Many of our customers have asked us this question. As life expectancy increases it is no longer unusual for people to receive an inheritance much later in life. If you do receive a lump sum inheritance, or any lump sum, you need to be aware of a few important factors....
What’s happening with deeming rates? Interests rates are now at record lows with the Reserve Bank cutting the official rate to just 0.1%. Deeming rates are now also the lowest they have ever been. The lower threshold is at 0.25% with the upper deeming rate of 2.25%...
Can you increase your income and entitlements in retirement? Last week we covered a couple of simple things people might want to consider to improve their Age Pension entitlements. Namely, paying off a mortgage, renovating the family home and gifting. Here are some...
Optimising your pension Many of our customers often wonder why they don’t get as much Age Pension as their friends. The obvious reason is that their financial circumstances are different but often people aren’t aware of some simple things that could change their...
In Australia eligibility for the Age Pension is means tested. The rationale for this is two-fold. Firstly it helps ensure that Government entitlements go to those who need them most and secondly by putting a limit on the number of people that are eligible the Age...
In his Federal budget speech delivered last night, the Treasurer Josh Frydenburg outlined numerous measures aimed at rebuilding a Covid-devasted economy by creating and supporting jobs and encouraging spending. So what were some of the highlights? Job Maker credits. ...
Further support for Pensioners is likely Pensioners missed out on their usual Age Pension increase in September but in good news, the Minister for Social Services, Anne Ruston, has confirmed that there will be further support for Age Pensioners in the October...
When I’m asked to say something about myself that other people don’t know, I often say: “My brother, Andrew, is in the Aria (rock & roll) Hall of Fame.” It always blows them away, because they think I’m so conservative and they remember my brother for his...
The Retirement Income Review: Will there be changes to the treatment of the family home? The Federal Government is currently assessing the report of the Retirement Income Review and their response could have big implications for Age Pensioners. The review is looking...
What is assessed as income? Working out your income for the Centrelink income tests isn’t as simple as looking at your payslip or a bank statement. Your total earnings from various sources, including what is known as “deemed” income, needs to be included. Deemed...
