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.
To downsize or upsize. Is your home fit for purpose?

To downsize or upsize. Is your home fit for purpose?

This time next week many Australians will enjoy gathering with extended families and friends. Hopefully you’ll find this a convivial occasion. It’s also a time when the spotlight is fixed firmly on the family home.

Whether you’re rushing around cleaning, decorating, cooking or preparing for guests, every room in the home is suddenly in use! This can prompt us to wonder if we are in a large home which is only fully utilised one week a year. In fact it can lead us to question if our home is still fit for purpose. Does it actually even suit our retirement needs?

Which brings us to this week’s discussion point; is it time to rightsize? To move closer to grandkids or relocate to a lower maintenance dwelling? Maybe even live on the coast? And then there’s the matter of size.  We’ve all heard about a Downsize in retirement… but what about an Upsize? Your dream home may be one with water views from your bedroom. But did you realise that buying that on-trend apartment on the water’s edge might also increase your Age Pension entitlements?

Save on energy with higher Age Pension payments

Save on energy with higher Age Pension payments

If you are worried about the effect rising energy prices are having on your household budget, you’re not alone. Research from the Energy Consumers Australia confirms that a majority of Australians (56%) believe energy will be unaffordable within three years.

That’s a shocking statistic, but there are ways to meet this challenge.

Creating a more energy-efficient home was the subject of a recent ABC TV news report by Jane Norman. It’s a great report and we suggest you take time out to watch the seven-minute video which is super informative.