In this episode of "The Accountant That Builds," Shannon Smit sits down with futurist and AI advocate Steve Sammartino to discuss how small businesses can leverage AI to gain a competitive edge.

Steve shares his thoughts on why AI is the most transformative technology of our time and provides actionable advice for small business owners ready to embrace the future.

From breaking down common fears around AI adoption to showcasing its immense potential, Steve inspires listeners with his insights on efficiency, innovation, and staying ahead in an ever-changing world.

As he puts it, "Move fast. The big will not always beat the small. But the fast will always beat the slow."You can catch Steve's keynote at BITE Conference on 6th May 2025. Visit www.biteconference.com.au for details.

In this episode of "The Accountant That Builds," Shannon Smit sits down with futurist and AI advocate&nbsp;Steve Sammartino&nbsp;to discuss how small businesses can leverage AI to gain a competitive edge.
Steve shares his thoughts on why AI is the most transformative technology of our time and provides actionable advice for small business owners ready to embrace the future.
From breaking down common fears around AI adoption to showcasing its immense potential, Steve inspires listeners with his insights on efficiency, innovation, and staying ahead in an ever-changing world.
As he puts it, "Move fast. The big will not always beat the small. But the fast will always beat the slow."You can catch Steve's keynote at BITE Conference on 6th&nbsp;May 2025. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qKpXC3QAw3InqLKsgf9SQ-TMv?domain=biteconference.com.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qKpXC3QAw3InqLKsgf9SQ-TMv?domain%3Dbiteconference.com.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736387395190000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1grKYdHVVoTkG4fYW06hQ4">www.biteconference.com.au</a>&nbsp;for details.

Welcome to The Accountant That Builds, a workshop style business and finance podcast focused on providing actionable advice to empower individuals and business owners to build lives and businesses they really love.

When host Shannon Smit decided to start her own accounting and business advisory firm, she had a vision from the beginning. With a career spanning global firms in New York, Prague, Amsterdam and Melbourne, Shannon chose to forgo a partner position at a Big 4 firm in New York, in favour of setting up a globally minded, local approach firm offering strategic tax, business and financial advisory in her local region, Mornington Peninsula. She wanted to give local business owners access an advisor with extensive global expertise, without having to travel to the city.  17 years on, and she’s got stories to tell about business and wealth building! Are you ready to build your business and your wealth?  

www.smartbusinesssolutions.com.au/podcast

Welcome to The Accountant That Builds, a workshop style business and finance podcast focused on providing actionable advice to empower individuals and business owners to build lives and businesses they really love.
When host Shannon Smit decided to start her own accounting and business advisory firm, she had a vision from the beginning. With a career spanning global firms in New York, Prague, Amsterdam and Melbourne, Shannon chose to forgo a partner position at a Big 4 firm in New York, in favour of setting up a globally minded, local approach firm offering strategic tax, business and financial advisory in her local region, Mornington Peninsula. She wanted to give local business owners access an advisor with extensive global expertise, without having to travel to the city.  17 years on, and she’s got stories to tell about business and wealth building! Are you ready to build your business and your wealth?  
<a href="https://www.smartbusinesssolutions.com.au/podcast/">www.smartbusinesssolutions.com.au/podcast</a>

The Accountant That Builds

Welcome to The Accountant That Builds, a workshop style business and finance podcast focused on providing actionable advice to empower individuals and business owners to build lives and businesses they really love.

When host Shannon Smit decided to start her own accounting and business advisory firm, she had a vision from the beginning. With a career spanning global firms in New York, Prague, Amsterdam and Melbourne, Shannon chose to forgo a partner position at a Big 4 firm in New York, in favour of setting up a globally minded, local approach firm offering strategic tax, business and financial advisory in her local region, Mornington Peninsula. She wanted to give local business owners access an advisor with extensive global expertise, without having to travel to the city.

17 years on, and she’s got stories to tell about business and wealth building! Are you ready to build your business and your wealth?  

Welcome to The Accountant That Builds, a workshop style business and finance podcast focused on providing actionable advice to empower individuals and business owners to build lives and businesses they really love.
When host Shannon Smit decided to start her own accounting and business advisory firm, she had a vision from the beginning. With a career spanning global firms in New York, Prague, Amsterdam and Melbourne, Shannon chose to forgo a partner position at a Big 4 firm in New York, in favour of setting up a globally minded, local approach firm offering strategic tax, business and financial advisory in her local region, Mornington Peninsula. She wanted to give local business owners access an advisor with extensive global expertise, without having to travel to the city.
17 years on, and she’s got stories to tell about business and wealth building! Are you ready to build your business and your wealth?

The Fast Will Always Beat the Slow: How Small Businesses Can Thrive with AI - with Steve Sammartino

In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Financial Adviser and Accountant, Shannon Smit, dives deep into the compelling world of using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to invest in property. With her signature energy and expertise, Shannon explains the mechanics of SMSFs, contrasting them with retail and industry super funds, and revealing the unique power they offer individuals to take control of their financial future.
From tax advantages like 15% tax on rental income and zero tax on capital gains in pension phase, to leveraging super contributions as a way of indirectly gaining a tax deduction to purchase property, Shannon breaks it all down in a way that feels accessible and strategic.
She shares real-life client stories, including her own, where commercial properties—like office buildings or factories—are purchased within SMSFs and leased back to businesses, creating long-term wealth and tax efficiency. Shannon also unpacks the rules around residential property—highlighting strict limitations on personal use—and discusses how smart structuring can open up even more opportunities.
The episode is rich with advice on managing diversification within your super, planning for liquidity in retirement, and transitioning properties out of super in pension phase—all while navigating the complexity with professional support. If you’ve ever considered turning your super into a wealth-building tool through property, this episode is a goldmine of insights and practical guidance.

In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Financial Adviser and Accountant, Shannon Smit, dives deep into the compelling world of using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to invest in property. With her signature energy and expertise, Shannon explains the mechanics of SMSFs, contrasting them with retail and industry super funds, and revealing the unique power they offer individuals to take control of their financial future. From tax advantages like 15% tax on rental income and zero tax on capital gains in pension phase, to leveraging super contributions as a way of indirectly gaining a tax deduction to purchase property, Shannon breaks it all down in a way that feels accessible and strategic. She shares real-life client stories, including her own, where commercial properties&mdash;like office buildings or factories&mdash;are purchased within SMSFs and leased back to businesses, creating long-term wealth and tax efficiency. Shannon also unpacks the rules around residential property&mdash;highlighting strict limitations on personal use&mdash;and discusses how smart structuring can open up even more opportunities. The episode is rich with advice on managing diversification within your super, planning for liquidity in retirement, and transitioning properties out of super in pension phase&mdash;all while navigating the complexity with professional support. If you&rsquo;ve ever considered turning your super into a wealth-building tool through property, this episode is a goldmine of insights and practical guidance.

Building Your Future - Property Investment with Super

Investing in property is one thing, but scaling a property portfolio is another challenge
altogether. In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit dives into one of her favourite topics—how to make the leap from two properties to multiple properties while maintaining cash flow neutrality. If you’re looking to expand your investment portfolio and want practical, strategic advice, this is the episode for you.

Shannon shares her insights on selecting the right properties, financing strategies, and the importance of structuring your investments correctly. She also explains the concept of cash flow neutrality—how to balance rental income with expenses to ensure your properties aren’t draining your finances. 

With years of experience as both an investor and financial advisor,
Shannon offers real-life examples of what works (and what doesn’t), including lessons from her own property journey.

From navigating negative gearing and tax benefits to understanding market trends and risk management, this episode is packed with valuable insights for property investors at any stage.
Whether you’re an experienced investor or just beginning to explore property as a wealth- building tool, Shannon provides the strategies and mindset shifts needed to grow a sustainable and profitable portfolio.
Tune in now to learn how to take your property investments to the next level.

Investing in property is one thing, but scaling a property portfolio is another challenge altogether. In this episode of The Accountant That Builds, Shannon Smit dives into one of her favourite topics&mdash;how to make the leap from two properties to multiple properties while maintaining cash flow neutrality. If you&rsquo;re looking to expand your investment portfolio and want practical, strategic advice, this is the episode for you.
Shannon shares her insights on selecting the right properties, financing strategies, and the importance of structuring your investments correctly. She also explains the concept of cash flow neutrality&mdash;how to balance rental income with expenses to ensure your properties aren&rsquo;t draining your finances.&nbsp;
With years of experience as both an investor and financial advisor, Shannon offers real-life examples of what works (and what doesn&rsquo;t), including lessons from her own property journey.
From navigating negative gearing and tax benefits to understanding market trends and risk management, this episode is packed with valuable insights for property investors at any stage. Whether you&rsquo;re an experienced investor or just beginning to explore property as a wealth- building tool, Shannon provides the strategies and mindset shifts needed to grow a sustainable and profitable portfolio. Tune in now to learn how to take your property investments to the next level.

From 2 to 10: Building A Self-Sufficient Property Portfolio

When it comes to funding aged care, the challenges go beyond finances.

Decisions often need to be made urgently for loved ones requiring immediate out-of-home care.

These moments are emotional, and the process may involve complex estate planning or even disagreements among family members about the best course of action.In this episode, Shannon Smit is joined by aged care financial specialists Bianca Carroll and Tricia Hill from Smart Private Wealth.

Together, they explore this critical and often-overlooked topic.

You’ll learn what aged care financial planning is, why it differs from general financial advice, and how it can help families manage the costs of aged care while preserving assets, maximising benefits, and minimising tax losses.

Bianca and Tricia also share real-life examples of how their advice has led to life-changing outcomes for their clients.Whether you’re navigating aged care decisions now or planning for the future, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

When it comes to funding aged care, the challenges go beyond finances.
Decisions often need to be made urgently for loved ones requiring immediate out-of-home care.
These moments are emotional, and the process may involve complex estate planning or even disagreements among family members about the best course of action.In this episode, Shannon Smit is joined by aged care financial specialists Bianca Carroll and Tricia Hill from Smart Private Wealth.
Together, they explore this critical and often-overlooked topic.
You&rsquo;ll learn what aged care financial planning is, why it differs from general financial advice, and how it can help families manage the costs of aged care while preserving assets, maximising benefits, and minimising tax losses.
Bianca and Tricia also share real-life examples of how their advice has led to life-changing outcomes for their clients.Whether you&rsquo;re navigating aged care decisions now or planning for the future, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Fast Will Always Beat the Slow: How Small Businesses Can Thrive with AI - with Steve Sammartino

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