The ATO is waving a big flag at tax time, and it’s not just about rental property deductions and work-related expenses anymore. We dig into the areas that trip up real people: capital gains tax on shares, the fast-growing crypto tax footprint, and why “surely they won’t know” is no longer a strategy when data matching is this strong. If you’ve bought, sold, swapped, or simply forgotten what you did over the year, we walk through the mindset and the record-keeping that makes your numbers easier to defend and your return easier to lodge.

We also get stuck into a mid-year portfolio clean up. Markets have been stronger than the mood music suggests, which is exactly why it’s worth reviewing what you own and why. We talk through the psychology that pushes us to sell winners for a quick win while clinging to losers out of pride, plus how capital losses can be useful if you genuinely need to exit a position. Then we spell out the wash sale problem in plain language: if you sell purely to manufacture a loss and buy back straight away, the ATO may treat it as a no-go.

From listener questions we move through real-world examples and decisions: how ETFs work compared with managed funds, why fees and simplicity matter, and how “more return” almost always means “more risk”. Finally, we tackle a classic superannuation dilemma: moving to cash because a recession feels close, then watching markets jump without you. That’s sequencing risk, and it’s brutal, so we explain how a sensible asset allocation can keep you invested without forcing you to predict the future. If this helped, follow the podcast, share it with a mate who’s stressing about tax time, and leave us a review. What money decision are you second-guessing right now?

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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