
IFC Articles

Trusts are back in the ATO spotlight
With more than 947,000 trusts operating across Australia, it’s no surprise the ATO continues to keep a close eye on how these structures are managed. Trusts remain central to many wealth and succession plans, but their complexity means they also attract compliance scrutiny.

If I Was Ready to Buy My First Home, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do
Buying a first home is one of those life goals that feels both exciting and terrifying at the same time. With the government’s expanded First Home Guarantee scheme rolling out from 1 October 2025, the path into homeownership looks a little smoother, but I know it still comes with plenty of decisions, risks, and responsibilities.

The gig life - balancing freedom AND financial stability
The gig economy sounds like a dream, and for many it is. Being your own boss, setting your own hours, working in pyjamas - what's not to love? Whether you're freelancing full-time or juggling a juicy side hustle, there’s magic in earning money on your terms.
But let’s not get too starry-eyed. It's not all almond-milk lattes and laptop-at-the-beach vibes.

Australian Government’s Expanded First Home Guarantee: What You Need to Know
Buying your first home in Australia has always been a big milestone, but also one of the toughest financial hurdles many people face. With rising property prices and the struggle to save a 20% deposit, it can often feel out of reach. That’s why the Australian Government has recently expanded its First Home Guarantee scheme, removing income caps, lifting property price limits, and making places unlimited from 1 October 2025. Designed to help first-home buyers get into the market sooner with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance, the scheme could be a game-changer—if you know how to navigate it wisely.

Trump’s tariffs have finally kicked in, so what happens next?
Donald Trump’s new international trade tariffs have landed. Some are lower than others, some deals have been done, but overall they are the highest they have been in 100 years.

The super changes coming into effect in the 2025-26 financial year
Australian superannuation laws changed once again in the 2025-26 financial year as the nation’s fast-growing retirement savings system continues to evolve.

Important tax update: deductions for ATO interest charges scrapped
If you're carrying an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debt there is a good chance that it will cost you even more from 1 July 2025 onwards. This is because from 1 July 2025 two types of interest charges imposed by the ATO are no longer deductible.

Finfluencers: bad tax advice could cost you
They’re advising from your insta and TikTok feeds, they’ve got huge followings, they speak with conviction - financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’. Please heed our caution, taking advice from unqualified sources can have serious consequences. We’re seeing examples of misleading claims, exaggerated deductions and outright misinformation. Relying on this advice could not only leave you out of pocket but also expose you to ATO penalties, fines or in the worst case scenario - prosecution.

Forging new bonds - how bonds work
Bonds are not usually the flashy upstarts of the investment world with their every move reported, like stocks.

Are your adult children ready for the wealth transfer?
The inheritance wave is building but most people are unprepared for the ride.

5 steps towards a financially fit retirement
If retirement is just around the corner, the current financial climate may make you feel a little uneasy. Watching the markets fluctuate might leave you worrying about whether your superannuation will be enough to see you through.

Div 296 super tax and practical things to consider
Division 296 super tax is a controversial Federal Government proposal to impose an extra 15% tax on some superannuation earnings for individuals if their total superannuation balance (TSB) is over $3 million as at 30 June of the relevant income year.

The First Home Buyer Grant in Queensland – What You Need to Know in 2025
Buying your first home is a moment you’ll never forget – but it can also feel overwhelming. From saving your deposit to navigating banks and government policies, there’s a lot to wrap your head around. The good news? If you’re buying or building a new home in Queensland, you might be eligible for a $30,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) to help make your dream a reality..

The super changes coming into effect in the 2025-26 financial year
Australian superannuation laws changed once again in the 2025-26 financial year as the nation’s fast-growing retirement savings system continues to evolve.

Should You Refinance Before or After a Rate Drop? Here’s the Truth
If you’ve been watching the news or checking your bank app lately, you’ll know interest rates are top of mind for many Aussies. With experts predicting a rate drop soon, the big question is: should you refinance your home loan now, or wait?

Less hibernate, more activate
When the temperature drops, it feels like more of an effort, but getting outdoors, even when it’s chilly, can do your brain and body a whole lot of good.

What to Do When Your Mortgage is Nearly Paid Off
Paying off your mortgage is a massive achievement – one worth celebrating with a glass of bubbly (or two!). But before you pop the cork, it’s worth thinking about what happens next.

How the $3m super tax may affect you (and what to do next)
As the federal government moves to introduce a new 15 per cent tax on superannuation earnings above $3 million (known as Division 296 tax), concerns and debates have emerged about the broader implications for investment strategies, retirement planning, and even the property market.

Markets are choppy. What should you do with your super if you are near retirement?
For Australians approaching retirement, recent market volatility may feel like more than just a bump in the road.

Your 30 June superannuation checklist
With the end of the current financial year fast approaching, time is running out if you’re planning to boost your superannuation balance before 30 June.