One of the biggest expenses in a doctor’s career is tax, and so it’s crucial to understand how to manage it effectively. That’s according to Matt Homewood, Financial Consultant at the Bongiorno Group. In this episode he is joined by Nic Pereira, Accountant at the Bongiorno Group, who both insist it’s important to operate within the law when claiming deductions, as penalties for crossing the line can be severe.

They discuss the three rules for deductions: incurrence (ensure you personally incurred the expense); proof (keep detailed receipts or invoices); and relevance (deductions must be directly related to your current employment). Consulting a tax professional can maximise your deductions and ensure compliance with tax regulations, ultimately reducing your taxable income.

MORE INFORMATION

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

One of the biggest expenses in a doctor’s career is tax, and so it’s crucial to understand how to manage it effectively. That’s according to Matt Homewood, Financial Consultant at the Bongiorno Group. In this episode he is joined by Nic Pereira, Accountant at the Bongiorno Group, who both insist it’s important to operate within the law when claiming deductions, as penalties for crossing the line can be severe.
They discuss the three rules for deductions: incurrence (ensure you personally incurred the expense); proof (keep detailed receipts or invoices); and relevance (deductions must be directly related to your current employment). Consulting a tax professional can maximise your deductions and ensure compliance with tax regulations, ultimately reducing your taxable income.
MORE INFORMATION
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a>
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.

Graduates: 3 simple rules to complete your tax return

The rise of “finfluencers”— individuals providing financial advice on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and podcasts — has led to significant concern, particularly in Australia. Many of these people are not licensed to provide financial advice, yet their followers often act on their suggestions, sometimes with dire consequences.

Vanessa Smith and Nick Fenessy, both Directors at the Bongiorno Group, say the key issue is that advice found online may not be suitable for everyone’s unique financial situation. Younger people, often less financially literate, are particularly vulnerable. While discussing finances and money-saving tips is beneficial, licensed professionals should be the go-to source for tailored advice.

MORE INFORMATION

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

The rise of “finfluencers”— individuals providing financial advice on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and podcasts — has led to significant concern, particularly in Australia. Many of these people are not licensed to provide financial advice, yet their followers often act on their suggestions, sometimes with dire consequences.
Vanessa Smith and Nick Fenessy, both Directors at the Bongiorno Group, say the key issue is that advice found online may not be suitable for everyone’s unique financial situation. Younger people, often less financially literate, are particularly vulnerable. While discussing finances and money-saving tips is beneficial, licensed professionals should be the go-to source for tailored advice.
MORE INFORMATION
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a>
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.

Be wary of “Finfluencers"!

At tax time, your accountant will ask you if you’ve donated anything to a charity. Why? Because it could be claimed as a tax deduction. But not all donations are deductible. The Bongiorno Group’s Tax Manager Chantelle Turner and Director Nick Fennessy explain that to claim a deduction, the charity must be a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). You can verify DGR status via the ABR website using the charity’s name or ABN.

MORE INFORMATION

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

At tax time, your accountant will ask you if you’ve donated anything to a charity. Why? Because it could be claimed as a tax deduction. But not all donations are deductible. The Bongiorno Group’s Tax Manager Chantelle Turner and Director Nick Fennessy explain that to claim a deduction, the charity must be a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). You can verify DGR status via the ABR website using the charity’s name or ABN.
MORE INFORMATION
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a>
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.

What kinds of donations can you claim in your tax return?

Underwriting is the process insurers use to assess an individual’s risk in order to determine whether to offer coverage, under what terms, and at what premium rate. It involves evaluating factors like health, lifestyle, occupation, and financial situation to gauge the likelihood of a claim being made.

Liz Burke, Victoria Underwriting Chapter Lead at major insurer Zurich, and Yanish Geerdharry, Head of Risk Advisory Services at the Bongiorno Group, discuss the importance of underwriting. Fundamentally, it ensures that premiums are fairly set based on risk, protects insurers from excessive losses, and provides policyholders with clarity on what their insurance covers and excludes. This helps maintain a balanced and sustainable insurance system.

MORE INFORMATION

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

Underwriting is the process insurers use to assess an individual’s risk in order to determine whether to offer coverage, under what terms, and at what premium rate. It involves evaluating factors like health, lifestyle, occupation, and financial situation to gauge the likelihood of a claim being made.
Liz Burke, Victoria Underwriting Chapter Lead at major insurer Zurich, and Yanish Geerdharry, Head of Risk Advisory Services at the Bongiorno Group, discuss the importance of underwriting. Fundamentally, it ensures that premiums are fairly set based on risk, protects insurers from excessive losses, and provides policyholders with clarity on what their insurance covers and excludes. This helps maintain a balanced and sustainable insurance system.
MORE INFORMATION
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a>
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.

How Underwriting Shapes Your Life Insurance Policy

Many people who want more hands-on control over their investments and their retirement are opting for a self-managed super fund (SMSF). It allows you to choose assets like property and manage your retirement savings directly.

But, establishing and maintaining an SMSF involves significant costs and ongoing compliance. Vanessa Smith, Director at the Bongiorno Group, and Michelle Harrod, Tax Manager and Head of SMSF at the Bongiorno Group, says it’s wise to create and regularly review an investment strategy that considers risk, liquidity, diversification, and insurance.

Seeking financial advice, they insist, is critical to ensure the SMSF aligns with your long-term retirement goals and complies with legal requirements.

MORE INFORMATION

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

Many people who want more hands-on control over their investments and their retirement are opting for a self-managed super fund (SMSF). It allows you to choose assets like property and manage your retirement savings directly.
But, establishing and maintaining an SMSF involves significant costs and ongoing compliance. Vanessa Smith, Director at the Bongiorno Group, and Michelle Harrod, Tax Manager and Head of SMSF at the Bongiorno Group, says it’s wise to create and regularly review an investment strategy that considers risk, liquidity, diversification, and insurance.
Seeking financial advice, they insist, is critical to ensure the SMSF aligns with your long-term retirement goals and complies with legal requirements.
MORE INFORMATION
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a>
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.

Is an SMSF right for you?

When setting up a business, it is crucial to separate personal and business expenses by establishing a dedicated business account. This ensures financial clarity, especially when managing software, hardware, and other business-related expenses.

Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown, both Directors at the Bongiorno Group, continue their discussion on setting up a private practice.

Running a business also requires careful management of IT systems, websites, and branding, including securing domain names and handling compliance. Equally, the responsibilities of employing staff, managing superannuation, and meeting regulatory requirements like tax reporting are key considerations. By planning the endgame, whether selling the business or growing it, structuring the company properly from the outset helps avoid costly mistakes in the future.

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

When setting up a business, it is crucial to separate personal and business expenses by establishing a dedicated business account. This ensures financial clarity, especially when managing software, hardware, and other business-related expenses.
Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown, both Directors at the Bongiorno Group, continue their discussion on setting up a private practice.
Running a business also requires careful management of IT systems, websites, and branding, including securing domain names and handling compliance. Equally, the responsibilities of employing staff, managing superannuation, and meeting regulatory requirements like tax reporting are key considerations. By planning the endgame, whether selling the business or growing it, structuring the company properly from the outset helps avoid costly mistakes in the future.
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a> 
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.

Preparing your own practice — Part 2

Establishing a private practice can be rewarding, both personally and financially. But, before setting one up, it’s crucial to understand the various issues that might arise. In this two-part series, Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown, both Directors at The Bongiorno Group, discuss the common pitfalls that doctors might face by not setting up a practice properly.

In Part 1 of the two-part series, they explore ownerships structures, personal services income, the importance of proper legal documentation, business registration, and commercial leases.

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

Establishing a private practice can be rewarding, both personally and financially. But, before setting one up, it’s crucial to understand the various issues that might arise. In this two-part series, Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown, both Directors at The Bongiorno Group, discuss the common pitfalls that doctors might face by not setting up a practice properly.
In Part 1 of the two-part series, they explore ownerships structures, personal services income, the importance of proper legal documentation, business registration, and commercial leases.
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a> 
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.

Preparing your own practice — Part 1

Income protection is a crucial part of a financial plan, safeguarding your greatest asset—your income—by providing coverage in case of illness, injury, or inability to work, with flexible options for structuring policies based on individual needs. The Bongiorno Group’s risk advisers Tom Will and Yanish Geerdharry, discuss the various options of income protection.

It’s vital, they insist, to secure income protection early when you're healthy, as underwriting becomes harder over time. Income protection policies generally cover up to 70% of your income, which is subject to tax. Policy costs vary based on age, health, and occupation, with premiums generally not exceeding 10% of annual income. Structuring income protection within or outside superannuation has tax benefits, but personal circumstances should guide decisions.

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

Income protection is a crucial part of a financial plan, safeguarding your greatest asset—your income—by providing coverage in case of illness, injury, or inability to work, with flexible options for structuring policies based on individual needs. The Bongiorno Group’s risk advisers Tom Will and Yanish Geerdharry, discuss the various options of income protection.
It’s vital, they insist, to secure income protection early when you're healthy, as underwriting becomes harder over time. Income protection policies generally cover up to 70% of your income, which is subject to tax. Policy costs vary based on age, health, and occupation, with premiums generally not exceeding 10% of annual income. Structuring income protection within or outside superannuation has tax benefits, but personal circumstances should guide decisions.
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a> 
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.

Income protection could be your greatest financial asset

Healthcare is being revolutionised by the rapid growth of AI technologies, particularly generative AI like ChatGPT. The automation of routine administrative tasks is allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. That’s according to Chris Foster-McBride, CEO of AI start-up Digital Human Assistants.

Chris’s career began in hospital operations and the UK health system before transitioning to data analytics and AI, leading to the founding of three AI startups.

He discusses with Adam McCann, Director at Adelaide-based Bartons – part of the Bongiorno National Network – the increasing role AI will have in the medical profession.

MORE INFORMATION

'Expert guidance on governance of the evolving AI technology', Australian Institute of Company Directors:

https://www.aicd.com.au/innovative-technology/digital-business/artificial-intelligence/expert-guidance-on-governance-of-the-evolving-ai-technology.htm

Digital Human Assistants 
https://www.digitalhumanassistants.io/

Bartons 
https://www.bartons.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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

Healthcare is being revolutionised by the rapid growth of AI technologies, particularly generative AI like ChatGPT. The automation of routine administrative tasks is allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. That’s according to Chris Foster-McBride, CEO of AI start-up Digital Human Assistants.
Chris’s career began in hospital operations and the UK health system before transitioning to data analytics and AI, leading to the founding of three AI startups.
He discusses with Adam McCann, Director at Adelaide-based Bartons – part of the Bongiorno National Network – the increasing role AI will have in the medical profession.
MORE INFORMATION
'Expert guidance on governance of the evolving AI technology', Australian Institute of Company Directors:
<a href="https://www.aicd.com.au/innovative-technology/digital-business/artificial-intelligence/expert-guidance-on-governance-of-the-evolving-ai-technology.htm">https://www.aicd.com.au/innovative-technology/digital-business/artificial-intelligence/expert-guidance-on-governance-of-the-evolving-ai-technology.htm</a>
Digital Human Assistants  <a href="https://www.digitalhumanassistants.io/">https://www.digitalhumanassistants.io/</a>
Bartons  <a href="https://www.bartons.com.au/">https://www.bartons.com.au/</a>
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a>
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.

AI's Impact on the Medical Sector

Despite the increases in property prices across the country, buying a home continues to be a dream for most people. Matt Homewood, Financial Consultant at the Bongiorno Group, has guided countless numbers of his clients on purchasing their first home. He offers practical advice for first-time homebuyers, focusing on the importance of understanding both upfront and ongoing costs. He emphasises the need for thorough budgeting and lifestyle adjustments to ensure affordability and successful homeownership.

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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.

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.

Despite the increases in property prices across the country, buying a home continues to be a dream for most people. Matt Homewood, Financial Consultant at the Bongiorno Group, has guided countless numbers of his clients on purchasing their first home. He offers practical advice for first-time homebuyers, focusing on the importance of understanding both upfront and ongoing costs. He emphasises the need for thorough budgeting and lifestyle adjustments to ensure affordability and successful homeownership.
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 Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch.
For more information, please call 03 9863 3111 or visit <a href="https://bongiorno.com.au/">https://bongiorno.com.au/</a> 
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.

Long terms goals for buying a house

The Money Doctors offers conversations on financial wealth and money matters for Australian medical and dental professionals.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group.

The general advice in this series 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.

The Money Doctors offers conversations on financial wealth and money matters for Australian medical and dental professionals.
This podcast is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group.
The general advice in this series 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.

The Money Doctors

The Money Doctors offers conversations on financial wealth and money matters for Australian medical and dental professionals. 

This podcast is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group. 

The general advice in this series 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.

The Money Doctors offers conversations on financial wealth and money matters for Australian medical and dental professionals. 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group. 
The general advice in this series 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.

The Money Doctors

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