AI in Small Business: A Quiet Revolution Worth Watching

AI is becoming a useful tool for time-poor small business owners across Australia. Here’s how it’s showing up in everyday operations—and why it might be worth a look.

Running a small business often feels like spinning plates—there’s always more to do than there is time in the day. Between emails, marketing, client work, admin, and chasing invoices, you’re often wearing five hats before lunch.

So when we started hearing more buzz about AI—especially from other small business owners—we figured it was worth paying attention. Not in the “let’s replace everyone with robots” kind of way, but more along the lines of: how can we use this stuff to claw back some time and make things flow better?

Turns out, we’re not the only ones thinking this.

AI Isn’t Coming—It’s Already Here

Two recent Australian reports really caught our eye. The first, from BizCover, surveyed nearly 1,000 small businesses and found that 80% are already using or planning to use AI this year. That’s a massive shift in a very short amount of time.

Most of them are dipping their toes in for very practical reasons:

• Marketing content – social posts, emails, website copy

• Customer comms – auto-replies, chatbots, templated answers

• Admin and decision support – faster reporting, planning tools

The second report, from the University of Technology Sydney’s Human Technology Institute, dug into how AI is actually performing in real-world Aussie businesses. The short version? It’s better than expected—especially when it comes to creating content, saving time, and cutting down on repetitive tasks.

So… Why the Sudden Uptick?

If we had to guess, we’d say it’s part necessity, part curiosity.

Let’s face it: small business owners are under the pump. Costs are up. Expectations are higher. And unless you’re planning to clone yourself or double your team, working smarter—not harder—is kind of the only option left.

AI seems to be sliding into that gap. It’s not replacing people (at least, not in small biz land), but it is lightening the load.

Need a newsletter written in 10 minutes instead of 2 hours? AI can help. Want to respond to customer FAQs without personally replying every time? Sorted. Trying to work out which products sold best last month without wrestling with a spreadsheet? There’s a tool for that.

It’s Not All Smooth Sailing, Though

We’ll be honest—there’s still a bit of a learning curve.

The UTS report pointed out that while results are promising, many business owners feel unsure about how to actually get started. There are concerns about accuracy, privacy, and “getting it wrong.” That’s fair. We’ve had moments of wondering whether AI-generated content would still sound like us, or if we could trust it with client data.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go all in. It’s okay to try small experiments. Use a free tool to help you brainstorm next month’s blog topics. Ask ChatGPT to draft your next email campaign and then edit it to sound more like you. Or use AI-powered transcription to turn client notes into summaries you can actually use.

What We’re Seeing in Our Circles

More and more small operators we talk to—consultants, trades, creatives, eComm stores—are starting to fold AI into their workflows. Not because it’s trendy, but because they literally don’t have time not to.

Here are a few cool things we’ve seen:

• A local mortgage broker using ChatGPT to reword complex financial concepts for clients in plain English.

• A tradie using AI to generate quote templates and job checklists.

• A virtual assistant using AI to bulk-create social content for 5 clients in a single afternoon.

Nothing flashy. Just… practical.

Final Thoughts: Keep an Open Mind

This isn’t a push to start replacing humans or overhauling your systems overnight. But if you’ve ever felt like you need a clone—or at least another set of hands—AI might be worth exploring.

You don’t have to be techy. You don’t have to spend a fortune. You just need a bit of curiosity and the willingness to try a few things out.

Start small. Use it where you feel the most stretched. And ask other business owners what they’re doing—you’ll probably be surprised at how many are quietly using AI behind the scenes.

Who knows? In a year or two, we might all be wondering how we ever got by without it.

Sources where you can learn more:

• The Australian Small Business AI Report 2025 – BizCover
  This report surveyed 965 Australian small business owners, revealing that 80% are either using or planning to adopt AI. It provides insights into how AI is being utilized across various industries, the perceived benefits, and concerns among small business owners.
  👉 Read the full reportsmallbusinessconnect.com.au+2bizcover.com.au+2smallbusinessconnections.com.au+2

• HTI Report: AI Exceeding Expectations of SMEs – University of Technology Sydney
  Conducted by the Human Technology Institute at UTS, this report surveyed 133 SMEs and found that generative AI is surpassing expectations, especially in content creation. It also highlights challenges such as AI accuracy, data protection concerns, and the need for greater education and support.
  👉 Explore the reportuts.edu.au

If you want to read more and get started yourself – Check out our guide on Tax-Efficient Investment Options in Australia here.

How to Build Wealth in Your 30s: The Smart Money Moves You Can Make Now

Your 30s are a critical decade for wealth-building. You’re likely earning more than ever before, but with increasing expenses—like a mortgage, family responsibilities, or lifestyle upgrades—it’s easy to feel stuck financially.

The good news? Your 30s offer the perfect balance of time and earning power to build lasting wealth. With the right strategy, you can take control of your finances, grow your investments, and set yourself up for long-term financial success.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the smartest money moves you can make in your 30s to build real wealth and create financial security for the future.

1. Master Your Cash Flow: Spend Smarter, Save Smarter

✅ Track every dollar: Use budgeting apps (or a simple spreadsheet) to monitor income & expenses.

✅ Follow the 50/30/20 Rule:

• 50% for necessities (rent, bills, insurance)
• 30% for lifestyle (dining out, entertainment)
• 20% for wealth-building (investments, savings, debt payoff)

✅ Automate savings & investments: Set up direct transfers to remove temptation.

2. Build an Emergency Fund (Before You Need It)

5. Increase Your Income (Because Earning More Speeds Up Wealth-Building)

If you want to read more and get started yourself – Check out our guide on Tax-Efficient Investment Options in Australia here.

Tax-Efficient Investment Options in Australia

How to Grow Your Wealth While Paying Less Tax

Introduction

Taxes can significantly impact your investment returns, but with the right strategies, you can minimise your tax liability while growing your wealth efficiently.

In Australia, several tax-efficient investment options allow you to legally reduce the amount of tax you pay while optimising your financial growth. This guide explores key investment strategies that help you keep more of your money while staying compliant with tax laws.

1. Superannuation Contributions

Why It’s Tax-Efficient:

• Super contributions are taxed at only 15%, which is much lower than the typical marginal tax rate (up to 47%).
• Investment earnings inside super are taxed at 15% (10% for long-term capital gains) instead of your personal tax rate.

Strategies:

• Salary Sacrificing: Directing pre-tax income into super reduces taxable income.
• Personal Deductible Contributions: If you’re self-employed or not using salary sacrifice, you can make contributions and claim a tax deduction.
• Catch contributions: Can be made when you have less than 500,000 in your super at July 1 that year. You can use up to 5 previous years of unused contributions.

Considerations:

• Contributions are capped at $30,000 per year for concessional contributions (except when using catch up contributions).
• Funds are locked until preservation age or another condition of release (typically 60+ years old).

2. Investment Bonds (Tax-Paid Investment Vehicles)

Why It’s Tax-Efficient:

• Investment bonds are taxed at 30% within the fund, with no additional tax if held for 10+ years.
• Unlike direct investments, there’s no personal capital gains tax when withdrawing after 10 years.

Best For:

• Income earners who want a tax-effective investment outside of superannuation.
• Investors with a long-term focus who want to avoid yearly tax reporting.
• Business owners due to bankruptcy protections

Considerations:

• Withdrawals before 10 years may trigger additional tax at your marginal rate.
• Investment options within bonds can be limited.

3. Franked Dividends from Australian Shares

Why It’s Tax-Efficient:

• Franked dividends come with franking credits (imputation credits) that offset personal tax.
• If franking credits exceed your taxable income, you may receive a refund from the ATO.

Best For:

• Investors who prefer dividend-paying Australian companies.
• Investors looking for high income.
• Those in lower tax brackets who can benefit from excess franking credit refunds.

Considerations:

• Share price volatility can impact returns.
• Requires a diversified approach to manage risks.

4. Trust Structures (Family Trusts & Investment Trusts)

Why It’s Tax-Efficient:

• Distributes income to lower-taxed beneficiaries (e.g., family members in lower tax brackets).
• Capital gains tax (CGT) discount of 50% for assets held over 12 months.

Best For:

• Business owners and investors with family members on lower incomes.
• Those looking to pass wealth tax-efficiently to the next generation.

Considerations:

• Requires setup and ongoing administrative costs.
• Must comply with strict tax rules to avoid anti-avoidance penalties.

5. Negative Gearing & Property Investments

Why It’s Tax-Efficient:

• Negative gearing allows investment property losses to offset taxable income.
• Capital growth benefits can be significant over time.
• CGT discounts of 50% apply if held for over 12 months.

Best For:

• Investors seeking long-term property appreciation and rental income.
• High-income earners who want to reduce taxable income.

Considerations:

• Interest rate rises can impact profitability.
• Dependent on property market cycles.

6. ETFs & Managed Funds with Tax Efficiency

Why It’s Tax-Efficient:

• Some ETFs and managed funds focus on tax-efficient strategies like low turnover investments (reducing CGT events).
• Distributions can include franked dividends, tax-deferred income, and capital gains concessions.

Best For:

• Passive investors looking for diversified, low-tax investment options.

Considerations:

• Not all ETFs and managed funds are tax-efficient—check fund structures before investing.

Final Thoughts: Building a Tax-Efficient Portfolio

A well-structured investment strategy helps you maximise returns while legally reducing tax liabilities.

By using a combination of superannuation, investment bonds, franked dividends, trust structures, and tax-efficient funds, you can optimise your financial future while keeping more of your hard-earned wealth.

Next Steps:

• ✅ Review your current investments and identify tax-inefficient holdings.
• ✅ Consider salary sacrificing or personal super contributions.
• ✅ Speak to a financial adviser about structuring your investments tax-efficiently.
• ✅ Stay updated with changing tax laws to optimise your strategy.

• Want a personalised tax-efficient investment strategy? Book a consultation today and take control of your financial future! Book a consultation here. 
• You can get more tax-effective tips to supercharge your investments here: Pay less tax – Wealtheon
• Check out our guide Tax Return Checklist – Wealtheon on our blog here. 

As our Wealtheon Fin360 Members know, we recently held our first special event of 2025 which was all about PROPERTY!

We had a great interactive and informative session with two of Australia’s top minds in the property and lending space, Scott Aggett and Gawain Johnstone, and we’ve put together some of the top questions and answers that came up during our session for you to read and ponder.

You can read all about it along with the most asked questions and expert responses below.

Property Q&A Master Class February 2025

Top 3 Questions & Answers

Your Question: Where do you see the biggest mistakes that newbie or amateur style investors and mom and dad type investors make when it comes to today’s market and the property market in general?

Expert’s Answer: The biggest mistakes made by newbie or amateur investors include:

• Buying in the wrong entity – not setting up the investment properly from a legal and financial perspective.
• Not understanding their true borrowing capacity and hold costs.
• Not having a clear investment strategy and understanding their risk profile.
• Buying properties based on convenience or emotion rather than focusing on long-term returns and fundamentals.
• Being heavily influenced by media, local agents, and popular opinion rather than doing their own research.
• Lacking the commitment and time to truly understand a local market before investing.
• Buying the “cheapest” property in an area without considering factors like location, growth potential, and rental returns.

Our experts emphasized the importance of taking the time to do proper research, working with experienced professionals, and having a clear long-term strategy when making investment decisions, rather than making emotional or uninformed choices.

Your Question: What do you see as the best way for buyers to position themselves financially before purchasing, and who are the first people they should speak to?

Expert’s Answer: The best way for buyers to position themselves financially before purchasing is:

• Speak to a mortgage broker first to understand their true borrowing capacity and serviceability. This is crucial.
• Work with the mortgage broker to structure the purchase in the right entity (e.g. personal, trust, etc.) based on their long-term goals.
• Have a clear financial plan and understand the hold costs beyond just the purchase price.
• Initiate regular check-ins with the broker to review their portfolio and refinancing options as their situation changes.
• Avoid just focusing on the “cheapest” property – look at the broader fundamentals and how it fits their long-term investment strategy.
• Be prepared to spend time researching the local market in depth, rather than making rushed emotional decisions.

Our experts emphasized the importance of taking a holistic, strategic approach to the financial preparation, rather than just looking at the purchase price. Working closely with a mortgage broker and financial advisor is key.

Your Question: What’s your outlook for the property market in the short to medium term?

Expert’s Answer: Our experts noted that the outlook will depend heavily on what the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) does with interest rates in the near future. They suggested property may continue to grow if rates go down once or twice in the first half of the year.

However, both experts emphasized that supply issues are a major factor to watch, as there are not enough homes being built currently to meet demand across different markets.

They suggested to not pay too much attention to short-term interest rate movement, and to focus on the long-term fundamentals rather than short-term fluctuations, as buyers should factor in affordability upfront and then hold potentially the property for the long-term.

The experts noted that there are pockets of strength and weakness across different markets, so a broad generalization about the entire property market is difficult. They emphasized the importance of looking at highly localized data and fundamentals rather than relying on media headlines.

Overall, the experts took a measured, long-term view on the property market outlook, focusing on fundamentals over short-term predictions.

As always, if you’d like to learn more you can get in touch with us at hello@wealtheon.com.au or via our website.

If you’d like to get in touch with either of our property experts, you can find Scott via his website here: Scott Aggett | Expert Property Negotiator and get onto Instagram to connect with Gawain here: Open Bridge Financial (@openbridgefinancial) • Instagram photos and videos

How You Perceive Risk Can Change Your Life

It’s Melbourne Cup Day down here in Victoria and for most of us in this southern state we’re enjoying a day off work in some nice November weather. Whether you’re celebrating with family or have taken advantage of the long weekend, it’s hard to ignore one of the biggest sporting events of the year – and have a little bet.

We all know gambling is an odds game, and no matter how much research you do, you can still lose out. So why does having a bet on horses or the footy feel so much more familiar and safe than choosing a stock or picking a property?

Why Your Attitude Toward Risk Shapes How You See Things

When it comes to risk, people often feel much more at ease betting on a horse race than putting money into the stock market. Why? It’s not necessarily because betting is safer – it’s more about familiarity and how we perceive risk.

Familiarity Breeds Confidence

We all know how a horse race works. You pick a horse, put down your money, and hope for the best as the race unfolds. Even if it’s a gamble, it’s straightforward, and there’s an instant payoff (or loss) at the finish line. You understand the risk, and there’s a thrill that makes it feel manageable, even exciting.

For some of us, we even started with this at school, entering sweepstakes and choosing our bets based on jockey colours or cool horse names – it’s very entrenched in Australian culture and seems so familiar and therefore, safe.

With investing, though, things get a bit murkier. Stocks, bonds, ETFs, market movements… it’s a whole world of terms and strategies that can seem overwhelming if you’re not used to them. Because of this, people sometimes see investing as a higher-risk option, even if the statistics and the strategies for managing risk are right there to make it a safer bet than a horse race.

Risk Perception vs. Reality

The truth is, there’s more control available with investments than with gambling. In investing, you have tools to understand and manage risk, like choosing diversified portfolios or adjusting your asset mix. Plus, historical data shows that over the long term, investments tend to yield positive returns – but because it feels complex and uncertain, many people see it as more dangerous than a simple bet at the track.

Instant Results vs. Long-Term Payoff

One reason betting feels comfortable is that it’s fast. You know if you win or lose within minutes, and there’s no waiting around. Investing, on the other hand, is often a long game. You don’t get immediate feedback or daily excitement, so the slower pace can feel uncomfortable, especially if you like to see quick results.

Confidence Grows with Knowledge

If you’re new to investing, it can be intimidating. But once you understand the basics and how to handle risk, you realize there are ways to make smart decisions and aim for steady growth over time. Betting doesn’t offer those options; it’s more of an all-or-nothing deal. But investing can be as strategic and customized as you want it to be.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, our comfort with risk often depends on what we know and understand. Betting on horses is risky, but because we understand it, it doesn’t feel as intimidating. Investing, on the other hand, requires learning – but that learning lets us handle risk far better in the long run. So while horse racing is thrilling, investing is less about luck and more about building knowledge for real growth.

If you’d like to expand your knowledge and see what areas you might be missing out on due to lack of understanding or confidence, don’t hesitate to reach out. A major role financial advisers play in your investment journey is education – and you know we’re big on that here at Wealtheon. Knowledge is your key to success, and you don’t know what you don’t know.

If you want to know more about investments and fill in those gaps, give us a call or book in a time here. If you want to see how this can change your situation, check out our case study here. 

Gambler’s Help provide free, confidential advice, and support people with gambling harm, family and friends close to them. Call 1800 858 858.