Knowledge hub

How to finance an overseas elective on a student budget

An overseas elective is likely to be one of your most memorable student experiences. Early preparation and planning will ensure you spend time enjoying your trip—not stressing over your bank balance.

The cost of an overseas placement

One of the most exciting elements of studying in the medical or dental profession is the opportunity to take on an overseas placement as part of your study. But what will it cost you?

Fitting an overseas placement into your studies

With an increasing focus on global health, the interest in overseas medical electives has burgeoned in recent years and placements are in high demand for a good reason.

Read further to discover a few things you can do now to put yourself in the best position to undertake an international placement.

Career Benefits of an overseas placement

Taking the leap can be daunting, but there’s so much to gain from working abroad, especially once you return home.

How to set SMART goals for managing money

Having spent years at university, chances are you’ve heard of SMART goals. Let’s take a closer look at how SMART principles can help you achieve your financial goals.

Five tips to make the most of your credit card

Whilst they are a very useful financial tool, have you ever asked yourself “am I getting the most out of mine?”

Getting the most out of tax time

Getting the most out of tax time isn’t just about hoping you’ll land a fat refund cheque that you can squander on new shoes or the latest gadget.

Five hacks for maximising reward points

Sometimes it can seem easier to clear your entire HECs debt than it is to accrue frequent flyer points on your favourite credit or store cards. But for those willing to put in a little extra effort there exist a heap of ways to fast track your travel goals. Here’s a handful of easy ways to earn maximum reward points.

Five tips for credit card first timers

Credit cards are great for earning points and building a credit history, and they don’t have to cost the earth in fees and interest - but how do they work?

How to build a healthy credit history

As a busy student you’ve got a lot on your plate, but when it comes to building a healthy credit history it’s never too soon to get started.

Five top tips for buying a car

The time and effort involved in purchasing a new car can often be quite off-putting, particularly for time-poor professionals. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to speed up the process of buying your next car.

When is a great time to buy a new car?

Buying a car is a big investment, but there's a particular time of year where you can take advantage of price reductions.

Five quickest paths to financial independence

It’s important to get to grips with how becoming financially literate now can help fast track your path to financial independence later.

Financial tips for when you start your medical career

After years of study, the end is in sight. Before you start looking after patients and clients, here’s a few simple tips to ensure your own financial health.

Ten tips for living on a student budget

There are enterprising students who manage to juggle a job with academia, while putting aside a buffer of savings. The question is, how?

Seven tips for saving for the future

If you're graduating soon, preparing for financial independence will help you to transition into the next stage of your life and your career.

Medical practice purchase guide

Our medical Practice Purchase Guide is a tool designed to help doctors navigate the process of owning a practice, and understand the financial options available.

SMSF Handbook

Our SMSF Handbook has been designed to help medical, dental and veterinary professionals navigate the process of setting up and running a self-managed super fund.

Practice purchase guide for vets

Our veterinary Practice Purchase Guide is a tool designed to help you navigate the process of owning a practice that’s right for your future plans and understanding the financial options available.

Guide: How to grow your dental practice

When your existing dental practice is in a ‘growth’ phase there are several different paths you can follow for expansion. Our guide will help you quickly work out the pros and cons of each path.

How to own a dental practice

Our dental practice ownership guide is a tool designed to help you navigate the process of owning a practice that’s right for your future plans, and understand the financial options available.

Home buyer's guide

Our Home Buyer’s Guide is a great tool for anyone interested in the housing market at a granular level. In the guide, we have made it easy for you to focus on what is important, as you consider your financing options.

Home buyer's guide for accountants

There are many lifestyle and financial considerations to be made when it comes to buying property, and it can be difficult to navigate your way through the mountain of information. That's why we developed the BOQ Specialist Property Buyer's Guide for accountants.

Time to upgrade

Thanks to beneficial government tax incentives, there’s never been a better time for veterinarians to upgrade their equipment.

Investing in the future

The speed at which medical technology advances means it’s more important than ever to remain ahead of the pack.

Turning expenses into profits

Managing key aspects in your veterinary clinic can help you build a sustainable, profitable practice.

Looking to build a better general practice?

Assess your practice business risks today with a 60-second survey from Bstar.

Keeping the cash flowing

To ensure strong cash reserves for the year ahead, medical professionals need to be on top of their planning now.

Five tips for succession planning

Despite advising clients on their succession plans, accountants often put the needs of their own practices on the back-burner. Whichever side of the plan you sit on, we have five top tips to help you successfully plan and implement your succession. 

Take advantage of the instant asset write-off scheme

The instant asset write-off threshold for small to medium businesses has been increased to $150 000. Let us take you through these current tax deductions and how to make the most of them before the end of the financial year.

Where to park cash from your business

It can be difficult to know how to consolidate all your finances to ensure any extra cash coming in is used to its best potential. Here are some of the options available to business owners.

Five tips for managing excess cash

If you've worked hard to grow your practice, there may come a time when you have excess cash, but what should you do with it?

Why now is a great time to buy or upgrade dental equipment

Supplier promotions and government initiatives can make investing in new equipment an attractive option.

Six tips for the new financial year

Businesses also require regular health checks and the new financial year is the perfect time to stop and assess. Here are some tips to help you plan for growth over the next financial year.

Prepare to return to a new normal

Taking advantage of new tax concessions from the Federal Government’s stimulus package could help you manage the economic and health impact of COVID-19 for your practice and your patients.

Right time to buy

Current government incentives could make it the perfect time to purchase new equipment for your practice.

Is it time you took a break from your practice?

We highlight some reasons why a holiday could boost the health of your practice.

Why buy your practice through an SMSF

Purchasing your rooms through a self managed super fund (SMSF) is a common financial strategy employed by medical specialists. 

Is it time for your own private practice?

The dream of owning a private practice is shared by many healthcare professionals. How do you know when you’re ready to do it?

SMSF lending makes sense for medical professionals

As a doctor, dentist or vet, purchasing your own rooms through your self-managed super fund can be an attractive option.

Checklist for setting up a medical practice

Setting up a medical practice can be daunting. This checklist shows what you need to decide and act on to get started.

How to be practical about your practice fit-out

While setting up your professional practice is an exciting opportunity, it’s important to get it right from the outset. Tackling the project in a holistic manner can help you get one step ahead.  

Staying put

A mobile veterinary business is a great introduction to the profession but choosing to upgrade to a bricks-and-mortar clinic requires careful financial structuring.

From growth to consolidation

You’ve grown your practice into a flourishing business. What’s next? Having sound financial structures in place ensures you maintain those gains.

How to tackle Goodwill “disruption” head on

It's becoming harder for mid-tier accounting firms to compete with larger, global organisations from a variety of perspectives, most noticeably on price.

Making the most of the Government's tax concessions

New tax concessions from the Federal Government’s recent stimulus package can help you manage and, in time, recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.

Long-term practice planning

There are a number of financial strategies that specialist doctors can employ to protect and grow their practice.

Supercharged

Tapping into your superannuation fund could be a smart way to grow your practice right now—but there are a few factors to take into consideration first. 

Podcast series

Welcome to Check-up by BOQ Specialist, a series of podcasts created specifically for current and future doctors, dentists and vets. We’re here to discuss the issues and topics that matter most to you, at every stage of your career.

hould I refinance my home loan? Why now is a good time to refinance?

Refinancing your home loan could save you money. Discover what refinancing is and the right time to do it here.

What's the best home loan for doctors?

Finding the best home loan for medical professionals is confusing, especially when it’s your first. BOQ Specialist can help you navigate the minefield.

Stamp duty relief for first home buyers

Thinking about buying your first home? A number of recently introduced policies in NSW and Victoria are designed to help first-home owners break into the property market.

What to look for when buying or financing a property

Regardless of your stage of life, buying a home is a big financial decision. BOQ Specialist’s Trevor Robertson and real estate company NG Farah’s chief market strategist Peter McGuire distill the key factors to consider when matching a home loan to your stage of life. Hint: rates are merely one piece of the complex puzzle.

First Home Super Saver Scheme in five easy steps

The government has devised a way you can save for your first home deposit in your superannuation. It's called the First home super saver (FHSS) scheme.

How much is a home loan? Here are the costs

While property prices can take your breath away, there are extra home loan costs that can sting you if you don’t expect them.

How to buy your first home quickly

When you’ve settled into your career and are looking to buy your first home, being unprepared can lead to frustrating delays. It’s important to be aware of the pitfalls that could slow you in reaching your goal.

Landowner vs Landlord: what's better for you?

Becoming a landlord can seem like a smart way to make money, but there's a lot of factors to consider. Here are some options available to investors and we discuss their pros and cons.

Things to consider when renovating your home

There are a few factors to consider if you're planning to project manage your own home renovation. Here's what you should know beforehand in order to avoid any surprises later on.

What is home equity and how to use it

Utilising the equity in your home can be a smart financial tool to grow your property portfolio, but how does this work?

Going commercial

Deciding to buy commercial property—either for your own practice or as an investment—can make good business sense in both the short and long term. 

Commercial considerations

Whether you want to own your practice premises, or start building an investment portfolio, buying a commercial property can deliver financial benefits. However, there are a few things you should know to get it right. 

Look before you leap

Securing your dream practice requires thorough consideration, plenty of research and advice from a trusted source. 

My place

Owning your practice premises offers many benefits that simply aren’t available when leasing. 

Three thoughts to help you achieve your personal finance goals

Whether you’re saving for a deposit, planning your own practice or saving for a trip, here are a few practical tips to help make your dreams a reality.

Is the electric car finally viable?

Electric car sales have taken off overseas, but not as much in Australia. There have been some good reasons for that, but it’s all about to change.

How to be financially prepared for your tax payments

Lodging your own tax return doesn't have to be a scary experience, but you need to ensure you do it right, and on time, to avoid penalties.

How to achieve financial independence in your 20s

As a student, the future seems a long way off, but it’s possible to achieve financial independence while still in your 20s.

Your savings: how to choose what works for you and your money

What to consider when looking at savings and deposits accounts, and how they can earn you a competitive rate, no matter what stage of your career you are at.

Term deposits vs high interest savings accounts: where is your money best kept?

Deciding where to keep your money can be a daunting process. With so many options out there, should you go for a term deposit or a high interest savings account?  

Numbers game

Smart investing through multiple self-managed superannuation funds may help deliver financial security, but such a strategy requires caution to navigate taxation rules.

Six top tips for starting your SMSF

Setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) doesn't have to be complicated. These useful tips will help you to get up and running, and in control of your financial future.

Setting up your finances for retirement

Knowing you are in a position to fund the next phase of your life is of utmost importance when contemplating your retirement. Follow these tips for setting up your finances for retirement.

Specialists serving specialists

Our benchmark report compares the working environment, opportunities and challenges of Australia’s 100 000 medical, dental and veterinary professionals.

Dental Practice Research Report

Produced in partnership with Bstar, this report provides an extensive view into the dental industry, including the challenges dentists face and the opportunities to grow their practices.

The Future Series: what will the Sydney of the future look like

This series of articles, brought to you in collaboration with Health Project Services, will look at what's to come for our city and its outer regions, all with a view to help you future proof your business.

Medical specialists in Australia: a snapshot

With our ageing population and rising incidence of chronic disease, the demand for specialist medical services is increasing. Here we take a snapshot of what that means for the industry.

Stamp duty calculator

Stamp duty varies depending on the State or Territory your property is in. Use this calculator to work out the amount you may be required to pay.

Offset calculator

Use this calculator to determine how much interest you could save by offsetting your savings against your home loan.

Home loan repayments calculator

Our home loan calculator helps you work out what your minimum weekly, fortnightly or monthly home loan repayments would be for the amount you are planning to borrow. 

How aspiring practice owners can use goodwill

Intangible assets such as goodwill can be just what you need to buy into a successful private practice.

Goodwill explained

By growing, investing in, and managing your practice, you’re inherently building goodwill, but what is goodwill and what else could you be doing to increase the value of your practice?

Renovation guide

Our guide to home renovation contains detailed information and checklists to help you navigate the renovation process, understand your financing options and give you the confidence to make informed decisions.

Goodwill and growth

When it’s time to expand, leveraging your existing goodwill can be used to finance another practice. 

Goodwill and practice ownership

When you buy a practice, it’s not enough to just run your eye over the numbers—you have to unravel the mystery of goodwill too. 

Latest economic & financial market updates

BOQ Chief Economist, Peter Munckton takes a regular look at global and national markets, identifying any emerging trends. Drawing from a plethora of economic data – wage growth, consumer sentiment, consumption rate – Peter’s comprehensive understanding of economics provides insights as to what it all means for Australian households and business for the reader. 

Free Property Report

Buying or selling? Upsizing or downsizing? Sea change or tree change?
Whatever your next property move is, we’re here to help. Learn more about what the real estate market is doing in Australia with a free property report.

Your practice premises and retirement

When the time comes to retire and sell your practice, consider holding on to your practice’s commercial premises for a steady income stream in life after work. 

Economic Update: More to go

6 July 2022

As expected the RBA hiked the cash rate by half percentage point in July. And there is more to come. See my latest report for my views.

Breathing space

Thanks to COVID lockdowns, medical and dental equipment shortages and long delivery times are still causing headaches. Fortunately, BOQ Specialist can help relieve some of the financial pressure involved.

Room to move

While it’s true that COVID has wreaked havoc on the medical and dental fit-out market, leading to delays and higher costs, it’s also true that it’s easier managing these difficulties thanks to help from BOQ Specialist.

Hot property

Just because more commercial properties have become available in and near big cities since COVID forced many CBD businesses to close, that doesn’t necessarily mean such sites are where you should locate your healthcare practice. 

Top tips for managing your first payslip

When you finally land that dream job, it’s important to manage your income wisely from the get-go.

Key facts sheet calculator

Compare and select the right home loan for you with our key facts sheet. 

Calculated risk

Notwithstanding the effect of COVID and ever-escalating interest rates on house prices, there are plenty of reasons why now is a good time to invest in residential property.

Setting up your professional practice right from the outset

There are many advantages to choosing an escrow facility over other finance options when it comes to buying what you need to open your new practice.

Spring into action

With the property market appearing to grow as the pandemic passes and interest rates steady, now may be a good time to invest in residential property.

Investing this season?

Residential property has long been an attractive investment option, and with the current growth of the property market, it is a sign that now may be the time to consider investing. Understand what it means to be purchasing an investment property this season.