by James Coyle | Jun 14, 2023 | Centrelink Age Pension, Planning for Retirement
Planning to retire after 30 June? Here’s what you need to know now Moving from full time work to retirement is a huge step. There are many aspects to think about and many important decisions to make. Some are financial, many are emotional and others will relate to...
by James Coyle | Jun 14, 2023 | Centrelink Age Pension
Giving while living: End of financial year rules on gifts and loans There’s an old joke. Never get between a freeloader and a buffet lunch. Here’s a different version. Never get between a doting parent and their adult children’s’ needs. We know this adage...
by James Coyle | Jun 8, 2023 | Centrelink Age Pension
Age Pension increases from 1 July 2023: What you need to know We previously reported that Age Pension thresholds will change on 1 July this year. We now know by how much and who will be affected. Whilst the changes won’t go live until 1 July, the rates for each...
by James Coyle | Jun 8, 2023 | Centrelink Age Pension
Increase in Age Pension age to 70: Is this a good idea? On 1 July, the Age Pension eligibility age will increase to 67, the final incremental increase in a process that started in 2017 when the eligibility age was 65. . Unlike the situation in France, where the...
by James Coyle | Jun 8, 2023 | Planning for Retirement, Retirement Income
What happens to retirement savings and income when inflation is high? Inflation is having a major impact on most Australian households, affecting both young and old. Last week the Reserve Bank again raised interest rates, to an 11-year high of 4.1 per cent. You may...
by James Coyle | Jun 1, 2023 | Centrelink Age Pension, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Which concession card is best for Ken? Last week we had a call from Ken who was very confused about his health card entitlement. Which prompted us to share the following comparison of concession cards so you know which one best suits your age and stage. Ken is single...
by James Coyle | May 31, 2023 | Retirement Income, Superannuation
Transfer Balance Cap explained Will you be affected on 1 July? On 6 February we reported that Consumer Price Indexation of the $1.7 million super Transfer Balance Cap means it will increase to $1.9 million on 1 July. That change has now been confirmed and it will make...
by James Coyle | May 31, 2023 | Retirement Income
Five ways retirees run out of money And how to avoid them The most common and greatest fear in retirement is running out of money. Of course most people don’t. Unlike many nations, Australia has a regularly indexed safety net which allows most retirees to at least...
by James Coyle | May 29, 2023 | Centrelink Age Pension
We frequently write about simple steps that you can make to improve your Age Pension entitlements. This can include: Revaluing their personal assets. Hint: Garage sale value, not what you would pay for them new. Organising household assets so a greater proportion are...
by James Coyle | May 29, 2023 | Planning for Retirement
Great retirement trade-offs: And how to resolve them Most of our life choices involve a trade-off. Should we eat the chips or lose a kilo? Should we book the holiday or save the money? Should we watch TV or go for a walk? Retirement, too, involves some fundamental...
