Bank of Mum and Dad

HomeInsights

Bank of Mum and Dad.


The average price of a home in NSW is $1,184,500, the highest in the country. Canberra is next at $948,500, followed by Victoria at $895,000, with the Northern Territory the lowest at $489,2001. With the target cash rate expected to remain steady at a 12 year high of 4.35% over 2024, the pressure is on parents and family to help the younger generation become homeowners.


Over the last 15 years, home ownership has fallen from 70% to 67% of the population. Over time, declining home ownership will increase the wealth gap in Australia as for many, home ownership is a significant factor in wealth accumulation. According to the Actuaries Institute, wealth inequality is significantly higher now than in the 1980s, with the wealthiest 20% of households currently having six times the disposable income of the lowest 20%2.


The Domain’s First Home Buyer Report 2024 estimates the time for a couple aged between 25 and 34 to save a 20% deposit for an entry level home to be 6 years and 8 months in Sydney, and 5 years and 5 months in Melbourne (the Australian average is 4 years and 9 months). In that time, they are begrudgingly paying rent (or staying with Mum and Dad).



First Home Buyers?



Ensure clarity and protection by documenting loan terms for your home purchase with legal guidance. Consulting a financial adviser  is key to assessing eligibility for schemes aiding first-home buyers.


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How to call in your Debts

One of the most effective ways to deal with a cash flow crisis is to call in your debts. Only downside is this typically involves picking up the phone and speaking with your debtors in person.


Is your Business Sailing Along Without A Map, Drifting?

For many, the word ‘budget’ is about as appealing as the word ‘diet’. It seems to imply what you will go without, rather than what you will achieve.

To a successful business owner, however, the word ‘budget’ has a very different meaning.


Is Your Company Structured to Save Taxes

As an accountant, we wear many hats when dealing with clients. Sometimes we’re accountants, sometimes advisors, sometimes a confidante, and sometimes we’re just another parent of a kid on your child’s soccer team.


Lunch & Learn - 7 December - Systems & Processes

Our Lunch Learn Program combines two of life's essentials; food and knowledge. And what better way to combine the two than with a 2 course catered lunch alongside like-minded business owners who are keen to learn & network.
 


Lunch & Learn - 2 November - Cash is KING

Our Lunch Learn Program combines two of life's essentials; food and knowledge. And what better way to combine the two than with a 2 course catered lunch alongside like-minded business owners who are keen to learn & network.

 


Lunch & Learn - 12 October - Prepare a Marketing Plan

Our Lunch Learn Program combines two of life's essentials; food and knowledge. And what better way to combine the two than with a 2 course catered lunch alongside like-minded business owners who are keen to learn & network.

Whether it's generating more leads, or selling more to your existing customers, taking the time to set your marketing goals and determine the actions required to achieve them is the first step.
 


Is Your Business Adequately Covered? What else could go wrong and should you be considering

A new financial year is a bit like “new year’s eve”, a time to make those New Year’s resolutions. Insurance is not typically first and foremost in your mind when you’re dealing with the day-to-day running of your business.


Why my kids own a Piece of Xero

Here it is, my blog on why I purchased $5,000 on Xero shares for each of my two children. For over 6 months I have been contemplating whether this experience would be beneficial to anyone if I shared it. I kept thinking, “Who would want to read it?” and “What would I say?” and “Would anyone care?” Well, here I sit on my way back from seeing the Grand Canyon whilst holidaying in the USA with the family. I have time, so I pulled out my iPad and started to write. So, here it is. The story of why I purchased those Xero shares.


Lunch & Learn - 31 August - The 10 Hats in Every Business Seminar

Our Lunch & Learn Program combines two of life's essentials; food and knowledge.  And what better way to combine the two than with a 2 course catered lunch alongside like-minded business owners who are keen to learn & network.


Lunch & Learn Program - 3 August - Business Planning

Our Lunch & Learn Program combines two of life's essentials; food and knowledge.  And what better way to combine the two than with a 2 course catered lunch alongside like-minded business owners who are keen to learn & network.


** FUNDRAISER ** Fashion for a Cause

Update your wardrobe with items that spark JOY and join us for a fun evening of fashion as we tackle the War on Waste whilst assisting women in need on the Mornington Peninsula.
 

SMART Business Solutions together with Clothes 4U Boutique, a not-for-profit organisation providing quality clothing, accessories and toiletries to women in need on the Mornington Peninsula, bring you the brilliant concept of swapping your quality pre-loved clothing with other participants.


Should I set-up a self-managed super fund? And how?

There has been a lot in the news lately regarding self-managed super funds (SMSF’s) from the Royal Commission into financial planning, and the banks tightening up on lending to SMSF’s some may wonder if it is all still worth it or a viable option. Yes absolutely! However, some of these changes are there to protect members of super funds because a SMSF may not be the most appropriate for everyone.


How to Plan for A Healthy Cash Flow

I always say, “cash is king” you can have a great idea, make lots of sales but if no-one is paying how can continue to pay your bills?


BITE Conference 2018

With the success of 2017, BITE Conference is back for 2018 - The Mornington Peninsulas leading conference for small business. With a focus on 4 key ingredients integral to success in modern business: Business Innovation Technology Efficiency, BITE Conference is the number 1 thing you can do for your business this year


Are travel deductions for rental properties still available in 2018

In short, the answer to the above question is yes if actively letting residential rental properties is your business and that you have pursued the said business post 1 July 2017. In addition, Companies, superannuation funds (not SMSFs, however), public unit trusts, and managed investment trusts are still allowed to claim travel deductions for any costs related to the upkeep and management of their residential rental properties.


7 Ways to Grow your Business Evening Session

Join us at our 7 Ways to Grow Your Business event. We’ll cover the key areas in your business that you can influence and the strategies you can adopt to achieve growth and improvement.


7 Ways to Grow your Business Afternoon Session

Join us at our 7 Ways to Grow Your Business event. We'll cover the key areas in your business that you can influence and the strategies you can adopt to achieve growth and improvement


Succession Planning for Business

Having an effective Succession Plan encourages the growth and sustainability of your business….
Succession Planning allows you to transition your business to new ownership in a managed and systematic way; reducing stress while achieving a greater outcome. If you would like to learn more about how you can successfully transition your business, or be the recipient of the transition, join us at our Succession Planning seminar.

SMSFandACCOUNTING_Winner_MARKETING-PROGRAM-OF-THE-YEAR

SMSFandACCOUNTING_Winner_MARKETING-PROGRAM-OF-THE-YEAR

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WomenInFinance2018_office_administrator-of-the-year

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Aus-Accounting-Awards-2018_Proff-Dev-program-of-the-year

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AAA18_SEAL_Winner_Office-Administrator-of-the-Year

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AAA18_SEAL_Professional-Development-Program-of-the-Year


How to create the ultimate bucket list

If you knew you only had a short period of time to live, what would you do differently? That was the question that Sebastian Terry, author of 100 Things: What’s On Your List?, asked himself following the death of a close friend at a young age.


Business Awards - Creating Submissions that put you on the map - AFTERNOON SESSION

Learn How To Construct Compelling Award Entries - Afternoon Session
We know that award nominations can be daunting, attend this free seminar to learn how to do it and construct a compelling award entry that can put you on the map. With nominations for the Peninsula Business Awards quickly drawing to a close, it has got us thinking about why businesses should enter awards. It takes time, energy and a good dollop of realism to piece together your story authentically, but the benefits are unchallenged, from third-party endorsement to increase your credibility to opening new networks and celebrating your team. Read more about the endless benefits of entering awards here. 
 
There's a couple of weeks left to enter the Peninsula Business Awards, but there are plenty of valuable and powerful small business awards to enter throughout the year. Join us next week as we ease you through the submission process and prep you for award success. The seminar is free to attend, but you must book now to secure your seat at the event! 


Business Awards - Creating Submissions that put you on the map - EVENING SESSION

Learn How To Construct Compelling Award Entries  - Evening Session
We know that award nominations can be daunting, attend this free seminar to learn how to do it and construct a compelling award entry that can put you on the map. With nominations for the Peninsula Business Awards quickly drawing to a close, it has got us thinking about why businesses should enter awards. It takes time, energy and a good dollop of realism to piece together your story authentically, but the benefits are unchallenged, from third-party endorsement to increase your credibility to opening new networks and celebrating your team.  Read more about the endless benefits of entering awards here. 
 
There's a couple of weeks left to enter the  Peninsula Business Awards, but there are plenty of valuable and powerful small business awards to enter throughout the year. Join us next week as we ease you through the submission process and prep you for award success. The seminar is free to attend, but you must book now to secure your seat at the event! 


Flourish 12 Month Business Coaching

The Flourish Business Coaching Program is designed specifically for small to medium business owners committed to growing their business. The program provides you with essential ingredients to improve your financial literacy,helping
you make informed strategic decisions to help accelerate your business growth.


Take a note - here are the key dates you need to be aware of

here are the key dates you need to be aware of


Personal Finance Planning with Xero

Personal Finance Planning with the help of Xero and Smart Business Solutions If you were to add up all your earnings for a lifetime, the total would come to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. 


Pensioner Concession Card ReInstated

Did you, or a member of your family, have the Pensioner Concession Card cancelled because of the changes to the asset test? If so, it’s time to check your letterbox for a pleasant surprise.


Tracking your Profit

As a business owner facing down the end of another financial year, you’re likely paying more attention to those all-important profit and loss margins.


Starting Young

Do you ever wish you started seeing a financial adviser earlier in life? Then consider setting your kids on their own financial advice journey sooner rather than later.



Personal Budgeting

Personal Budgeting: The Key To Realising Your Financial Goals And DreamsIf you discovered a business owner was operating without a set budget, you’d probably think he/she was incompetent or not taking his/her financial obligations seriously. 


Women - Expecting a Baby

When you’re having a baby it’s normal to focus on the practical aspects of preparing for the arrival of a newborn. In fact, there are so many things to consider that people often overlook the financial considerations. By taking the time to consider your finances ahead of time, you’ll be able to avoid financial pressures and really enjoy the special time with your new family member.


Got an Online MyGov Account?

Got An Online MyGov Account? Be Sure To Read This The Online MyGov has caused major hassles for tax agents so we felt it was important to let you know. Over the past year, the ATO has made several changes to the way in which it communicates with tax payers and their delegated tax agents.


Give your kids a home-buying boost?

­­Rising property prices have made it harder for young people to get into the property market than it was for previous generations. Here’s how you can lend your kids a helping hand – without necessarily having to put up all the cash yourself.


Separation or Divorce

Going through a separation or divorce raises a lot of questions

One of these relates to money. Given you’re likely to have many other issues to consider, it’s important to focus on finances as early as possible. The sooner you sort out your financial situation, the easier it will be to adjust to your new circumstances.

Xero For Start-Ups Workshop

Xero For Start-Ups Workshop

Just started a business? Or want to change your sole trader business to Xero? 

We can help! Our workshop will provide you with the training and information you need to get your new business (or existing sole trader) onto Xero accounting software to provide you with real-time financial information so you can confidently make business decisions. When:
1st Nov (Morning Session @ 9:00am-12:30pm)



Cost: $50pp
 


Doing Business In The Cloud

As Xero’s Victorian Accounting Firm partner of the Year the team at SMART Business Solutions LOVE Xero and everything CLOUD.


Guidelines for guarding your new business name

Picking the right name for your business or company is an important aspect of beginning a new venture or revamping your current one.


Crowd Funding

Crowd funding: a revolutionary new way to back your business start up So you have an amazing new business, but no access to the capital you’ll need to successfully launch it? If this is the case, you have several options to secure funding. 


Financial advice for a long time

Retiring earlier and living longer: why every woman needs the right financial strategy to make sure their savings will last their distance


Xero Tips & Traps Workshop - 4th October 10am - 12pm

As Xero achieves a major milestone with 1 million users globally, their product development and new features continue to evolve.

As Xero Gold Partner's, Awarded 2016 Xero Partner of the Year (Victoria) and appointed to the Xero Accounting Partner Advisory Council, SMART Business Solutions is well positioned to provide you with all of the latest Xero Innovations to help you get the most out of Xero.

These sessions will cover:
- Latest developments & enhancements
- New releases coming soon
- Our  favorite tips & tricks for Xero users

Since we receive a heap of questions about Xero from clients,  we have decided to run these sessions every two months.
 
Whether you have just started using Xero or are a seasoned Xero pro, everyone can benefit from the latest tips from our  recognised   team  of Xero experts.

Topics for each session will change based on the latest developments, however, we can publish the topics two weeks in advance.

Morning tea will be provided
Session One:
Wednesday 4th October
10am - 12noon
Location: SMART Business Solutions Office, Level 1, 328 Main Street Mornington


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.


The Value of Having an Experienced CFO on Your Side

Big businesses typically have an in-house Chief Financial Officer (CFO) , but this is not always an affordable option for small and medium sized businesses.


How to thrive with Amazon in Aussie Retail

SMART Business Solutions was pleased to host a breakfast event this week on the topic of how can retailers thrive with Amazon coming.


Amazon's Impact on Australian Retail Breakfast

Join us for our first Mornington Peninsula retailers breakfast and learn how you can not only survive but thrive in an Amazonian retail environment.

There's been a lot of talk recently about the threat of giants like Amazon on bricks & mortar stores. But it doesn't have to be all bad.

Presented by Craig Bass from VendHQ and Shannon Smit & Nadia Hughes, Directors of SMART Business Solutions, here's a taste of what we'll be covering and why you need to get on board the Amazon Express

What you'll get from attending this session

*Using Amazon for your gain
*How to compete with Amazon by not competing with them
*How to use technology to win
*Breakfast

Who Should attend?

*Retail owners and managers
*Business that engage with and service retailers

When: Wednesday 6th September
Time: Arrive from 7 am for a 7.30am  kick off  - finish by 8.30am
Location: Benito's Restaurant, 1196 Nepean Highway, Mornington

FIRST 25 REGISTERED RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS! otherwise tickets are $25 per head but include a wonderful hot breakfast


The 4 Steps to Effective Debt Collection

A healthy cash flow is vital to keeping your business operating optimally. Should a large percentage of your customer's delay, their payments or – in the worst-case scenario – refuse to pay you, your business could be placed in a very difficult position.


Find Your Freedom! 27 July 7:30pm

Building wealth is not a product, it is a strategy

An event not to be missed:

The 3 Key topics of discussion will be:

1. Australia : As funny as it sounds, is a hidden tax haven

2. There is only one reason you should pay tax - to avoid paying more tax!

3. Recent increased tax exemptions that benefit small to medium businesses
 

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