MBA Musings

Claiming MBA fees as a self education expense on your tax return

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My tax return has never been anything special. I vary between owing $500 to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or having $500 credited to me, meaning that generally my employer has withheld the right amount of tax and I haven’t had any major deductions.

I had always used HECS-HELP (a loan scheme to help eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution amounts through a loan or upfront discounts) to pay my university fees, which is not deductible for tax purposes regardless of whether you pay upfront or not. Therefore, I foolishly assumed that my MBA fees were also not tax deductible. Luckily, a friend of mine set me straight over dinner recently.

Because my MBA fees are covered by FEE-HELP rather than HECS-HELP (I have blogged about the difference here), they are eligible to be claimed as self-education expenses provided that the following criteria is met: (more…)

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The MBA halfway slump – working with apathetic syndicate members

I started the MBA in April 2014 and completion of this current term brings me exactly to the halfway point. I have come to notice an interesting phenomenon, which for lack of a better diagnosis, I will deem the ‘halfway slump’. It probably hasn’t affected everybody, but there are an overwhelming number of fellow students I’ve spoken to who are experiencing burn out and a lack of motivation towards the MBA. I suspect there are a few factors at play: (more…)

Survival tips for completing a part-time MBA whilst working full time

study-nounSo it sure has been a while. I can safely say that the initial optimism and novelty of starting the MBA has worn off. If I had any thoughts of my first term being difficult, the second term has completely blown that experience out of the water. There were a variety of factors that lead to this emotionally charged and draining time which amongst other things, contributed to my bursting into tears not only in front of my Manager, but my GM. (more…)

I’m back (and I survived my first term!)

10445092_9003348_lzIt has been a long 10 weeks.

Thank you for sticking around, and thanks to the new visitors, I have been checking in and your visits have inspired me to push on with blogging.

Not only have I started and finished the first term of my MBA, I have FINALLY transitioned over permanently to my new role at work and the pace just keeps quickening! I hope to be posting more frequently, although I am currently enjoying the one week break between terms, so it could be my wishful thinking. Although these past 10 weeks have been quite the challenge, I love a good challenge and it has given me lots of material to write about.  But first, a quick reflection post, neatly sectioned in to the three priority aspects of my life, because I’m a little OCD like that.

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The Benefits of Further Study

If you are thinking of undertaking further study, whether it is to improve in your chosen field, change fields or just learn a new skill, I highly recommend it. My loved ones would tell you (as they roll their eyes) that my endorsement comes as no surprise, since I am a relentless advocate for continual self improvement, and the improvement of those around me (much to their dismay).

When I first started postgraduate study, I didn’t realise that there would be so many aspects I was going to enjoy. So now that I have two small bouts of post-grad learning behind me and am about to commence my MBA, here are some benefits I have experienced which may help you make up your mind.

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Comparison of MBA Programs in Victoria

For me, looking outside of Victoria when measuring up MBA programs wasn’t an option.  I wasn’t willing to relocate and I personally felt that completing an MBA by correspondence wouldn’t have the same advantages.  For one, I had completed my undergraduate course as an off campus student so I had missed out on the typical university experience.  I felt that having contact hours would keep me accountable, allow me to immerse myself in the learning and meet new people.  In short, I was after a holistic learning experience, in stark contrast of my self inflicted ‘let’s do as minimal as possible to get by’ undergraduate experience.

So I compiled a basic snapshot of the available MBA programs in Victoria. (more…)