Amanda Hardy Lai

Amanda has worked in the financial services industry since 1998 and has been providing financial advice since 2006. Her career has been driven by a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of financial advice and client care. To book a consultation with Amanda click here.
A practical guide to working in retirement

A practical guide to working in retirement

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The discussion following ‘Is the Age Pension Fair?’ really stirred things up, and quite rightly so. There’s clearly a strong desire amongst older Australians to stay active and boost their income in retirement. Many of you shared your stories, outlining the twists and turns with Centrelink regulations, feeling penalised for having a go, and wanting to keep contributing your valuable skills. This follow-up i focuses on real-life experiences and practical information, particularly for those running their own business.

Understanding the rules

Let’s face it, the Age Pension rules around work and income can be a bit of a maze. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of key points.

Mortgage versus super: Making the right move before retirement

Mortgage versus super: Making the right move before retirement

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We’re still working but my husband’s health isn’t great. Could we clear our mortgage using super so he can stop working sooner?

That’s the question Mia brought to me recently. She and her husband Raj live in a family home in outer Melbourne. Both are in their mid-60s and still working, but Raj’s recent health issues have made keeping up with their mortgage repayments a source of anxiety.

Raj has been working mainly to cover the mortgage, and this ongoing stress was starting to affect his wellbeing. Mia was wondering: if they knew it was financially possible to retire and pay off the mortgage, would Raj feel more at ease about stepping back?

Mia and Raj’s situation is a great example of the many unique conversations I have with clients. Retirement planning is rarely just about numbers—it’s about peace of mind, wellbeing, and balancing financial security with life’s uncertainties.

Assets test explained: What counts and what doesn’t?

Assets test explained: What counts and what doesn’t?

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If you’re applying for the Age Pension — or thinking about it — one of the key things Centrelink will assess is your assets. The assets test helps determine not only whether you qualify for the fortnightly payments, but also how much you’ll receive. 

But what exactly counts as an asset? And how much can you have before your payments are reduced or cut off altogether?

In this article, we explain how the assets test works, what the current thresholds are, and what you can do to manage your position confidently.