by Amanda Hardy Lai | May 7, 2025 | Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Ever wondered if you’re really getting the most of the benefits available to you as a retiree in Australia? While Joan from WA might be enjoying substantial savings on her electricity bills, you might be left pondering if your own state offers comparable perks. It’s...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 30, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
That depends upon who you ask With two-thirds of older Australians relying on it, the Age Pension is a lifeline—but also a lightning rod. Designed to support those most in need, it’s highly targeted. But is it too complex? Too harsh? Or too generous in the wrong...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 30, 2025 | Retirement Advice
Martin, 68, recently retired and is considering withdrawing a $70,000 lump sum from his superannuation to purchase a new car, embark on a long-awaited holiday, and keep some funds in reserve. However, with recent market fluctuations, he’s concerned about the timing...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 30, 2025 | Retirement Spending
Navigating the complexities of retirement planning and intergenerational wealth transfer is increasingly important for Australian families. As the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ (BoMaD) plays a more prominent role in assisting younger generations, understanding the...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 24, 2025 | Superannuation
As you head toward retirement, consolidating your super is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps you can take. But surprisingly, many Australians either delay it or aren’t sure where to begin. Why it matters is simple: having multiple super accounts can quietly...
by Kaye Fallick | Apr 23, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
As we reach the ‘business end’ of the 2025 Federal Election campaign, you may have a clear idea who you wish to vote for and why. Yet that’s not the case for everyone, with The Guardian suggesting that nearly 47% of Australian voters remain undecided or open to...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 23, 2025 | Retirement Spending
“My husband is 74, and I’m 68. We own our home and have around $400,000 in super. We receive the full Age Pension and live off that for our regular bills. When something comes up — car repairs, holidays — we take money out of super. This amounts to about $20,000 a...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 23, 2025 | Centrelink Age Pension
What if spending some of your savings could actually increase your income in retirement? For people with assets just above the Age Pension cut-off, that’s not just wishful thinking—it’s a real and measurable opportunity. From 20 March 2025, the updated Age Pension...
by Kaye Fallick | Apr 17, 2025 | Retirement Advice
It was a pleasure to catch up with Noel Whittaker last week and hear his take on the trade-offs many retirees face. But first, we touched on the current market volatility and what it means for those about to leave full-time work. His sense is that most older...
by Amanda Hardy Lai | Apr 17, 2025 | Retirement Advice
Theo’s property decision Theo retired in 2018 at age 67 and is now 73. Thanks to being in a super plan since he was 18, he has built a comfortable retirement nest egg of around $1 million for himself and his wife, Amy. Amy retired 20 years ago and receives an annuity...
