The Money Doctors

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 you are with your criteria, the better an agent can help you secure the right property, sometimes even before it hits the market. 

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. 

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 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 Zurich’s Cost of Care research and practical steps to safeguard your financial future. 

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. 

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.

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, the preferred tax and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria. 

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.

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 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. 

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.

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 the details to help you understand if a novated lease is the right move not. But, as with all matters finance, it’s best to get tailored advice.  

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. 

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.

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 costly mistakes during one of life’s most challenging transitions. 

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

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.

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/ 

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. 

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 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 and accounting partner for the Australian Medical Association Victoria. 

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.

Divorce is one of those events that marks a significant life transition, often accompanied by emotional, financial, and legal complexities. It raises critical questions: How are assets fairly divided? How can disputes be resolved efficiently while minimising conflict?

Vic Rajah, firm principal at Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, and Chantelle Turner, Tax Manager at the Bongiorno Group, explore the legal framework surrounding divorce, focusing on property settlements, child custody, and dispute resolution. 

Vic says mediation and alternative dispute resolution are encouraged to reach amicable solutions, avoiding prolonged, expensive court proceedings. Seeking early legal guidance can prevent costly mistakes and help parties make informed decisions about separation.

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

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.

If you want to set your kids up for a strong financial future, teaching them about money early on is key. Bongiorno Group Directors, Vanessa Smith and Nick Fennessy, insist its beneficial to have money conversations as soon as possible, by explaining how money is earned, spent, and saved in simple terms.

Help them understand the difference between wants and needs, and teach them to budget and set savings goals. As parents, it's important to lead by example, modelling good financial habits and being transparent about mistakes. Encourage responsible spending, avoid impulse buying, and discuss the risks of debt. Regular conversations and hands-on learning are crucial. 

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.  

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.