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.
Retirement, real estate, and super

Retirement, real estate, and super

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Theo retired in 2018 at age 67 and is now 73. Thanks to being in a super plan since he was 18, he has built a comfortable retirement nest egg of around $1 million for himself and his wife, Amy.

Amy retired 20 years ago and receives an annuity of $700–$800 per fortnight, along with savings from an inheritance and a lump sum payout from her retirement. The couple owns their home outright—Theo purchased it in the 70s before they married.

They also have two rental properties. One is fully paid off, and the other has a mortgage, but Theo has enough in the bank to pay it off, so he doesn’t pay any interest on the loan. Both properties were purchased after capital gains tax (CGT) rules were introduced and have been investment properties from the beginning.

Now, Theo is considering selling one of the properties and wants to know:

Can he contribute some of the proceeds to super?

Would this need to happen before CGT is calculated?

Could he contribute some to his wife’s super or even start a new super account for her?

The deeming rate danger spot

The deeming rate danger spot

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How $314,000 affects Lorraine’s Age Pension Lorraine is 71, lives in a home she owns outright, and has $314,000 in financial assets. Her savings are carefully invested in a term deposit and an Account-Based Pension (ABP). She lives modestly, doesn’t consider herself...

Losing your home to disaster: Retirees facing property loss

Losing your home to disaster: Retirees facing property loss

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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.