people-first” approach feels different to the typical industry noise.

03:00 – 08:00 | Michael’s path: risk → broking → strategy → buyer’s agent
Michael explains how working in insurance and finance sharpened his understanding of what can go wrong—and why he moved into helping clients map the right next steps, not just “buy a property.”

08:00 – 14:00 | Philosophy: let the market do the hard work
Michael breaks down his preference for existing properties in strong fundamentals markets, low maintenance, steady tenants, and long-term holds—so clients can focus on life, not constant property management.

14:00 – 20:00 | Start with the person, not the property
They dive into the questions that matter first: lifestyle, spare time, buffers for surprise bills, insurance, cash flow, and whether buying right now even makes sense.

20:00 – 26:00 | Business owners: don’t make the business your entire retirement plan
Michael explains why relying on selling a business can be risky, and why business owners should build personal wealth outside the business—so a sale becomes a bonus, not the plan.

26:00 – 31:00 | Myths + industry issues + “dangerous marketing”
They discuss low barriers to entry, buyer’s agents pushing volume, and ads prescribing strategies without knowing someone’s goals or risk appetite.

31:00 – 35:00 | How to choose the right buyer’s agent
Michael shares practical filters: qualifications, investing experience, how the company actually services you (salesperson vs agent), client limits, and process transparency.

35:00 – 41:00 | First property story: 18 years old, 2006, deposit via an event
Michael tells the wild story of how he raised a deposit by running a major event—then bought his first property two weeks later.

41:00 – 43:30 | Portfolio evolution + selling to buy lifestyle (debt-free home)
Michael explains scaling up, then selling down to buy the family “dream home” debt free—showing how strategy evolves as priorities change.

43:30 – 45:00 | Why “Avid Hawkes” + book + where to find him
Michael explains the brand meaning, plugs his book Property with Purpose, and shares how to connect via the Avid Hawkes website and LinkedIn.

Episode Duration

Duration: 45:00

In this episode of Finances Property That, Dion sits down with Troyden Ratcliffe (Willow Wealth Partners) — the financial planner behind Dion’s own strategy — for a candid, practical conversation on what business owners miss when it comes to building real wealth. They unpack how to separate business success from personal wealth, why structure and tax planning matter years before you “need” them, and the often-ignored foundations like estate planning, powers of attorney, and correctly underwritten insurance. The episode also dives into SMSFs (when to slow down, when not to do it), common compliance traps, and smart ways parents can start shaping generational wealth without accidentally creating a future tax problem.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 – 4:30 | Welcome + who Troy is

Dion introduces Troy as “the planner behind my portfolio.”

Quick catch-up on Willow Wealth Partners’ growth (and Jess’s new baby Oliver — “nine kilos… he’s a monster”).

4:30 – 12:30 | What business owners get wrong: earning vs extracting

Troy explains a core issue: many high-income business owners can earn well but don’t know how to extract and protect wealth.

Key themes:

Retained earnings sitting in the business = risk exposure.

Don’t let the business become your only asset.

Build alternative assets alongside (property, shares, super).

12:30 – 20:00 | Dion’s situation: structure, flexibility, and the right team

Troy praises Dion’s foundational setup and highlights why structure early creates flexibility later (trusts, income streaming, bucket companies).

Dion reinforces the “right team” principle (accountant + adviser + broker working together).

Big takeaway: structure isn’t just “set and forget” — it prevents future tax pain and unlocks options when profit grows.

20:00 – 27:30 | The blind spot: estate planning + ‘boring paperwork’

Testamentary trusts, wills that match current wealth, and protecting children long-term.

Continuity planning for entities (successor directors / successor appointors).

Dion admits the power of attorney sat on his desk for months — Troy’s point: the mundane admin can be the thing that bites later.

27:30 – 35:30 | Separating business wealth from personal wealth

The “one picture” view: business wealth + personal wealth must run in parallel.

Diversification and protection: super, shares, developments, property strategy—so the business isn’t the single point of failure.

35:30 – 41:30 | SMSF reality check: purpose, sustainability, and rules

Dion shares being told bluntly: “not ready for an SMSF” — and why that honesty matters.

Troy outlines:

SMSF must be sustainable (contributions, buffers, stress testing).

Avoid emotionally driven property decisions—use metrics and, often, a buyer’s agent.

Compliance traps (no personal use; no leasing residential to relatives).

Standout moment: the tax “party pooper” warning — a non-complying fund can go from 15% to 47% tax.

41:30 – 45:00 | Parents + generational wealth: what people ignore

The big three many parents overlook:

Timing of wealth transfer (helping kids earlier vs “dying wealthy”).

Estate planning mechanics (how money flows, tax outcomes, protection from future partners).

Insurance as strategy (life, TPD, income protection; right structure; underwritten cover vs group cover traps).

45:00 – 46:00 | Wrap-up + how to contact Troy

Troy plugs Willow Wealth Partners: book a complimentary consult via the website.

https://willowwealthpartners.com.au/

Dion closes with general advice disclaimer + where to find him.

🎧 Episode Synopsis

In this behind-the-scenes solo episode, Dion Fernandez opens the playbook on his own property portfolio and walks listeners through a real-life investment project he and his partner undertook in Crestmead. From strategic trust structures to creative equity release and subdivision plans, Dion shares the exact debt and finance strategies he uses for clients — but this time, on his own deal. With renovation insights, valuation challenges, and a dream team of advisors backing the process, this episode is a goldmine for property investors looking to manufacture growth the smart way.

🗂️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro & Why Strategy Beats Rate
Dion kicks off by challenging the rate-chasing mindset and introducing the core topic: applying his client finance strategies to his personal portfolio.

01:40 – The Crestmead Purchase: $740K Opportunity
An overview of the off-market deal: corner block, value-add potential, and trust-based purchase structure between Dion and his partner Janna.

03:00 – The Power of the Right Team
From accountants to buyer’s agents and property managers, Dion explains who’s on his team and how each contributed to the project’s success.

05:20 – Renovation on a Budget
How they transformed the property with just $50K in renos — including a full kitchen from Facebook Marketplace for $600 and major cosmetic upgrades.

07:00 – Strategic Lending & Trust Structure
Why they used two separate trusts, how they structured the loans, and how Dion’s prior planning fast-tracked a two-week approval with a major lender.

09:15 – The Back Block Build & Subdivision Plans
The juicy bit: a new 4-bed, 2-bath house going in the backyard without a DA. Dion shares the challenges of “in one line” valuations and how he guided the valuer to a $1.25M pre-construction value.

11:30 – Projected Uplift: From $1.25M to $1.6M
Breaking down build costs, projected sales, and conservative capital gains of $350K–$400K — all while setting up strong future cash flow.

13:00 – Social Proof & Scalability
Dion reflects on living the same strategies he recommends to clients and emphasizes that growth takes time, structure, and a great support team.

14:45 – Final Thoughts & Client Shoutouts
Acknowledgements to the team: Morgan (credit), Chris (Lucid Property Investments), Michelle (Nest Connect), and Janna for being both partner and co-investor.