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.
It’s cheaper to live overseas. So should you consider a move?

It’s cheaper to live overseas. So should you consider a move?

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Recent news reports that over-65s are better off living in New Zealand gained a lot of attention. And yes, in part, this is true. The freedom for older New Zealander to work as much as they like and not lose their pension is particularly appealing for many Australians confined by Centrelink rules to what seems like employment pocket money.

And then there’s the frequently repeated story of how retirees find it cheaper to just book end-to-end cruises rather than try to exist in Australia on an Age Pension. This one may be a bit less defensible! But what are the facts? Can retirees just up stakes and live a better life in another country? And if so, what are the traps? This question came to our attention this week when we received a call for help from Arthur.

Are you a gambler or do you need more income certainty?

Are you a gambler or do you need more income certainty?

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The race that stops a nation takes off at 3pm on the first Tuesday of November. There’s thrills, spills, fancy headgear and this year gentlemen may even wear shorts! By 3.15 pm we’ll all know the winner and the bookies will be even richer.

Most of us love being in a sweep or having  a ‘flutter’ on this race. And many of us who have no clue about horses or their form will choose our winner based upon the colour of the jockey’s silks or the number closest to our birthdate. 

It’s a bit of fun for the vast majority who don’t take it all too seriously or wager too much.

So you may not see yourself as a gambler. But are there other, higher stakes ways in which you are gambling?

Your assets: How to value and report them

Your assets: How to value and report them

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Many older Australians would love to receive a Universal Pension – one that is simply paid to everyone above age 67 without the need to go through torturous income and asset reporting. But these two tests are the mainstay of Age Pension eligibility. Today we are sharing a refresher on the way the asset test is applied by Centrelink and how knowing the rules can help you to maximise your entitlements.