The Money Doctors

In part two of this series on investment structures, the Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown examine company structures and superannuation. 

Companies can provide asset protection and tax deferral opportunities, while also outlining the limitations, including the absence of capital gains tax discounts and the complexities involved in accessing profits personally. 

Superannuation, remains one of Australia’s most tax-effective investment environments. They explore contribution strategies, retirement planning, self-managed super funds, and the common mistakes they see from high-income professionals who neglect superannuation during their peak earning years. 

The Money Doctors is proudly...

The structure used to hold an investment can have a significant long-term impact on tax, flexibility, asset protection and wealth creation outcomes. Two people can invest in exactly the same asset and achieve very different financial results simply because of how those investments were structured from the beginning. 

In the first of this two-part series, Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown, Directors of the Bongiorno Group, explore two of the most common investment structures: individual ownership and trust structures. 

They explain how each structure works, the tax implications involved, when trusts may provide greater flexibility, and wh...

Tax time is just around the corner – and so it’s worth understanding ahead of time what you can legitimately claim. And, no, it’s not about maximising deductions at all costs. It’s about being able to clearly justify every expense and ensuring it directly relates to earning your income. 

The Bongiorno Group’s Director Nick Fennessy and Tax Manager Chantelle Turner unpack the deductions employees and self-employed practitioners commonly misunderstand. 

They explain the myriad of rules around car travel, conferences, self-education, home office expenses, uniforms, laptops, donations, super contributions and insurance, while highlighting the areas th...

Planning an overseas fellowship can shape a medical career, but poor tax planning can create expensive surprises. From tax residency and worldwide income to investment properties, private health insurance and double tax agreements, the financial implications of working overseas are often misunderstood. 

The Bongiorno Group’s Directors Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown unpack the practical realities doctors face before heading abroad for fellowships. They explain why intention matters so much to the ATO, how residency status is assessed, and why assumptions about avoiding Australian tax are often wrong. For medical professionals considering overseas training, this is essential lis...

Insurance only works when it evolves with your life. From rising incomes and growing debt to children, career changes and mounting premiums, reviewing your cover regularly can mean the difference between being properly protected and paying for insurance that no longer fits your needs. 

The Bongiorno Group’s Matt Homewood and Tom Will unpack the key triggers for reviewing income protection, life, trauma and TPD insurance. They explain how changing income, waiting periods, mortgages, school fees and lifestyle shifts should shape your insurance decisions over time. 

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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...

Strong rental demand and infrastructure investment are reshaping Australia’s property landscape beyond Victoria, but elevated prices and rising optimism warrant caution. Property strategist Julian Muldoon of 1Group and the Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow examine the momentum across Queensland, Sydney’s western corridor, Adelaide and key regional centres. They explore the sustainability of recent growth, the role of major projects such as the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, and where investors may still find balanced opportunities between yield, value and long-term fundamentals. 

1Group
https://www.1group.com.au/ 

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Long-term wealth in property is built on strategic asset selection, not short-term sentiment. Property advisor Julian Muldoon of 1Group, joins the Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow to examine the Victorian commercial property landscape. They explore the case for light industrial assets, the challenges facing retail, planning changes affecting medical practices, and why Melbourne may present compelling opportunities despite negative market sentiment.

1Group
https://www.1group.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 Vi...

Uncertainty in interest rates is not just a market issue, it is a personal financial decision point for every borrower. With inflation still above target and global pressures influencing the outlook, the path forward for interest rates remains unclear. 

Jack Will, Finance Manager at The Bongiorno Group, is joined by Senior Finance Consultant Mark Bremner and Director Nick Fennessy to unpack the latest shifts shaping lending decisions. They explore why forecasts have changed, what rising rates mean for borrowers, and how global and local factors are interacting. 

They focus on practical decision-making, including the pros an...

Market sentiment does not always reflect underlying opportunity. While many Victorian investors are looking interstate, selected Melbourne and regional pockets are showing renewed growth, particularly in affordable, infrastructure-backed corridors. 

Property advisor Julian Muldoon of 1Group joins the Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow to unpack current trends, including yield versus capital growth, outer-suburb momentum, infrastructure impact and tax considerations. They explore why strategy, fundamentals and personal objectives should drive investment decisions. 

1Group
https://www.1group.com.au/ 

The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the p...

Efforts to prevent, treat and ultimately cure cancer rely not only on clinical excellence, but also on sustained investment in research. Tour de Cure, an Australian charity dedicated to funding cancer research, prevention and support programs, has raised more than $150 million and helped deliver hundreds of research breakthroughs across the country. 

Sports broadcaster and former Sunrise team member Mark Beretta reflects on his long association with the charity and the impact it has had on patients, families and researchers. A board member for more than a decade, Beretta shares the story behind Tour de Cure’s growth fro...

An unwelcome surprise can arrive at tax time, particularly for doctors whose income has increased during the year. The Medicare Levy Surcharge can catch trainees and junior doctors by surprise when they exceed the threshold through overtime and penalty rates. 

The Bongiorno Group’s Nicolas Pereira and Chantelle Turner clarify when the surcharge applies, how it is calculated, and the role of appropriate hospital cover, providing practical guidance for doctors at every stage of their career. 

The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and...

Soon, employers will be expected to pay superannuation to their employees at the same time as wages. This change, known as Payday Super, becomes mandatory from 1 July 2026 and represents a once-in-a-generation reform to the superannuation system. The reform has major implications for practice owners and employers, particularly those running weekly or fortnightly payrolls, as late payments attract SG charges, interest, and loss of tax deductibility. The Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow and Chantelle Turner discuss the changes and what you should be aware of between now at July. 

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Retirement is one of the most significant transitions in a professional career, yet it is often delayed or under-planned. The Bongiorno Groups Jim Tsirtsakis and Trevor Baxter explore what retirement truly means — beyond simply stepping away from work. They discuss the importance of defining purpose and lifestyle goals, aligning business exit strategies with personal objectives, and ensuring financial independence is sustainable over the long term. 

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 Reg...

A clear investment plan begins long before any money enters the market. New investors who define their goals, diversify effectively and stay disciplined through market shifts give themselves the strongest foundation for long-term success. Beatrice Yeo, Investment Strategist for the Multi-Asset Solutions Business at BlackRock, outlines the essential principles every first-time investor should understand. 

She explains why goal-setting matters, how diversification has evolved in today’s market environment and why managing costs and maintaining discipline are critical. Beatrice also discusses the role of multi-asset portfolios, the growing influence of technology and AI in portfolio construction and some of...

Everyone at the Bongiorno Group would like to wish you a joyful Christmas and a successful start to 2026. As the festive and summer period rolls around, The Money Doctors will be taking a brief seasonal pause — but we won’t be away for long.

We return on January 13 with our first episode of 2026. Until then, enjoy the break, stay safe, and from all of us at the Bongiorno Group — Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. 

The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax and...

Social media has become one of the most effective ways for medical professionals to build trust, visibility and genuine connection – when it’s used with intention and care. Family lawyer Vic Rajah shares how the landscape has shifted from traditional media to digital platforms, and why clinicians should view themselves as a brand. 

Vic explains how different demographics use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, and why authenticity matters more than polished perfection. He also outlines the legal and ethical guardrails, while highlighting how thoughtful content can humanise a practice and support patient confidence. 

Vic Rajah Family...

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.blac...

Blended families are increasingly common in Australia, but they can make estate planning complex. Without a clear will or structure in place, questions of inheritance can quickly lead to conflict. Family lawyer Vic Rajah discusses with the Bongiorno Group’s Chantelle Turner how blended families can plan effectively using wills, testamentary trusts, and neutral executors. He explains the importance of updating documents, securing insurance, and protecting loved ones — ensuring that when life changes, your legacy and family harmony remain secure. 

Vic Rajah Family Lawyers
https://www.vicrajah.com.au/ 

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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...

Serving on a board offers medical professionals a unique way to extend their expertise beyond clinical practice, contribute to the community, and broaden their leadership skills. But with the opportunity comes responsibility. Directors are entrusted with governance, strategy, and risk oversight, often in complex and sensitive environments. 

Lawyer and experienced board chair Vic Rajah explains to the Bongiorno’s Group’s Chantelle Turner what’s really involved in board service, from the time commitment to the legal obligations and potential liabilities. Drawing on his roles with Best Chance, a large not-for-profit supporting children and families, and other communi...

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://barre...

A will is one of the most important documents a person can have – but it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. If you have assets, a family, or even a single property, you should already have one. 

Ricky Caldow, Director at the Bongiorno Group, is joined by Jackson Barrett, founder and principal lawyer at Barrett + Co Legal, who explains the essentials of will-making: who an executor is, why beneficiaries should ideally be named specifically, and why certain assets – a like superannuation or property held in companies – aren’t automatically covered. 

He breaks down the legal nuan...

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. 

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What if your most important asset isn’t what you think it is? It’s not your house, your car, or even your investment portfolio. In this episode, we dive into the kind of asset that often gets overlooked – but losing it could change everything. Matthew Homewood, Financial Consultant, and Tom Will, Risk Adviser at The Bongiorno Group, reveal how doctors can protect what really matters, avoid common pitfalls, and build a safety net for the unexpected. Curious what that asset is? Tune in. 

The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bon...

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 th...

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-rate discount. From offset accounts and investment structures to future income assessments, they explain how tailored lending strategies – especially for doctors – can boost flexibility, improve borrowing power and set you up for future success. 

The Money Doctors i...

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 Mo...

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. 

A well-structured campaign, early buyer engagement, and open communication between agent and vendor are key to achieving the best possible outcome on auction day. 

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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 s...

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 as the pros and cons of working as a contractor versus an employee. Whether you’re planning a career in private practice or simply weighing up your locum options, it’s important to understand your options to make infor...

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 when a property is passed in, how negotiations unfold behind closed doors, and why vendor expectations play such a crucial role. For buyers, understanding these steps can be the difference between securing your dream home and making a costly misst...

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 two-episode series, Ben shares his unique perspective on the property market, drawing on his experience advising medical professionals and now helping clients buy and sell property in one of Melbourne’s most competitive regions. 

The more specific and transparent...

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 financial planning play?

To break it all down, Adam Crabbe, Risk Strategy Specialist at Zurich, joins Yanish Geerdharry, Head of Advice of Financial Planning & Insurance at the Bongiorno Group. Adam shares insights from Z...

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 and why investors must assess the value they receive. Also, they examine key investment principles such as portfolio rebalancing, diversification, and the risks of market timing. 

The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, t...

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, they discuss the importance of financial planning, risk tolerance, diversification, and avoiding speculative trends. They also examine common pitfalls, including overreacting to market volatility, underestimating fees, and attempting to time the market. 

The Money Doct...

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, exemptions for electric vehicles, varying interest rates, and different options depending on your employment situation, it’s crucial to understand how it all works. 

Bongiorno Group Directors, Nick Fennessy and Ricky Caldow, break down...

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. 

Vic Rajah, firm principal at Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, and Chantelle Turner, Tax Manager at the Bongiorno Group, unpack the key tax and legal issues in family law property settlements and explain how to avoid cost...

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, examine who benefits from these agreements, how they can be set aside, and why it’s vital to seek sound legal advice before signing on the dotted line.

Vic Rajah Family Lawyers
https://www.vicrajah.com.au/ 

T...

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 down key factors influencing home loan assessments, including HECS debts, credit limits, and interest-only vs. principal-and-interest loans. 

The Money Doctors is proudly brought to you by leading financial services organisation the Bongiorno Group, the preferred tax an...