Dollars and Making Sense

We continue our series on timing your superannuation contributions with Stuart Sheary from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au).  This week we pick up on last week's theme and continue to discuss reversionary pensions, contribution strategies and ensuring you don't pay any more tax than you need to.  This includes Div 296 and Div 293 considerations and ensuring your once in a lifetime Downsizer Contribution has the best "bang for buck".

Stuart Sheary from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) joins us for part 1 of a 2 part series on how to develop a contribution strategy for your concessional and non-concessional contributions for your super, and why timings these contributions will become increasingly important.  Why? Because indexation and higher inflation is raising limits for your balance caps almost yearly, and knowing when to and when NOT to contribute could save you thousands in tax.

Natasha Panagis, superannuation expert for IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) joins me this week to work through an expansive show in the second part covering the major changes happening in our superannuation system.  Part 2 will cover changes in SMSF compliance, changes in contribution caps for CCs and NCCs, and Payday Super changes, updates in how we get our workers better off with super guarantees being paid at the same time as their normal pay.

Michelle Griffiths, a CPA and a FP rolled into one, a rare gem, and we're pleased to have her on the show discussing some nuance around the new Div296 legislation coming into play from 1 July 2026.  Natasha and Stuart from IFPA have explained the facts, now we have a different perspective from Michelle on timing.  To do nothing sometimes is the best strategy - if you know what the strategy should be.  This week, we delve into some aspects on when to act with regard to super balances that need attention as a result of the upcoming laws.  Not to be missed, on Dollars & Making Sense.

Stuart Sheary, subject matter expert from IFPA (Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia) joins us as we start navigating through some major changes in our superannuation system.  Much vaunted since compulsory super came in 30+ years ago, it can get increasingly complex.  Determining who can and can't be paid a death benefit and what tax may apply is a subject of many assumptions and incorrect information.  This week we seek to inform, educate and hopefully untangle some preconceptions surrounding what happens when a family member dies, and the estate and super are part of the settlement.  Nasty tax bills could arise if you're not careful or informed.

Natasha Panagis, superannuation expert for IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) joins me this week to work through an expansive show in 2 parts covering the major changes happening in our superannuation system.  Part 1 will cover changes in Div 296 (I told you they wouldn't tax unrealised gains!) for super balances at $3m and $10m with some excellent examples of what the Div 296 will actually impact.  Its nowhere near as bad as the pundits and scaremongers would have you think.

With International Women's Day being recently celebrated, we welcome back long time contributor to the show, Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money.  We're discussing progress in women's financial literacy, education and the continuing trend of independent women striking out on their own, despite some pop culture media suggesting directions should be the opposite.  FutureFund2 gets a revisit as well as the outreach program Philippa has done with Queen Chilenga in Kalgoorie.  A show not to be missed no matter what.

This week, Justin Bott, Media Information Office from Services Australia (also known as Centrelink) comes on to discuss the pros and cons of reverse mortgages.  For many that have all their assets tied up in the family home, this could be a valuable way to unlock much needed cash flow.  But buyer beware, there are many traps as well as benefits.  We also discuss for those of pension age, the government offering in reverse mortgages could be just what is required.  As always, contact a professional adviser if you're not sure, and just in case.

There are many misconceptions about the Aged Pension, who can access it, who is entitled to it, and what are the rules that surround applying for, and getting the Aged Pension.  This week, we welcome back Justin Bott, Media Information Officer from Services Australia, (better known as Centrelink).  Justin is a wealth of information and guides us through what "deeming" is, the income and assets means test and how it can impact what you do or don't get paid as part of your entitlements.  The Services Australia website is a wealth of information as is the government's Financial Information Service.

Are you a travelling pensioner? Then tune in to listen to Justin Bott from Services Australia explain what is, and is not permissable under the Age Pension travel rules and regulations. Valuable information for grey nomads, both locally and internationally.

There's a lot of money sitting in the Medicare coffers at the moment that belongs to Australians who never bothered to claim their rebate. Tune in to listen to Justin Bott from Services Australia explain what to do, and how to retreive money that is rightfully yours.

Stuart Sheary from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) is back and this time, we're covering off what happens to your tax bill should you be made redundant or decide to volunteer to become redundant.  The rules and details are important if you want to receive some or all of your final payment/s paying the correct (read minimum) tax.  You know it makes Dollars & Making Sense.

After 2 years and more of political turmoil and much debate, the government has changed its mind on taxing unrealised gains in Super and introduced some taxation tiers as well.  We're joined by Natasha Panagis, subject matter expert from the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to work through the details of what's changed and the impact.

A number of election cycles have passed, and Super is usually mentioned as a political football.  But today, we chat with Stuart Sheary, expert from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to work through the details of the First Home Buyers Super Save Scheme (FHSSS).  It surprised me, as it will you, this policy has been around since 1 July 2017.  Let's get some details today on Dollars & Making Sense

Ian McLeod, principal of RP Emery Legal Agreements returns to chat to us about financial agreements.  Last year we featured 2 shows about binding financial agreements and prenuptial agreements which garnered a LOT of discussion and views.  In today's interview, we focus on timing of agreements and how important they can be in relationships and couples looking to "go the distance".  We also tackle the gnarly question of large traditional holdings like the family farm, and how they are handled.

Anna Venonnen from Coredata returns from her very insightful research last year about crypto investing.  Having recently completed a research article for Coredata in "Trends in Crypto Investing", what better way to find out then to go straight to the source.  Anna's whitepaper is available on this link for free, and this interview picks up on some key themes - well worth a listen, no matter your background, investment posture or outlook.https://coredatainsights.com/cd-insights/australias-crypto-investors-2025/

This week, we follow up with part 2 of what is the difference between non-concessional contributions and concessional contributions in our superannuation system.  Natasha Panagis knows what she's talking about, so tune in to find out if for any range of reasons you over contribute without even knowing it.  This is important stuff for your retirement planning.

Stuart Sheary from IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) joins us to work through a range of potential options that pensioners might consider to supplement their income.  Not everyone has the comfort of a fully loaded super account, and Stuart's suggestions are well worth considering when a number of them won't impact Centrelink payments.  Tune in and find out whether you (or your parents!), may be able to take advantage of these alternative income streams to supplement your livi

What is the difference between non-concessional contributions and concessional contributions in our superannuation system?  This week, Natasha Panagis, subject matter expert from IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) joins us to discuss the differences and what happens if you exceed the limits in place.  Its not all bad news!  So tune in to find out what's going on, in this important part of your retirement planning.

Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money continues in Part 2 of the Future 2 Grants program and how it is being rolled out to a program of over 40s and under 40s women.  What are the key components of the program including the "why", not just the "how".  Tune in to find out what the future of the Future2 program is like at Wise Girls Money and Dollars & Making Sense.

Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money makes a welcome return to discuss the Future2 grants program and the strides being taken to assist women in need and promoting financial literacy.  True to the idiom, feed a village fish, they eat for a day, teach them how to fish sustainably, they feed themselves into the future.  We explore the program and how its being rolled out into Queen Chillenga's Kalgoorlie constituents and beyond.  Part 1 of an excellent 2 part series.

We welcome a new contributor, Nick Raphaely, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of AltX, a private credit provider that has a strong history.  In this show we look for some clarity on why Private Credit is all of a sudden the hottest topic in town.  Given private credit has been around for well over 20 years, this is a curious development in the Asset Class discussions given private credit is primarily a loan - fixed income investment.  Nick provides some excellent primer's into why this is a great investment choice, tinged with a hint of caution and "buyer beware".

Can your parents help you buy a home or gift money or assets without affecting their payments or estate planning?  After listening to this episode featuring Justin Bott, Media Information Officer from Services Australia (Centrelink) you're likely to think that is NOT the case.  There is impact everywhere you look when Mum & Dad decide they'd like to help out, and even with the best of intentions, it is sometimes far better to "look before you leap", here on Dollars & Making Sense.

We continue our discussion on dealing with couples that fight over money and the causes and potential solutions.  Drawing on some excellent research from the Journal of Social & Personal Relationships done in 2023, we discuss important issues around themes in a couple including fairness, equality and balance, together with compromise and approaches to better budgeting and financial management in couples.  What is the fair share when the work if valued differently, and do separate bank accounts work or not?  Great discussion points and an excellent completion of this series in Part 2.

Justin Bott, Media Information Officer from Services Australia (Centrelink) is welcomed back as Scam Awareness week comes and goes.  A great refresher on what to do and NOT do to avoid being scammed.  The losses keep accumulating, and don't think you're immune, even the brightest, savviest out there have been stung.  Tune in to find out what the latest happenings are on Dollars & Making Sense.

We welcome back Queen Chilenga, a financial social worker providing education and coaching in the Kalgoorlie community is eastern WA.  Queen has first hand experience in dealing with couples that fight over money and the causes and potential solutions.  Drawing on some excellent research from the Journal of Social & Personal Relationships done in 2023, we discuss important issues around themes in a couple including fairness, equality and balance, together with compromise and approaches to better budgeting and financial management in couples.  Part 1 of an excellent 2 part series.

Maybe there's a silver lining to the proposed super tax.  Michelle Griffiths of TAG Financial Services returns to put forward some great ideas about what can be done about working with the proposed new super tax structures.  Maybe the sky isn't falling down around our ears at this time?  Check this interview out for great tips and tricks on the next steps in adjusting and calibrating your superannuation, always value add on Dollars & Making Sense

A year ago Biden was still in the presidential race, Trump had been shot and Albo was written off by the media as a lost cause.  So what's happened in 12 months, and what's the impact on investing, money supply, interest rates and the general outlook?  We welcome back CEO of Coredata, of the world's leading financial research houses to discuss what's going on, and whether "boring is the new sexy".  Some key takeways you don't want to miss on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about finance, money & investing.

We welcome a new guest this week, Paul Miron from MSquared Capital who will explain what is private credit.  Why is it so popular now and what are some key requirements to keep in mind when considering investing in this emerging asset class.  Private credit is not new however the growth of the sector in the past 5 years has made it a special case for increased education, one that OTG Capital and many other companies, including MSquared now participate in.

We welcome back Stuart Sheary, subject matter expert from the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au) to discuss what are the common tips and traps surrounding contributions to your retirement (superannuation!).  There is much discussion at this time around proposed legislative changes, yet many are still forgetting the basics, and its worth going back over for sure.  This includes the work test, concessional and non-concessional contributions, spouse contributions and a number of others.  Important stuff to ensure you take full advantage of your entitlements and tax effective investing.

If you're getting payments from Services Australia, its part of your responsibilities to let them know when things change.  It may surprise you, but the government don't monitor everything you do, and no, they can't read your minds either.  We welcome back Justin Bott, Community Information Officer to assist in explaining what needs to be done to ensure you continue to get the right rate of payments and no surprises.  You'll enjoy this interview and remember the golden 14 day rule to inform whenever something changes.  And if you're not sure?  Notify early and notify often!

What is the $3m super cap all about?  We welcome back Stuart Sheary, subject matter expert from IFPA (www.ifpa.com.au) to help explain all the proposed changes that are being legislated later this year when parliarment resits.  Is the sky falling down, or are we right to be concerned.  Is this just a negotiating strategy to ask for a lot and then settle on a something more acceptable.  Stuart and Ray discuss a number of angles and views from professionals involved in the day to day running of this proposed change in super laws.

Now is the time to be preparing for your tax returns and if you're receiving a government payment of any sort, we have Justin Bott from Services Australia to explain what needs to be done.  There are certain things you can do to make those tasks easier which includes the government website and some easy calculator tools. Tune in to find out a great freeby offer to help those who might struggle with technology too.

In our final installment on life cover inside superannuation, Natasha Panagis from IFPA elaborates on the detail of temporary incapacity and how that varies with the other types of life cover in previous episodes.  There are tax benefits and tips & traps to be aware of, tune in to find out why this form of cover is increasingly important for those needing to ensure continuity of earnings.  This wraps up and brings together an important element of how super not only saves for your retirement, yet also can incapsulate insuring your most important asset - You!

Go woke, go broke?  Maybe not, we meet Ray Kan from Daintree Wealth, an experienced financial planner that specialises in ethical investing and has a track record to show that doing the right thing can pay off, just as well as making other choices.  Even though many industries today are legal, we may not always be comfortable putting our long term faith and investments in those fields.  Ray discusses how he listens carefully to his clients and provides avenues and opportunities to realise financial goals as well as doing the right things.  Some great advice along the way as well, including "don't be a spectator", great education on Dollars & Making Sense.  The organisation mentioned in the show can be viewed at https://www.responsibleinvestment.org/.

Its back to basics time.  We're joined this week with Queen Chilenga from Money Fitness Hub based in Kalgoorlie, WA.  Queen specialises in social work and supporting people in financial stress and those in need of the basics.  Its not always about millions, sometimes its simply about making ends meet, and many in the community struggle with the basics.  We work through some of the challenges of delivering support services in this space, and the basics of good money management.  Queen is doing some excellent work and her website https://moneyfitnesshub.com.au/ is a great example of where people can make a start to financial health and less stress.

We continue our series on life insurance in superannuation with Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (ifpa.com.au) as she joins us for part 3 of a 4 part series on life insurance cover inside superannuation.  Today we're discussing TPD, temporary & permanent disability cover.  The big conundrum of any versus own occupation cover and what is and is not allowable within your superannuation policy.  Definitions can be important, all on Dollars & Making Sense.

We welcome a new presenter to the show, Kerry Said from Wealth Creation Advisors.  Kerry is a 30 year industry veteran who specialises in SMSFs and working with clients to achieve their financial goals.  Constructing a long term investment portfolio can be relatively simply if you follow some basic steps.  Six of them in fact! And we're covering them off in today's show, check out the blog for references and Kerry's wise words of wisdom.  If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

We continue our series on life insurance in superannuation with Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (ifpa.com.au) as she joins us for part 2 of a 4 part series on life insurance cover inside superannuation.  Today we're discussing terminal illness cover and what constitutes correct conditions of release for APRA funds as well as SMSFs.  What are the implications if you're terminally ill, all on Dollars & Making Sense.

Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (ifpa.com.au) joins us for part 1 of a 4 part series on life insurance cover inside superannuation.  Today we're discussing life insurance, beneficiaries and the difference between super beneficiaries and tax beneficiaries.  Pros and cons of taking life insurance within the super environment, all on Dollars & Making Sense.

Justin Bott, Information Officer from Services Australia joins us again in discussing 4 very important documents you need to consider for Estate Planning.  Now we usually don't like to discuss dying, however by planning better, we gift our family and friends with the knowledge and understanding of what we want done not only when we pass away in a Will, but also if we become incapacitated in some way via an EPOA.  Given stats tell us 1 in 3 will get Alzeimhers or dementia, this is a real prospect.  Tune in to learn about Guardianship also and Health choices.  Excellent information from Services Australia.

Justin Bott, Information Office from Services Australia (Centrelink) joins us again to work through free money.  Yes, "free money", money that is yours but you've either forgotten to claim it, or forgotten about it.  We cover off easy ones like lost superannuation sitting in too many accounts that you've lost track of, through to old banks accounts, investments you no longer thought you had, and the hidden one that surprises?  Unclaimed Medicare payments that total almost one quarter of a billion dollars.  Tune in to find out whether you're missing out, and don't worry, there isn't a time limit, if the money is yours? it remains yours.

Philippa Hunt joins us for 2025s first recorded session and its very topical as the massive intergenerational transfer of wealth is underway, and women with property transactions will be the ones most likely in the front of the wave of money hitting the trenches.  All is not well as we discover as Philippa, a fully qualified financial planner and physcoligist explains.  There are many facets to consider none the least being the dramatic lack of financial education amoung boomer women.  Tune in to find out where to get the best information and a great place to start, here at Dollars & Making Sense a weekly show about money, finance and investing.

Justin Bott from Services Australia here again to illuminate us on a government concession card that is widely misunderstood, and as a result, widely not used.  The Concession Health Card is widely available to all taxpayers irrespectively of age and in many cases with very generous limits.  Tune in to be surprised and how you need to apply for this card.  One of the many services available to all taxpayers that helps with day to day living expenses.

Home owners looking to move onto their next place have a unique opportunity to top up their super balances.  This week we welcome a new contributor from IFPA (Institute of Financial Professionals Australia), Stuart Sheary, tech specialist and we're deep diving into Downsizer Contributions to superannuation.  If you own your own home, and need a neat way to bring your retirement balance closer to your goal, this may be a great way of doing it.  Stuart works through the "tips and traps" to take advantage the next time you decide to sell up and move on.

What is the difference between Preservation Age and Retirement Age?  When can I access my super to draw a pension, and as I approach my retirement, are there ways to boost the super balance of myself and my spouse?  Natasha Panagis of the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (www.ifpa.com.au), superannuation subject matter expert illuminates us on what are the proven and effective ways to ensure you reach your goal of having enough to retire comfortably.  Work test rules for thos aged between 67 and 75 have been eased and the Preservation Age increased to better align tax regimes and make it easier to reach goals.  Tune in to find out how.

We welcome back Peter Johnston, Executive Director of the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (www.aiofp.net.au) and given the association's annual conference in Canberra at the end of November, it is topical to discuss the upcoming election cycle, and what's going to matter to politician and members alike.  With superannuation, advice fees and taxes on unrealised gains on the agenda, there's sure to be some hot discussions and possibly tempers as well.  PJ will discuss this inside skinny on who's who in the avenues of powe

Natasha Panagis, subject matter expert on all matters superannuation joins us to work through key differences between Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), and APRA super funds (industry, govt, pvt).  There are many advantages and disadvantages to running your own show, and we also delve into "wrap accounts", a handy way to sit between a self managed option and a fully regulated fund.  Hear it best from the experts on Dollars & Making Sense.

Justin Bott from Services Australia joins us this week to help all of us get up to speed on Pension Income Tests and the Work Bonus.  You'll be quite surprised how much income you can actually make before it starts impacting your Age Pension.  The new Work Bonus also provides a great incentive for those who have reached retirement, yet still wish to work.  Check it out on Dollars & Making Sense.

Ever thought of retiring early?  What are your options and what are the best structures to consider?  Michelle Griffiths from TAG Financial is back with us to discuss the options surrounding an early retirement and the best tax structures to consider.  These include investment company structures as well as family trusts.  There are many benefits as well as potential traps so listen and there's something to be gained.  We'll also provide a handy download the Michelle as a reference.