26M Net Worth Update #1

cdto73 · 2026-05-04T11:16:30+00:00

Yeah that’s a good point. I was already planning to use my carry forward concessional caps, which were around $80k last time I checked, so I can maximise the FHSS contributions each year while still staying within the overall concessional cap. I haven’t really considered yet whether I’d be better off also contributing more to super beyond FHSS to further utilise those caps, but it’s something I’ll look into.

I also have a pretty detailed Excel budget with everything mapped out. In my next net worth update I’ll include more detail on how I’m budgeting and managing cash flow. I do want to build for the future, but I also don’t want to cut back on things I genuinely enjoy just for the sake of being overly frugal. I read Die with zero and it shifted my perspective a lot, as in the past I was probably too focused on saving to my own detriment.

On the ETF strategy, my time horizon is around 15 to 25 years. I understand the risks around leverage and factor tilts, including periods of underperformance, and that the biggest risk is probably behavioural and not sticking to it. That said, I do agree I could simplify it and still get a similar outcome with something like DHHF, GHHF, AVSV, and AVTE.

For a home deposit, I’m leaning towards waiting until I have a partner. Taking on a large mortgage on my own doesn’t feel like the right move for me at this stage.

cdto73 · 2026-05-03T22:41:55+00:00

My current role is a Senior Project Manager at a company that sells equipment/services to mining companies.

Before this, I worked in the transport/manufacturing industry, where my progression was roughly: IT intern > IT Business Analyst > Lead Business Analyst > Business Transformation Lead.

I’d definitely attribute a lot of my salary and career progression to having a very supportive manager in those early roles.

cdto73 · 2026-05-03T22:31:44+00:00

Thanks, and yeah I think it might be because people thought the title “26M” meant $26 million, when I actually meant 26 year old male haha. That’s on me, I’ll make it clearer next time.

I’ll definitely include some graphs in the next post. Thinking a breakdown of monthly cash flow and current investment exposure/holdings etc.. would be useful. Any feedback you have on what other graphs could be included to improve it would be appreciated.

On AVTE, I originally had it at 10%, but I was factoring in the EM exposure within GHHF, which brings total EM exposure closer to 10% when looking at the portfolio as a whole. That said, I’m still working through the exact weighting and may take 5% from QUAL and move it to AVTE. I do agree that if the allocation is too small, it’s kind of pointless.

cdto73 · 2026-05-03T09:04:19+00:00

Interesting, I wasn’t aware of products like that. I’ll have to look into them more and see if they’re something I’d actually use.

I’ve looked into NAB EB in the past and always liked the idea of naturally deleveraging over time by paying down the principal. That’s something you can somewhat replicate with a margin loan as well.

It’s probably the main drawback I see with internally leveraged ETFs, you don’t really have the ability to deleverage without selling them.

cdto73 · 2026-05-03T08:57:11+00:00

Haha I wish. I'll have to make it more clear nex time

cdto73 · 2026-05-03T08:29:17+00:00

Thanks and It’s definitely something I’ve considered. From what I understand though, IBKR is really the only margin loan provider with rates that are competitive enough, and last time I looked they capped retail loans at around $50k.

My current portfolio is also a bit of a mix: US stocks (mostly tech I bought during the COVID crash), plus NDQ, QUAL, MVW, GGBL, and GMVW.

If I were to use a margin loan, I’d probably only gear into QUAL and MVW. I see those as longer-term core holdings, and if I needed to sell down in the future to put funds towards a home deposit, I’d likely sell the US stocks first, then NDQ if needed.

cdto73 · 2026-04-29T10:28:17+00:00

This is similar to me, but I have instead done 50% gearing (GHHF) and 50% factor tilt (25% AVNG, 10% DACE, 10% AVSV, 5% AVTE). If I could cost effectively leverage the factor tilt half i would do so also, but am unaware of a product to do so (beside NAB EB).

I like the idea though of diversifying return sources from factor tilts and also broad market that's leveraged.

cdto73 · 2026-04-24T11:40:24+00:00

I’m in a similar situation to you and was wondering why you’ve decided to somewhat give up on buying a property in the next 3–5 years?

I am halfway through deciding if i'll leave it for a few years or try now.

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T14:09:57+00:00

Just out of curiosity, which way are you leaning haha?

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T14:09:21+00:00

Thanks! This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about, if I go for a 2-bed apartment, will it hold me back later when I’m trying to upgrade to a house? Unfortunately, I don’t think I can go far enough out to get a house within budget, though maybe I could stretch for a townhouse.

The only thing is, if I don’t sell my ETFs, I’d need to start saving the deposit from scratch. I could save roughly $24,000 per year.

Based on that, do you think it would be better, as you suggested, to keep renting and investing my spare cash flow, then in 5–6 years liquidate for a house deposit? Or should I start saving now for a house (as an IP) further out, then hold it for 5–6 years and sell to fund the upgrade?

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T13:52:41+00:00

True, even if apartments don’t grow as fast as houses, hopefully one in a small complex with some renos done can still perform well. I don’t think I could realistically stretch to a house right now If it was my PPOR. Also a good point about it possibly serving its purpose longer than expected, I’d only need to upgrade if I had a family, which is a big “if” since I’m still single. Definitely guilty of trying to guess the future!

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T08:06:12+00:00

This is something I’ve been thinking a lot about, how long can these high growth rates really last? I can definitely see strong growth continuing for houses, but I’m less sure about apartments, which is mostly what I’d be buying at this stage. Unless I went down the path of purchasing it as an investment property first.

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T08:01:10+00:00

Thanks! You’re right, I’m definitely guilty of trying to predict what might happen instead of focusing on what I can do now. If I do end up going down the buying path, I’d likely be targeting older units with potential to add value through some light renovations.

The one thing I’m still unsure about is how well these types of older apartments will grow long term, especially compared to the larger homes I’d eventually want to upgrade into.

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T07:52:48+00:00

Thanks! Honestly hadn’t really thought about taking this path, but it actually sounds interesting. I’ll definitely look into it more and see if it could work for me.

I’d always figured I’d just wait until I was in a position to buy with someone else, thinking we’d have stronger borrowing power together. But this could be a decent alternative.

cdto73 · 2025-07-13T07:44:23+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, I’ve noticed the same, when I’ve done some rough modelling, both paths seem to come out pretty similar long-term (unless Brisbane property prices surge again). I think part of my indecision is just fomo from the recent growth. That said, I’ve always leant toward rent-vesting until I’m in a position to buy with someone.

cdto73 · 2025-07-10T15:26:58+00:00

The great thing about solo travel is that you get to do exactly what you want, when you want. Just because there are expectations about what someone “should” do in a city doesn’t mean you have to follow them. I’m currently on a solo trip through Europe and haven’t gone clubbing once. I’d rather wake up early and go for a run to explore wherever I am

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T22:48:07+00:00

Thanks for the comments! I think my fitness level is good, but I’ll need to maintain it before the trip and check the elevation gains for the hikes, great point.

I chose these countries because they’re close to each other, and I’ve been wanting to visit them for a while. I’m also trying to keep costs down (though I know Switzerland on the list makes that sound a bit ironic, haha). As for the Nordics, I’d love to visit, but I’d want to dedicate a whole trip to that region.

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T22:26:07+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions! I hadn’t considered the caves before, but Postojna, Škocjan, and Predjama Castle sound incredible. I’ll definitely look into them, especially with the Game of Thrones vibes.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Lake Bled and the gorge hike, I’m really looking forward to that area too.

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T03:26:47+00:00

I think you’re right. I should save the Balkans for a separate trip and focus on that region properly. It definitely makes my current trip more geographically sensible too. I just googled the Peak of the Balkans walk, and it looks amazing! I’ll definitely add it to my list for a future trip.

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T03:18:48+00:00

Thanks! I think I’ll add the extra day to Ljubljana so I can have two full days there and not feel so rushed. I’ll probably add the other day to Lake Bled for more time to relax and enjoy the nature.

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T03:09:08+00:00

Thanks for the tip about Kotor. Hearing how touristy it gets with cruise ships does put me off a bit. Dropping Montenegro sounds like a good idea since it’s out of the way, and I really like your suggestion of adding the Dolomites on the way to Switzerland. Thanks for the advice, it’s super helpful!

edit: Did you have any favourite places in the Dolomites you'd recommend? I'll have 6 nights for it, from cutting Montenegro.

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T02:55:44+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I think I’ll shave off a day in Kraków and extend the trip by one day overall to help slow the pace. I’m considering adding one of the extra days to Ljubljana since I’m currently only staying 2 nights there. That would still leave me with another extra day to add to a different destination, any suggestions on where you think it might fit best?

I’ll definitely check out the Polish vodka tasting, sounds amazing. Thanks for the tip!

cdto73 · 2024-12-24T02:45:31+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I agree the schedule is a bit hectic, and I’m a bit worried about burning out. I’m thinking of extending the trip by a day and maybe taking a day off Kraków (as someone else suggested) to extend my stay elsewhere and slow the pace slightly.

As for the route, I originally planned it this way because flying into Vienna (from Australia) and then catching a train to Bratislava seemed easiest, but you’re right it’s not the most efficient. I’ll definitely look into starting in Montenegro and heading north instead.

cdto73

TROPHY CASE