Where did it go?: Taking the mystery (and pain) out of managing your money
Most people will quite literally earn millions of dollars in their lifetime. Yet many people struggle financially and live from one pay period to the next.
With the ageing population and many Baby Boomers now continuing to work—at least on a part-time basis—past the traditional retirement age, people are working more years than ever. Even if a person works only 40 years, at average earnings, that's a lot of money.
It is said, “Money talks”, but for many, all it ever says is, “Hello, and Good-bye”.
Have you ever found that the month lasts longer than the money? Or have you ever got your tax return and looked at all the money you have earned over the past 12 months and then thought, “Where has it all gone?”
You're not alone. And the good news is, now there's a simple solution.
There's a great quote from Charles Dickens’ book David Copperfield where the character Mr. Micawber says to Copperfield, “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
This is so true, regardless of the income level.
Yet keeping track of what you spend your money on, for many, is too hard, too laborious. The benefits of doing so are obvious to anyone, yet the discipline to keep all your receipts, enter the information into a program like Quicken Personal or MS Money (or just to write it into a paper ledger), and keep that going consistently over time is beyond most of us.
Well ... and here's the good news ... what if a piece of software could track and categorise what you spent your money on, but it involved very little effort by you?
Imagine the clarity you'd get if you knew exactly how much you have spent and what percentage of your income is going on the various areas including mortgage/rent, vehicles, groceries, schooling/education, eating out, entertaining, mobile phones and internet, medical and pharmaceutical, and so on.
For most people, it would be a real eye opener.
It is said that knowledge equals power.
That is very true when it comes to your personal finances.
Once you can objectively see exactly how your lifestyle and your habits—that is, you—are spending your money each year, and month-to-month as you go, you then have the power to make decisions on where you can change your spending (and saving!) habits.
In this information age and electronic era, many of us use credit cards, debit cards and EFT when buying things. We have now reached a point for the first time in history where more money is exchanged electronically than through cash transactions.
That's a lot of transactions. And it's a lot of data.
This data is available to be analysed on a societal basis, industry basis, business basis and ... a personal basis.
There are a number of different softwares available to help summarise the info including: Xero Cashbook
The software can analyse and categorise all your electronic transactions to give you a snapshot of your complete financial position in an instant. This also organises a view of all your bank accounts and credit card accounts in one place. Very handy.
This is precisely what a lot of people have been waiting for: An easy way to track and control your finances.
The software categorises your spending and saving, so you can tell whether your money is being used for essentials or you're splashing out on other things.
This allows us to help you plan ahead and make the most of your money.
You will never before have felt so in control of your personal finances.
Being web-based, rather than being stuck on one computer like traditional software, you can access Xero and other web-based software from home, work and even on your smartphone such as an iPhone and Android device.
It's not difficult, and once your bank accounts are set up, it happens automatically from there.
The way we see it, the more clients we help keep track of their finances in such an easy way, the more clients who will prosper and find financial happiness instead of financial misery, to paraphrase Dickens' Mr. Micawber.
If you are interested in discussing this further and setting up a software package to suit you call us on 08 6336 6200 or email us on info@ascentwa.com.au to make a time to meet and discuss your options. We'll then outline the costs so you know exactly what lies ahead.
It's time to stop saying "good-bye" to so much of your money each year!
Need help with your accounting?
Starting a business is an exciting milestone, but the paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. At Ascent Accountants, we often see new business owners get caught in the "registration trap"—either registering for everything at once (and creating unnecessary admin) or missing critical deadlines that lead to penalties. Knowing which registrations are mandatory and which are optional depends on your business structure, turnover, and whether you have a team. Here is our high-level guide to the essential registrations you need to consider. 1. The Foundations ABN & TFN. Australian Business Number (ABN): Your ABN is your business’s unique 11-digit identifier. While not strictly compulsory for everyone , you almost certainly need one. Without an ABN, other businesses must withhold 47% of any payments they make to you. Tax File Number (TFN): Sole Traders: You use your personal TFN. Companies, Partnerships, and Trusts: You must apply for a separate business TFN. 2. Tax Registrations (ATO) Goods and Services Tax (GST): You must register for GST if your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more ($150,000 for non-profits). If you drive a taxi or provide ride-sourcing services (like Uber), you must register regardless of your turnover. Fuel Tax Credits: If your business uses fuel in heavy vehicles, machinery, or for other eligible activities, you can claim a credit for the excise or customs duty included in the price. Note: You must be registered for GST before you can register for Fuel Tax Credits. 3. Employer obligations when hiring a team. If you’re moving from a "solo-preneur" to an employer, your registration requirements change significantly: PAYG withholding: You must register for Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding before you make your first payment to employees or certain contractors. This allows you to withhold tax from their wages and send it to the ATO. Superannuation: You don't "register" for super in the traditional sense, but you have a legal obligation to pay the Superannuation Guarantee (currently 12% on July 1, 2025) for eligible employees. We recommend setting up a Superannuation Clearing House to streamline these payments. On 1st July 2026, super will be required to be paid each payday. Workers’ compensation insurance: This is a mandatory insurance policy for almost all employers in Australia. It protects you and your employees in the event of a work-related injury. Each state has different rules; for example, in WA, you must have a policy if you employ anyone defined as a "worker." 4. Business Identity: ASIC If you want to trade under anything other than your own legal name (e.g., "John Smith" vs. "Smith’s Landscaping"), you must register the name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Our advice? Don’t over-register too early. We often see clients register for GST before they reach the $75k threshold. While this allows you to claim GST credits on your setup costs, it also means you must lodge regular Business Activity Statements (BAS). Speak with us before you hit "submit" on your registrations. We can help you determine the most tax-effective timing for your specific situation. Contact the team today.
When you find your dream home, the process often feels like a whirlwind of inspections, mortgage documents, and packing boxes. Most buyers are diligent about checking for termites or structural cracks, but there is one significant risk that a physical inspection can’t uncover: legal defects in the property’s title. When it comes to real estate, one of the most effective ways to safeguard your equity is through Title Insurance. What is title insurance? Unlike standard home and contents insurance—which covers future events like fires, storms, or theft—Title Insurance is a specialised policy that protects you against existing but unknown legal risks that occurred before you bought the property. It is a one-off premium paid at the time of settlement that provides cover for as long as you own the home. Despite its value, statistics suggest only about 50% of buyers currently opt-in. How it works: real-world scenarios. Title insurance steps in when "discrepancies" surface after you’ve already moved in. Here are the most common ways it protects you: Illegal building work & conversions: It’s common to find a garage that was converted into a bedroom or a deck built without council approval. If the local council discovers this later and demands you bring it up to code or demolish it, Title Insurance can cover the legal and construction costs. Boundary & encroachment issues: Imagine discovering your fence, garage, or driveway is actually sitting on your neighbour’s land or Crown land. The cost of surveys, new building plans, and reconstruction can be staggering. Title insurance handles these expenses. Unpaid rates or taxes: If the previous owner left behind land tax or council rate debts that weren't discovered during settlement, the policy can cover these outstanding costs. Planning & zoning violations: Protection against loss if you cannot live in the house because it doesn't comply with local zoning laws. Is it worth It? These problems often stay hidden for years. You might buy a house that looks perfect, only to find out it has issues when you apply for your own renovation permits. For a relatively low, one-time fee, Title Insurance offers "peace of mind for your purchase." However, it is not a substitute for due diligence. Before you sign: Consult your conveyancer: They can help you finalise the policy during the settlement process. Research the provider: Ensure the company has a strong history of payouts and longevity in the market. Review the coverage: Understand what is specific to your property type (e.g., strata vs. green title). The Ascent perspective. From a financial planning standpoint, an unexpected $20,000 council-ordered demolition or a boundary dispute can derail your investment strategy. Title insurance is a small price to pay to ensure your property remains a secure asset rather than a legal liability. Are you planning a property purchase? Talk to the team at Ascent Property Co and Ascent Accountants to ensure your tax and financial structures are as solid as the roof over your head.
From 1 July 2026, the way employers make superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions will change. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has introduced Payday Super . This reform requires employers to pay super at the same time they pay employees’ wages. This is a significant update to the timing of super payments, and it’s important that your payroll processes and software are prepared well before the new rules commence. For full details, including eligibility and exceptions, see the ATO’s information on Payday Super. Key changes. Current requirements. Under the existing system, employers can make Super Guarantee payments to an employee’s fund up to 28 days after the end of the quarter. SG can be paid quarterly or more frequently (for example, monthly), and the current quarterly due dates are 28 October, 28 January, 28 April, 28 July. From 1 July 2026 Under the new Payday Super regime, Super Guarantee payments must be paid to an employee’s super fund at the same time as paying qualifying earnings (QE) — that is, on the employee’s payday . The payment must be received by the super fund within 7 business days of payday. There are limited exceptions to this 7-day deadline, such as for new employees. What you should do now. To ensure compliance with the new requirements, we recommend the following steps: 1. Review your payroll software and processes Confirm that your current systems can support on-payday super payments. If updates or changes are required, plan for implementation well in advance of July 2026. 2. Adjust internal procedures Update payroll calendars and workflows to align with the new payment timing, and ensure responsibilities and deadlines within your team are clear. 3. Seek advice if needed If you are unsure how the changes affect your business, or if your current setup requires modification, please contact us! We are here to help. 4. Review business cashflow. Ensure that the business cashflow will allow you to pay the superannuation on time, each payday. If not, you’ll need to put plans in place. We’re here to support you. These changes will affect all employers with staff and will require planning and preparation. If you have any questions or need assistance reviewing your systems and processes, please get in touch with the Ascent team.
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Understand the difference between major and minor building defects before you buy. Learn what’s serious, what’s wear and tear, and avoid costly surprises.
Thinking of starting a small business? Before you dive in, make sure your foundations are set: structure, ATO registrations, super, and workers comp. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started.
