CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
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“The Year That Was, The Year Ahead, And What Matters Most”
THE YEAR THAT WAS A Year of Volatility, a Year of Opportunity:
By Wayne and the Familia Wealth team
As Christmas arrives and we close the chapter on 2025, I find myself reflecting on the year that has passed, a year filled with uncertainty, complexity, and, ultimately, opportunity. When I released our very first newsletter in January, “Navigating 2025: Volatility Breeds Opportunity”, my message to you was simple:
Looking Back on my Predictions of January 2025 WHAT I SAID IN JANUARY, and how it played out
VOLATILITY WOULD TEST US.
But discipline and perspective would reward us.
Sitting here now in December, with the benefit of hindsight and a year’s worth of data, I’m pleased, and humbled, to say that the themes I highlighted back then unfolded almost exactly as expected.
Back in January, I identified several forces that I believed would define 2025:
nTrump’s 25% tariff on Australian steel and aluminium
nPersisting inflationary pressure
nRising interest rates favouring credit and income strategies
nGeopolitical instability weighing on sentiment
But I also urged you not to retreat. Instead, to stay disciplined, stay invested, and look for opportunity in quality assets that had been oversold.
Twelve months later, that approach has proven itself.
NEW LEGISLATION
AGED CARE REFORM
Australia’s new Aged Care Act, originally set for 1 July 2025 but delayed to 1 November 2025, marks the biggest overhaul in decades. It replaces a confusing, outdated system with a clearer, more transparent, dignity-focused framework built around the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
AGED CARE, OLD vs NEW (Summary Table)
OLD SYSTEM
Fragmented fees and inconsistent charges
Variable care standards
Limited rights-based protections
Long waits for Home Care Packages
Disconnected governance
NEW SYSTEM (1 November 2025 onwards)
National, transparent fee structure
Higher staffing requirements and stronger national standards
New Aged Care Rights Charter
More funding and faster Home Care access
Modernised legislation emphasising safety, dignity and accountability
For many clients, aged care planning is now a central part of retirement strategy. These reforms make the process more predictable and protect families during difficult transitions.
DIVISION 296
FINAL MODEL, KEY DATES, AND WHAT YOU MUST KNOW
This is the biggest superannuation debate of the year.
The Big Win for SMSFs
The Government has permanently abandoned the idea of taxing unrealised capital gains, a direct result of strong advocacy from the SMSF Association and industry groups.
How the Final Law Works
Division 296 will now apply only to realised earnings, with SMSFs required to perform additional fund-level and member-level calculations.
MAJOR CHANGE FOR OTHERS, MINIMAL IMPACT FOR YOU
(AND WHY WE’RE ON TOP OF IT)
DIVISION 296, OLD PROPOSAl vs FINAL LAW (Summary Table)
OLD PROPOSAL (Abandoned)
Taxed unrealised gains
No actuarial oversight
Annual revaluations would drive tax
Highly volatile outcomes
No start-date protection
CRITICAL DATE: 30 JUNE 2026, YOUR ASSET VALUES MUST BE LOCKED IN
This “adjustment” applies to all SMSFs, even those currently under $3 million, to ensure no future disadvantage. This is not a cost base reset; it applies only to Division 296 calculations.
Australia is introducing significant AML/CTF changes (“Tranche 2”), creating the largest shift for accountants and lawyers in decades.
PROFESSIONS AFFECTED
nAccountants
nLawyers
nReal estate agents
nBusiness brokers
2025 was the year AI quietly became part of everyday life. Australians now rely on AI to manage schedules, understand investment concepts, help with homework, plan travel, triage emails, structure business plans, and even write speeches.
AI is no longer a novelty. It’s the extra brain in the room, available 24/7, making life easier and decisions clearer.
FINAL DIVISION 296 Law
Applies only to realised earnings
SMSFs must obtain actuarial calculations
One-off asset value adjustment on 30 June 2026
Predictable, manageable, transparent
Gains before 1 July 2026 excluded
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Absolutely nothing!
Familia Wealth is managing this entire process for each affected client. We will ensure all valuations are correctly recorded and all actuarial inputs are handled well before the deadline.
These professions will be required to adopt risk assessments, AML programs, staff training, and AUSTRAC registration.
Financial advisers are not directly captured.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOU
At Familia Wealth, we research AI tools constantly. This will mean:
nbetter modelling
nsharper analysis
nfaster research
nclearer communication
nmore insight in less time
What This Means for You
You may be asked to provide more paperwork or ID verification by those professions, but your relationship with Familia Wealth remains unchanged.
AI tools that achieve the above requires data and ‘tech stack’ integration specific to financial services and our unique requirements. We stand firmly on the right side of that equation, early adopters, careful evaluators, and committed to giving you an edge.
THE FESTIVE SEASON, THE ECONOMY, and what lies ahead
This Christmas feels brighter than recent years. Families are spending again, sensibly, but confidently. Retailers are reporting the best December since before the pandemic. Hospitality and travel are booming as experiences become the gift of choice.
What’s Driving This?
nInflation has eased
nInterest rates stabilised
nReal wages have improved
nEmployment remains strong
nHousehold confidence is returning
We are not seeing excessive exuberance; we are seeing a steady, sustainable recovery.
What This Means for 2026
Most economists now expect:
nA period of interest-rate stability
nContinued moderation in inflation
nA more cooperative environment for long-term investors
nResilient employment
nA more predictable investment climate
After several complex years, stability itself is the gift.
A message from all of us at FAMILIA WEALTH
As we close 2025, our entire team would like to express our deep gratitude.
Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for allowing us to guide your family through change, uncertainty, opportunity and growth.
Our Christmas closure is from Thursday 18 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026, and we look forward to returning refreshed for a prosperous 2026.
May this festive season bring peace, connection, and moments that matter.
Warmest wishes,
Wayne, Anika, Jo and Sumaya
The Familia Wealth Team
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