The Holistic Accountant

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mena and Stuart unpack the ins and outs of Australia’s often misunderstood 6-year CGT exemption rule for main residences. They explore how this powerful tax concession can help homeowners maximise profits when selling a property they no longer live in, particularly those who rent it out after moving. Listeners will learn the exact eligibility criteria, including h...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mena and Stuart dive into Australia’s complex tax system, using insights from a thought-provoking discussion paper by Matt Grudnoff of The Australia Institute. He examines how, when welfare and superannuation are factored in, Australia’s reliance on income tax may not be as unbalanced as critics claim. Still, Stuart raises the question: What could a more common-se...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mena and Stuart share practical strategies to streamline tax administration and reduce headaches for individuals and investors. They begin by discussing the value of using Xero, even for non-trading entities, as a powerful tool to centralise and simplify record-keeping. Next, they explore the benefits of wrap platforms for managing shares and investments, includin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mena and Stuart unpack the latest tax updates for the 2025–26 financial year, helping listeners navigate changes that could impact their personal finances and business planning. They kick off with the Super Guarantee (SG) increase to 12%, highlighting what this means for employers and employees alike. Next, they discuss the end of deductions for ATO interest charg...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mena and Stuart explore whether making additional super contributions in your 30s and 40s is a smart tax planning move or a potential limitation on your financial flexibility. They break down the compelling benefits of contributing extra to your superannuation, including tax savings of up to 30% for high earners, the power of compounding over decades, and the abil...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mena and Stuart delve into the critical considerations for Australian business owners when creating a will. They unpack how your business structure, whether sole trader, partnership, company, or trust, determines what can be passed on and how. The duo explores the importance of aligning your business succession plan with your personal estate plan, from identifying...

Send us Fan Mail Using a corporate beneficiary, commonly called a bucket company, is a smart move for many trust structures, particularly when tax efficiency and asset protection are key goals. But as Stuart and Mena explain in this episode, setting one up requires more than just ticking a box. They dive into the purpose behind corporate beneficiaries, including how they help defer tax, protect as...

Send us Fan Mail This week, the mic flips! Mena takes the lead and interviews Stuart about the biggest lessons he’s learned in nearly 25 years of running a business. From the importance of focusing on internal resilience rather than external noise, to the three critical pillars—people, systems, and product—Stuart shares the wins, mistakes, and mindset shifts that have shaped his entrepreneurial jo...

Send us Fan Mail Buying or partnering with a business isn’t just a numbers game. In this comprehensive episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the often-overlooked non-financial considerations that can make or break a deal. From strategic alignment and cultural fit to customer base stability, employee morale, operational systems, and intellectual property—this episode guides you through the full landscape...

Send us Fan Mail Getting profit out of your trading entity isn’t as simple as it seems—and doing it wrong could cost you. In this strategy-focused episode, Stuart and Mena dive into how to distribute profits in a way that aligns with your financial goals and keeps your tax bill as low as legally possible. They explore thresholds for personal income when to use corporate beneficiaries or trusts, na...

Send us Fan Mail An accountant’s job is more than ticking boxes—it’s about taking a 360° view of your finances. In this episode, Stuart and Mena outline what a true financial health check should include when your accountant prepares your year-end tax work. They cover business health ratios, structural reviews, profit distribution planning, personal asset and liability audits, and key insurance and...

Send us Fan Mail A Labor Party win brings a wave of policy changes—some offering opportunities, others increasing complexity for small businesses. In this timely episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the key reforms and proposals affecting entrepreneurs and business owners. From tighter labour market conditions and ATO crackdowns on trusts to the $3 million super tax and incentives like the extended ins...

Send us Fan Mail Want to dramatically grow your business profits? Stuart and Mena reveal that instead of focusing on dozens of small changes, most businesses should laser in on one to three profit multipliers . They break it down into four critical areas: People , Pricing , Product , and Process —and show how mastering just one can transform your business. Learn how to build a culture that retains...

Send us Fan Mail Sudden wealth sounds like a dream—until it isn’t. In this deeply insightful episode, Stuart and Mena unpack financial decision paralysis , a common yet overlooked phenomenon that hits when wealth arrives through inheritance, a business exit, or property windfall. They go beyond the typical “overwhelm” narrative to explore identity shifts, fear of mistakes, conflicting advice, and...

Send us Fan Mail Effective tax planning isn’t just for big corporations — it’s an essential lever for small business success. In this power-packed episode, Stuart and Mena walk through the ultimate small business tax planning checklist to help you preserve capital, reduce liabilities, and build long-term wealth. They explore forecasting profit and tax positions, optimising superannuation strategie...

Send us Fan Mail As 30 June approaches, Stuart and Mena shift focus to PAYG employees and individual taxpayers, sharing key tax planning strategies that can help you save money and avoid surprises at tax time. From super contributions (including carry-forward and spousal strategies) to income protection insurance, salary packaging, home office expenses, and even timing of income, this episode offe...

Send us Fan Mail Audit activity is ramping up fast. In this crucial episode, Stuart and Mena reveal the sharp rise in ATO audits they've seen in the past few months, with more cases than in their combined careers to date. If you're a business owner, investor, or employee with deductions, this is a must-listen . They break down the key audit hotspots the ATO is zeroing in on right now:  •...

Send us Fan Mail Want to boost your borrowing power without compromising your long-term tax strategy? In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the critical tax strategies that can enhance your ability to secure loans while maintaining wealth-building goals. They dive into key tactics such as strategically increasing taxable income, delaying deductible expenses, and optimizing distributions from tru...

Send us Fan Mail Traditional estate planning can be complicated, with legal disputes and tax burdens creating hurdles for beneficiaries. In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore an alternative—giving a living inheritance —and the financial strategies that make it a powerful tool for wealth transfer. They discuss how a living inheritance allows beneficiaries to receive financial support when they n...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a great accountant invaluable to your business and finances? In this episode, Stuart and Mena go beyond compliance work to explore how a proactive accountant can save you money, reduce risks, and provide financial insights that fuel long-term success. They discuss key accounting functions, from keeping your financials up to date and ensuring legal compliance to optimizi...

Send us Fan Mail Managing business profits effectively is crucial to minimising tax risks and optimising cash flow. In this episode, Stuart and Mena break down the complexities of withdrawing business income for personal use and the potential tax consequences if not done correctly. Many business owners assume they can freely access business profits, but the ATO closely monitors such transactions....

Send us Fan Mail Thinking of making the transition from an employed medical practitioner to running your own private practice? In this insightful episode, Stuart and Mena break down everything you need to know about structuring your business, protecting your assets, and optimising your tax position as a self-employed medical specialist. The duo dives into the ongoing debate around sole trader vs....

Send us Fan Mail Podcast Episode: S05 – E03 – The Art of Business Structuring Getting your business structure right from day one can make or break your long-term success. In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack the often-overlooked art of business structuring and why it’s essential to align your entity type with your business goals, industry risks, and future plans. Whether you're building a...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, Stuart and Mena dive into the future of accounting and how it’s set to transform by 2040. Gone are the days of paper-driven processes and purely compliance-focused roles. Over the past two decades, the industry has undergone a radical shift, with automation, AI, and prefilled data revolutionising how businesses manage their finances. But what’s n...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Stuart and Mena kick off Season 5 of the HA podcast by highlighting the importance of business goal-setting at the start of the year. While personal New Year’s resolutions often take the spotlight, many business owners neglect to set clear targets—something Stuart and Mena argue can significantly impact success. They discuss key areas to focus on, starting with a...