"how much profit is needed for "making a life changing...

"how much profit is needed for "making a life changing difference" "
A couple of $$million I guess for most people.
"Damn capital gains tax!"
Do what I do, I've put all my shares into my SMSFs, so no tax. Although the $1.6 million cap changes that marginally, but its only on the amount above the cap and its only taxed at 10% if the share is held more than 12 months. If you have any losses just make sure you take them whenever you lock in profits. This is one thing that the Gov't missed when it was introduced. The profits on the first $1.6 million are not taxed in the pension stage, the amount over $1.6 million is taxed at 10% or 15%if held for less than 12 months. However any losses are only used on the taxable amount above the $1.6 mil cap.