This is one of our most important episodes - ever!

Predictions feel powerful until they're not.

We pull back the curtain on what actually drives long-term investment returns and explore how a systematic, evidence-led approach can help you capture the returns you are owed while avoiding costly traps.

Aden and David sit down with Bhanu Singh, CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors Australia, to trace the real story of modern investing: from Harry Markowitz’s portfolio theory and the birth of clean market data at CRSP to Eugene Fama’s insight that prices embed information. Bhanu explains how research moved beyond CAPM to the Fama-French model, why small and value stocks have higher expected returns, and how profitability adds a sharper lens to selecting resilient companies. The message is clear and practical: start with the global market portfolio, then tilt deliberately toward proven drivers of returns, all while staying diversified and cost aware.

We also examine the strengths and limits of index funds. Lower fees and broad exposure are wins, but rigid rules can force trades at bad moments. Along the way, we cut through media noise, address behaviour gaps that derail investors, and highlight how better implementation turns good research into better outcomes.

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The Purposeful Investor Podcast is a public service provided for Australian investors wanting to make smart decisions with their money, avoid costly mistakes, look after the people they care about, and, have a great life!

We draw on over 30 years of experience from David Andrew and the Capital Partners team.

For more information on Capital Partners' award winning team, visit capital-partners.com.au.

Have a question? Email us ask@capital-partners.com.au.

This episode provides general advice only. We do not consider your personal circumstances when we share this information. Always refer to your financial adviser for advice about your personal circumstances.

Capital Partners Consulting Pty Ltd AFSL 227148 trading as Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers ABN 27 086 670 788.

Markets never move in straight lines and 2025 proved it once again. The first year of President Trump Mk II was always going to be interesting!

As we look to 2026, we dust off the crystal ball for a conversation about markets and investing. David Andrew and Nick Mengola join Aden to look back at markets in 2025 and look to the major trends to understand what might be in store for 2026.

AI sits centre stage for 2026. We explore capex surges, competitive shifts between OpenAI and Google, and how to hold measured exposure without betting the farm on AI.

We discuss the returns of markets and market dimensions of large, value, small and profitability.

If you’re looking for a calm, evidence-led plan for a volatile year ahead, here's your road map: diversify across regions and factors, own enough high-quality bonds, rebalance, and be a prepared (rational) optimist.

Share with a friend who needs a steadier strategy and leave a review to tell us how you’re positioning for 2026.

Show notes:

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The Purposeful Investor Podcast is a public service provided for Australian investors wanting to make smart decisions with their money, avoid costly mistakes, look after the people they care about, and, have a great life!

We draw on over 30 years of experience from David Andrew and the Capital Partners team.

For more information on Capital Partners' award winning team, visit capital-partners.com.au.

Have a question? Email us ask@capital-partners.com.au.

This episode provides general advice only. We do not consider your personal circumstances when we share this information. Always refer to your financial adviser for advice about your personal circumstances.

Capital Partners Consulting Pty Ltd AFSL 227148 trading as Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers ABN 27 086 670 788.

In this powerful episode of The Purposeful Investor, host Aden Wilkins welcomes Tracy Hall - author, keynote speaker, and survivor of one of Australia’s most prolific con men. Tracy shares her deeply personal story of losing her life savings, and the psychological toll it took. Together, Aden and Tracy explore the emotional aftermath, the process of rebuilding trust, and the practical steps everyone can take to protect themselves and loved ones from financial fraud.

Tracy sheds light on the tactics scammers use, from emotional manipulation to advanced social engineering, and discusses her advocacy work in raising awareness about modern-day scams, including emerging threats like “pig butchering” and sextortion scams targeting young people. The episode also highlights the crucial role of financial advisors, the importance of reporting scams, and how victims can reclaim their confidence and security.

Summary

0:00-1:04 Introduction
1:04-2:07 Wins of the Week
2:07-2:35 Tracy’s experience
2:35-4:48 Tracy’s relationship with “Max Tavita” (Hamish McLaren)
4:48-5:03 Hamish’s arrest and Tracy’s shock
5:03-7:12 Financial, psychological, and personal impacts
7:12-10:58 Support from other victims and the importance of not blaming oneself
10:58-15:23 Strategies, seeking professional help, and life changes
15:23-18:24 Finding the confidence to become an advocate in this space
18:24-24:05 The psychology of scams

24:05-28:13 Practical steps to protect yourself
28:13-31:38 The role financial advisers can play in client safety and building trust
31:38-37:33 Tracy’s journey regaining trust
37:33-43:19 Modern scams
43:19-46:29 Prevention methods to use at home
46:29-47:34 Key takeaways
47:34-48:22 Closing remarks

Resources:

Who the Hell is Hamish Podcast - Who the Hell is Hamish? - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

Tracy's Website - Tracy Hall

Tracy's LinkedIn Page - Tracy Hall | LinkedIn

The Last Victim - The Last Victim: A serial con man. The ultimate betrayal. An unbreakable woman. The full story behind the relation

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The Purposeful Investor Podcast is a public service provided for Australian investors wanting to make smart decisions with their money, avoid costly mistakes, look after the people they care about, and, have a great life!

We draw on over 30 years of experience from David Andrew and the Capital Partners team.

For more information on Capital Partners' award winning team, visit capital-partners.com.au.

Have a question? Email us ask@capital-partners.com.au.

This episode provides general advice only. We do not consider your personal circumstances when we share this information. Always refer to your financial adviser for advice about your personal circumstances.

Capital Partners Consulting Pty Ltd AFSL 227148 trading as Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers ABN 27 086 670 788.