The Money Doctors

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...

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, pr...

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 t...

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 sustaina...

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-...

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 Ne...

Social media has become one of the most effective ways for medical professionals to build trust, visibility and genuine connection – when it’s used with intention and care. Family lawyer Vic Rajah shares how the landscape has shifted from traditional media to digital platforms, and why clinicians should view themselves as a brand. 

Vic explains how different demographics use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn...

Higher uncertainty and greater volatility may define the current investment market, but this environment also presents meaningful opportunities for informed investors. Beatrice Yeo, Investment Strategist for the Multi-Asset Solutions Business at BlackRock, explains why long-term structural “megaforces” such as artificial intelligence, geopolitical fragmentation and demographic divergence provide a clearer guide than sho...

Blended families are increasingly common in Australia, but they can make estate planning complex. Without a clear will or structure in place, questions of inheritance can quickly lead to conflict. Family lawyer Vic Rajah discusses with the Bongiorno Group’s Chantelle Turner how blended families can plan effectively using wills, testamentary trusts, and neutral executors. He explains the importance of updating documents, secur...

Strong leadership in medicine requires both clinical insight and a passion for advocacy — and Simon Judkins brings both to his new role as President of AMA Victoria. 

In this episode, the Bongiorno Group’s Executive Consultant Trevor Baxter speaks with Dr Simon Judkins, Director of Emergency Medicine at Echuca Regional Health and a respected voice in healthcare reform. With a career spanning frontline emergency car...

Serving on a board offers medical professionals a unique way to extend their expertise beyond clinical practice, contribute to the community, and broaden their leadership skills. But with the opportunity comes responsibility. Directors are entrusted with governance, strategy, and risk oversight, often in complex and sensitive environments. 

Lawyer and experienced board chair Vic Rajah explains to the Bongiorno’s Group&rs...

Having an up-to-date will is essential – but understanding whether to include a testamentary trust can be just as important. These trusts can offer asset protection, oversight for vulnerable beneficiaries, and potential tax benefits, but they also bring complexity and ongoing costs that may not suit every family. 

To unpack this further, Ricky Caldow, Director at the Bongiorno Group, speaks with Jackson Barrett of Barret...

A will is one of the most important documents a person can have – but it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. If you have assets, a family, or even a single property, you should already have one. 

Ricky Caldow, Director at the Bongiorno Group, is joined by Jackson Barrett, founder and principal lawyer at Barrett + Co Legal, who explains the essentials of will-making: who an executor is, why beneficiaries s...

Having income protection in place is one thing—knowing it will deliver when you need it most is another. The Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow and Mitch McKeown return to discuss a real-life income protection claim involving one of their medical clients. The case highlights the critical role insurance plays in supporting professionals through serious health challenges. They walk through the claims process, the types of ben...

What if your most important asset isn’t what you think it is? It’s not your house, your car, or even your investment portfolio. In this episode, we dive into the kind of asset that often gets overlooked – but losing it could change everything. Matthew Homewood, Financial Consultant, and Tom Will, Risk Adviser at The Bongiorno Group, reveal how doctors can protect what really matters, avoid common pitfalls, and bui...

Think you’re on top of your tax, but then get hit with a surprise bill? You’re not alone. The Bongiorno Group’s Chantelle Turner and Helen Cheng break down the mystery of PAYG instalments – what they are, who needs to pay them, and how to avoid the dreaded “catch-up” payment. Whether you’re a doctor with private billings or a sole trader with ABN income, understanding how the ATO calculates...

While interest rates often steal the spotlight, it’s the structure, strategy and advice behind your home loan that can have the biggest long-term impact. The Bongiorno Group’s Financial Consultant Matt Homewood and Finance Manager Jack Will break down how banks determine your actual rate, what drives discounting, and why your loan setup matters more than simply aiming for an interest-rate discount. From offset accounts ...

Many Australians underestimate how quickly illness, disability, or death can derail their financial stability. Life insurance isn’t just about protecting loved ones – it’s about protecting income, assets, and lifestyle.

Tom Will, Risk Adviser at the Bongiorno Group, discusses with Dr Jeff Scott, Head of Advice Strategy at MetLife Australia, who really needs life insurance and why. They explore the key types of cov...

While auction day gets all the attention, it’s the weeks beforehand – quiet strategy, early inspections, buyer conversations – that often determine the final result. 

In this second of a two-part series on selling a home, the Bongiorno Group’s Ricky Caldow is joined by Marshall White real estate agent Ben Bongiorno to explore the key stages in the lead-up to auction. 

A well-structured campaign, ea...