I remember presenting to an investors’ association and talking about long-term investing. It was a fun group, mostly retirees. One guy quipped: “What’s long term? We’re so old we don’t even buy green bananas any more.” Well, that certainly...
Retirement Advice Articles
When was the last time you reviewed your financial plan?
Do you need to reconsider your financial approach based on changes? Some life events make it obvious that it’s time to revisit your finances - being made redundant, receiving an inheritance, or a major health event. But smaller, less noticeable changes...
Gifting gone wrong: Avoiding the ghosts of bad decisions
We can all get a dopamine hit from choosing the perfect gift, knowing the happiness it can spark. But in the realm of financial planning, not every act of generosity comes without strings. Without careful thought, well-meaning gifts can backfire,...
Thinking of moving to a retirement village?
Here’s what you need to know Making the decision to move to a retirement village is a significant life change. It’s not just about finding a new place to live; it’s about a lifestyle that will shape your next chapter. Whether you’re drawn to the social...
Who inherits when you’re gone?
Maintaining control of your super It’s a question many of us don’t think about - until we’re asked to make a nomination when opening a superannuation account or starting an Account-Based Pension (ABP). For many Australians, super is one of their largest...
Affordable financial advice: True value for money
The right advice at the right time can be invaluable. Sometimes it is just a little help to solve a nagging problem. Other times, it’s just to confirm your decisions. Or it might be to unlock and explain the myriad of rules that apply, and...
Could an inheritance affect your entitlements?
It depends on how you use it Linda and Helen are sisters in their early 70s. They both live in their own separate homes and receive the full Age Pension entitlement. Neither has a mortgage. Their uncle died recently and they were both surprised to receive...
Finding your Diamonds*
It’s simpler than you think Can you find the acres of diamonds in your own backyard? About 150 years ago, a famous American author and orator began touring the country with a speech called Acres of Diamonds, which enthralled huge audiences. Russell...
Making smart and informed financial decisions
What’s important to you? Hi, I’m Amanda - one of the financial advisers at Retirement Essentials, and I’m here to make sense of what can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of financial decisions in retirement. I understand that money can be a complicated...