Business By Design

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Stuart and Mena explore one of the most common and misunderstood questions business owners face: how to tax-effectively get money into and out of a company. Whether you’re starting a business, investing in one, or managing retained profits, understanding the right structure from the outset can save you from costly mistakes later on.

They walk through the key ways to fund a company, either by loaning money in or contributing share capital, and explain when each method is most appropriate. If there are multiple owners involved, Stuart and Mena highlight the importance of setting clear expectations upfront to avoid confusion between lenders and shareholders.

They also cover how to extract profits tax-effectively, including dividend strategies, managing franking credits, and how using a discretionary trust as the shareholder can create valuable flexibility. Division 7A traps are explained in simple terms, with guidance on how to avoid triggering unintended tax liabilities when accessing company funds.

Finally, they compare company structures with trusts, and outline why companies may be ideal for trading businesses, despite their added complexity. This episode is packed with strategic tips and practical insights to help you set up and manage your company the smart way, right from day one.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Stuart and Mena take a deep dive into one of the biggest and often most misunderstood taxes investors face, Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Whether you're dealing with property, shares, or business assets, they explain why the smartest CGT strategies begin not at the point of sale, but before you even buy the asset.

They start by breaking down how CGT works, who gets the 50% discount, and why holding structures, like companies, individuals, or discretionary trusts, make a huge difference in the final tax bill. Mena explores how to maximise your cost base by tracking all deductible expenses, while Stuart walks through the power of discretionary trusts to stream gains and reduce tax across beneficiaries.

Listeners will also learn about the generous small business CGT concessions, how to use financial year timing to their advantage, and when it may make sense to hold assets in a company structure. The duo highlights real-world examples, including property strategies that stagger gains over multiple years, and tactical planning tips for EOFY.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to reduce or eliminate CGT and understand why strategic ownership from the start is the real secret to long-term tax efficiency.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart take a close look at the pros and cons of purchasing a franchise and whether it’s truly the right path for aspiring business owners. They break down why buying into an established brand can fast-track revenue, provide a proven business model, and offer ongoing support in areas like training, marketing, and supply chain management. Stuart explains how franchises can simplify access to finance and deliver real advantages through economies of scale.

But it's not all upside. Mena unpacks the hidden costs, such as hefty upfront fees, ongoing royalties, and strict contractual obligations, that can catch new franchisees off guard. Together, they discuss the trade-off between brand leverage and personal freedom, and why limited autonomy can be a deal-breaker for entrepreneurs who value creative control. They also explore the risks tied to brand reputation, franchisor performance, and resale restrictions that may limit your future flexibility.

Through real-world examples and expert insight, Mena and Stuart help listeners assess when franchising makes sense and when it’s better to walk away. Whether you’re eyeing your first venture or looking to expand, this episode offers a grounded, practical lens on what franchising involves.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart unpack the ins and outs of Australia’s often misunderstood 6-year CGT exemption rule for main residences. They explore how this powerful tax concession can help homeowners maximise profits when selling a property they no longer live in, particularly those who rent it out after moving. Listeners will learn the exact eligibility criteria, including how to ensure a property still qualifies as your main residence for tax purposes even while it’s earning rental income.

Stuart explains how the exemption resets if you move back in, while Mena walks through common scenarios, including how a full exemption applies if the sale occurs within six years, and how pro-rata tax is calculated if you exceed the threshold. They also highlight important strategies such as resetting the 6-year clock, obtaining accurate property valuations, and the critical CGT implications for couples with multiple properties.

The conversation also covers mistakes to avoid, like poor record keeping, incorrect main residence elections, and confusion around land tax. Finally, they issue a clear warning for expats: non-residents lose access to the CGT exemption entirely. It’s a must-listen for any property owner looking to sell smart and avoid unexpected tax bills.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart dive into Australia’s complex tax system, using insights from a thought-provoking discussion paper by Matt Grudnoff of The Australia Institute. He examines how, when welfare and superannuation are factored in, Australia’s reliance on income tax may not be as unbalanced as critics claim. Still, Stuart raises the question: What could a more common-sense approach to tax reform look like?

He explores potential policy ideas, including introducing a luxury GST rate, capping the main residence exemption, and reconsidering the structure of capital gains tax, particularly the implications of taxing unrealised gains on balances above $3 million. He critiques this measure as a major revenue target that few Australians will be willing to pay, questioning its efficiency and fairness.

The episode also explores the limitations of inheritance tax, explaining how it can be easily circumvented, and whether there’s merit in offering CGT discounts for landlords who rent their properties below market value.

Drawing from the ProSolution team's paper on tax reform, he discusses smart alternatives that aim to balance fairness, simplicity, and sustainability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of tax policy and how reform could better serve Australians.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart share practical strategies to streamline tax administration and reduce headaches for individuals and investors. They begin by discussing the value of using Xero, even for non-trading entities, as a powerful tool to centralise and simplify record-keeping. Next, they explore the benefits of wrap platforms for managing shares and investments, including consolidated reporting and time savings.

The conversation turns to property, where they advise having your property manager handle all expenses tied to each investment property, making EOFY reconciliations far easier. They also emphasise the importance of waiting for ATO pre-fills, often delayed by up to four months, to avoid premature or inaccurate lodgements.

Stuart and Mena highlight why working with a holistic advisory team matters, citing real-life client wins where critical documents were quickly accessible. They wrap up with insights on how modern bookkeeping is now scalable, affordable, and more efficient than ever. This episode is packed with sharp, actionable tips to help you get ahead of your tax obligations and focus on what matters.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart unpack the latest tax updates for the 2025–26 financial year, helping listeners navigate changes that could impact their personal finances and business planning. They kick off with the Super Guarantee (SG) increase to 12%, highlighting what this means for employers and employees alike. Next, they discuss the end of deductions for ATO interest charges, a significant shift that removes tax relief on General Interest Charges (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charges (SIC) from 1 July.

Listeners will learn about the $150 energy rebate, a 30% home battery discount, and the extended $20,000 instant asset write-off, with a caution that this may drop to $1,000 next year. Mena and Stuart also cover PAYG withholding cycle adjustments, Victorian payroll tax threshold increases, and changes to luxury car tax for fuel-efficient vehicles.

With the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) rising to $2 million, the duo explains opportunities for superannuation strategy ahead of retirement. They also remind businesses of upcoming reporting deadlines, including Single Touch Payroll (STP) finalisation by 14 July and PAYG variations. It’s a must-listen for staying informed and proactive with your 2025–26 tax strategy

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart explore whether making additional super contributions in your 30s and 40s is a smart tax planning move or a potential limitation on your financial flexibility. They break down the compelling benefits of contributing extra to your superannuation, including tax savings of up to 30% for high earners, the power of compounding over decades, and the ability to carry forward unused concessional caps for strategic top-ups. They also highlight super splitting with a spouse as a savvy way to equalise balances and improve future retirement outcomes.

However, it’s not all upside. The duo cautions that superannuation is illiquid; once it’s in, you can’t touch it until retirement age. They discuss how locking away funds could limit options for home upgrades, education, or business ventures. Listeners will also hear about alternative strategies, such as reducing debt or investing outside super, which may better align with medium-term goals.

Mena and Stuart advocate for a balanced, personalised approach: combining long-term super growth with short-term flexibility. If you’re juggling competing priorities like career, kids, or property, this episode offers timely insights and a strong case for seeking quality financial advice.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Mena and Stuart delve into the critical considerations for Australian business owners when creating a will. They unpack how your business structure, whether sole trader, partnership, company, or trust, determines what can be passed on and how. The duo explores the importance of aligning your business succession plan with your personal estate plan, from identifying future leadership to leveraging buy-sell agreements and regular valuations. They highlight the necessity of mapping out control over trusts and companies and planning for incapacity through tools like Enduring Powers of Attorney and alternate directors.

Listeners will gain practical insights into using testamentary trusts for tax efficiency, understanding CGT implications, and ensuring estate liquidity through insurance or succession agreements. Mena and Stuart also address the sensitive topic of family dynamics, offering tips to prevent conflict when business assets aren’t evenly distributed. Finally, they underscore the importance of choosing a capable executor and regularly reviewing your estate plan to keep it relevant. 

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing a complex business entity, this episode is packed with essential guidance to protect your legacy and ensure smooth transitions.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Send us Fan Mail

Using a corporate beneficiary, commonly called a bucket company, is a smart move for many trust structures, particularly when tax efficiency and asset protection are key goals. But as Stuart and Mena explain in this episode, setting one up requires more than just ticking a box.

They dive into the purpose behind corporate beneficiaries, including how they help defer tax, protect assets, and support reinvestment strategies. You'll learn about essential structuring steps, such as company setup, trust deed alignment, and family trust election considerations.

A big focus is the compliance risks under Division 7A, which often catch business owners off guard. The team breaks down what unpaid distributions mean, why a formal loan agreement is essential, and how the latest ATO guidance has changed the landscape.

They also explore dividend planning, franking credit strategies, succession, and long-term control, plus common traps to avoid.

If you're considering a corporate beneficiary as part of your trust strategy, this episode gives you the full picture so you can make informed, forward-looking decisions.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!

Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.

Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.

Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn.  Mena: LinkedIn

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.