34 minute read
COLUMNIST ARTICLES
ACCOUNTANT
By Warren Strybosch
Waiting
At Find Accountant, we provide SMSF tax advice. Our senior accountant is also an award-winning financial advisor. If you require SMSF advice or are considering whether or not to wind up your SMSF, then speak to Warren Strybosch at Find Accountant Pty Ltd.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au www.findaccountant.com.au
WARREN STRYBOSCH
Find Group
The founder of the Find Group of companies draws on his diverse background, which ranges from teaching, to serving in the army, to taxation and accounting, to coach and help clients live their best financial lives. A multi-award winner, Warrens’s innovative approach in business means he was a champion of virtual financial advise long before the pandemic. Warren established the Find Foundation, which owns and operates acroos Victoria.
TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA
The financial advisers featured in this guide are a diverse group: some specialise in responsible investment advice, some provide financial advise to specific professions, and some focus on addressing market gaps, mwith several finding themselves on the list for the very first time. But they all have one thing in common: they all wield influence that can create the blueprint for the future of financial advice in Australia. Not all of them are faniliar names but just because they are not making a lot of noise doesn’t mean they are not making waves. Meet our Power 50.
Negotiating For Long Term Success
BUSINESS COACH
By Deb Fribbins
In business as in life we spend a lot of our time negotiating to get what we want for the lowest possible cost. That cost comes in all forms, dollars, time, projects etc.
The expression win / win is crucial to ongoing negotiations with all companies. If we tried to negotiate to win at all costs, in the long run we will not win ,as the company that you have pushed to the limit, won’t be available to us the next time you want to use them.
“The most difficult thing in any negotiation is making sure you strip it of the emotion and deal with the facts” Howard Baker.
In an argument, as soon we start to get emotional, our logic changes and loses focus. A negotiation is a polite disagreement/ argument. Keep to the facts. All negotiations have a level of emotion in them. For businesses it is all about sales and profit which is our lifeblood. The emotion we need you use is our passion. Passion to succeed, to grow sales and maximise profits on the goods we are negotiating on. Never lose that passion. Make sure of our facts.
To ensure to achieve a successful win /win, We need to to start by knowing exactly what our limits are. When we know the market price at retail, we can then work back based on the margins you need to achieve in your business. If a product sells for $100 and you need a 50% margin, or 100% mark up, then you cannot afford to pay more than $50 for that product. You would start at a lower cost to give yourself “wriggle room”. Work within your limits and do not compromise.
To know if the cost is achievable, there must be a level of understanding of the costs involved to develop the resource. If the minimum cost is $60 they are able to sell it for, we have four options
1. Find an alternative product to suit your customers needs, 2. Find an alternative resource at a better price, 3. Re-evaluate the retail, is a higher retail price possible in the current climate. 4. How can you soften the blow for the consumer by marketing it differently To have some understanding of the supply costs, start by checking the component costs where applicable. Have component prices gone up, have wages risen, have logistic cost increased?? In the scenario above, going from $50 to $60 in price is a 20% increase at cost, but only $10. So many variants need to be considered. When buying a Car just getting the car from A to B the additional cost of transport alone is considerable. If only the one car is bought down to the seller, the cost will be much higher than if there are 4-5 cars on a carrier. It is spread over the cost of all the cars? When buying small items the same logistic cost is applied over thousands of items. Therefore less impact on each piece. We can readily find the cost increases on many of the components such as cotton, wool, steel, iron copper etc When prices have escalated as they have right now, an increase is expected. The negotiation is how far can we accept the increase. Is the supplier putting the price up higher than it needs to? The supplier needs to put their prices up to pay their costs also. If the price increase is legitimate but there is a concern the general public will not accept a 20% increase on the particular item, and sales will be lost, what alternatives are there?
Can we negotiate for a value-added package? Are there additional support items that can make the purchase more appealing? Can we take some of the features or quantity out? Is there a service aspect we can add? There are so many ways to keep the price down.
Never be afraid to negotiate when you have all your facts.
Negotiations is just one of the areas of support DEB can offer Contact DEB for a complimentary discovery session to determine how we can assist you to thrive. https://calendly.com/debfribbins/discovery-session
Deb Fribbins
Developing Excellence in Business 0400 524 451
deb@debconsulting.com.au
5LEADERSHIP TRAITS THAT GET RESULTS
LEADERS RESILIENCE COACH
By Sally Higoe
When you hear the word ‘leader’, what person comes into your mind? Perhaps a brave statesman like Nelson Mandela. It could be an influential person from the past such as Winston Churchill or Abraham Lincoln. It might even be the new Prime Minister – or the old one, depending on your electoral preference!
How about leaders who you know personally – your kids’ sports coach, a teacher who inspired you, your mum, your boss?
How about yourself? Are you the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word leader? What kind of a leader are you? Do you even think of yourself as a leader?
We are all called to be leaders at some time in our lives. Even as a parent, you are a leader to your children. In your job, you are a leader of work culture.
Leadership means making choices – often difficult at first but easier and more and more beneficial over time. Here are five traits that all leaders demonstrate, traits that guarantee great results.
1. Showing, not telling
We’ve all heard the sayings ‘actions speak louder than words’, and ‘don’t do what I say, do what I do’. If you know someone whose words, instructions or commands don’t match up with their behaviour, you can’t believe a word they say, can you? ... and it’s safe to assume, you don’t trust them.
When you’re in a leadership role, you have to check in with what you are doing. Does it reflect what you say? Do you talk about harmony in the workplace but have a hissy fit every time a deadline is missed? Do you insist on punctuality but turn up five minutes late on occasion?
...People are watching you – scary but true!
People might listen to what you say, but they will remember what you do.
2. Listen before talking
As a leader, it’s tempting to tell your people how things are done. But logically, if you need to tell others how things are done, it means they’re not being done! So, why not find out why?
Leaders who listen learn more and develop better strategies and tactics for the next move onwards. Listening to others also engenders trust with others. And when you think about it, we have two ears but only one tongue – maybe there’s a reason for that!
3. Planning
You may be a ‘go with the flow’ type of person. Being calm is great but letting things pass you by in the hope that it will all turn out right in the end is seriously unproductive! Planning can be as micro-detailed as organising what flavour of sausages to order for the Christmas barbecue or as ‘big picture’ as who you want your business to merge with in ten years’ time.
What sort of planner are you? Recognise your style and bring alongside you others who plan in different ways. Collaborate with them and introduce into your planning group those you intend to delegate to. That way, you all buy into the same vision.
4. Forgiving and taking responsibility
Forgiveness is not often spoken about, but it is a vital trait for a leader to cultivate. Things are just a whole lot better if you can forgive others immediately. We’re all humans and therefore slip-ups will be made.
Forgiving doesn’t mean that due process shouldn’t be followed. If, say, OH&S requirements are not followed or production schedules not adhered to, there are serious consequences. However, taking responsibility for one’s actions or mistakes, especially if you are the leader, is not a sign of weakness but is liberating for all.
5. Showing you value others
Let’s be honest, work can be boring. Your kids’ attitudes can wear you down. There are days, aren’t there, where you just want to scream, ‘Stop, world, and let me off!’
A little appreciation will go a long way. Why not show the people you lead that you value them? It could be something as simple as a certificate with ‘Best Worker of the Week’ printed on it. Many businesses celebrate people’s birthdays with a cake at morning tea. The Christmas party could be a time where appreciation is shown in the form of a small gift.
If you cultivate these five traits, you can become an awesome leader!
For more useful tips and tricks to help move you and your team forward, towards a more successful future, join my free fortnightly news email. Check out some of my blogs and register for the emails here - https://team-resilience. com.au/blog/
Sally Higoe
Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method
Trending Indoor Colours For Winter
PAINTING & DECORATING
By Steve Dahllof
Colours are more than just the latest trend. We are strongly affected by the colours around us. They reflect our values and what atmosphere we wish to evoke in our homes.
Not surprisingly, after the shock of lockdowns and a worldwide pandemic (who saw that coming?), the colour trend for 2022 is for soothing tones, ones that generate calm and comfort, or for colours that engender optimism and hope.
If you are thinking of renovating your home or giving your interior a refresh, here is what the painting experts are predicting as the up-to-date colours for 2022.
Go for Green
Green equals calm, natural, growth and gentleness. It’s a great colour for a study, quiet nook, a formal dining area – in fact, just about any area of the home. Greens can be bright, light colours that go well with pastels, or darker for a more formal environment.
‘Specifically, there’s been rising interest in greens. The green colour family is so diverse, from calming rich sages like Evergreen Fog to earthier tones and more dramatic emeralds,’ says Forbes Home.
Evergreen Fog is Sherwin William’s colour of the year for 2022. A calming, mid-tone green paint colour with a touch of blue, it is a neutral shade bordering on grey. Evergreen Fog blends with just about every colour on the spectrum and can be combined in exciting ways with metallics such as champagne gold, brass and matte black accessories to create a chic and welcoming space.
Another shade of green that is popular is one with sage tones called October Mist. This was chosen by its manufacturer as the Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year. Benjamin Moore’s press release states that ‘this gently shaded sage quietly anchors a space, while encouraging individual expression through colour’.
Sage tones create a more intimate feel. It is a great shade to use as a backdrop and – fortunately for those who don’t want to paint the interior of their homes too often – it won’t go out of fashion. It highlights furniture and other accessories in earthy or red colours.
Punctuate in Purple
The Pantone Color Institute™ provides customised colour standards and forecasts colour trends forecasting, including the ‘Pantone Color of the Year’. For the first time ever, Pantone nominated one of its newest colours as the colour of the year for 2022. Very Peri is a colour ‘whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity’, according to Pantone. The shade falls under the blue colour family but with violet-red undertones, making it appear as a soft purple, mauve or lilac, depending on how you view it.
A soft calming shade, this would be great as a feature wall in a bedroom or as a secondary shade highlighting off-whites, stone and pale earthy tones.
Be bright with Blue
Dulux has also chosen a blue shade as their Colour of the Year 2022. A cool blue paint colour called Bright Skies is described by Dulux as ‘an airy, light blue’. The colour was chosen as it ‘perfectly captures the optimism and desire for a fresh start that is the mood of the moment’. It blends well with wooden furniture and stoneware and its subtle tonings brighten considerably when sunlight falls across it.
Helen van Gent, head of Dulux’s parent company says, ‘This year, vibrant colours and light tones are re-emerging – a reflection, perhaps, of our need for positivity and a fresh approach.’
We couldn’t agree more.
For more painting advice on painting in winter, contact Dahllof Painting Services at sjd67@bigpond.net.au. We will be happy to answer all your inquiries.
Time Limitations For Taking Legal Action
LAWYERS
By John Van Beveren
If you believe you have a legal claim against someone and wanting to take action, then it is crucial that you do it in time!
The law imposes strict time limits for when you can commence legal action. These time limits are known as ‘Statute of Limitation.’ This means if put in a claim after the limitation period has expired, it will be extremely difficult to commence legal proceedings, or even impossible to proceed with your legal claim. This is regardless of your case and if it has merit and there is a clear breach of law!
Why do limitation periods apply?
The main justification for the law imposing limitation periods for certain claims is because the longer it takes for an action to be heard before a Court, then the less efficient the administration of justice becomes.
Limitation periods also exist because if the cause of action that led to you initiating proceedings occurred ages ago, then the other side to that action may have misplaced the evidence they need to defend themselves. Witnesses relevant to the action may also not be available.
Everyone has the right to a fair trial, and a fair trial cannot be guaranteed when too much time has passed. Therefore, Limitation periods encourage parties to pursue their potential claims diligently and in a timely manner.
What are the limitation periods?
The limitation periods do vary depending on the type of claim and the area of law relevant to your matter.
The limitation periods that exist in Australia are extensive and constantly evolving, it is therefore crucial that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you have not run out of time to make your claim.
In Victoria, some of the limitation periods that apply are listed in the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 but this is not exhaustive. Some of the most important time limits you should be aware of include:
Contracts and Torts
A cause of action in Contract or Tort Law cannot not be brought after the expiration of six years from the date when the cause of action accrued. Actions founded in Contract or Tort Law include, but are not limited to, breach of contract, breach of statutory duty, negligence, and defamation.
Recovery of Land or Rent
An action to recover land cannot be brought by any person after the expiration of fifteen years from the date when the right of action accrued and no action can be made to recover arrears of rent or damages in respect thereof after the expiration of six years from the date when the arrears became due.
Personal Injuries A personal injuries claim cannot be brought after the expiration of whichever of the following periods is the first to expire –a The period of 3 years from the date on which the cause of action is discoverable by the person making the claim; or b The period of 12 years from the date of the act or omission alleged to have resulted in the death or personal injury with which the action is concerned.
Family Law
Family Law is an important area in which you should seek immediate legal assistance with because there are several different time limitations that exist. These time limitations include, but are not limited to, a period of 12 months must have passed since you separated from you partner before you are eligible to apply for a divorce. When your divorce is granted, then you have 12 months to take action for the assets and property from that relationship asset pool.
Employment Law
If you believe you have been underpaid by your employer, the Fair Work Commission states you have a period of six years from when the alleged underpayment occurred to make a claim against your employer to recover those payments.
How can I make a claim?
If you have a cause of action that you have not yet to act upon and are wondering whether you will still be able to make a claim, come in and see us at Van Beveren Lawyers for assistance.
It is crucial to ensure that you are not out of time before commencing legal proceedings to avoid any unwanted costs or consequences. If you decide to commence legal proceedings when the limitation period has expired, you risk being personally liable for any costs incurred if you are unsuccessful– these may include any legal costs incurred by the party you commenced proceedings against - and this could be an expensive mistake!
Van Beveren Lawyers is a Geelong-based boutique law firm with a compassionate approach towards our clients. The team at Van Beveren Lawyers have an array of specialised legal knowledge and will be able to assist you with any questions regarding limitation periods and advise on the prospects of success for your claim.
SALARY PACKAGING SERVICES
By Dan Nicholls
Make no mistake, salary packaging reduces your taxable income. By accessing your pre-tax pay, you can use some it to pay for your life’s expenses and reduce the tax payable on your remaining pay. The gross value of the amount you salary package each year is included on your end of financial year income statement as ‘Reportable Fringe Benefits Amount’ (RFBA). The RFBA is used when the Government determine some benefits that are available to you as well as how much you need to repay for your HECS/HELP debt. So, the sum of your remaining gross salary and the RFBA will determine how much your HECS/ HELP repayments are at the end of the financial year. It’s important to know this at the start of each financial year, as nobody wants the ATO to come knocking for extra tax.
Will I have to make HECS/HELP debt repayments?
When you do your tax return, the ATO will calculate what they refer to as your ‘Repayment Income’ (RI) amount. This is the combined amount of your Taxable Income, RFBA, Reportable Superannuation contributions and any exempt foreign employment income. The RI is then used against a threshold table to calculate how much your minimum HECS/HELP needs to be. The tables for the compulsory repayment threshold changes every year. The first RI level is as follows:
For the 2021-22 income year, it is $47,014. For the 2022-23 income year, it will be $48,361.
If your RI is above these amounts, you will pay minimum of 1% of your RI as a HECS/ HELP repayment.
It is a common misconception that if you earn under this threshold and are benefiting from salary packaging, you won’t need to make HECS/HELP repayments. In fact, your adjusted repayment income amount may tip you into the compulsory repayment threshold. To check if you are impacted, you can ask your accountant or salary packaging provider. They can help you calculate whether or not you should be having more tax deducted from your current salary, and exactly how much more you should be contributing to avoid bill shock at tax time. HECS/HELP repayments, voluntary or compulsory, always come out of your pre-tax salary. You do not and should not be paying tax on these repayments.
Salary Packaging and Your HECS/HELP Debt
Is it worthwhile salary packaging if I have a HECS/HELP debt?
Salary packaging is always worthwhile. Even if a salary packaging arrangement tips you into the RI threshold, or puts you into a higher repayment bracket, you won’t suddenly be forking out massive repayments. The ATO understands that people who are just starting out already have to combat high living costs on a low range salary, so compulsory HECS/ HELP repayment percentages are set at fair increments. The current repayment percentage rate for the lowest income threshold - $47,014 - $54,282 - is just 1%. If you have a salary packaging arrangement, you will always be saving on tax with or without a HECS/HELP debt. While calculations vary depending on your income and existing HECS/HELP debt, even at the low end of the income scale, you can expect to save thousands off your annual tax bill through salary packaging.
Report your pay rise
A pay rise is always welcome, but some people get caught out on their HECS/ HELP repayments at tax time, especially if they’ve received a pay rise late in the financial year. Even if you’ve been below the compulsory HECS/HELP repayment threshold for most of the year, a small pay rise could tip you into a new or different repayment threshold. If your pay rise does put you into a higher repayment bracket and it isn’t adjusted in line with your gross income, you may have to repay the outstanding amount for that financial year. If in doubt, get your payroll person, accountant or salary packaging provider to recalculate these figures. Remember, you can always volunteer extra repayments to pay off your HECS/ HELP debt sooner. Unlike personal or car loans, these loans do not currently attract interest. They are only adjusted and marginally increased on a yearly basis in line with the consumer pricing index and current inflation rate. Extra voluntary repayments can make a big difference.
Once your HECS/HELP is paid off, you can probably expect a much juicier return at tax time.
Can you salary package your HECS/ HELP debt?
You can use your pre-tax salary to make voluntary repayments to your HECS/HELP debt, but you need to be aware that any voluntary repayments are in addition to any compulsory repayments based on your RI. The result of this is that you will pay off your HECS/HELP debt quicker.
Make more with The Salary Packaging People
We’re always trying to find ways to make your money go further. Feel free to chat with us about your HECS/HELP debt and the benefits of salary packaging. If you’d like to know more about salary packaging for yourself or your employees, get in touch online or call 03 5229 4200.
Please be aware that the information in this article is general in nature and may not be applicable to your personal circumstances. We highly recommend that you seek independent financial advice before entering into any salary packaging arrangement. The above information is written on the basis that you are entitled to certain tax exemptions associated with employment within not-for-profit, public health, charity, health promotion charity sectors. As a result some or all of the above information may not be relevant to you.
We’ll answer your questions.
If you need help with your FBT claims, please call to talk to a real person at The Salary Packaging People who can answer your questions. If you’re an employer and not currently happy with your salary packaging services, now is a good time to switch to a truly personable provider. Contact us online or call 03 5229 4200.
Dan Nicholls
Salary Packaging means you can pay less tax, use your pre-tax income to pay for everyday expenses and make your salary go further.
Dan Nicholls
Salary Packaging Services
Services
• Packaging administration • One-on-one customer service • Staff and organisation resources • Comprehensive and always on-time FBT reporting • Direct to employee claim benefits paid in one working day
Call us now
(03) 5229 4200
We ensure your staff get the full advantage of their entitlements, because taking care of your staff is our business.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: increase in income threshold
By Warren Strybosch
Both Labor and the Coalition have announced that they will increase the income test threshold for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) from 1 July 2022. The Prime Minister said the CSHC income test threshold for singles will be increased from $57,761 to around $90,000 (and from $92,416 to $144,000 for couples). The Opposition Leader said Labor would also widen eligibility for the CSHC in line with the Government’s announcement.
An Introduction To Our 3rd Generation Family Business
EMBROIDERY SPECIALIST
By Kerry Kaspi
Back in 1985 my parents, Adrian & Jan Summers, holidayed in sunny Queensland when they spotted an embroidery machine for sale. Always being in business they had an eye for new opportunities and this time was no exception. They ended up coming home with the single head embroidery machine.
Setting up a store in the newly opened Market Square with the single header, it was the first to be seen in the region.
People would stand at the window to watch it sew out various designs and names all day long. They just loved watching this machine works its magic all the way to the finished product.
Fast forward 10 years and we have large quantities of work from some of Australia’s largest workwear companies such as Can’t Tear‘em and Hard Yakka. From the one single-head machine we worked our way up to five eight-head machines with 22 staff and worked like this for another 15 years. During this time I acquired the business from my parents. The machines back then were nowhere near as advanced as today, over the years we had to move with the everexpanding technology available in this business and as the large workwear companies moved overseas to a more cost-efficient country to operate in, we lost 85% of our income and had to scale down immensely leaving us to struggle to keep busy.
After working hard on improving our marketing and hiring reps to go out on the road to bring in business from all over we slowly began to build the company to what it is today. By showing customers how important experience is in this business we were able to bring in new customers from various walks of life who could see our expertise in operating for so long, they loved their final product and we built our business again, from this stand point.
In the last 10 years both my children have started working here with my youngest, Julian, expressing great interest in learning the ropes. During this short time, he has added great value to the business showing what fresh eyes can do to change things for the better. Now we are on a steady path to growing bigger and expanding our team constantly.
The road in business has been both challenging and exciting, I’ve been surprised by people and proud of people. But one of the things I’ve been most proud of is accepting all the challenges that has been thrown at us, never giving up, knowing who and what we have become and being strong in the belief that we can get through any challenging times.
But in the end nothing would make me prouder than to continue this business to the 4th or 5th generation.
Kerry Kaspi
Branded Apparel & Marketing Geelong Industrial Monogramming 0412 670 310 Kerry@gim.net.au www.gim.net.au
Signarama, The World’s Largest Sign Franchise
SIGNWRITER
By Tim Knott
Our award-winning network of sign centres is approaching 1,000 locations in 60 countries – truly making us “the way to grow your business.”
For 30 years, we have been serving communities with quality products and customer service. Now that we have grown to become the world leader in signage, we still work hard to maintain the localized support and individual attention that made us who we are today.
Our commitment to quality is unmatched in the industry. We know the importance of brand awareness and the affect it has on the bottom line. Signage plays an integral part in the recognition of a brand and therefore quality is imperative.
At Signarama, we believe in going the extra mile to produce more than just quick, standard signage. Signarama Geelong offers full-service signage options that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Whether one sign or hundreds, temporary banners or permanent monument signs, we are committed to providing an exceptional experience for every customer each and every time. BILLBOARD SIGNS
RECEPTION SIGNS
WINDOW SIGNS
MEDICAL WAYFINDING
LIGHTBOXES
VEHICLE SIGNS
CAFE & RESTAURANTS
OUTDOOR SIGNS
FEATURED SIGNAGE PRODUCTS
ILLUMINATED SIGNS
Signarama
Geelong West Your local team for quality Signs
Services
• Creative Services • Installation Services • Project Management • Printing • Resources • Finance Options
Contact Us
1300 797 161
TIM KNOTT
Owner
What Pristine is all about?
PROPERTY SERVICES
By Daniel Tomlinson
Why Pristine?
At Pristine we are all about saving you time, effort and stress. We service many aspects of property maintenance and the business is set up to cater for commercial and real estate managed properties. So, if you are a Property Manager, we want to hear from you.
Our clients always tell us how difficult it is to find a quality focused business to look after their needs. Pristine have you covered and the beauty is you only need to make one phone call and will have one invoice once the job is done.
We take the time to understand your needs and build trust so you can have peace in the knowledge Pristine is looking after things for you.
What can we help you with?
Real Estate/Property Managers Maintenance Service
Preparation of a property for sale/lease or general maintenance including: -
• Internal clean • External clean i.e. gardens, lawns, rubbish removal • Windows, screens & tracks • Small repairs i.e. plaster, doors, handles etc • Anything else just ask
Any size property suits us as we have commercial equipment covering all bases.
Commercial Grounds Maintenance Service
Flexible services tailored to each and every business working on a one off or regular service schedule basis. Invoice smoothing can also be implemented on scheduled jobs to assist with budgeting year-round. Schools, factories/workshops and offices all covered and out of hours services can be arranged to prevent disruption during working hours.
• Gardens and lawns maintained • Window cleaning • Gutter cleaning • Solar panel cleaning
METAL SIGNS
Signarama How we operate?
Geelong West We like to keep things simple at Pristine and this helps everyone involved in the process. We believe great communication and transparency is key to building lasting relationships with our clients. 1. Initial engagement – Brief conversation about your requirements to establish if we are suited to each other to do business.
This can save a lot of wasted time and effort down the road
2. Property walk through – Detailed discussion about specific requirements and expectations. • Understanding expectation from all parties prevents post completion issues
3. Quote - Detailed service quote presented for approval covering job specific tasks and expectations
4. Schedule – Agreed timeframes, schedule and logistics
5. Leave the rest to us -
6. Invoice - On completion or otherwise stated
All work carried out with commercial quality maintained equipment on a fully insured basis. We work with properties of all sizes from small units to large acreage.
Daniel Tomlinson
Property Services Pristine Outdoor Property Services
0468 485 122
Vitamin D for a strong immune system
Marion Rae (Australian Associated Press)
NATUROPATH
By Kathryn Messenger
The most important role of vitamin D is putting calcium into our bones. But it also has other roles such as regulating our immune systems. Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of both the innate immune system (general defence) and the acquired immune system (specific targeted defence), as well as having a role in regulating inflammation. Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced disease, including respiratory infections.
A blood test for Vitamin D gives a reference range of 50-250 nmol/L, with the lower end of this range set in order to prevent osteoporosis (spontaneous spinal fractures). Whilst vitamin D levels above 50nmol/L does prevent osteoporosis, optimal health is found in levels between 100-150nmol/L.
Our bodies make vitamin D with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunlight and it was around 100 years ago after the industrial revolution, when rickets (a disease of bone malformation) was found in many children of Northern Europe. These children spent most of the daylight hours inside working, but now it is estimated that almost 50% of the world’s population are deficient in vitamin D. equivalent skin elsewhere) near midday is considered to produce adequate vitamin D, and emerging research shows that other health benefits come from exposure to sunlight. Being further from the equator, or having darker skin increases the amount of sunlight required to make enough vitamin D, and in Melbourne, little UV light is available in winter. Ideally, your body would make enough vitamin D from the sunlight in the summer, to get you through the following winter.
Oily fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel are the best food sources of vitamin D, and traditionally, these fish were regularly consumed by those living at northern latitudes. Cod liver oil is high in vitamin D, but it is also high in vitamin A which is toxic in high doses. Take care not to exceed the recommended amount especially if you are taking multiple supplements that contain vitamin A.
If your vitamin D levels are low, supplementing through the winter can help to keep you well. But not all vitamin D supplements are the same. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) supplements of plant origin were the first to be available, but this type of vitamin D is not easily absorbed. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a form that is absorbed much more easily and if you are taking it regularly, look for a supplement that contains a low dose of vitamin K, as this will assist with absorption. Recent research has shown vitamin D3 in the calcifediol form is more effective again as it is in a form that is easily absorbed. This is particularly true in cases of deficiency, liver damage, kidney disease, and intestinal malabsorption, as these organs are all involved in absorption, metabolism and activation of vitamin D.
Whole Naturopathy has vitamin D3 in the calcifediol form in stock. A naturopath can also make a custom mix of herbs, recommend nutritional products, or homeopathy best suited to your unique symptoms.
This advice is general in nature and not intended to be prescriptive. For individualised prescriptive advice, please see a naturopath or other health care practitioner.
Kathryn Messenger
BHSc (Naturopathy) kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au
FINANCIAL PLANNING
By Warren Strybosch
Waiting
Working from home during COVID-19
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
We understand that due to COVID-19 your working arrangements may have changed. If you have been working from home, you may have expenses you can claim a deduction for at tax time.
Before claiming a deduction for working from home expenses, you need to understand your circumstances. The information below is for employees, if you’re running a home-based business, see Deductions for home-based business expenses.
Claiming working from home expenses
As an employee, to claim a deduction for working from home, all the following must apply:
• you must have spent the money • the expense must directly relate to earning your income • you must have a record to prove it.
This means you can’t claim a deduction for:
• items your employer provides • expenses where you have been reimbursed for them. expenses are not deductible, working from home during COVID-19 will not disqualify you from claiming the capital gains tax (CGT) main residence exemption when you sell your home.
them to cover your expenses when you work from home, you:
• must include this allowance as income in your tax return • can claim a deduction for the expenses you incur.
If you work from home, you can claim a deduction for the additional running expenses you incur. These include:
• electricity expenses associated with heating, cooling and lighting the area from which you are working and running items you are using for work • cleaning costs for a dedicated work area • phone and internet expenses • computer consumables (for example, printer paper and ink) and stationery • home office equipment, including computers, printers, phones, furniture and furnishings – you can claim either the • full cost of items up to $300 • decline in value (depreciation) for items over $300.
Occupancy expenses relating to your home, such as rent, mortgage interest, property insurance and land taxes, will not become deductible merely because you are required to work from home due to COVID-19. Because your occupancy
Calculating your working from home expenses
Tracking your working from home expenses can be challenging, so we introduced a temporary shortcut method. It’s a simple way to calculate these expenses with minimal record keeping requirements. The temporary shortcut method initially applied from 1 March to 30 June 2020, however it can now be applied up until 30 June 2022.
The shortcut method is just one of three ways available to work out your deduction for working from home expenses. For more information about what you can claim and the other methods available, see Working from
home expenses.
For more information, see:
• COVID-19 – frequently asked questions
• PCG 2020/3 Claiming deductions for additional running expenses incurred whilst working from home due to COVID-19.
