EOFY Check List 2026

As we head toward 30 June, this is a good time to step back and review the end of financial year opportunities that may be available.

We’ll be in touch with you between now and June 30 if there are strategies that need to be checked in on, but below is a great overview to make sure you have all the information and get familiar with the terms that you’ll hear echoed from us a lot over the next few weeks.

For many of you, some of these strategies may already be built into your current plan, or may already be under review as part of the work we are doing together. Even so, EOFY is an important time to check the details, confirm what needs to be done, and make sure nothing is missed.

The biggest issue at this time of year is often timing. With super in particular, it is not enough to decide on a strategy before 30 June — the money and paperwork usually need to be received and processed in time as well. That is why acting early can make a real difference.

Catch-up concessional contributions

If you have not used all of your concessional contribution cap in previous years, you may be able to contribute more this year using the catch-up contribution rules.

This can be particularly useful for people whose income changes from year to year, who have spent time out of the workforce, or who have a one-off opportunity to contribute more this year.

This is an important year for that strategy, because any unused concessional cap from 2020/21 will expire if it is not used by 30 June 2026.

Pension and retirement phase planning

For clients approaching retirement, or already drawing from super, EOFY can also be a useful time to review pension-related opportunities and obligations.

In some cases, upcoming rule changes from 1 July 2026 may create additional planning opportunities. For SMSF clients already in pension phase, it is also important to ensure minimum pension requirements are met before 30 June.

Salary Sacrifice Review

Salary sacrifice remains a useful way to contribute to super from pre-tax income, but it is important to keep an eye on how it fits with your overall concessional contribution cap.

This is also a timely moment to review salary sacrifice arrangements because some super rules are changing from 1 July 2026. For some clients, that may create new opportunities. For others, it may mean extra care is needed to avoid contribution timing issues.

Spouse contribution and contribution splitting

For couples, EOFY can be a good time to review whether super balances are being built in the most effective way across both partners.

A spouse contribution may provide a tax offset where eligibility rules are met. Contribution splitting may also be worth considering, particularly where one partner is closer to certain super limits than the other.

These strategies can help improve flexibility over time and are often most useful when they are considered early, not late.

After-tax super contributions

If you are thinking about adding after-tax money to super, it is important to check your available cap space first.

Contribution limits, bring-forward rules, and total super balance thresholds all matter here. In addition, some of these limits increase from 1 July 2026, so for some clients it may make sense to act before 30 June, while for others waiting until the new financial year may be the better fit.

This is one of the areas where individual circumstances matter most.

Government co-contribution

For lower income earners, making a personal after-tax contribution to super may also unlock a Government co-contribution.

This is one of those opportunities that can be easy to overlook, but where the rules apply, it can provide a helpful boost to retirement savings.

Other EOFY opportunities

While super is often the main focus, EOFY planning is not only about super contributions.

Depending on your circumstances, it may also be worth reviewing capital gains, deductible expenses, Centrelink gifting limits, or whether the timing of a retirement or redundancy could affect outcomes across financial years.

These are not relevant for everyone, but they are worth keeping in mind as part of a broader EOFY review.

Why this matters

EOFY planning is not about rushing into last-minute decisions. It is about making sure the right opportunities are considered, the details are handled properly, and any strategy that suits your circumstances is completed in time.

For many of us, the value is not just in finding something new to do. It is in making sure existing plans are followed through properly and no opportunities are lost through delay or paperwork issues.

A final reminder

Some of the items above may already be part of your strategy, and in many cases we may already be working through them with you.

But if anything in this update raises a question, sounds relevant to your situation, or simply feels worth checking before 30 June, please contact us. We are always happy to talk through what may apply, what may already be in place, and what may need attention before EOFY.

Have a read through, and as always let us know if you want to discuss any of the above further. Please bear in mind that not all the strategies will be applicable to you, and always speak with your professionals before putting anything in place. If you want to meet with us and you aren’t already one of our wonderful clients, you can book directly in with Kristopher here. 

You can reach us via email at hello@wealtheon.com.au or via phone on 1800 577 336.

The 5 Financial Mistakes We’re Seeing From AI-Driven Decisions

And how to reframe the conversation with clients

There’s no denying it—AI is already reshaping how clients engage with financial decisions.

Recent research indicates:

• Around 55% of adults are already using AI for financial guidance
• Independent testing shows financial responses from AI tools are only ~56–64% accurate in some cases
• One survey found ~19% of users who acted on AI advice reported losing money

The issue isn’t the technology itself—it’s how it’s being used.

1. “Technically Correct” Advice That Fails in the Real World

AI often produces answers that are logically sound—but only in isolation.

It doesn’t:

• Integrate tax structures
• Account for lending constraints
• Consider sequencing or long-term trade-offs

Result: Decisions that look right—but don’t work when implemented.

2. No Personal Context (And No Accountability)

AI doesn’t understand:

• Entity structures
• Cash flow pressures
• Risk tolerance
• Behaviour under stress

And critically, there is no accountability or recourse if the advice is wrong.

3. Overconfidence From Simplified Answers

Clients feel like they’ve “done the research.”

But they’re often relying on:

• Clean, confident outputs
• Without understanding assumptions or limitations

This creates false confidence in incomplete strategies.

4. Fragmented Decision-Making

This is the most dangerous shift.

Clients are treating:

• Investing
• Tax
• Lending

As separate decisions, rather than part of a coordinated strategy.

This is where small mistakes compound into major issues.

5. Acting Without Professional Validation

The biggest behavioural change isn’t asking AI—it’s acting on it without validation.

We’re already seeing:

• Misapplied tax strategies
• Incorrect structuring decisions
• Overestimated borrowing capacity
• Investment decisions without risk alignment

Once a client bypasses one professional,
it becomes much easier for them to bypass all of them.

The Opportunity for Professionals

This isn’t about competing with AI.

It’s about reframing your role.

A simple positioning that resonates:

“AI can give you answers. Our role is to make sure those answers actually work for your situation—and don’t create unintended consequences.”

Because while AI is:

• Fast
• Accessible
• Increasingly influential

It still lacks:

• Context
• Accountability
• Integration across disciplines

Final Thought

In a world of unlimited information,

Judgement becomes more valuable—not less.

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.