Invest Smarter Grow Faster

The Long Game: Building Real Wealth with Nick Reilly

Episode Summary

In this episode of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian sits down with Nick Reilly, founder of Inovayt, to unpack what smart investing looks like in today’s fast-moving world. With nearly two decades of experience in lending and financial planning, Nick brings clarity to common pitfalls—from high-rise apartment traps to outdated SMSFs—and the red flags in property spruiking. They discuss the rise of buyer’s agents, the myth of the “best rate,” the increasing role of AI in finance, and why structure and planning matter more than ever. Nick also opens up about what makes a good advisor, how investors are changing post-COVID, and why confirmation—not just data—is what clients really seek. If you're planning to build a portfolio, refinance, or just want to avoid financial mistakes that could cost you decades, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Episode Notes

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian sits down with Nick Reilly, founder of Inovayt, to unpack what smart investing looks like in today’s fast-moving world. With nearly two decades of experience in lending and financial planning, Nick brings clarity to common pitfalls—from high-rise apartment traps to outdated SMSFs—and the red flags in property spruiking. They discuss the rise of buyer’s agents, the myth of the “best rate,” the increasing role of AI in finance, and why structure and planning matter more than ever. Nick also opens up about what makes a good advisor, how investors are changing post-COVID, and why confirmation—not just data—is what clients really seek. If you're planning to build a portfolio, refinance, or just want to avoid financial mistakes that could cost you decades, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

(06:00) The evolution of mortgage broking
(07:00) Compliance then vs now
(08:00) How the industry changed post-Royal Commission
(09:00) Lessons from business: trust your gut
(10:00) The cost of hiring the wrong people
(19:00) Unwinding failed SMSF strategies
(20:30) When to sell underperforming assets
(21:30) Poor structure = poor returns
(23:30) Government schemes: pros, cons, and fine print
(27:00) The role of buyer’s agents in owner-occupier deals
(32:00) The rise in buyer’s agent leads
(34:00) AI in finance: threat or ally?
(38:00) Caution in AI implementation
(39:00) Why rates aren’t everything
(42:00) Avoiding rate traps and bank switches
(44:00) Land tax, cashflow, and chasing numbers
(45:00) The negative gearing myth
(46:00) Property growth expectations vs reality

About Nick:

Nick Reilly is the CEO and Founder of Inovayt Group, one of Australia’s leading independent financial services firms. Since 2007, he has built Inovayt into a nationally recognised organisation that delivers tailored solutions across mortgage broking, wealth planning and financial strategy. With a career in financial services that began in 2001, Nick combines a Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Finance) with extensive industry qualifications to guide both clients and his team toward long-term success.

His leadership focus is on helping clients make smarter financial decisions while also creating an environment where his team can thrive. Over nearly two decades, Nick has developed expertise in scaling financial services businesses, diversifying into complementary markets and building strong referral partnerships.

Beyond leading Inovayt, Nick is also a co-host of The Numbers Game podcast, where he joins Jason Robinson and Marty Vidakovic to share insights on finance, business and investment in a practical, conversational way. Passionate about helping people understand their numbers, Nick’s focus is on creating strategies that empower clients to build wealth and achieve their goals.