Meet Alexander Lee: From uni grad to 3 investment properties and a wealth mindset that’ll inspire you to rethink everything.

What if your first property wasn’t just a financial move, but the beginning of a new way of thinking?

In this episode, I sit down with longtime friend and former mentee, Alexander Lee, an FX trader, CFA charterholder, and someone who’s quietly built a three-property portfolio while staying grounded, strategic, and values-driven. From humble beginnings as a uni student trying to structure his resumé, to climbing the ranks at global firms like UBS and Bentham Asset Management, Alex shares the mindset shifts, sacrifices, and lessons that have shaped his approach to wealth, lifestyle, and risk.

We dive deep into his philosophy around debt, diversification, and living below your means, even as your income grows. If you’re looking for real talk from someone who’s walked the path (and done it thoughtfully), this is the one to tune into.

Alexander Lee talks about:

02:03From uni student to global finance
04:58Why relationships matter more than resumés
09:12Learning the most at a small firm
14:15How the CFA changed his investing mindset
18:23Lifestyle creep, debt & living smart
25:20The shift from fear to confidence in property
30:45What he got right (and wrong) in property buying
36:00Rethinking the Aussie dream
41:00The debt aversion holding people back
44:06Why he’s giving back through career coaching
49:00What’s next: the forever home vision
50:35Final reflections and takeaways

About Aaron:

Aaron-Christie David founded Atelier Wealth, a Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) approved Mortgage Broker. Aaron’s focus is clear – supporting property investors to make confident decisions to build their property portfolio. He has been recognised in the MPA Top 100 Broker rankings for the last three years. 

With over 10 years of financial services experience, with a career spanning Wizard Home Loans and Commonwealth Bank, Aaron’s decision to become a broker was to help more Australians fearlessly buy investment properties to achieve intergenerational wealth. 

Connect with Aaron:

Visit the website: https://atelierwealth.com.au/

Follow the Australian Investment Property Podcast’s Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/aupropertyinvestmentpodcast/

Follow Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronchristiedavid

Follow Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristiedavid/

Subscribe to Atelier Wealth’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@atelierwealth_au

About Colin Lewis:

Colin Lewis is one of Australia’s leading experts in superannuation, tax strategy, and retirement planning. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Colin serves as the Head of Strategic Advice at Fitzpatrick’s Private Wealth, where he provides high-level technical and strategic support to financial advisers across the country.

A sought-after speaker and regular contributor to the Australian Financial Review, Colin is known for making complex financial concepts practical and understandable. His work helps both professionals and individuals navigate the intricacies of wealth management, estate planning, and intergenerational financial advice.

Connect with Colin Lewis:

Visit the website: https://fitz.com.au/

Follow Colin Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-lewis-17640731/

Check out his 50+ articles in the AFR here: https://www.afr.com/by/colin-lewis-p4yvmq