With interest rates still sitting high and lenders regularly updating their offers, now is a smart time to take a fresh look at your home loan.

If your mortgage hasn’t been reviewed in a while, there’s a real chance you could be paying more than you need to. In today’s climate, every bit counts.

Why It’s Worth Reviewing

A quick review of your loan could help you:

• Find a sharper interest rate
• Access features like an offset account or redraw
• Adjust your repayment structure to suit your current lifestyle
• Use your equity for renovations or investing
• Consolidate personal loans or credit card debt into a single, manageable repayment

What We Do

Our lending specialists review your current loan and financial goals, compare options from over 50 lenders including major banks, well known Australian lenders and other well-known financial institutes, recommend only what’s right for your situation, and handle all the paperwork from start to settlement. You’ll receive clear advice without any sales pressure, and if staying with your current lender is still the best option, we’ll tell you that too.

Let’s Talk

We offer free, no-obligation chats to help you understand your options. Whether you’re looking to refinance, restructure, or start something new, we’re here to help.

Book your free 15-minute appointment today:

🔗 Book a Quick Chat
🔗 Request a Call-Back

Your mortgage should support your goals — not hold you back. Let’s check in and make sure it still fits.

There’s something powerful about a fresh start. A new financial year isn’t just a new page — it’s a chance to make smarter money decisions, reduce your tax stress, and set yourself up for something better.

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or somewhere in between, now is the ideal time to pause, plan, and be intentional with your finances. Because the earlier you start, the more you can do.

Think Ahead, Stay Ahead

Most people only think about tax when it’s absolutely necessary to change anything. But by acting early, you give yourself more time, more options — and more control.

A smart move? Planning to prepay certain tax-deductible expenses later in the year. Things like income protection insurance, professional memberships, or business-related costs could help reduce your taxable income — if you get the timing right. It’s not about spending more. It’s about making what you already pay work harder for you.

Get Organised from Day One

Forget scrambling for receipts months from now. Set up a simple system today — even just a folder on your phone or computer — and start keeping track as you go.

A little effort now saves you a big headache later.

Need Help Making a Plan?

You don’t need to do it all alone. Our team is here to guide you with straightforward, practical advice — no jargon, no stress. Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s help you make the most of this new financial year. The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat

This year, don’t just react. Plan ahead. Stay in control. And make your money work smarter — from the very beginning.

Good news — starting 1 July 2025, most households and eligible small businesses will receive a $150 energy bill rebate, applied automatically in two quarterly instalments of $75 each. That’s $600 off your electricity bill over the year, no paperwork required.

What You Need to Know

• Start Date: 1 July 2025
• Rebate Amount: $150 total ($75 per quarter)
• Eligibility: Most households and eligible small businesses with an active electricity account
• Application: Automatic — no action needed for most customers

Important: Verify Your Eligibility

While the rebate is automatic for most, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility:

• Households: Make sure your electricity account is active with a registered retailer or embedded network.
• Small Businesses: Check if your annual electricity consumption is below the threshold set by your state or territory.

For detailed information and to verify your eligibility, visit official energy websites or contact your energy provider.

Is this a part of your greater saving plan or specific goal such as buying a property or planning your next investment. While every bit counts, the one most important factor when planning your saving is to know how to maximise your capital yield and minimise your tax obligation.

Let’s chat, Book a free 15-minute consultation with our experts today — we’re here to help you make the most of this relief and keep your budget on track. Request a Call-back

The countdown to 30 June is officially on — and if you’ve been meaning to get your tax sorted, now’s the time to make your move.

Whether you’re employed full-time, running your own gig, or juggling a bit of both, a few smart, quick actions can make a real difference to your return. The best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated — just a little bit of planning and some well-timed payments.

Let’s dive into a few last-minute things you can do right now to give your tax return a healthy lift.

Prepay and Save: How It Works

One of the best (and simplest) strategies before EOFY is prepaying tax-deductible expenses. That means you pay for something now — before 30 June — and claim the deduction this year, even if it benefits you next year.

Here are some common prepayable expenses:

• Income protection insurance premiums
• Union or professional membership fees
• Work-related subscriptions, publications or journals
• Self-education costs that relate directly to your current job
• Property investment expenses like interest, strata or council rates
• Business costs for sole traders and small business owners

Tip: To qualify, the expense generally needs to cover no more than 12 months ahead — and you must actually pay it by 30 June (not just be invoiced).

Who Should Consider This?

Prepaying expenses can be especially helpful if:

• You’re earning more this year and expect less income next year (such as a career change, maternity leave, or study break)
• You’re a sole trader or small business owner with regular ongoing costs
• You’ve got investment properties or ongoing portfolio expenses
• You’re a professional with required licenses or memberships to maintain

Not sure if it’s the right move for you? A quick chat with your accountant or financial adviser can help you weigh it up based on your situation.

Don’t Forget the Paper Trail

We know it’s not the most thrilling part of tax time — but keeping your receipts and records is a must. The ATO requires proper evidence for any deductions, including prepaid expenses.

• Save copies of receipts or invoices (digital is fine)
• Note the payment date — this is what determines whether you can claim it this financial year

Timing is Everything

If you’re planning to prepay anything, make sure it’s done before 30 June. Transfers, BPAY, or credit card payments all need to clear before the end of the financial year — so avoid leaving it to the last minute.

Need a Hand? Let’s Chat

EOFY can feel like a scramble, but you don’t have to go it alone. Our tax experts are here to help you find simple, stress-free ways to boost your return — even at the last minute.

Book a free 15-minute consultation and let’s make sure you’re not missing out on any smart opportunities before the deadline. The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat

Let’s wrap up the financial year on a high — and make your money work a little harder for you.

If you’re like most Aussies, your superannuation probably ticks along quietly in the background. But come 1 July, a few key changes will come into effect — and they’re worth paying attention to.

The biggest one? Your employer is about to pay you more super. The Super Guarantee rate is going up from 11.5% to 12%, which is the final step in a plan the government’s been rolling out over the past few years. You won’t have to do anything — but your retirement savings will grow faster from now on.

Then there’s the new rule targeting very large balances. From 1 July, if you’ve got over $3 million in super, any earnings on the amount above that threshold will be taxed at 30%, instead of the usual 15%. To be clear, this isn’t a tax on your total balance — just on future earnings from the portion above $3 million. And unless you’re in the top half a percent of super holders, this probably won’t affect you at all.

What’s not changing? The government isn’t taking money out of anyone’s super. There’s no cap on how much you can have in your fund, and if you’re under that $3 million mark, your tax treatment stays exactly the same. Also, nothing is being applied retroactively — these changes only kick in from the new financial year onwards.

If you’re unsure how these changes impact your retirement plans — or if you’ve never really looked too closely at your super — now’s a smart time to do it.

Book a free, no-obligation chat with one of our superannuation advisers – we’ll look at your current setup, explain what the changes mean for you, and help you take full advantage if you’re in a position to grow your fund faster.

To book your free, no-obligation appointment:

• The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat
• Request a Call-back

A little tweak today could mean a lot more tomorrow — especially when it comes to your super.

If you own an investment property — or a few — chances are you’re no stranger to a big tax refund come July. Between interest on the mortgage, property management fees, insurance, and depreciation, you’re likely to have accrued thousands, or even tens of thousands, in deductible expenses throughout the financial year.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait until tax time to see the benefit. With a PAYG withholding variation, you could start seeing that money in your regular pay — right now.

So, What Is a PAYG Withholding Variation?

It’s a request you (or your accountant) lodge with the ATO to reduce the amount of tax taken out of your wages throughout the year.

To learn more, click here PAYG Withholding Variations

Why? Because you know you’ll be getting that tax back later anyway — this just means you get it as you go instead of all-in-one lump sum at tax time. This strategy is especially useful if you have:

• One or more negatively geared investment properties;
• High tax-deductible expenses throughout the year; and
• A decent refund coming your way and you’d rather have that extra cash flow now.

Real clients are using PAYG withholding variations and here’re ways they are taking advantage of it:

• Cover rising mortgage repayments;
• Pay down non-deductible debt faster;
• Boost their savings; and
• Reinvest into their next property.

How it Works?

In simple terms, there are two main ways in terms of how PAYG withholding variation works:

1. Downward variations – Most common. You reduce the tax being withheld from your pay to better reflect the deductions you’ll be claiming.
2. Upward variations – Less common but used if your investment is positively geared and you want to avoid a tax bill later by increasing your PAYG withholding.

It can however be a complex taxation strategy as it involves the following key considerations:

• The variation lasts for one financial year — so you’ll need to renew it each year;
• It’s important to get your estimates right (a wrong estimate can mean a larger than expected tax bill at tax time); and
• It can be a complicated process to navigate and require specialist taxation knowledge.

The best approach? Work with an accountant who understands your situation and can prepare it properly

Let’s Help You Get Started

Not sure if this is right for you? Or worried about getting the numbers wrong? That’s exactly what we’re here for.

Book a free, no-obligation chat with one of our taxation accountants – we’ll talk through your numbers, assess whether a PAYG variation makes sense for you, how you can best take advantage of it and take care of the paperwork if you want to go ahead.

To book in your free, no-obligation appointment:

• The Hopkins Group – 15 Quick Chat
• Request a Call-back

It’s your refund — why not get it sooner?

As The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced the widely expected cash rate cut by 0.25%, combined with the optimistic view that more cuts could happen in the future – we can now take a breath and explore what we need to do when interest rate is lowered, and how we can take advantage of it.

Some of the important things you should know and considered are:

• Cash rate cut does not automatically mean interest rate cut – your lender might not necessarily as onto your home loan. Furthermore, the lending market is becoming more and more competitive.
• Repayment amount does not automatically lowered after an interest rate cut – depending on your repayment structure, you might have to manually adjust your monthly repayment schedule to take advantage of the lowered interest rate.
• Different lenders might provide additional incentives – you should explore as many lenders as possible to compare the incentives they provide and consider refinancing with the lender that has the benefits most suited for your situation.

Ready to Review Your Mortgage but don’t know where to start? Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute conversation with one of our mortgage advisers, Loreen Dyer. We’ll help you understand where you stand, explore your options, and make sure your loan still works for you.

Planning for the future isn’t just about building wealth — it’s also about protecting it and making sure it ends up exactly where you want it when the time comes. That’s where estate planning comes in. It helps you take control, reduce complications for your loved ones, and make sure your assets are dealt with in the way you intended.

One area that’s often overlooked but can play a powerful role in a smart estate planning strategy, is the use of reversionary pension.

So, What Exactly Is a Reversionary Pension?

Put simply, a reversionary pension is a type of income stream set up using a deceased person’s superannuation. It’s only available to certain dependants — like a spouse, a de facto partner, or dependent children.  Instead of receiving a lump sum after someone passes away, the beneficiary continues to receive regular payments from the deceased pension account.

Who Might Benefit from It?

If you’ve lost a loved one who had super, and you were financially dependent on them, a reversionary pension might be an option.   It can be a smart way to manage tax, cash flow, and long-term financial stability. It’s not something that applies to everyone, but when it does, it can make a real difference.

It can help:

• Spouses and partners continue receiving income in a tax effective manner

• Dependent children be financially supported in the longer term in a tax effective manner

It’s important to note, though, that this should be considered and used as part of a broader estate plan as there are limits on the amounts you can have in your super account and this might not work for you. 

Making Sense of the Jargon: Reversionary, Non-Reversionary & BDBNs

There’s a lot of terminology in superannuation that can be confusing — especially when it comes to what happens after someone passes away. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Reversionary pensions: These automatically pass to a nominated dependent when the person dies. It’s clean, simple, and avoids delays — but the nomination has to be documented as part of your pension paperwork.

• Non-reversionary pensions: The trustee decides how the benefit is paid out. There’s more flexibility here, but also more uncertainty.

• Binding Death Benefit Nominations (BDBNs): These give you control. They legally bind the trustee to follow your wishes — but only if they’re valid, signed properly, and kept up to date.

Getting these settings right can mean the difference between a smooth handover and a drawn-out, expensive process for your family.

Reversionary Pensions as Part of Your Estate Plan – What You Need To Think About

Reversionary pensions aren’t just a financial tool — they’re part of a bigger picture: how your legacy is structured. If you’re thinking about estate planning, here are seven things to think about:

1. Clarify Your Objectives
   What do you want your estate to achieve? Whether it’s helping kids through university, giving loved ones financial security, or protecting assets — clear goals lead to better plans.

2. Review What You’ve Got
   A solid plan starts with understanding your current financial position and identifying how to transfer wealth in the most tax-effective way.

3. Check Your Beneficiaries
   Your super doesn’t automatically go through your will. Extra planning needs to happen — ensures it ends up with the right people.
   
4. Explore Trusts
   Testamentary or family trusts can provide added protection, tax benefits, and control over how and
   when beneficiaries receive assets. It’s worth discussing with an adviser.
   
5. Document Your Plans in a Valid Will
   A legally sound will is non-negotiable. Without one, the law decides where your assets go — and it might not reflect your wishes.
   
6. Appoint Powers of Attorney
   If something happens and you can’t make decisions, who will step in? Choosing someone you trust is essential — both for financial and medical matters.
   
7. Keep It Fresh
   Life changes — and so should your estate plan. Marriage, divorce, children, or major financial changes all mean it’s time for a review.

Not Sure Where to Begin? We’re Here to Help

If all this sounds a bit overwhelming — that’s completely normal. Thinking about what happens after you’re gone isn’t easy. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

A quick chat with someone who understands the landscape can make things clearer, calmer, and more actionable.

Book a free 15-minute, no-obligation consultation with one of our advisers. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing your current arrangements, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.

https://outlook.office.com/owa/calendar/TheHopkinsGroup@thehopkinsgroup.com.au/bookings/

Planning for the future means more than growing your wealth — it’s also about protecting it and passing it on according to your wishes while minimising any implication that will diminish it when you passed it on to your loved ones.

Estate planning is crucial for individuals and families, regardless of net-worth, age or financial situation, and here are seven things you need to know when you plan your estate:

1. Establish Key Objectives: Engage in a strategic discussion to define the key outcomes your estate should achieve for your beneficiaries — whether it’s funding education, supporting vocational paths, enhancing quality of life, or providing for ongoing financial needs.
   
2. Review and Strategies: Assess your current financial structure and develop a tailored intergenerational wealth transfer strategy aimed at reducing tax implications and ensuring a smooth, efficient distribution of assets when the time comes.
   
3. Power of Attorney: Deliberate and nominate someone you trust to manage your affairs and execute your estate plan should you become incapacitated is a critical part of estate planning. This includes both of the deliberation and execution of delegated financial and medical decisions.
   
4. Review Beneficiaries: Certain part of your wealth such as super doesn’t automatically form part of your estate. Make sure your nomination of beneficiaries is current and binding to ensure your super goes to the right people.
   
5. Establish a Valid Will: A legally binding will ensures your assets are distributed according to your intentions. Without one, the state decides how your estate is divided, which may not reflect your wishes.
   
6. Consider a Testamentary or Family Trust: Consider establishing a trust as it can offer improve asset protection, tax advantages, and greater control over how and when beneficiaries receive assets. Speak to a financial adviser to explore the right structure for your needs.
   
7. Keep Your Plan Updated: Major life events — such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child — may require changes to your estate plan. Regularly reviewing your documents keeps your plan relevant.
   
   Not Quite Sure Where to Start with Estate Planning?
   
   You’re not alone — thinking about the future and how to protect what you’ve worked hard for can feel a little daunting. But a simple chat with someone who understands the process can make all the difference. Whether you’re just getting started or want to review what you already have in place, we’re here to help.
   
   Book your free 15-minute no-obligation consultation chat with one of our financial advisers today. https://outlook.office.com

“I have an SMSF, is there anything I need to do before 30 June?”

Superannuation is a highly regulated environment, but when utilised correctly, it can be hugely effective in minimising your overall tax position. When things in an SMSF go wrong, the implications can be significant, costly, and far-reaching. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring that your fund continues to meet its obligations and retains access to its concessional tax treatment.

Some things to consider in the lead-up to 30 June if you have an SMSF include:

• Pensions: For clients who have retired and are drawing a pension from their SMSF, it is important to ensure that the minimum pension payments on all current pensions have been withdrawn before 30 June. This is also a timely reminder to review any accumulation accounts you may have sitting in your fund that are not yet in pension mode, and consider whether it is appropriate to start a pension.
• Investment Strategy: Review the fund’s Investment Strategy and ensure it is still relevant.
• Valuation of Assets: Ensure all SMSF assets are valued at market value and obtain valuations where necessary for any assets.
• Contributions: Review contributions made to your fund during the year for all members and ensure no member has breached their contribution caps.

For our fully managed clients, all our divisions work together to ensure these tasks are completed on your behalf each and every year.

If you have an SMSF and would like expert assistance before year-end, please get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you stay compliant and optimise your outcomes.