Amanda Hardy Lai, Author at Retirement Essentials

Losing your home to disaster: Retirees facing property loss

by Amanda Hardy Lai | Centrelink Age Pension

When disaster strikes, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. For retirees, losing a home – whether due to fire, flood, or another catastrophe – could be one of the most significant challenges of their lifetime. Once the immediate needs of safety and shelter are met, retirees may find themselves facing a maze of decisions that can affect both their future and their Age Pension.

What retirees need to know about rebuilding, selling and the Age Pension

In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s natural for your first thoughts to focus on the basics: getting to safety, securing food and shelter, and checking on loved ones. But as you begin to recover, your mind will inevitably turn to what comes next. Whether you decide to rebuild, repair, or sell, it’s important to consider how these choices may affect your Age Pension eligibility. Planning ahead can help you protect your financial future.

Government support for disaster-affected retirees

For those affected by a major disaster, financial assistance is available through government programs. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) provide short-term financial relief. State-specific support, including mental health and housing support is also available, through Services Australia.

Passing the baton: Retirement, legacy, and the Bank of Mum and Dad

by Amanda Hardy Lai | Retirement Advice

Navigating the complexities of retirement planning and intergenerational wealth transfer is increasingly important for Australian families. As the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BoMaD) plays a more prominent role in assisting younger generations, understanding the implications for both retirees and their heirs becomes essential.

Intergenerational wealth transition

Australia is on the cusp of its largest wealth transfer in history, with an estimated $3.5 trillion expected to pass from Baby Boomers to younger generations over the next two decades (Productivity Commission, 2021). However, studies suggest that without proper planning, a significant portion of this wealth may be lost by the second generation, and even more by the third. Implementing clear succession plans and fostering open family discussions about wealth management can help preserve and effectively transfer assets.

Managing superannuation for retirement and legacy

Superannuation is primarily designed to provide income in retirement, but it can also play a role in estate planning. Retirees can use strategies such as Account-Based Pensions to generate a steady income while managing their remaining super for future beneficiaries. Staying informed about legislative changes and considering strategies such as Binding Death Benefit Nominations (BDBNs) can help ensure assets are distributed according to one’s wishes.

The good guide to updating Centrelink

by Amanda Hardy Lai | Centrelink Age Pension

There’s a lot of confusion about what Centrelink knows, what it updates automatically, and what you need to report yourself. Many people assume Centrelink has direct access to their tax records, bank accounts, and superannuation balances—but the reality is quite different.

The following guide breaks down what Centrelink does and doesn’t track and when you need to step in to update your details.