The Money Doctors

A mistake families make with aged care planning is waiting until a parent is already in permanent care to seek advice — by then, the decisions can be nearly impossible to walk back. That's according to Shaun Ganguly of Aged Care Financial Planning, who explains the three pillars his team handles for families: facilitation with aged care providers, Centrelink means-testing and entitlements, and financial strategy around the family home, super and other assets. He joins Maddison Price, Head of Wealth at the Bongiorno Group, to unpack why even high-net-worth families who miss out on the age pension can still lose out on valuable entitlements if paperwork isn't lodged correctly, and how working alongside other financial professionals helps take the emotional load off families during one of the most stressful transitions they'll face. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medico-legal work is no longer just for doctors nearing retirement. Today, it's becoming a flexible, rewarding career path for specialists at every stage of their profession. Justin Bradley, CEO of Melbourne-based Atlas Medicorp, explains to Nick Fennessy, Director at the Bongiorno Group, why demand for medico-legal services is growing and how the industry is changing. Justin explains how technology and AI are streamlining the reporting process, what makes a high-quality medico-legal report, and why more doctors are choosing this work to create greater flexibility, diversify their careers, and boost their income. Atlas Medicorp https://atlasmedicorp.com/ 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance provides a safety net for medical professionals facing serious injury or illness — but navigating a claim isn't always straightforward. In this episode, Matt Andrews discusses the current TPD claims landscape, key trends insurers are seeing, and what claimants need to know before lodging a claim. Matt Andrews is a Partner and Head of the Superannuation and Insurance practice at Zaparas Lawyers. He is joined by Yanish Geerdharry, Head of Risk Advisory Services at the Bongiorno Group. They discuss the differences between default superannuation cover and tailored retail policies, typical waiting periods before a claim can be made, time limits for disputing a declined claim, and the implications of non-disclosure and misrepresentation at the point of application — including how pre-existing conditions are treated differently across policy types. Zaparas Lawyers https://zaparaslaw.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 Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Success in medicine is rarely linear. It is shaped by timing, trade-offs and the support systems around you. Bongiorno Group Director Nick Fennessy speaks with orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Tharsa Thillainadesan, about building her career while raising a young family. She reflects on the role of mentors, the realities of balancing competing demands, and the importance of support both at home and professionally. A central theme is financial discipline, asking questions, and seeking specialist advice early, particularly in navigating investments, structuring income and planning ahead. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 why early planning is critical before investment portfolios begin to grow. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the ATO is increasingly scrutinising. They also examine the differences between employee and sole trader deductions, including instant asset write-offs, business expenses and service fees. They answer common real-world questions that regularly catch taxpayers out and explain why accurate record keeping has never been more important. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 listening before boarding the plane. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 asset classes, and why self-managed super funds may emerge as one of the biggest winners. They also discuss EV tax concessions, private health insurance rebate reductions, instant asset write-offs, and why investors should avoid panic while the legislation process unfolds. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/ 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and constraints of fixed and variable loans, the role of hybrid strategies, and why personal circumstances should ultimately guide the right approach. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 from a small cycling initiative into one of Australia’s most significant contributors to cancer research funding. Paul Fox, Director of the Bongiorno Group, joins Mark as they explore the human, financial and societal impact of cancer, the importance of prevention and research, and how individuals and organisations can contribute to the mission. To participate or learn more about Tour de Force: https://tourdecure.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 Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the common mistakes to avoid when beginning an investment journey. BlackRock https://www.blackrock.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 Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria and the Victorian & Tasmanian Regional Alliance Partner of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.