335 salary packaging & HECS, rising health care costs, elective egg freezing + more
Aug 29, 2023
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This Q&A episode covers topics such as the future of the private health industry post-COVID, vet careers and earning potential, salary packaging and HECS/HELP, the process and costs of elective egg freezing, and the recommended savings rate. It also references related episodes on private health insurance and savings rate versus investment returns.
The private healthcare industry in Australia is expected to remain robust post-COVID, emphasizing the importance of private health insurance and maintaining a strong public healthcare system.
Vets should live within their means and not worry about the public perception of their income, as it is crucial to break the myth that all vets are wealthy.
Deep dives
Outlook for the private healthcare industry post-pandemic
The private healthcare industry in Australia is expected to remain robust even after the COVID-19 pandemic. While there may be occasional recessions and budget pressures, the overall outlook for healthcare is positive. The demand for private health insurance is encouraged, and efforts to maintain a strong public healthcare system are emphasized. There may be potential restrictions or changes in access to public healthcare in the future, but the importance of healthcare as a human right is emphasized.
Managing public perception of income as a vet
The public perception of a vet's income can often be inflated, leading to assumptions of higher earnings than reality. It is important for vets to live within their means and not succumb to pressure to display a flashy lifestyle. Each individual should focus on their own financial situation and not worry about what others think. The vet profession faces various challenges, and it is crucial to break the myth that all vets are wealthy.
Understanding salary packaging and help debt for doctors
Salary packaging allows individuals to use pre-tax dollars for certain expenses, reducing their taxable income. The example provided demonstrates how salary packaging can save on tax. However, it is important for doctors to consider their help debt and how it affects their repayment obligations. Adjusted taxable income, which includes salary packaging, is used to calculate help debt repayments. Doctors should be aware of the costs associated with egg freezing, including medical fees, medications, storage fees, and hospital fees. Elective egg freezing is a personal decision that requires thorough research and consideration of its emotional and financial value.
Determining savings goals as a junior doctor
Junior doctors are advised to save as much as possible, aiming for at least a 20% after-tax income savings rate. The importance of saving early in one's career is emphasized, as it significantly impacts long-term wealth accumulation. By illustrating an example, it is shown that delaying saving by even five or ten years can result in substantial differences in the final savings amount. Each individual should strive to save as much as they practically can and work towards the 20% savings goal.
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