James Coyle

James has over 35 years experience in financial services with particular expertise in two of the key components of retirement finance - Superannuation and the Age Pension. He is passionate about providing the guidance and support that can help older Australians enjoy their best possible retirement. He lives in regional Victoria surrounded by dogs and chooks.
I don’t need a will – and other estate planning myths

I don’t need a will – and other estate planning myths

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Many of us procrastinate when confronted with difficult tasks.  At Retirement Essentials we see it often with people delaying applying for the Age Pension as they can’t face dealing with Centrelink.  Another common area of procrastination is preparing a will.  It is difficult because we have to confront the possibility of our demise and also because we might have to make awkward decisions about who gets what.  Children, partners, parents, siblings, friends and charities are all among the possible beneficiaries

There are also a host of myths about wills that lead to people putting it off or getting it wrong.  Today we are going to bust five of the most common myths.

Smart ways to handle an inheritance without losing benefits

Smart ways to handle an inheritance without losing benefits

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Jenny and Daniel contacted us with a dilemma recently. They had received a windfall gain due to an unexpected inheritance. Often inheriting money also means a time of great sadness, but in this case they did not actually know the great uncle who had remembered Jenny in his will. They were now wondering where and how to use these funds in a way that would not result in a loss of Jenny’s Age Pension entitlements. Here’s how Retirement Essentials adviser Nicole Bell was able to step Jenny and Daniel through their options and the way each one would affect their overall financial situation. 

Federal Budget 2024 – what’s in it for older Australians?

Federal Budget 2024 – what’s in it for older Australians?

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Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down the May 2024-2025 Federal Budget.  There weren’t a lot of surprises but there are a couple of nice bonuses for older Australians.  Before we start, it’s important to note that these are only proposals.  Most are likely to get through Parliament but aren’t guaranteed until they are legislated.   We aren’t covering everything, just our take on what’s in it for older Australians.