by Amanda Hardy Lai | Mar 19, 2025 | Superannuation
Are you one of the many superannuation members who have insurance cover attached to their accounts without even realising it? Recent regulatory action highlights serious concerns about delays in processing claims, with thousands of members and their families affected....
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Mar 19, 2025 | Retirement Advice
When it comes to securing your financial future in retirement, the family home can be your most valuable asset. For Age Pension homeowners, owning a home offers not just the comfort of stability, but also tangible benefits for your financial situation. However, for...
by Kaye Fallick | Mar 19, 2025 | Retirement Spending
We’ve all made that crazy, quick decision to buy something special. And then wondered at leisure if we could afford it. That’s what happened with Aaron and Julie. They booked their dream trip to South America – and immediately had buyers’ remorse when they realised...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Mar 13, 2025 | Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Unlocking the most value More than a million Australian retirees are potentially eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) and haven’t applied. This card offers savings that can make a real difference – on prescription medicines, bulk billing, and...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Mar 13, 2025 | Retirement Advice
Downsizing is a major financial and lifestyle decision, offering the chance to free up home equity and boost your super balance in retirement. We regularly explore it because of the unique retirement planning opportunities it presents. At its core, downsizing...
by Kaye Fallick | Mar 13, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
How will these affect you? Last week we confirmed the 20 March Age Pension rate increase of $4.60 (singles) and $7.00 (couples combined) for 20 March. This week we are pleased to confirm that all Retirement Essentials calculators have been updated with the new rates,...
by the Retirement Essentials Team | Mar 11, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
Here’s what you’ll get The twice-yearly Age Pension increase is due to land on 20 March 2025. We reported in mid-February our predictions for singles and couples, and we’re pleased to say our predictions were correct within a few cents. The table below shows the...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Mar 6, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
Why the unfreezing of deeming rates in 2025 matters. Using deeming rates is the way Centrelink calculates the income you earn from your financial asset, regardless of whether you receive that income or not. In May 2020, the then Morrison Government froze deeming rates...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Mar 6, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
Maria and Carlos’s dilemma How will an inheritance affect your Age Pension entitlements? Many Retirement Essentials readers ask this question. As life expectancy increases, it’s not unusual for people to receive an inheritance much later in life—often when they are...
by Kaye Fallick | Mar 6, 2025 | Retirement Advice
A change is playing out in retiree households across the nation. One that is barely discernible but will have major repercussions for a generation of retirees to come. And that’s the change in home ownership status for Australians as they exit the workforce. Once it...
