The Money Doctors

The Federal Budget could reshape the financial landscape for doctors, business owners and investors for years to come. While none of the major reforms are law yet, the proposed changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing and discretionary trusts have already sparked urgent conversations across the financial sector.  Bongiorno Group directors Nick Fennessy and Mitch McKeown break down the biggest announcements from Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget and explain what they could mean in practical terms. They unpack the proposed overhaul of discretionary trust taxation, changes to negative gearing for future property purchases, major CGT reforms across all asset classes, and why self-managed super funds may emerge as one of the biggest winners.   They also discuss EV tax concessions, private health insurance rebate reductions, instant asset write-offs, and why investors should avoid panic while the legislation process unfolds.  The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/    This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Higher uncertainty and greater volatility may define the current investment market, but this environment also presents meaningful opportunities for informed investors. Beatrice Yeo, Investment Strategist for the Multi-Asset Solutions Business at BlackRock, explains why long-term structural “megaforces” such as artificial intelligence, geopolitical fragmentation and demographic divergence provide a clearer guide than short-term headlines.  Beatrice outlines to Vanessa Smith, Director at the Bongiorno Group, how BlackRock is positioning across regions and asset classes – dialling exposures to the US, favouring emerging markets, maintaining gold as a strategic hedge and incorporating inflation-linked bonds for protection.  BlackRock https://www.blackrock.com/au The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/  This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strong leadership in medicine requires both clinical insight and a passion for advocacy — and Simon Judkins brings both to his new role as President of AMA Victoria.  In this episode, the Bongiorno Group’s Executive Consultant Trevor Baxter speaks with Dr Simon Judkins, Director of Emergency Medicine at Echuca Regional Health and a respected voice in healthcare reform. With a career spanning frontline emergency care, leadership at Austin Health, and presidency of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Simon shares what motivated him to lead AMA Victoria.  He discusses the pressing issues facing Victorian doctors today — from workforce burnout to fractured hospital systems — and outlines AMA Victoria’s priorities, including advocacy, member engagement, and driving systemic improvements across regional and metropolitan healthcare services.  AMA Victoria: https://amavic.com.au/  The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/   This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having an up-to-date will is essential – but understanding whether to include a testamentary trust can be just as important. These trusts can offer asset protection, oversight for vulnerable beneficiaries, and potential tax benefits, but they also bring complexity and ongoing costs that may not suit every family.  To unpack this further, Ricky Caldow, Director at the Bongiorno Group, speaks with Jackson Barrett of Barrett & Co Legal. They also discuss the risks of dying without a will: loss of control, costly disputes, and outcomes very different from what you intended.  Barrett + Co Legal  https://barrettcolegal.com.au/  The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/   This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having income protection in place is one thing—knowing it will deliver when you need it most is another. The Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown return to discuss a real-life income protection claim involving one of their medical clients. The case highlights the critical role insurance plays in supporting professionals through serious health challenges. They walk through the claims process, the types of benefits that were triggered, and the financial relief it provided during a time of great uncertainty.  The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/   This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you’re on top of your tax, but then get hit with a surprise bill? You’re not alone. The Bongiorno Group’s Chantelle Turner and Helen Cheng break down the mystery of PAYG instalments – what they are, who needs to pay them, and how to avoid the dreaded “catch-up” payment. Whether you’re a doctor with private billings or a sole trader with ABN income, understanding how the ATO calculates and collects tax throughout the year can save you heartache at tax time.  The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/   This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Australians underestimate how quickly illness, disability, or death can derail their financial stability. Life insurance isn’t just about protecting loved ones – it’s about protecting income, assets, and lifestyle. Tom Will, Risk Adviser at the Bongiorno Group, discusses with Dr Jeff Scott, Head of Advice Strategy at MetLife Australia, who really needs life insurance and why. They explore the key types of cover – death, TPD, trauma, and income protection – and how each can support both personal and business needs. They also cover eligibility, tax considerations, and why self-insuring can be a risky fallback.    The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/  This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make – and getting it right starts well before auction day. In this first of a two-part series, Bongiorno Group Director Ricky Caldow speaks with Marshall White real estate agent Ben Bongiorno about the essential steps vendors should take before putting a property on the market.  From selecting the right agent and agreeing on a marketing strategy, to preparing the home for inspections and understanding pricing tactics, Ben offers practical insights to help maximise your sale outcome. They also discuss common vendor mistakes, market timing, and how small presentation tweaks can influence buyer perception.  The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria.  For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit https://bongiorno.com.au/   This general advice has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of this advice before acting on it. If this general advice relates to acquiring a financial product, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to acquire the product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.