5 things to update when you a get a new job

A new job is an exciting time that offers new opportunities. From Medicare to investments here are 5 things you should be on top of when you land your next role. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported over 1 million Australians were out of work in July 2020, when unemployment during the pandemic was at its peak. As employment rates begin to rise, many Australians may be starting a new role this year which comes with a fresh start. Landing a new job is an exciting time that offers new opportunities, challenges and often a change in your financial circumstances. 

With the average Australian moving jobs every 3 years, it can be difficult to remember what you need to update and who you need to notify. We look at the aspects of your finances that may need to be reviewed when you start a new job. 

Once you’ve successfully landed that new job, it’s understandable to think that after the time spent polishing your resume and tackling interviews that your only focus should be the role at hand. However, along with a new set of responsibilities, a change in role may also mean a change in your salary which should be factored into your overall financial plan. It’s good practice to work with your financial adviser to regularly review your financial plan and a new job is a great opportunity for that. 

What do I need to review when I take on a new role?

1. Medicare levy surcharge
   If your new role sees your taxable income increase to more than $90,000 and you don’t currently have private health insurance, you will be required to pay the medicare levy surcharge (MLS). 
   
   How does the medicare levy work? As the ATO website explains, the Medicare levy surcharge is designed to encourage people to take out private patient hospital cover, making a new role a good opportunity to weigh up the cost and benefits of health insurance compared to the additional cost of the MLS. To calculate your Medicare levy surcharge you can use the ATO’s income test estimator. 
   
   
2. Income protection cover
   A new role and salary may see you change your spending habits or look to increase your regular savings, so it’s important to consider how you would maintain those financial commitments if you were unable to work for a period due to an illness or injury. Providing a monthly payment for a nominated benefit period, income protection insurance can help you stay on top of your expenses while you recover.
   
   
3. Mortgage repayments
   With interest on your mortgage calculated daily, one of the fastest ways to pay down your mortgage could be to make more regular repayments. As well as considering how an increase in your salary could be put towards your mortgage, think about making more regular repayments if your new payment cycle has moved to fortnightly or even weekly. Speak with your mortgage broker to see what may be possible.
   
   
4. Investments 
   If you already have an investment strategy in place now’s the time to review the amount you’re investing, your appetite for risk and how you’re allocating your funds. If you’re keen to invest but don’t have a plan, now could be the time to speak to a financial adviser to get a complete picture of your finances and how your change in role could be the starting point for a long-term investment plan. 
   
   
5. Super
   The period between leaving one job and starting another is an excellent time to sort out your super. Once you know what your new salary is going to be and if it's including or excluding super, you can make a financial plan for the future. You may want to explore new super funds that invest more ethically and sustainably. Or you may want to look into a super fund that offers more comprehensive insurance products such as Life Insurance, Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) Insurance or Income Protection Insurance.  

To help you understand insurance through super and whether it’s the right option for you, watch our video below. It explores the different types of cover, how it works and some of the benefits.

If you’ve recently taken on a new role and are reviewing your finances, learn more about the protections you could put in place to protect your financial future.