Invest Smarter Grow Faster

Finance Is a Game of Structure with Kat Stephens

Episode Summary

In this episode of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian is joined by finance strategist and Entourage Finance broker Katherine Stephens. With over a decade in banking, commercial lending, and now broking, Kat shares how she helps clients go beyond a transaction to build real financial strategy. From leveraging equity the smart way, to structuring for long-term growth, and avoiding pre-approval traps, Kat reveals the common mistakes buyers make — and how to avoid them. They also deep-dive into SMSF borrowing, the power of pre-planning, and how working with the right team (accountant, buyer’s agent, broker, and solicitor) is the secret weapon of top investors.

Episode Notes

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian is joined by finance strategist and Entourage Finance broker Katherine Stephens. With over a decade in banking, commercial lending, and now broking, Kat shares how she helps clients go beyond a transaction to build real financial strategy.

From leveraging equity the smart way, to structuring for long-term growth, and avoiding pre-approval traps, Kat reveals the common mistakes buyers make — and how to avoid them. They also deep-dive into SMSF borrowing, the power of pre-planning, and how working with the right team (accountant, buyer’s agent, broker, and solicitor) is the secret weapon of top investors.

(04:00) Breaking into commercial banking and working with high-net clients

(06:00) Why she moved from banking to broking

(08:00) The big difference a broker can make

(10:00) Why broking allows true long-term client relationships

(11:00) How Kat preps clients for strategy, not just loans

(13:00) Building a team around your finance plan

(14:00) The trust trap: why BBQ advice costs real money

(15:00) Why fully assessed pre-approvals matter

(16:30) The hidden risks of computer-generated approvals

(18:00) Business owners and finance — what’s changed?

(20:00) SMSF lending: boom, trends, and what’s possible

(22:30) What minimum balance do you really need for SMSF property?

(25:00) Common SMSF mistakes: equity access, off-the-plan traps

(27:00) Why “trusted” advisers still get it wrong

(28:30) Cashflow errors that could’ve been avoided

(30:00) Staying across government grants and schemes

(32:00) Rentvesting is back — and it’s smarter than ever

(34:30) Real growth vs. emotional buying

(36:00) Case study: how a client went from one to two properties fast

(37:00) Where investors are buying in 2024

(39:00) Why most investors stall after property #1

(40:00) How to unlock and leverage equity

(42:00) Structuring for growth: trusts, names, and the ATO

(44:00) The reality of owning 10+ properties

(45:00) Mindset, maintenance, and managing expectations

(46:00) Knowing your comfort zone and cashflow limits
(47:00) Final thoughts: plan early, build your finance team

About Kat:

Kathryn Stephens is Finance Broker at Entourage Finance based in Cremorne, Victoria. Kathryn has over 9 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Entourage Finance, Kathryn held various roles within the financial services industry, including analyst and relationship executive roles at CBA. She worked at the Australian Lending & Investment Centre for 2 years gaining her experience around strategy and structure for her clients. In her current position, she is responsible for providing ethical lending solutions to clients across diverse industries, helping them to build their wealth.

On a day-to-day basis, Kathryn meets with clients, helps them make informed financial decisions, and provides them with personalised advice and guidance. She takes a holistic approach to her work, leveraging her experience in retail, corporate, commercial, and premier banking to provide tailored solutions that meet her clients’ specific needs. What sets her apart from her peers is her commitment to building long-term relationships with her clients, with the goal of enabling them to eventually work because they want to, not because they have to.

Kathryn is a certified MFAA and AFCA member, with a Certificate IV in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor of Business and Finance, giving her the qualifications and experience to provide exceptional service to her clients. Positive results in her role are measured through happy client feedback and referrals via word of mouth.