Retirement Planning
Our retirement system: Great, but room for improvement
You could be forgiven for thinking Australia’s superannuation system is a mess. Depending who you talk to, fees are too high, super funds lack transparency and governments of all political persuasions should stop tinkering. Yet according to the latest global assessment, Australia’s overall retirement system is not just super, it’s top class. According to the…
Read MoreThe festive season brings together families and important decisions
As we approach the end of another year, many people will be looking forward to the festive season and the chance to slow down and catch up with family, particularly older parents. Busy lives and distant homes can make it easy to feel out of touch. But this may be a time when adult children…
Read MoreEnhancing Retirement Outcomes Using Downsizer Contributions
Legislation to make superannuation downsizer contributions has now passed enabling individuals who are 65 or over to contribute proceeds from the sale of one eligible property to superannuation without needing to satisfy the work test. The new rules provide more flexibility for retirees to fund their retirement using capital released from their homes. From July…
Read MoreAre your parents not quite ready for residential aged care? Maybe home care is the answer.
Until a year ago, Joan was an active, independent woman enjoying her senior years. She loved to tend her garden, bake for her family and neighbours, watch football and read. Her daughter visited once a week with the grandchildren, but essentially Joan was happy to spend time on her own in her comfortable surroundings and…
Read MoreRethinking your retirement needs
If you are planning how much you need to save for retirement, don’t forget to include the costs of aged care. This is not just the cost of residential care, but should also include care in the home or support services to help you live independently as you age. Factoring in the costs of aged…
Read MorePlanning your aged care needs
Planning ahead can help to demystify aged care and reduce stress levels. With awareness and pre-planning, you can maintain control and choice, have access to the financial resources to pay for care and minimise the stress on you and your family. Here are the steps you should consider when planning to move to residential aged…
Read MoreFive things to consider before a sea or tree change
Before you swap your briefcase for a beach towel, have you thought carefully about what life in a quieter location will really be like? If you’ve spent most of your life in the fast lane, retirement might be your chance to change gears. And if you’re considering a sea or tree change, you’re not alone.…
Read MoreSeven ways to get more out of retirement
Leaving the workforce is just one step in your journey through life. And once the daily grind is over, it’s time to figure out what you want to do next. Retirement is something that most of us look forward to. But it can also be a challenging lifestyle adjustment, particularly if you’re someone who’s used…
Read MoreMake the most of your Retirement Income
Adjusting to a reduced income in retirement can be challenging. But luckily, there are a wide range of support options available, plus all sorts of discounts and benefits, to give Australian retirees a financial helping hand. Entering retirement means freedom from the pressures of work, but it can also mean getting used to a tighter income. So make sure…
Read MoreNavigating the first year of retirement
While the prospect of retirement is exciting for most, the changes it brings can be a shock. In this article, we share tips that can help you, or a family member approaching or already in their first year of retirement, adjust to your new freedom and financial position. Even if you’ve carefully mapped out a retirement plan,…
Read MoreRetirement Planning – Learning from experience
It is no secret that retirement is more successful for some than for others. One of the secrets to success is planning that begins decades earlier. Here we speak with a 67-year‑old who has begun his (semi) retirement with style and hear his real-life tips on how to make your retirement dreams happen. Ewan Brown…
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