Five things you may not know Last week we introduced you to the concept of the five pillars in retirement; the major sources of support that ensure income and financial wellbeing post-work. These are: The Age Pension superannuation the primary residence...
A promise to freeze deeming rates gives two years of income certainty The increase in interest rates is a mixed blessing for retirees. Higher rates are a negative for those still paying down a mortgage. They are a positive, however, if you are depending...
Avoid these costly errors A majority of retirees are on some form of government benefit at retirement age – just over 70% in fact. By the time retirees hit their 80s, 80% will be eligible for an Age Pension. So knowing how Centrelink works is critical. And...
Are retirees doing it tougher? As you are well aware, Election 2022 is underway. Claims, counter claims, promises and allegations are flying thick and fast. And during the past two weeks we have seen two older men (Ray from Newcastle and Fred from the Hunter...
Will this happen? In an announcement that would help 500,000 older Australians retire earlier, the Greens want to move the Age Pension eligibility age back down to 65. And increase the benefits by 25%. The announcement was made by Greens Welfare spokesperson...
Budget March 2022 for older Australians Click here for information about the October 2022 budget delivered by Jim Chalmers After weeks of leaks and speculation, the Treasurer presented the Federal Budget 2022-23 in parliament last night. There are wins and...
The 20 March Age Pension increases have unleashed a huge number of comments from Retirement Essentials members. You have let us know, in no uncertain terms, how difficult it is to survive on the current rate of the pension, or when you are squeezed out of...
Last Sunday, March 20, the highest Age Pension increase for nine years was enacted. The majority of the 3.9 million older Australians in retirement live on a full or part Age Pension. So this is a significant, across the board, income boost. But it is more...
As you are no doubt aware, qualification for the Age Pension is dependent upon meeting both the income and assets tests, and whichever test delivers the worse outcome - the lowest amount of pension - is the one upon which your Age Pension entitlement will be...