In mid-October we reported on the second part of the Means Test – how Centrelink assesses income. In this update we explained how the income test works, what is ‘earned’ income and what is deemed. We then asked you to share any aspects of the income test that might...
Two weeks ago we explained how the assets test works and how different assets can be treated very differently by Centrelink. At the end of this article, we asked if you find these rules confusing and you certainly answered – in the 70 comments which followed.
Because there are so many different rules, it’s impossible to cover each and every instance. But given the many different types of assets that people may own, today we wanted to share some of the specifics on investment properties, foreign pensions, household contents, exemptions and more. Here are the answers that our team (led by Guru Steven Sadler) gave to questions on these concerns.
Your retirement age is a very personal thing. Sometimes retirement is thrust upon us. We might lose our job or be forced to leave work due to ill health or caring responsibilities. Most people, however, are in the fortunate position of being able to choose when to retire.
The many people I have talked to on this subject usually put the decision down to one or two key factors.
‘I want to keep working while I still enjoy my job, while I am still able to do it well and feel productive’
‘I want to retire as soon as I can afford to do so’
The first reason is extremely important. You are a long time retired so feeling productive and that you are making a difference matters to a great many people. But you don’t necessarily need to keep working to achieve that. Hobbies, time with family and volunteering are just some of the many ways people can feel they are making a contribution. And others just relish the free time to do more of what makes them happy. Just as there is no need to retire if you are happy and love your job, there’s also no need to keep working in a job you dislike if you can afford to do something else.