Why Your Super Isn't a Set-and-Forget Strategy

Property or Super: Better Long-Term Play?

High Earners: Get Up to 50% Back via Super

Ditch the 'Property Person' Mindset

Catch-Up Contributions, Explained

$300K to $2M: Early Planning Pays Off

The Emotional Side of Money Planning

If you’re navigating retirement planning in Australia, this episode is a must-listen.

Financial adviser James Wrigley joins The Elephant in the Room to unpack the strategies that high-income earners, Gen X professionals, and aspiring retirees can use to build a more secure financial future, without falling into the usual traps.

From maximising tax returns through superannuation to understanding why property may not be the most reliable retirement asset, James breaks down complex concepts into actionable steps. You’ll learn how super could grow from $300K to $2M, when and how to use catch-up contributions, and why liquidity and access might be more important than you think.

This episode challenges the idea that you need to be “a property person” or “a shares person” and instead offers a mindset shift: invest based on outcomes, not identity. Whether you’re in your 40s and just starting to take your future seriously, or you’re closing in on retirement, this conversation will change the way you think about your money.


Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome

04:00 – Why Your Super Isn't a Set-and-Forget Strategy

08:30 – Property vs Super: Which Is the Better Long-Term Play?

20:50 – How High-Income Earners Can Get Up to 50% Back Through Super

33:40 – Ditch the “Property Person” Mentality

41:15 – Catch-Up Contributions Explained

47:25 – $300K to $2M: The Power of Early Planning

52:00 – The Emotional Side of Financial Planning

 

About the Guest

James Wrigley is a Principal and Certified Financial Planner at First Financial, a leading Melbourne-based firm specializing in financial planning and superannuation management. With nearly two decades of industry experience, James has progressed from administrative roles to the highest levels of advisory leadership, serving clients ranging from young professionals building their wealth to retirees planning for aged care.

Known for his dynamic approach and strong online presence, he is committed to understanding each client's motivations and delivering tailored strategies for lasting financial well-being.

James is particularly recognized for fostering client relationships built on trust and clear communication, and he frequently shares his expertise through podcasts, social media channels, and public presentations to empower Australians with practical financial insights


Connect with James
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gLgLcVe_m8-Q9UWKvMObQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjameswrigley/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wrigley
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IQReBXcUdYnBeaXuFpHc1


Resources
Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:
The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.alcove.au
Work with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.au

 

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765

 

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

 

See you on the inside,

Veronica & Chris

If you&rsquo;re navigating retirement planning in Australia, this episode is a must-listen.
Financial adviser James Wrigley joins The Elephant in the Room to unpack the strategies that high-income earners, Gen X professionals, and aspiring retirees can use to build a more secure financial future, without falling into the usual traps.
From maximising tax returns through superannuation to understanding why property may not be the most reliable retirement asset, James breaks down complex concepts into actionable steps. You&rsquo;ll learn how super could grow from $300K to $2M, when and how to use catch-up contributions, and why liquidity and access might be more important than you think.
This episode challenges the idea that you need to be &ldquo;a property person&rdquo; or &ldquo;a shares person&rdquo; and instead offers a mindset shift: invest based on outcomes, not identity. Whether you&rsquo;re in your 40s and just starting to take your future seriously, or you&rsquo;re closing in on retirement, this conversation will change the way you think about your money.
 Episode Highlights
00:00 &ndash; Welcome
04:00 &ndash; Why Your Super Isn't a Set-and-Forget Strategy
08:30 &ndash; Property vs Super: Which Is the Better Long-Term Play?
20:50 &ndash; How High-Income Earners Can Get Up to 50% Back Through Super
33:40 &ndash; Ditch the &ldquo;Property Person&rdquo; Mentality
41:15 &ndash; Catch-Up Contributions Explained
47:25 &ndash; $300K to $2M: The Power of Early Planning
52:00 &ndash; The Emotional Side of Financial Planning
&nbsp;
About the Guest
James Wrigley is a Principal and Certified Financial Planner at First Financial, a leading Melbourne-based firm specializing in financial planning and superannuation management. With nearly two decades of industry experience, James has progressed from administrative roles to the highest levels of advisory leadership, serving clients ranging from young professionals building their wealth to retirees planning for aged care.
Known for his dynamic approach and strong online presence, he is committed to understanding each client's motivations and delivering tailored strategies for lasting financial well-being.
James is particularly recognized for fostering client relationships built on trust and clear communication, and he frequently shares his expertise through podcasts, social media channels, and public presentations to empower Australians with practical financial insights
 Connect with James
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gLgLcVe_m8-Q9UWKvMObQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gLgLcVe_m8-Q9UWKvMObQ</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamjameswrigley/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/iamjameswrigley/?hl=en</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wrigley">https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wrigley</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1IQReBXcUdYnBeaXuFpHc1">https://open.spotify.com/show/1IQReBXcUdYnBeaXuFpHc1</a></li>
</ul>
 Resources
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit our website: <a href="https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au">https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - <a href="mailto:questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au">questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? <a href="http://www.gooddeeds.com.au/">https://www.gooddeeds.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Veronica: <a href="http://www.veronicamorgan.com.au">https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Mortgage Broker? <a href="https://www.alcove.au">https://www.alcove.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Chris: <a href="mailto:chrisbates@alcove.au">chrisbates@alcove.au</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast">https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719">https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765">https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
If you enjoyed today&rsquo;s podcast, don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There&rsquo;s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!
&nbsp;
See you on the inside,
Veronica &amp; Chris

Who's really in control when you buy a property?

The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.  

Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.

Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.

In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.

The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!

We talk about the things no one wants to talk about in the Property Market

The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Super vs property — which builds long-term wealth? James Wrigley joins us to unpack real returns, tax perks, and the mindset shift Gen X needs for retirement.

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