Fusion Solutions Blog
The latest in accounting news and financial planning advice
The Ideal Financial Planning and Accounting Mix to Optimise Your Finances
There are times in life when you need an accountant. Then there are other times you need a financial planner. But what if you could have access to both services at any one time? As after all, they do go
Consequences to Failing to Lodge SMSF Annual Return on Time
The 15th of May is fast approaching meaning for SMSFs, it's time to lodge your Annual Return. So with less than 2 months to the deadline, now is the time to ensure your SMSF taxation and audit affairs are up-to-date.
Is Your Business Feeling the Pinch?
There is no doubt that times are tough for many small business owners. Business insolvencies across Australia are on the rise with over 8,000 businesses entering liquidation in 2023, the highest level since 2015. The leading industry for insolvencies is
Diversification – Pass or Fail?
Diversification. It's the investment buzzword. Yet for good reason. Over time, phases and hot things come and go. Yet the tried, tested and true can withstand the test of time. And leading the list is diversification within your investment portfolio.
What the Stage 3 Tax Cuts Mean for You
Stage 3 tax cuts are coming. July 1st to be exact. So what do these newly implemented changes mean for you, and why the changes? The Albanese government has recently announced tweaks to the Stage 3 tax cuts which see
To Pay Down Your Mortgage or Invest?
To pay down a mortgage or invest? That is the question. Yet, the answer may not be quite as simple. It all comes down to a range of factors and your financial situation. For some, paying down extra debt is
Retiring with Purpose
Is retirement in your future for 2024? Did you hang up your boots in 2023 and say goodbye to the 9-5pm grind? Whether you are newly retired or retirement is in your very near future, we need to talk about
Using Fixed-Term Annuities to Fund Residential Care
Last month we discussed how fixed-term annuities can be used to fill income gaps and provide income certainty in the years leading up to pension age. This month we look at how they can be used to fund the costs
How a Bookkeeper Can Help a Struggling Business
Are you a small business struggling with business debt? Do you feel you are drowning in figures and not making any headway? A bookkeeper may be just what you need to pull you out of financial trouble and take the
Fixed-Term Annuities in the Lead Up to Age Pension Age
Over the next couple of months, we are breaking down how fixed-term annuities could help as part of your investment strategy, depending on where you are in life. As we covered last month, a fixed-term annuity is a retirement investment
How Much is Enough to Retire?
Are your thoughts starting to shift towards retirement? Are you spending your days dreaming of that trip around Australia, spending more time with the grandkids or simply just...being? Chances are retirement is in your short-term future plans. If so, you
Are Fixed-Term Annuities an Ideal Investment Option?
When you start looking into investing, many are well aware of investment properties and the stock market. You may hear the terms negative gearing, EFTs and bonds thrown around at dinner parties and backyard BBQs. Yet, there is an investment
Has Your Super Passed the Test?
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the one that ensures Australia's financial system is stable, competitive and efficient, has released the results of the 2023 superannuation performance test. The test is performed every year and is designed to improve member
NSW Small Business Energy Bill Relief
A welcome reprieve for NSW business owners With Many small business owners navigating their way through rising costs of living and high interest rates, any bill relief comes as a highly welcome gift. Especially when it comes to assistance with
Financial Advice Changing the Future of Millennials
We understand that when you are in your 20s and 30s, thoughts of retirement are as far off as life on Mars. You are young. 65 seems like a million years away. But what if we told you that by
Adding to your Super with a Downsizer Contribution
As you head into retirement, you may be looking at ways to maximise your Super. One way is by making a downsizer contribution following the sale of your main place of residence. From 1 January 2023, if you're aged 55
Turbocharge your Investments
We all need a little boost sometimes, right? The same goes for your investment portfolio. Know the best way to go about it? It's just one simple word that can go so far. Reinvest. The lure of change Humans are
Taking Control of Your Retirement with an SMSF
Do you prefer to be in the driver's seat of your finances? Then starting a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) may be one of the best financial decisions you will make. Why choose an SMSF? SMSFs can be a cost-effective way
The Key to Financial Life Planning
Act now to live your dreams in the future Financial security - the golden egg we all aim for. This may sound like a far-off task and perhaps even an insurmountable one to some. But the reality is, there is
Achieving Better Returns Through Strategic Asset Allocations
Switching up your asset allocations in a turbulent market can be tempting. But not always a great idea. Trying to time a portfolio shift is near impossible. What will always win out in the end, is creating a strategic asset
Are you losing out trying to time the market?
Timing is everything - or is it? We have just passed the three-year anniversary mark of the onset of COVID. Now doesn't that seem like a bad dream? So three years on, what has the financial fallout been? Did you
Why Human Advice is Best
As a species, we crave interaction. It is an essential ingredient to what makes us human. The richness and versatility of our communication abilities is unique to the human race. So, surely it makes sense to seek out advice from
Are we Headed for a Recession?
For the past 10 years, the Australian economy has been riding on a smooth, smooth wave. However, as historical cycles dictate, that cycle is due for a downturn. In the months and years ahead, we can expect to see a
The Importance of Exit (and stay) Interviews
Let's talk exit interviews. Then once we have covered that, we want to invite you to a new concept - stay interviews. But first, let's discuss the former. When employees decide to move on from your business, it has the
Changes to 2023 Fringe Benefits Tax
Closing the Fringe Benefits Tax Gap The 31st of March marks the end of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year. As a result of budget deficits thanks to COVID-19, the ATO will be on the lookout for employers who should
Changes to Working From Home Method
ATO changing the way you claim working-from-home expenses For those individuals who work from home, you'll find some changes when it comes to lodging your working-from-home expenses this financial year. From 1 July 2022, the ATO has explained that taxpayers
Making a Good First Impression
To your pet, the waiting room of a veterinary clinic can be an absolute assault on the senses. An array of new smells. Other animals. Crowds. Bright lights. New sounds. Chances are your pet is already on high alert with
Making NSW Home Ownership More Affordable
Helping eligible Aussies buy their first home Are you: a single parent? single and over 50? a nurse, midwife, paramedic, teacher, early childhood educator or police officer? Well, the NSW Government is helping to make homeownership more affordable for you.
$500 Government Super Co-Contribution Scheme
How does an extra $500 a year, for FREE, sound? Pretty good we think. It's called the government co-contribution to your super. It's the government's way of helping you save for your future. What is the government co-contribution? The co-contribution
6 Steps to Being a First-Time Practice Owner
Starting out any new business venture is daunting. Yet as every successful business owner will tell you, it all comes down to smart planning. So we lay out our top 6 tips for those who are venturing into practice ownership
Resetting the ‘New Normal’ Switch
All good things must come to an end Investors over the past ten years have had a good run. They've become accustomed to double-digit returns and low market volatility. Now may be the time to reset to a 'new normal',
Supporting Underperforming Team Members
As a Practice Manager or Owner, leadership comes down to you. This includes not just congratulating those who perform to task or above expectations, but assisting those team members that are underperforming. It can often be one of the toughest
QLD Small Business Grant Program – Round 4, Nov 2022
The QLD Government has launched Round 4 of the Small Business Grants Program. Registrations of interest open in November 2022, with the full application process opening in December. The grant is designed to assist small Queensland-based businesses to increase core
How a Financial Advisor can Help you get Ahead
This year has seen many of us re-evaluate our financial position. Rising interest rates, the after-effects of COVID, the regional booms and plunging property prices along with the Great Resignation - all saw us taking stock of where we are,
Benefits of Cross-Training Staff in Your Vet Clinic
Time to take a step back As a Practice Manager, it is easy to fall into the shoes of every absent employee. Like when bookings fell behind and you stepped in to take the slack. Or the time your vet
Reinvest and Reap the Rewards
Earlier this month we discussed why it pays to stay invested and why it pays to hold strong during turbulent market conditions. Now, let's look at how reinvesting will help you stay in the long game, boost your returns and
Why it Pays to Stay Invested
Current market conditions are tough with investors feeling like a ship lost at sea. Global stock markets are shaking and we are continuing to see the RBA push up interest rates with no signs of slowing down just yet. A
Benefits of a Corporate Trustee for your SMSF
Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) is a Trust created in accordance with superannuation legislation and require a Trustee to control and make decisions regarding the fund. When it comes to the Trustee (structure) of your SMSF, you can choose one
How to Avoid Being a Rookie Investor
No one wants to be a bad investor. It's just not where you want to be. If you are new to the stock market or a seasoned investor but are getting itchy feet with the current market, how do you
Purchasing In-House Diagnostics for your Vet Clinic
Have you been considering bringing diagnostic testing in-house into your veterinary practice? More in-house testing is now available to vet practices. So if you have been considering this change in your practice, now might be the time to weigh up
5 Tips to Find Financial Security
Ah, the golden egg. Financial security. Some of us have it. Many of us strive for it. However, with a bit of forward-planning, is achievable for all of us. First of all, what is your definition of financial security? Is
When Your Investment Returns Don’t Stack Up
When looking at market returns, sometimes we need to step back and put things into perspective. This latest financial year is one of those times. It is safe to say it has definitely not been a stellar year for investment
Property Market and Lending Update
Don't we all wish we had a crystal ball.... never truer! The Australian property market and interest rates are throwing everyone into a spin. Rates are rising. Cost of living is increasing. Consumer confidence is down. The market is spooked.
Investing Tips for Beginners
Taking the plunge into investing as a first-timer can be a daunting experience. But guess what? We've all been there. Every seasoned investor was once, like you, a newbie. Ready to dip their toes into the investing game. The good
Is Owning a Vet Practice Right for You?
Are you contemplating ownership of a vet practice? Do you want to take your career one step forward and own your own practice? Owning a vet practice can be financially, intrinsically and professionally rewarding. It can also be a lot
Fusion July Update
There have been a lot of new happenings here at Fusion, so we thought we would collate them all into one simple location for our valued clients. Tax Checklists We are now deep in the throes of tax return prep
Selling a Veterinary Practice
So you are thinking about selling your veterinary practice? You've either had your time, are looking to retire or just looking to hand over the reins. No matter what stage of life you are in or your reasons for selling,
Now is Not the Time to Stop Investing
The Australian stock market has seen better days. We haven't seen such a severe dip since the start of the COVID pandemic. Rising inflation in the US and the subsequent 0.75 hike in US interest rates saw $116 billion wiped
Financing a Veterinary Clinic
Are you a veterinarian who is looking to take the next step in your career? Are you considering branching out on your own and starting a new business? Are you looking at buying an existing clinic? Starting a new business
What’s on the ATO Red Flag List this Year?
Every year the ATO gives a general heads up on the items the taxman is on the lookout for. It generally gives an indication of the big-ticket items that may start ringing a few bells. Along with deductions, there are
It’s Time to Start Tax Planning
"Plans are nothing. Planning is everything". - Dwight D. Eisenhower As any Financial Planner will tell you - planning is everything. Tax time is just around the corner as we hurtle towards the end of May and June 30 is
Do You Have an Employee or an Independent Contractor?
On the 9th of February this year, the High Court of Australia set down clarifications to determine whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor. Ultimately, we have seen a move away from the 'multi-factorial' test which we
What To Do When The Stock Market Dips
With all the events happening across the globe, the stock market has taken a bit of a belting. So what should you do about it? The very first thing? Don't freak out. As seasoned investors know and those who have
2022/23 Federal Budget – What Does it Mean For You?
The upcoming changes for individuals, businesses and investors The 2022/23 Federal Budget was handed down on Tuesday evening with the key focus on reducing the cost of living and incentives for small business. For individuals, we saw the announcement of
Striking a Good Work-Life Balance in the Vet Industry
It's all about balance... Striking a good work-life balance is important no matter what one of work you are in. But for those in high-stress industries, such as healthcare and the veterinary industry, it can be even more important to
March 2022 Storm & Flood Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant
The NSW State Government has now announced the March 2022 Storm & Flood Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant for small businesses or Not-For-Profits who have been directly impacted by the recent storm events. A recovery grant of up to $50,000
NSW and QLD Financial Assistance for 2022 Floods
As the new week starts, individuals and businesses along the East Coast continue with a mammoth cleanup following the devastating 2022 flood event. NSW and QLD State and Federal Governments are starting to release financial assistance packages for those affected
Latest Changes to Your Super
A super start to the year The 2021 budget saw quite a few changes to Superannuation come into effect, aimed at delivering better results for more members. In particular, women and those in part-time and casual employment will benefit from
Investment Bonds for Your Child’s Education
Following on from last week's blog on saving for your child's education, we look at an additional option - Investment Bonds. Investment Bonds can be a flexible and tax-effective way to invest for big-ticket items for your children's future -
Saving for your Children’s Education
If you have kids, no doubt you have pondered what their future education looks like. Paying for your child's education is one of life's big financial decisions. In some cases, it can even dictate how many children some couples consider
Heading into Retirement – Inheritance
If you have received, or are receiving a sizeable inheritance, you might be wondering about the tax implications of receiving a large sum of money. As tricky as it can be to consider the tax obligations of an inheritance, it
Heading into Retirement – Downsizing
In the first part of our retirement series, we shared some thoughts on transitioning to retirement. Now let's turn our gaze to one of many effective retirement strategies - downsizing. Now the children have left home and possibly even the
Retirement Series: Transitioning to Retirement
As we wrap up the year, we bring you a three-part series on transitioning into retirement and some effective retirement strategies. For soon-to-be-retirees, 2020 and 2021 threw a decent spanner into the mix. Retirement plans were delayed. Some returned to
NSW Small business fees and charges rebates
As a small business, any rebate is a good rebate. It's cash in hand that can be used to help your business, or take the heat off your business this festive season. Every little bit counts. The NSW Government small
Crypto Guide for Beginners
Cryptocurrency. You've heard of it. You know you can trade it. Yet are you still confused about what it actually is and how it works? You are not alone. It is important to understand prior to any investment, that investment
The Veterinary Industry – The Hidden Truth
With Movember in full swing this month, it's time we shed some light on the elephant in the room in the veterinary industry. There is a deep problem that only those from inside the ranks are acutely aware of. Mental
5 Tips to Manage Cash Flow Over Christmas
'Tis the season for Managing Cash Flow December is coming faster than a speeding train. Whilst some may be planning office Christmas parties, others may be thinking about their upcoming downturn in cash flow. For some businesses, Christmas is a
Home-Based Business and Individual Tax Deductions
In an unprecedented two years, many Australians have seen working from home become the norm. A solid proportion of the Australian working population went from working 9-5pm at the office to juggling work and homeschooling from the comfort (or discomfort!)
Top Tips When Selling a Vet Practice
So you are looking at selling your veterinary practice. Where do you start? What are the next steps you need to take? Selling your vet practice is a big step and one we know you will not be taken lightly.
8 Ways to Boost Your Profit
As business owners, we all want to increase our bottom line. The best way to do that is to continually grow your business. Growing your business means more cash for you now plus a higher sale price in the future
What is Portfolio Rebalancing and Should I Do It?
When it comes to investing, the aim of the game is to balance maximising your returns with managing your risk. As an investor, it is important to both understand what you are investing in and ensuring it matches your risk
How to Foster Positive Client Reviews
Recommendations and client reviews can have both the best, and the worst, impact on business. A positive review can go a long way to fostering client trust and loyalty. Positive reviews can help to attract new clients, spread your brand
Developing New Products & Services
So far on our journey of growing your business, we have discussed: Increasing your customer base Finding new markets Our third monthly feature on growing your business is developing new products and services to open new markets. Adding fresh new
How to Find New Markets
Last month we bought you an article on how to retain your clients and increase your customers. We looked at ways to retain and engage existing customers along with finding new customers. This month, let's talk about how to find
NSW Business Lockdown Support
The NSW and Federal Government have announced a series of support packages for NSW businesses during extended lockdowns of 4 weeks or more. COVID-19 Business Grant If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation in NSW and you've been
What Can I Claim this Tax Year?
Each and every year we highlight what you can and cannot claim along with the red flags the ATO are on the lookout for. Once again, we have had another year to add to the yearbooks. Or to forget entirely....
New Estate Planning Service
Have you thought about what will happen to your estate in the event of your death? Do you have an up-to-date will? What will the tax implications be for your family if they inherit your estate? Do you have adequate
Job Retention a Priority for Vet Practices
Vet Nurses at Peak Burnout Levels When it comes to job retention, the vet industry appears to be in crisis. Is not for the absence of a love for animals. Quite the opposite. When it comes to attracting and retaining
What are Concessional Contributions?
Carrying forward unused concessional contributions Have you sold a rental property or have a taxable income that needs to be reduced? There is the ability to contribute to super and use carry forward unused concessional contributions. It's never too late
Top Ways to Boost Your Customer Base
Find the new and retain the old How do I get more customers? How do I drive more sales? Age-old questions. Longer answers. The key to a successful business is customers. We all need them. We all want more of
Federal Budget 2021 Recap
It was a big Federal Budget night Tuesday night with greater spending across the board and a focus on tax offsets and incentives to assist small business and help more Aussies into their own homes. We recap the big-ticket items
The Vet Blog: Building Rapport with your Human Clients
Establishing The Human Connection Chances are, you became a vet, or part of the vet industry because you love animals, right? No doubt you have your relationship with animals down pat. But how about their owners? Finding a trusted connection
NSW Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate Now Available
NSW Small Business to Benefit From New Rebate The NSW Government has announced an additional $1,500 rebate available to eligible NSW businesses and not-for-profits to offset local Government fees and charges. The rebate is aimed to assist small NSW businesses
Keen to Pay Less Business Tax?
How to minimise your business tax this EOFY If there is one thing we know for certain, it's that everyone wants to pay less tax. It's money straight back in your pocket. Imagine the things you could do with money
The Vet Blog: Increasing Your Vet Practice Bottom Line Through Retail
Retail can help to boost your veterinary practice bottom line by up to 10% by implementing some simple strategies. Whether you are new to vet retail or are looking at ways to increase your sales, putting these steps into place
What is Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Should I Be Paying It?
What is Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT?) Put simply, Fring Benefits Tax (or FBT) is a payment made by an employer to their employees (including their family) for particular benefits. The FBT year ends on the 31st March every year. Examples
Is an SMSF Right for Me?
Have you been considering whether a Self Managed Super Fund is the way to go for your Super? If so, we are going to break down the basics to help you decide whether an SMSF is the best option for
The Benefits of an Offset Account
Keen to save on your home loan interest repayments? No doubt the answer is a resounding YES. We all want to save on interest repayments. The easiest way to do so is with an offset account. Once you have the
Looking for a Better Return on Your Cash?
Make your Cash Work Harder for You Feeling frustrated with your banks with their interest rate returns on your cash? Looking for an alternative to low rate bank term deposits and savings accounts? You are not the only one. Hard-working
The Vet Blog: Avoiding Veterinary Burn Out
The downside of saving animal lives Due to the very nature of the job, both human and veterinary health sectors suffer from higher than average occupational stress, depression, mental disorders and suicide than the average occupation. Even when compared to
The Value of a Financial Advisor
2020 was an unpredictable year. We saw markets crash and markets recover. Never before has the value of a financial advisor been more apparent. When faced with volatile financial markets, experience comes into play. Having a financial advisor on your
Financial Considerations When a Relationship Ends
My relationship has ended - what do I need to do to regarding my finances? The break up of a relationship is a stressful time. Along with the emotional impacts, there is the matter of sorting your finances. Whether you
Business Bank Accounts – Best Practice for Good Business
Business banking that works for you The set up of your business bank accounts is vital to ensure the successful, and stress-free, operation of your business. It sounds simple, yet we see businesses owners who struggle to keep up with
How to choose the right business structure
This is the first of many in our new blog series for business owners. Our aim is to provide our business clients with a wealth of information to help the successful operation of your business into the future. We will
The Importance of Binding Death Benefit Nominations in Super
Think you have your superannuation benefits all under control? It could be worth double-checking for safe measure. Did you know? Your super does not automatically form part of your estate in the event of your death. Unfortunately, it is commonplace
Is it the right time to take out a home loan?
With COVID restrictions beginning to ease across the country, those who were looking to enter the market pre-COVID may be looking at coming out of hibernation. Additionally, those with existing mortgages are looking at their loan structures and wondering if
Is it the Right Time to Invest?
Time in the market is time well spent We receive a lot of enquiries from potential investors asking, is now the right time to invest in the stock market? With spending on a downturn, many Australians are saving more than
Looking to Switch your SMSF Accountant?
Why Choose Fusion Solutions SMSF Accounting Service? When choosing an SMSF accountant, there are two key ingredients to look for. A qualified and experienced Self Managed Super Fund team to manage your account The flexibility of real-time reporting so you
The Benefits of Using an Accountant at Tax Time
Tax time is merely days away and this year is unlike any other. With COVID increasing the number of employees working from home, it is more important than ever to have an experienced accountant on your side. There are certainly
EOFY Tax Planning & Purchases
End of Financial Year is upon us which means time for some EOFY tax planning to ensure your business is in the best financial position possible. Now is the ideal time to take advantage of the EOFY sales, stimulus packages,
The JobKeeper Application Process
The $130 billion JobKeeper Payment Scheme applications officially open on Monday 20th April to assist those businesses that are affected by the Coronavirus. The Scheme is available for employers to pay eligible employees $1,500 (before tax) in an effort to
Further Stimulus and Support Measures Explained
On 30 March, the Federal Government announced a $130 billion support package for individuals whose employment is impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Here, we look at those new measures and what they could mean for you. Newly announced measures
The 2nd Government $66 Billion Stimulus Package
Amid further COVID-19 uncertainty, the Morrison Government has announced a 2nd $66 billion stimulus package. An economic lifeline as such in an attempt to keep Australians heads above water and save jobs. This latest package brings Australia's total stimulus to
Government $17.6 Billion Stimulus Package
This week we have been receiving many calls from clients asking about the newly announced $17.6 billion Government stimulus package handed down from the Morrison Government. The stimulus package is aimed at businesses and those on welfare and pensioners in
Fusion Solutions Undergoes Rebrand
Meet the New & Improved Fusion Solutions Back in April 2019, the Fusion Solutions team decided to undertake a complete business strategic review. The aim of this process was to: Identify our targeted client base Streamline our services to focus
Your handy moving-house checklist
Whether you’re a growing family in need of a bigger house, empty nesters downsizing or someone who’s just looking for a change of scenery, moving to a new home is a big deal. It can also be costly, stressful and
Raising money confident kids
Set your kids up for financial success by teaching them about money and taking care of your own financial wellbeing. It can be challenging to help children understand the concepts of spending and saving when they watch you ‘tap’ and
How would your life be affected if you had no income?
The idea of insuring against loss of income is one that has clear value. But many neglect to insure their most valuable asset. Income protection could be the answer – so how does it work? We happily insure our
Making a Smooth Transition to Retirement
Wondering about the best way to ease into your retirement years? A transition-to-retirement strategy may be the answer, but it’s important to know that the rules have recently changed. Here’s the lowdown. These days, there are all sorts of pathways
Managing the costs of child care
To make child care more affordable, the federal government offers parents financial assistance to help cover the costs. However, in July 2018, the government made some important changes to the child care system. Here’s what you need to know. Raising
How Much Super is Enough?
What’s the magic amount you need in your super account to retire comfortably? Unfortunately, this age-old question is a difficult one to answer, because it will be different for everyone. The good news is that there’s a wide range of
