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 relationship made famous by the hit podcast Who the Hell is Hamish? eBook : Hall, Tracy, Land, Summer: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

For more information on Capital Partners visit capital-partners.com.au.

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

This episode provides general advice only. 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 bonus series, Aden is joined by Damon Sugden, Principal Wealth Adviser at Capital Partners, who reflects on his unique journey from international ballroom stages to financial advisory. Discover how a life in the performing arts shaped his mindset, why financial independence is central to his values, and how he helps clients reimagine retirement.

Damon shares how personal loss inspires his work, the meaning behind being a “Family Steward” and “Freedom Seeker,” and his ongoing passion for empowering others through education and connection.

• (00:41 – 02:39) Life on stage: Damon’s ballroom dance career
• (02:46 – 03:12) Transitioning from performer to financial adviser
• (03:12 – 04:04) Getting started at Capital Partners
• (04:18 – 05:22) Transferable skills from dance to advising
• (05:27 – 05:55) Why client relationships matter most
• (06:10 – 07:16) Redefining retirement and helping others live fully in later life
• (07:30 – 08:13) Running educational workshops
• (08:33 – 09:26) A favourite Capital Partners memory and company culture
• (09:39 – 10:44) Damon’s money personality
• (10:56 – 11:18) If not a financial adviser, what would Damon do next

For more information on Capital Partners visit capital-partners.com.au.

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

This episode provides general advice only. 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.

Aden sits down with mergers and acquisitions expert Brendan Cockram from Octavian Group and senior wealth adviser James McLeod to unpack the strategy behind a successful business exit.

They explore how to prepare your business for sale, determine its true value, and structure deals that balance risk and reward.

From understanding key valuation drivers to timing the market and navigating buyer negotiations, this episode reveals the playbook every business owner should know before selling. Plus, the trio discusses emotional readiness, succession planning, and how to ensure your life goals and financial future stay aligned long after the deal is done.

• 3:40–8:45 Brendan’s journey into M&A and founding Octavian Group
• 8:45–14:10 Where to start when planning a business sale
• 14:10–19:30 Personal and financial readiness before selling
• 19:30–27:55 How to value a business and understand multiples
• 27:55–35:40 Finding and approaching potential buyers
• 35:40–42:50 Structuring deals and managing key-person risk
• 42:50–49:15 Tax planning and maximizing after-sale outcomes
• 49:15–53:40 Why every business should stay “sale ready”

For more information on Capital Partners visit capital-partners.com.au.

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

This episode provides general advice only. 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.