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...
When applying for the Age Pension an applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria; Residency Test Income Test Limits Assets Test Limits Whether the applicant is single or a couple is also taken into account. Couples have higher limits for the Income and Assets...
My mother Anne got me started in investing by buying me 100 shares of some long-forgotten mining company when I was 14 in the late ‘60s. Never made any money out of it but I did learn how to read the share pages. I probably learnt more by watching her navigate...
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is one of the main concession cards issued to Australian retirees who do not qualify for the Age Pension and whose income is below the current thresholds. In order to qualify for the CSHC, you must be an Australian resident...
There are many types of concession and healthcare cards available to help older Australians access discounts offered by governments, local councils, utility companies and private businesses. These discounts can amount to considerable savings over the year and can be...
DID YOU KNOW: Having a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) can save you around $2,500 yearly on health care costs. In general, this includes: USE Estimated Savings p.a. Medicare Safety Net $1,200 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme $1,300 Note: This doesn’t include...
Jeremy Duffield – Chairman of Retirement Essentials In a recent letter, I asked which aspects of retirement finance were most important to you? Many people responded with a clear message: how much I can spend in retirement and how long the money would last...
Perhaps the most frequent comment we receive concerns the different Age Pension entitlements received by singles and couples. Opinions are strongly divided on this issue however one sentiment is shared – The system isn’t fair. This week we have decided to...
