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Franking credits are one of the most valuable tax benefits available to business owners operating through a company structure. In this episode, Mai breaks down what a franking account is, how franking credits are created, and why they can play a powerful role in building and protecting long-term wealth.

The conversation also explores some of the most common business and investment structures used by Australians. With proposed changes to the taxation of family trusts on the horizon, understanding how your structure works, and whether it's still the right fit, is more important than ever.

Mai explains the practical reasons behind each structure, how profits can be moved and protected, and why a proactive review today could save significant tax and complexity in the future.

In this episode, Mai talks about:

• What franking credits are and how they are created
• Why company tax is not always "lost" when paid to the ATO
• How franked dividends can help reduce overall tax outcomes
• The differences between trading companies, holding companies and bucket companies
• Why business owners use dividend strategies to move profits between entities
• The proposed changes to family trust taxation and what they could mean for business owners
• How franking credits can improve cash flow and tax planning opportunities
• Why reviewing your business structure regularly is essential as tax laws evolve

If you'd like help reviewing your business structure, understanding franking credits, or planning for upcoming tax changes, reach out to our team at www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au. You can also submit questions or topic ideas via the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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Most people think retirement is something to worry about later. The problem is that later arrives much faster than expected.

In this episode, Mai Harris is joined by financial planner Nicholle Shepherd to discuss why building wealth and planning for retirement should start much earlier. Together, they explore the small financial habits that can have a significant impact over time, and why creating financial freedom isn't about reaching a certain age: It's about having choices.

The conversation covers the importance of understanding your current financial position, making the most of superannuation, and creating a strategy that aligns your long-term goals with your tax and wealth-building opportunities.

Whether you're in your 20s, raising a family, or starting to think seriously about retirement, this episode highlights the value of planning early and seeking advice before time becomes your biggest obstacle.

In this episode, Mai and Nicholle talk about:

• The common reasons people leave retirement planning too late
• The importance of building strong financial habits early
• Investment options beyond property, including shares, ETFs and managed investments
• Why your investment strategy should reflect your personal goals and risk appetite
• How much money you may need in retirement and why the answer is different for everyone
• Practical ways to understand your living expenses and future income needs
• The benefits of aligning tax planning and financial planning
• Why seeking advice early creates more opportunities and choices later in life

This episode is a reminder that financial freedom doesn't happen by accident. The earlier you start planning, the more options you'll have when it comes time to decide how you want to spend your future.

If you'd like help aligning your tax strategy, investments and long-term wealth goals, reach out to our team at www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au. You can also submit questions or topic ideas via the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

Ask Mai & Send Feedback

Everything you thought you knew about borrowing has just changed.

In this timely episode, Mai unpacks one of the biggest shifts currently impacting property investors: what borrowing actually looks like now under the new lending rules.

Following the recent Federal Budget announcements, the landscape has changed almost overnight. Restrictions on negative gearing for existing properties and changes to how banks assess borrowing capacity are already flowing through to lenders, and the impact is immediate.

But this episode isn’t about panic. It’s about understanding what’s changed and how to adjust your strategy moving forward.

Joined by in-house mortgage broker Luke Talbot, the conversation brings together both tax and lending expertise to unpack how these changes are playing out in the real world.

In this episode, Mai and Luke talk about:

• The removal of negative gearing on existing properties and why this is more than just a tax change
• How borrowing capacity is already dropping by 12–17% (and in some cases closer to 20%)
• Why pre-approvals based on old rules may no longer apply
• The difference in treatment between new builds and established properties
• Why getting your structure right upfront (individual, trust, SMSF) is now critical
• The risks of having your accountant and broker not aligned on strategy
• How commercial property is emerging as an alternative investment strategy
• How equity can still be leveraged to support new lending strategies
• Why family and joint investment strategies are becoming more relevant in this environment

This episode is a reminder that while borrowing has become more complex, the opportunity to build wealth hasn’t disappeared. It just requires a more considered approach.

Reach out to the team at www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au if you’re thinking about buying, investing, or would like to review your current position.

You can also submit questions or topic ideas via the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.