Mark Mollenhauer - Finance Coach

15/10/2025

💰 **Super Tax Shake-Up: What’s Changing?**

- 📣 Treasurer Jim Chalmers just revamped Labor’s plan to tax large super balances.
- ❌ No more tax on *unrealised gains* — only actual profits will be taxed.
- 📈 Thresholds now indexed to inflation — $3M and new $10M tiers will rise over time.
- ⚖️ Two new tax rates:
- 30% on earnings from balances between $3M–$10M
- 40% on earnings from balances above $10M
- 👥 Who’s affected?
- ~0.5% of Aussies with super (80K–90K people)
- Only ~8K hit the $10M+ mark
- ⏳ Start date pushed to 1 July 2026 — first tax bills in 2027/28
- 🗳️ Legislation still needs support from the Coalition or the Greens to pass

* Disclaimer - always seek professional advice before making any decisions

13/10/2025

🏡 Big news for first-home buyers! From October 1, the 5% Deposit Scheme just got a major upgrade:

✅ No income caps
✅ No limit on places
✅ Higher property price caps (up to $1.5M in some cities!)
✅ No Lenders Mortgage Insurance (save up to $36K!)

That means less time saving, more time house hunting. Whether you’re eyeing a $600K home in Bendigo or a $1M spot in Brisbane, you could get in the door with just 5% down.

📣 Tag a mate who’s been dreaming of ditching rent and owning their place!

17/08/2025

“Budgeting is easy.
Until the ‘Impulse Buys’ bucket turns into Niagara Falls.”

13/08/2025

🍾Good News Folks!

The RBA has cut the cash rate to 3.6%
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the cash rate to 3.6%, down from 3.85%.

The cash rate is what the RBA charges banks for short-term loans.

It affects how much interest banks charge customers on their loans, for example, mortgages. This is why changes to the cash rate are also referred to as the RBA changing interest rates.

The lower the interest rate, the less expensive it is to borrow money.

🎙Announcement
The RBA has announced it has decided to lower the cash rate by 25 points to 3.6%. The central bank called the cut “appropriate,” and said it was forecasting inflation to “continue to moderate”.

Despite the decision, the RBA said it “remains cautious about the outlook,” as “uncertainty in the world economy remains elevated.”

It comes after the RBA’s surprise decision last month, when it kept the cash rate on hold. At the time, the RBA said it needed to “wait for a little more information”.

📉Inflation
The RBA partly bases its decisions on inflation, which measures the change in the price of goods and services over time.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that inflation fell to 2.1% in the year to June.

This is the lowest annual inflation rate since March 2021. When inflation falls, it does not mean prices are falling — it means they are increasing at a slower rate than before.

It is also within the RBA’s target range for inflation of 2-3%.

23/06/2025

📅 Important Finance Changes from July 1! 💸
As the new financial year rolls in, here are key updates that could affect your money:

🔼 Superannuation Guarantee Rises
From 11% to 11.5% – a bigger slice of your income goes into your super account.
👉 Learn more (ATO) https://bit.ly/4k7mpaG

💰 Stage 3 Tax Cuts Kick In
More take-home pay for most Australians. New income brackets = less tax.
👉 Check your rate (Treasury) https://bit.ly/466ki3t

🏡 Help for First Home Buyers
More places in the Home Guarantee Scheme – buy with as little as 5% deposit (or 2% for single parents).
👉 Eligibility info (NHFIC) https://bit.ly/45vD8kq

🩺 Medicare Levy Threshold Increases
Thresholds raised = some low-income earners won’t pay the levy.
👉 Medicare Levy details (ATO) https://bit.ly/3T2F0d5

💡 Energy Rebates & Support
Many states are offering cost-of-living energy relief – check what’s available near you.
👉 Energy Bill Relief (Federal) https://bit.ly/3HSsBWI

🎓 HECS-HELP Indexation Reform (Pending)
The government plans to reduce past and future indexation, starting July — not yet law, but expected.
👉 HECS update (StudyAssist) https://bit.ly/4ndymOH
________________________________________
📌 Disclaimer: This post is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial advice. For tailored guidance, please speak with a licensed financial adviser or the ATO.

15/05/2025

🏡 How to Successfully Buy Property as a Single Person 💪

No second income? No problem.
When you're flying solo, you’ve got to get smart and creative with your strategy.

✅ Leverage government grants & schemes
✅ Consider co-ownership or rentvesting
✅ Think small, smart, and scalable
✅ Build your deposit with purpose
✅ Prioritise financial pre-approval

You can get on the property ladder solo—it just takes the right plan.

To the solo home buyer, the Australian dream feels like a two-player game. With the odds stacked against them, here's what a single buyer can do.

05/05/2025

Interesting take from Phil O'Neil on Radio 2GB and 4BC demolishes the Albanese government's housing policies, which risk blowing a gigantic housing bubble.

This interview with Phil O'Neil on Radio 2GB and 4BC demolishes the Albanese government's housing policies, which risk blowing a gigantic housing bubble.I al...

09/04/2025

🎢 Sharemarket or theme park?

After the plunge that had us all clutching our portfolios like lost churros, markets just pulled a rollercoaster whiplash-worthy rebound overnight!

Are we back to even? Almost—it's like we dropped our wallet on the ride, but it landed in our laps on the loop.

Hang on tight — the ride ain’t over yet. 🎢📈💸

Check out what the experts have to say: https://bit.ly/3EqLWg9

26/02/2025

📊 Check Your Investment Portfolio!
Did you know? 📈 50% of your super balance at retirement comes from investment returns! Make sure you’re in the right portfolio for your life stage. Higher growth may suit younger members, while balanced options might work for those closer to retirement.
👉 Take control of your future—review your super today!

18/02/2025

🏡 Mortgage Brokers Are More Crucial Than Ever!
With up to 80% of Australians expected to rely on brokers in 2025, their expertise is invaluable in navigating complex lending conditions.
✅ Access to multiple lenders & competitive deals
✅ Insights into changing policies & incentives
✅ Save time and money on your mortgage journey
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, a broker can help you make smarter financial decisions!

13/02/2025

💰 Leverage Green Loans to Cut Costs & Go Green!
Banks are rolling out low-interest green loans to help finance energy-efficient home upgrades. With government rebates ending soon, 2025 is the perfect time to invest in solar panels, battery storage, or eco-friendly renovations! 🌱
✅ Lower interest rates
✅ Reduced energy bills
✅ Sustainable future
Start saving money and energy today! 🔋💡

05/02/2025

📢 Engage with Your Super!
💰 Stay on top of your superannuation by checking in regularly—whether online, through the app, or by speaking to an expert. Not only will you track its growth, but you’ll also catch any suspicious activity early. Protect your future today!