The problem with cash. “We can’t live off that!” Retirees are only too well aware how far interest rates have dropped. The decline has been great for younger people paying off mortgages, but terrible for people funding retirement spending from bank account interest....
What do we mean by downsizing Downsizing typically refers to selling your home to live somewhere smaller and potentially cheaper. Many retirees will be faced with a decision as to whether this course of action will be best for them and we often talk to customers that...
We asked – This is what you told us A few weeks ago we asked our readers what they thought about the idea of a universal age pension. The results were overwhelming. More people responded to the survey and commented on our article than any other piece we have...
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...
