Posts
Income tax 2025-26: the brackets and the stage 3 aftermath
The 2024 stage 3 reshape is now bedded in. The 2025-26 thresholds, marginal rates and offsets in one place.
December 17, 2025
ETF vs direct shares: the simple compare
Cost, diversification, tax efficiency and the psychological edge of a 'set and forget' allocation.
December 16, 2025
The 12-step refinance checklist
From ordering a payout figure to PEXA settlement - everything that needs to happen and in what order.
December 15, 2025
Novated lease vs cash purchase: the real math
EV novated leases can beat cash purchase by $10,000+ after FBT exemption. Petrol cars rarely do.
December 14, 2025
Stamp duty in NSW: the $800k first-home threshold
Full exemption to $800k, partial concession to $1M. The duty savings and what it means for your suburb shortlist.
December 12, 2025
Why your bank rejected you - and who will still say yes
Five common reasons your own bank declined, and which lender policies are more forgiving of each one.
December 11, 2025
Working-from-home deductions: the 67c fixed-rate method
ATO's 67c per hour method now covers most home-office claims. What it includes and when actual-cost still wins.
December 10, 2025
Subclass 491 Regional Skilled: who qualifies
Regional definition, pathway to PR via 191, and how the lower points threshold changes the value proposition.
December 7, 2025
Big four vs mortgage broker: who actually gets better rates in 2026
A side-by-side look at big-bank branch pricing vs what a broker can negotiate on the same file in April 2026.
December 6, 2025
Trust structures for property investors
Discretionary, unit, hybrid - the three flavours, their tax effects and the lender implications.
December 5, 2025