July marks the beginning of tax return season for millions of Australians. While many people are eager to lodge as soon as possible, taking the time to review your position and ensure you've captured all available deductions could make a significant difference to your overall tax outcome.

The 2026 Federal Budget delivered some of the most significant tax changes to Australian investors in decades. Following the passage of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, major reforms to both negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) are now legislated and will progressively take effect from 1 July 2027.

When most people think about passing on wealth, they picture a simple process: build it up over a lifetime, then hand it down to the next generation. In reality, it can be far more complex - and getting it right can make a significant difference to your family’s long-term financial wellbeing.

When it comes to financial planning, one of the most significant decisions Australian’s face is whether to pay off their mortgage or invest in their superannuation. Both options have their merits, and the best choice depends on individual circumstances, including age, income, and financial goals.

Australia’s superannuation system has achieved significant growth, with assets increasing from $150 billion in 1992 to over $4 trillion today, and projections estimating it could reach $9 trillion by 2040. This growth has positioned the system as one of the largest pension pools globally. Over the past 20 years, regulatory efforts have encouraged consolidation, reducing the number of funds by 93%. This has led to the emergence of large-scale funds that now dominate the sector, controlling over half of its assets.

Millions of Australians have (or are about to) receive their first pay packet for the 2024-25 financial year, and it should contain some extra cash. Thanks to the federal government’s “Stage 3” changes to individual tax rates and thresholds, all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers will benefit from income tax cuts that started on 1 July 2024.

As a professional financial adviser, I’m often asked “what do I need to take into account when selling my small business?” Selling a small business can be a complex process, but with careful planning and execution, you can maximize your chances of success.

Independence is an important value to all Australians. It's also a value that's central to how we feel about and use our money. When we feel financially free, we can make a wider variety of choices, pursue our passions, and find our ideal version of work-life balance.