The Money Doctors

While interest rates often steal the spotlight, it’s the structure, strategy and advice behind your home loan that can have the biggest long-term impact. The Bongiorno Group’s Financial Consultant Matt Homewood and Finance Manager Jack Will break down how banks determine your actual rate, what drives discounting, and why your loan setup matters more than simply aiming for an interest-r...

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...

While auction day gets all the attention, it’s the weeks beforehand – quiet strategy, early inspections, buyer conversations – that often determine the final result.  In this second of a two-part series on selling a home, the Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow is joined by Marshall White real estate agent Ben Bongiorno to explore the key stages in the lead-up to auction.&n...

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 agr...

With recent changes to how locum roles are structured, including a shift toward casual employment arrangements, it’s more important than ever to understand when and why you might need an ABN – that is, an Australian Business Number. The Bongiorno Group’s Matt Homewood and Ricky Caldow discuss the implications for tax, superannuation, GST, and business activity statements, as well...

In part two of this series on buying property, we explore the ins and outs of purchasing at auction. Marshall White’s Ben Bongiorno explains to the Bongiorno Group’s Nick Fennessy what makes auctions legally binding, the critical differences between conditional and unconditional offers, and the often-misunderstood three-day window around auction day.  Ben also unpacks what happens...

Successful property buying isn’t just about browsing online listings – it’s about building relationships with agents who can connect you with opportunities you won’t find advertised. Marshall White real estate agent Ben Bongiorno joins Nick Fennessy, Director at the Bongiorno Group, explore how buyers can navigate the property market more effectively.  In this first of...

The hidden costs of serious medical conditions can place an enormous strain on families. From cancer to chronic illness, the bills don’t stop at medical expenses. Lost income, childcare, travel, and long-term care add up fast. And with one in two Australians diagnosed with cancer before 85, it’s an issue that can’t be ignored. So how can you protect yourself? What role does finan...

Investing is more than just choosing stocks or funds – it’s about understanding the costs that can impact long-term returns. The Bongiorno Group’s Mitch McKeown and Ricky Caldow explore the often-overlooked fees associated with investing, including platform charges, advisor fees, and transaction costs.  They discuss how these expenses affect portfolio performance over time a...

There’s no shortage of self-proclaimed “experts” pushing the next big thing, but before you throw your hard-earned cash into the latest trend, let’s get back to basics. The Bongiorno Group’s Mitch McKeown and Ricky Caldow break down how to avoid disaster when investing – because a bad move can cost you more than just money.  In this first of two-part series...

Imagine driving a new car while reducing your taxable income at the same time. That’s the core appeal of a novated lease – a salary packaging arrangement that lets you use pre-tax dollars to finance your vehicle and cover running costs like fuel, insurance, and servicing.  But as with everything, there’s more to the story. With recent changes to fringe benefits tax, exemptio...

When relationships break down, dividing assets can get messy, especially when it comes to the family home, investment properties, or family businesses. While keeping the house might seem like the easiest option, tax consequences can catch people by surprise. One wrong step could mean unexpected tax bills down the track.  That’s why having the right financial advice is essential.  V...

Despite their potential to protect assets and prevent future disputes, prenuptials remain underutilised. For many, they’re an essential part of asset protection strategy, offering clarity and certainty in case the unexpected happens. But they’re not without challenges. Vic Rajah, firm principal at Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, and Chantelle Turner, Tax Manager at the Bongiorno Group, exami...

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to lower the cash rate by 0.25% to a target of 4.1% is the first reduction since November 2020. The Bongiorno Group’s Matt Homewood and Jack Will explore what this means for both existing mortgage holders and new borrowers, examining how lenders may respond and the potential impact on borrowing capacity.  Additionally, they break dow...

Divorce is one of those events that marks a significant life transition, often accompanied by emotional, financial, and legal complexities. It raises critical questions: How are assets fairly divided? How can disputes be resolved efficiently while minimising conflict? Vic Rajah, firm principal at Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, and Chantelle Turner, Tax Manager at the Bongiorno Group, explore the legal...

If you want to set your kids up for a strong financial future, teaching them about money early on is key. Bongiorno Group Directors, Vanessa Smith and Nick Fennessy, insist its beneficial to have money conversations as soon as possible, by explaining how money is earned, spent, and saved in simple terms. Help them understand the difference between wants and needs, and teach them to budget and set...

Burnout is particularly common among medical professionals, and it arises from chronic stress often from the workplace, financially, or from relationships. Its symptoms include exhaustion, negativity, cynicism, and decreased efficacy in tasks. Doctors face heightened risks due to high workloads and financial pressures, often ignoring early signs like fatigue, poor sleep, and detachment. But, there...

Before starting a fellowship, it’s crucial to consult with an advisor to plan your finances and set up a loan facility for potential cash flow needs. This proactive approach ensures that financial arrangements are based on your current income, avoiding complications once you’re overseas. The Bongiorno Group’s Senior Finance Consultant Mark Bremner and Finance Manager Jack Will ex...

One thing lacking in a medical student’s curriculum is financial education. That’s where the Bongiorno Group has stepped in to provide students crucial financial knowledge such as salary packaging, tax management, and wealth planning. Each year, Matt Homewood and Nicolas Pereira present to graduates across different medical colleges to help young doctors starting their careers, navigat...

Tax residency is crucial for understanding Australian tax obligations, especially for individuals with foreign income or assets. Australian residents are taxed on worldwide income, including foreign income, with credits available for taxes paid overseas under double tax agreements. The Bongiorno Group’s Tax Manager Chantelle Turner and Director Nick Fennessy explain the four tests which asse...

To address GP shortages, particularly in rural areas the Victorian Government is trialling a Single Employer Model (SEM) in 2025. Junior doctors can remain employed within the public health system while training as GPs or rural generalists, ensuring continuity of employment and entitlements like parental leave. John Ryan, Senior Workplace Relations Advisor with AMA Victoria discusses the concept w...

Financial planning is not complete without assessing your risk cover. Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown continue their discussion on end-of-year planning by focusing on insurances. As life circumstances change — such as earning more, acquiring assets, and growing families — ensure income protection and life insurance reflect your current needs. Goal-setting, sharing ambitions with advisors, and stayi...

As 2024 draws to a close, now’s the time to think about getting your financial house in order for 2025 and beyond. Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown, Directors at the Bongiorno Group, highlight the importance of reviewing your financial performance, focusing on expenses, tax, cash flow, and investments. Cashflow analysis — or budgeting — is key to wealth creation. Planning for tax efficiency, underst...

The 2025 enterprise bargaining process for public health doctors in Victoria will begin in mid-2025, with preparations starting early in the year to ensure completion by the end of 2025.  Key challenges include engaging doctors to actively participate and ensuring strong representation through AMA and/or ASMOV membership. Non-members often lack a voice, impacting outcomes, according to AMA Victori...

Recent changes to payroll tax laws have brought increased scrutiny to medical practices, especially regarding payments to contractor GPs. Historically, many practices assumed exemptions due to their structure. However, judicial rulings, like the Optical Superstore case, and a stricter Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) interpretation have clarified and enforced obligations. Victoria announced te...