The Money Doctors

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...

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make – and getting it right starts well before auction day. In this first of a two-part series, Bongiorno Group Director Ricky Caldow speaks with Marshall White real estate agent Ben Bongiorno about the essential steps vendors should take before putting a property on the market. 

From selecting the right agent and agreeing on a marketing strategy, to p...

With recent changes to how locum roles are structured, including a shift toward casual employment arrangements, it’s more important than ever to understand when and why you might need an ABN – that is, an Australian Business Number.

The Bongiorno Group’s Matt Homewood and Ricky Caldow discuss the implications for tax, superannuation, GST, and business activity statements, as well as the pros and cons of working as...

In part two of this series on buying property, we explore the ins and outs of purchasing at auction. Marshall White’s Ben Bongiorno explains to the Bongiorno Group’s Nick Fennessy what makes auctions legally binding, the critical differences between conditional and unconditional offers, and the often-misunderstood three-day window around auction day. 

Ben also unpacks what happens when a property is passed in, how ...

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...

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...

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 va...

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 fi...