The good news is that you may not need to find the money or cash your investments to pay this full amount as a lump sum.

When moving into residential aged care, you will be given a choice on how you pay for your accommodation. You can pay the full amount as a lump sum, known as a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), or pay a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), or you can choose a combination.

So, where do interest rates come into it?

If you choose the daily payment option, the amount you pay is calculated by converting the lump sum into a daily fee using a government-set interest rate called the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR). When official interest rates increase, this flows through to a higher MPIR which currently sitting at 8.43% per annum – considerably higher than just a few years ago.

The rate is locked in when you enter care (unless you move rooms) but the higher current rates may change affordability and funding decisions for families now looking at care options. A strategy that may have made sense when interest rates were low may no longer be the most cost-effective approach today.

Under the current rules, you also need to take into account the impact of inflation-linked indexation each six months if you choose the daily payment option.

Make it your choice

One of the biggest misconceptions we still encounter is that the aged care provider decides how accommodation must be paid. Providers can set the room price, and some may prefer a lump sum, but the choice is yours.

You have the right to decide whether to pay a lump sum, a daily payment, or a combination option. Most people start with a daily payment and then if they choose, can pay the lump sum (in full or part) at any time after entry.

Because these decisions can have a significant impact on your cash flow, age pension, investments and even the value of your estate, it’s worth taking the time to seek advice before making a commitment.

Every family’s financial situation is different. Understanding your options and developing a strategy that suits your circumstances can help you make the most of your available resources and provide greater peace of mind during what is often a significant life transition.

The right advice won’t change the interest rate, but it can help ensure you’re paying for aged care in the way that’s right for you.

We offer licensed and specialist aged care advice, to help you make the right choices. If you’d like to talk through your situation or understand your next steps, book a conversation with our team to discuss your situation.

The post Why higher interest rates could make aged care more expensive appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Every year, around this time, I find myself wishing clients a ‘happy new financial year’. I get some funny looks. But I genuinely think 1 July deserves more credit than it gets.

We mark birthdays. We mark New Year’s Eve. But 1 July offers a unique opportunity to stop and check in on your money, your plans, and whether they still match where you’re at. I encourage you to pour yourself a cup of tea and work through our Clarity Checklist.

Check your super contributions

From 1 July, the amount you can contribute to super before tax, your ‘concessional contributions’, rises to $32,500 a year. If you’ve paid off the mortgage, the kids have moved out, or your income has settled into a more predictable rhythm, this is worth a second look. Many people set their super contributions years ago and never revisit them. A higher cap might mean an opportunity to put more away and reduce your tax at the same time.

It’s also worth checking whether you have unused cap amounts available from previous years. If your super balance is under $500,000, you may be able to carry forward unused concessional cap amounts from up to five years ago, on top of this year’s $32,500. For some people, that adds up to a much bigger contribution window than they realise.

Review your insurance

If you’re debt-free, congratulations, that’s no small thing. But it could be also worth checking whether the insurance you still hold, inside or outside your super, still earns its keep.

Premiums tend to climb as we get older. If the original reason for that policy (a mortgage, dependent children, a particular risk) no longer applies, it might be costing you more than it’s protecting.

Take stock of your net position

Once a year, I recommend to clients that they sit down and look at the full picture: everything they own, everything they owe, and how that’s shifted since last year.

Has your position improved? Stayed steady? Slipped a little? Whatever the answer, it tells you what to do next, whether that’s increasing your contributions, paying down debt faster, or simply confirming you’re on track.

If you’re drawing a pension, your minimum changes

If you receive an income stream from your super, known as an account-based pension, your minimum payment is recalculated every 1 July, based on your balance on that date and your age.

If you turned 65 this financial year, your minimum jumps from 4% to 5% of your balance. The same step-up happens again at 75 (6%) and 80 (7%). It’s a detail that’s easy to miss, but getting it wrong can have tax consequences, so it’s worth confirming with your fund or adviser.

Keep an eye on the Age Pension thresholds

For anyone close to the Centrelink asset test limits, there are other dates worth knowing. The lower asset threshold is indexed on 1 July, and the cut-off limits are indexed three times a year: 20 March, 1 July and 20 September.

If you’re near the Centrelink thresholds, even a small change in your assets, or the indexed figures themselves, can affect what you receive.

The updated thresholds for most individuals this financial year are:

Pensions Means Testing

Pension — Income free areas

Pension — Income limits — Resident

Pension — Assets free areas — Homeowner

Pension — Assets free areas — Non-homeowner

Pension — Assets limits — Resident — Homeowner

Pension — Assets limits — Resident — Non-homeowner

Make a New Financial Year Resolution

Unlike those commitments we all make at the start of each calendar year (how’s that gym membership going?), I encourage you to make a simple New Financial Year Resolution that’s easy to keep. Just 10 minutes to check in on your super, your insurance, your pension, and your current situation.

If you see something that no longer fits – fix it, flag it with your adviser, or come and talk with me. Making changes now really will make it a Happy New Financial Year.

To find out how we can help secure your financial future, Contact Us or call 02 6583 7588.

The post Clarity Checklist for the New Financial Year appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Time for a portfolio review

A good first step is to review your investment strategy. With recent market volatility, things may have shifted and your risk tolerance may have changed considerably.

It’s also worthwhile checking your capital gains or losses before 30 June, as this allows you to take action where appropriate.

For example, you may consider realising capital losses to offset gains from assets such as shares, property or crypto.

Super contribution strategies

You should also check your super contributions as early as possible. If you have not reached the Super Guarantee (SG) contributions cap of $30,000, or $120,000 for non-concessional contributions, you may be eligible to make additional contributions to your super.

If you plan to contribute before 30 June, check when your employer will make their contributions. The introduction of Payday Super means some employers are contributing earlier, which may affect your contribution caps.

You will also need to find out the cut-off date from your super fund, which is generally 25-26 June.

Speak to us about the various ways you could boost your super before the EOFY.

For SMSF members, make sure that:

• All contributions are received by the fund’s bank account by 30 June
• Minimum pension payments are made
• Asset valuations are up to date
• Fund records are current

Division 296 super tax

It’s also important to note that Division 296 tax comes into effect on 1 July 2026 and applies to investment earnings earned during 2026–27 and the following financial years.

For those whose total super balance exceeds $3 million on 30 June 2027 there will be a 15 per cent additional tax on the proportion of earnings corresponding to the Total Super Balance (TSB) between $3 million and $10 million and an additional 25 per cent tax on the proportion of earnings corresponding to TSBs above $10 million.

Tax timing strategies

If you have regular deductible expenses, such as investment loan interest or annual costs, it may be useful for some to prepay them before 30 June to claim a deduction for this financial year.

You may also consider the timing of income expected before 30 June. Deferring income until after the end of the financial year may help reduce your tax liability.

Tax rates are also changing for lower income earners. From 1 July 2026, the rate for income between $18,201 and $45,000 will reduce from 16 per cent to 15 per cent, with a further reduction to 14 per cent the following year.

Tax returns done right

While planning ahead for the EOFY is key, it’s also important to take the time to understand what the ATO is focusing on when it comes to preparing your tax return post June 30.

This year, the ATO will be focusing on work-related deductions and income that’s not declared on tax returns.

If you are claiming work-related expenses, ensure they meet the ATO’s three golden rules:

1. The expense must be directly related to earning your income
2. You must not have been reimbursed
3. You must have records to support your claim, such as receipts or a logbook.

If you work from home for all or part of the week, you can use either the actual cost method or the fixed rate method.

Don’t overlook income

The ATO is also paying close attention to undeclared income. This includes:

• Cash payments
• Interest income
• Rental income
• Earnings from crypto assets.

For those with a side hustle, check whether it may be considered a business. All business income, regardless of amount, is assessable and must be declared.

If you intend to claim deductions for business expenses related to your side hustle, ensure they are directly connected to earning that income and are supported by receipts. Your accountant will be able to determine what should be declared.

If you’d like to talk to us about ways to boost your super before EOFY or questions about your investment strategies, call today to ensure everything is in place before 30 June.

Our team are ready to help you feel confident in the new financial year, contact us here.

Source: https://www.ato.gov.au

The post Get prepared for June 30 appeared first on Direct Advisers.

“It’s easy to feel uncertain when markets are volatile or the headlines seem overwhelming. In my experience, having a well-considered plan and someone to guide you through the decisions can provide enormous peace of mind. Often it’s not about making dramatic changes—it’s about understanding your options and knowing you’re still on the right path.”

– Ursula Boorman, Managing Director, Direct Advisers

Markets have lurched from one direction to another; interest rates have lifted faster than expected, with the possibility of more increases in the months ahead, and there’s no end in sight to the global uncertainty.

While the market shocks are interspersed with periods of relative calm, The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that the disruption could pose challenges to our financial stability.ⁱ

Nonetheless, the RBA says Australia is “well placed” to handle the uncertain times.

For those heading into retirement and focused on income security rather than speculation, having a clear view of the different retirement income options can help.

Account-based pensions

One of the most common retirement income options is an account-based pension, often started using superannuation savings. Your money stays invested, and you draw a regular income from the account, choosing the payment amount (subject to minimum annual withdrawals set by law) and the investment mix.ⁱⁱ

The appeal here is flexibility. You can adjust payments and investment options, and the remaining balances can be left to beneficiaries in your will.

On the other hand, account-based pensions are directly exposed to market movements. So, when markets fall, your account balance may be affected. That could reduce your future income, particularly if you continue withdrawals during a market downturn.

The risk is most significant in the early years of retirement. Losses combined with regular withdrawals can permanently reduce how long savings last, a challenge known as sequencing risk. Understandably, many retirees respond by spending less than they could afford, even when markets recover, simply to avoid the fear of running out of money later in life.ⁱⁱⁱ

Lifetime annuities

Annuities offer a different approach. In return for a lump sum investment, annuities pay a guaranteed income either for a fixed period or for the rest of your life. Because the payments are not linked to daily market values, they could deliver a strong sense of certainty, particularly when it comes to covering essential living costs.^iv

Lifetime annuities can provide a guaranteed income stream for life and may help reduce the stress that can come from market volatility.

While Direct Advisers has always considered a broad range of retirement income options, the low-interest-rate environment of the past decade meant that many lifetime income products were less attractive than alternative retirement strategies. Locking in capital when interest rates were at historically low levels often limited the long-term value these products could provide.

As interest rates move closer to historical averages, we are seeing renewed interest in lifetime income streams and are actively researching the latest solutions available in the market. For some retirees, these products may once again play a useful role in creating greater certainty and stability in retirement income planning.

Combining income streams

Rather than choosing between flexibility and certainty, retirees may benefit from using multiple income streams. This approach combines a guaranteed income source with a more flexible one.

For example, a lifetime annuity might be used to cover the basics such as housing, food and utilities, while an account‑based pension funds discretionary spending, travel or unexpected expenses. Research suggests this could lead to more stable income and greater confidence to spend, even when investment markets are volatile.^v

By ensuring your essential expenses are covered regardless of market conditions, you may be less likely to panic or cut spending during downturns.

The Age Pension

The Age Pension is an important part of the retirement income picture for many. It provides a government-backed, inflation‑linked income that is not affected by market performance. For eligible retirees, it can act as a valuable safety net later in life, particularly if personal savings decline.

Some lifetime income products receive concessional treatment under the Age Pension assets test, which can improve eligibility or payment levels. Understanding how different income streams interact with Centrelink rules can affect retirement outcomes.^vi

Retirement income is about what fits, not forecasts

There is no single best retirement income option. Each comes with trade‑offs between flexibility, risk, growth potential and control. What matters most is how well an income strategy matches your spending needs, risk tolerance and desire for certainty.

The right structure could help to reduce stress and support more confident spending in retirement. Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean insecurity.

Confidence Comes From Having a Plan

Periods of uncertainty can leave many people wondering whether they’re doing the right thing. Whether you’re approaching retirement, managing your investments, planning for aged care, or navigating a major life change, it’s natural to have questions about what comes next.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

At Direct Advisers, we’ve been helping clients navigate life’s transitions, market cycles, and changing circumstances for decades. While we can’t control what happens around us, we can help you put a plan in place that reflects your goals, adapts as life changes, and gives you confidence in your decisions.

As Ursula often says:

“Peace of mind comes from knowing you have a plan—and that you’re not facing life’s financial decisions alone.”

If you’re feeling uncertain about your next step, or simply want reassurance that you’re on track, we’d love to have a conversation.

Book a chat with Ursula and the Direct Advisers team today and let’s talk about what’s important to you and the future you’re working towards.

👉 Book a Chat: Book a Chat with Direct Advisers

i The Global Macro-financial Environment | Financial Stability Review, March 2026 | RBA

ii Income streams | Australian Taxation Office

iii Which super funds offer income for life? | SuperGuide

iv, vi Income streams – Age Pension | Services Australia

v How product layering can support retirement outcomes | ASFA

The post Retirement income options when markets are volatile appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Families may be stressed and worried, and the financial choices involved can have long-term consequences that are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to undo. 

Yet many Australians are navigating aged care with incomplete, confusing, or simply wrong information.

“Aged care decisions are often made during some of the most emotional and stressful times in a family’s life. The right advice isn’t just about understanding the rules and fees—it’s about helping families make informed decisions with confidence, knowing they’ve considered all the options available to them.” – Ursula Boorman, Managing Director, Direct Advisers

Decisions may look deceptively simple

Australia’s aged care system is complex. Fees, contributions, pensions, the family home, estate planning and cash flow are all interconnected.

On the surface, it can feel like you’re choosing between a few payment options or financial decisions. In reality, small decisions can affect: 

• How much do you pay for care over time
• Whether you keep or sell the family home
• Pension entitlements
• The financial security of a spouse
• What’s ultimately left as an inheritance for the family.

These are some of the biggest financial decisions many people will ever make, and they may be forced to make them during a crisis. Paying for help at this time is crucial.

Information isn’t the same as advice

Many families rely on information from government agencies, aged care providers, placement services, or other well-meaning services. These people mean well. But information is not the same as advice. And not everyone has the expertise to help you.

Information tells you how the system works. Advice looks at your actual situation (your income, your home, your objectives) and helps you to decide what makes sense for you. Advice also looks beyond the immediate issues to consider your whole situation and how this may change over time.

The problem is that the line between the two can become blurred. Families may not realise when guidance has crossed into advice, or that the person providing it may not be licensed or accountable for the outcome.

The risk of unlicensed aged care advice

Unlicensed aged care advice may sound confident and reassuring, but it comes with real risks. Unlike licensed advisers, unregulated providers aren’t required to:

• Act in your best interests
• Hold professional qualifications specific to financial advice
• Carry professional indemnity insurance
• Belong to an external complaints authority, or
• Be accountable for the advice they give.

If something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious and you may have nowhere to turn. We’ve worked with families who have:

• Sold the family home unnecessarily
• Paid higher aged care fees than required
• Missed out on Centrelink entitlements
• Locked themselves into poor long-term outcomes
• Had to untangle decisions made in a rush
• Created legal disputes within the family.

These mistakes are rarely obvious at the start and may only become clear months or years later.

What licensed aged care advisers do differently.

Licensed aged care advisers operate under an Australian Financial Services Licence. That matters because it brings important consumer protections with it.

A licensed adviser must:

• Act in your best interests
• Meet strict education and professional standards
• Hold insurance that protects you if something goes wrong
• Belong to an independent complaints scheme to help you resolve issues
• Be accountable for the advice they provide.

Importantly, licensed advisers are required to consider how aged care decisions interact with pensions, tax, estate planning, cash flow and future care needs.

It’s the bigger picture that is so important.

Having an experienced adviser in your corner means you’re not navigating the system alone.  Professional advice does cost money. But what you’re paying for is someone who can steer you calmly through the complexities when you’re overwhelmed and help you avoid expensive mistakes. 

You Don’t Have to Navigate Aged Care Alone

Aged care is one of the most significant financial and lifestyle decisions many families will ever face. With ongoing changes to legislation, funding arrangements, and care options, understanding what is best for you or a loved one can feel overwhelming.

At Direct Advisers, we know that aged care isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, families, and ensuring the right support is in place at the right time. Whether you’re planning ahead, responding to a health event, or helping a parent transition into care, having access to licensed aged care advice can provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind when you need it most.

As Ursula often reminds clients:

“The best aged care decisions are rarely made in a rush. Taking the time to understand your options today can make a world of difference to the choices available tomorrow.”

Need help understanding your options?

If you or a loved one are considering home care, residential aged care, or simply want to understand how the recent changes may affect you, we’re here to help.

Reach out to the Direct Advisers team here for a confidential conversation and take the next step with confidence, knowing you have experienced guidance by your side.

The post Why licensed aged care advice matters more than ever appeared first on Direct Advisers.

But one of the greatest risks to that legacy can be the challenge of dealing with sudden wealth. When adult children inherit large sums or significant assets without preparation, sometimes the result is family tension, poor decisions or erosion of wealth.

While precise figures vary, research and industry experience consistently show that many families struggle to preserve wealth beyond the second and third generations, largely due to behavioural and governance challenges rather than investment performance.

Building financial literacy

Financial capability is developed over years of exposure, education, and experience.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) MoneySmart program emphasises that financial literacy is a core life skill, not simply a technical ability.

While an inheritance may be some years off, parents who are expecting to pass on some form of an inheritance, should begin involving their children in financial discussions where appropriate. This might include reviewing investment portfolios together, explaining the complexities of how superannuation works or discussing the rationale behind major financial decisions. Understanding how risk is associated with investing, and ongoing tax obligations is also essential to create the whole picture.

Practical experience is just as important as theory. Allowing adult children to manage a portion of investments, under guidance, can build confidence and accountability. This phased approach reduces the risk of overwhelm later, when financial responsibility increases significantly.

Gifting or loaning?

Another important consideration when supporting the next generation is whether to provide financial assistance as a gift or a loan. The decision has both ethical and practical implications.

Gifting can provide immediate support without the burden of repayment, allowing children to purchase a home, invest or establish a business. But unequal gifting among siblings may create perceptions of favouritism, even if the intention is fair. Clear communication and documentation of the reasoning behind decisions is essential.

Loaning, on the other hand, can maintain a sense of responsibility and fairness.

Loans structured with clear terms can encourage financial discipline and avoid creating dependency. Families often formalise the arrangements with written agreements that set expectations for repayments and interest. There are also taxation and legal considerations.

The Australian Taxation Office may assess certain arrangements differently depending on whether funds are genuinely gifted or loaned. Professional advice ensures that intentions are reflected correctly. Ultimately, the choice between gifting and loaning may come down to the financial maturity of the recipient and your estate plan.

Preparing the next generation beyond money

Financial preparation alone is not enough. Inheriting wealth also involves emotional and behavioural readiness.

Open conversations about wealth, values and expectations are important. This includes explaining the purpose of wealth, whether it is to provide security, support philanthropy or create opportunities for future generations.

Governance structures, such as family meetings, investment committees or advisory boards can also help heirs understand their roles and responsibilities and encourage collaboration.

Philanthropy is another powerful tool for preparing heirs. Involving children in charitable giving decisions can instil a sense of social responsibility. It reinforces the idea that wealth is not solely for personal use, but also a resource to benefit the broader community.

Managing the transition

Gradual transition strategies can ease the adjustment for both parents and children.

This might involve progressively transferring control of assets. For example, adult children may first participate in decision-making, then take on increasing responsibility for managing investments over time. Trust structures are often used for staged distributions, allowing flexibility and protection.

Regular reviews are equally important. As family circumstances change, so too should the plan. Marriage, divorce, business ventures or health issues can all affect how wealth should be managed and transferred.

A legacy of capability

Successful intergenerational wealth transfer is not measured by the size of the inheritance but by the preparedness of those who receive it. Financial literacy, decision-making and open communication are the foundations of lasting wealth. By investing time in educating and including the next generation, families can reduce the risks associated with sudden wealth and create a legacy that endures.

If you’d like to discuss how to prepare your family for a successful wealth transition, we’re here to help. Contact our team here.

The post Investing for the next generation appeared first on Direct Advisers.

EOFY creates the perfect environment for fraud. With refunds, payment reminders, super contributions, and updated financial documents all top of mind, scammers rely on urgency and distraction to trick people into handing over personal or financial information.

Knowing what to watch for can save you stress, money, and headaches. This guide highlights the most common EOFY scams and offers practical tips to help protect your finances before you act.

Fake ATO communications

A common scam involves messages pretending to be from the Australian Taxation Office. These can arrive as emails, text messages, or phone calls, claiming that a refund is due or that a tax debt must be paid immediately.

Scammers create urgency by threatening penalties, legal action, or freezing accounts. They often ask for payment via unusual methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfer. The ATO will never request payment in these ways.

Always verify suspicious communications independently. Do not click links or provide personal information in response to unexpected messages. If in doubt, search online to find the correct contact details.

Phishing emails targeting business owners

EOFY is a particularly high-risk time for businesses. Scammers often send emails that look like they come from payroll providers, accounting software platforms, banks, or even bookkeepers.

These emails may request login credentials, bank information updates, or contain attachments that install malware. Verify any unusual requests by calling the organisation using a trusted phone number. Never rely on the contact details or links provided in the email itself.

Even seemingly minor requests can be part of a larger scheme. A small error in payment details can lead to ongoing losses if scammers are able to redirect multiple invoices over time.

Invoice and payment redirection scams

Businesses finalising accounts are often targeted with fake invoices or intercepted invoices that have altered bank account details.

Because these payments are routine and expected, they can be processed without question. Always double-check any changes to payment details with the supplier before sending funds. A quick verification call can prevent significant financial loss.

It’s also wise to keep a consistent process for approving payments, including multiple checks or sign-offs for large amounts, to reduce the risk of falling victim to invoice scams.

Superannuation and investment scams

Scammers take advantage of EOFY financial reviews by promoting fake investment opportunities or superannuation schemes that promise high returns or tax advantages. Some even claim to help access super early to “avoid tax” or “invest better.”

Be cautious of unsolicited offers and guaranteed returns. Only consider changes to super or investments through verified and legitimate channels. Check any adviser or company through the official regulatory registers before taking any action.

Social media and SMS scams

Short text messages or social media ads claiming you are eligible for a tax refund are increasingly common. These often contain links to fake websites that collect personal information. Scammers may use official-looking logos, branding, and URLs to make the message appear legitimate.

Do not click on links from unexpected messages. Verify the legitimacy of any refund or offer through official websites and use secure channels for submitting sensitive information.

Staying safe

At EOFY, it’s important to slow down. Scammers rely on urgency. Messages that pressure you to take immediate action or threaten consequences are red flags. Verify first, act second.

Keep devices and software up to date, use strong and unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Keep an eye on your accounts for unusual activity and regularly review payment processes to make sure safeguards are in place.

EOFY should be a time to tidy up finances and plan for the year ahead. Protecting yourself from scams ensures that money stays where it belongs and that EOFY is a time for financial clarity, not stress.

For any questions or concerns about suspicious communications, contact us. A quick check now can prevent problems later and give peace of mind while managing your EOFY finances.

The post Common scams to watch out for at EOFY appeared first on Direct Advisers.

But alongside the emotional toll, there are often practical responsibilities that need attention. Important documents need to be found. Financial matters need to be understood. And decisions sometimes complex ones need to be made.

It’s during these times that things can easily be missed.

Policies may exist that no one knew about. Key information may not be where it’s expected. And in some cases, financial benefits that were meant to support loved ones may never be claimed.

That’s why having your financial affairs clearly documented and ensuring your family and adviser know where everything is can make such a meaningful difference when it matters most.

The Hidden Risk: Unclaimed Life Insurance

It may come as a surprise, but there is a significant amount of unclaimed money in Australia.

According to MoneySmart, there is around $2 billion in unclaimed money, including lost shares, bank accounts and life insurance policies.

In many cases, this money goes unclaimed not because it isn’t needed but because no one knows it exists.

There are several common reasons why life insurance benefits may be missed:

• Beneficiary nominations haven’t been updated
• Loved ones were unaware a policy existed
• Contact details are out of date
• Policies are held across multiple providers or through superannuation

These aren’t uncommon situations, they’re simply the result of life moving on and details not being revisited.

Where Does the Money Go?

Life insurance providers will generally hold unclaimed benefits for a period of time. If they are unable to locate beneficiaries, the funds are eventually transferred to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as unclaimed money.

While the money doesn’t disappear, accessing it later can take time, effort, and additional stress for families already navigating loss.

How to Check for Unclaimed Life Insurance

If you are managing the affairs of a loved one, there are a few practical steps you can take:

1. Review personal records
Look through paperwork, emails, bank statements and employer benefits for any reference to insurance.

2. Contact known providers
If you are aware of an insurer or super fund, reach out directly with the relevant details.

3. Search via MoneySmart
The MoneySmart website provides access to ASIC’s unclaimed money search, where you can look up policies using a name or reference number.

The Role of Advice: Bringing Everything Together

While these steps are helpful, the most effective way to avoid missed opportunities is to ensure everything is structured and documented well in advance.

At JBS Financial, we see our role as more than just providing advice, we help bring all aspects of your financial life together so that nothing is left to chance.

This includes:

• Ensuring your insurance policies are known and appropriately structured
• Keeping beneficiary nominations up to date
• Aligning your insurance with your broader estate planning
• Helping your family understand what exists and where to find it

Life insurance is ultimately about protecting the people who matter most. As highlighted by the Council of Australian Life Insurers, it plays a critical role in helping families maintain financial stability during some of life’s most challenging moments.

“At a time when families need clarity and support the most, having everything in order can make an enormous difference. It’s not just about the financial outcome, it’s about reducing stress and uncertainty for the people you care about.”
— Jenny Brown, CEO, JBS Financial

A Simple Step That Makes a Big Difference

One of the most powerful things you can do is ensure your loved ones and your adviser, have a clear understanding of your financial position.

This doesn’t need to be complicated. It might include:

• Keeping key documents in one secure location
• Letting your family know what policies exist
• Reviewing your arrangements regularly
• Working with a trusted adviser to keep everything aligned

These small steps can make a significant difference when it matters most.

Final Thought: Protecting More Than Just Finances

Life insurance is designed to provide support at a time when it’s needed most. But for that support to reach the right people, it needs to be visible, accessible, and understood.

At JBS Financial, we help ensure that nothing is overlooked—so that your plans work as intended, and your family is supported when it matters most.

If you haven’t reviewed your insurance or estate planning recently, now is a good time to start the conversation. Contact our team here.

Sources

• MoneySmart
• Council of Australian Life Insurers
• TAL, how to find and claim unclaimed life insurance monies

The post When the Unexpected Happens: Making Sure Nothing Gets Missed appeared first on Direct Advisers.

That’s why your financial strategy shouldn’t be static. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Instead, it should evolve with you adapting as your life shifts from one milestone to the next.

As Ursula Boorman, Managing Director of Direct Advisers, explains:

“Life’s Transitions don’t just happen to others, they can happen to any of us. The financial choices you make today will shape your next chapter. Advice isn’t about predicting the future, it’s about preparing for it with confidence.”

Transitions Are Universal — But Often Under-Prepared For

Major life events bring emotional and financial complexities. Yet many Australians feel they’re navigating these transitions without the confidence they deserve.

According to AMP’s Retirement Confidence Pulse (2025):

• Only half of Australians feel confident about their retirement prospects.
• Confidence is significantly lower among women and those experiencing separation or life changes.
• People in their 40s, often balancing care for children and ageing parents, report the lowest confidence levels overall.

These data points reflect the reality that even well-intentioned plans can fall out of step with life’s circumstances, especially when expectations shift.

Advice Matters at Every Milestone

Financial advice isn’t just for the wealthy or retired. It plays a valuable role at every stage of life — from building a foundation early in your career to pivoting after separation, to protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.

The Value of Advice Consumer Research (2025) by the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) highlights the benefits:

• Australians with financial advice consistently report higher financial confidence
• They experience lower stress about money
• Advice helps households stay focused on long-term goals, even through uncertainty
• And people say it gives them more clarity and control over their future.

This isn’t just numbers, it’s wellbeing.

Life’s Transitions, The Direct Advisers Approach

At Direct Advisers, we call this phase Life’s Transitions. The journey isn’t just about super balances, investments, or insurance, it’s about you and the realities of the life you’re living now.

Our dedicated Life’s Transitions page outlines how we support clients through:

• Separation and divorce
• Loss of a partner
• Caring responsibilities
• Career change or redundancy
• Retirement planning
• Estate and legacy decisions

Each transition brings practical questions and emotional weight and a well-timed conversation can make all the difference.

Final Thought: Plan for Life, Not Just the Numbers

Transitions are inevitable. Feeling uncertain doesn’t have to be.

The power of advice lies in its ability to evolve with you helping you make confident choices through change, safeguard what matters most, and embrace your next chapter with purpose.

If you’re facing a milestone, big or small, taking a proactive step now can bring clarity tomorrow. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need someone on your side to help you navigate the questions.

Ready to begin your next chapter with confidence?
Reach out to the team at Direct Advisers for a Life’s Transitions conversation that respects your goals, your story, and the life you want to build.

The post Life’s Milestones and Transitions: Your Strategy Should Evolve With You appeared first on Direct Advisers.

If the ballpark numbers are at least remotely close, the amount of assets set to be transferred from one generation to the next in Australia over the coming decades will amount to trillions of dollars.

According to estimates within a 2021 Productivity Commission report, Australians aged 60 and over will transfer $3.5 trillion or an average of about $175 billion per year in wealth in the next two decades. A 2024 report by JBWere Australia had an even higher estimate of $5.4 trillion for likely wealth transfers in Australia over the next 20 years.

The largest part of this great wealth transfer will be between members of the “Baby Boomer” generation (people born just after the end of World War II through to 1964) and their children and other heirs.

It will include family homes, investment properties, superannuation money, direct shares and a wide range of other financial and non-financial assets.

The value of inheritances is not only likely to grow dramatically as wealth levels increase but it will be an increasingly important source of future income and assets for younger generations.

Show me the money

Vanguard’s 2025 How Australia Retires research found that 21% of working-age Australians and 8% of retirees expect to use an inheritance as a source of their retirement income.

Furthermore, 13% of working-age Australians and retirees said the family home would become an inheritance for their beneficiaries or children and they planned to keep it within the family when they died.

The conversation around inheritances interweaves with Australian government research that many Australians are not exhausting their superannuation savings before they die.

The 2023 Intergenerational Report found that most retirees draw down at the legislated minimum drawdown rates.

“This results in many retirees leaving a significant proportion of their balance unspent, for example, a single retiree drawing down at the minimum rates would be expected to still have a quarter of their retirement assets at death,” the report noted.

Treasury estimates in the 2020 Retirement Income Review included projections from Treasury that outstanding superannuation death benefits could increase to just under $130 billion in 2059, assuming there’s no change in how retirees draw down their superannuation balances.

A touchy subject

Australians collectively had around $17.7 trillion in household wealth at 30 June 2025, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, including property and other investments, cash deposits, and superannuation.

Meanwhile, the 2025 UBS Global Wealth Report showed we ranked second in the world for median wealth per adult at US$268,424, and fifth for average wealth per adult at US$516,640.

There’s potentially a lot of household money to go around, and a lot to be inherited.

But inheritance planning, unlike succession planning within a business, is an area that’s rarely discussed at the family level.

Most families regard subjects such as death and the future division of wealth as unpleasant and potentially sensitive when multiple heirs are involved.

But there’s a lot to be said for having open discussions within your family about the intended treatment of assets and future inheritances.

Creating a valid will, and specifically documenting how you want your assets to be managed and divided after your death, should be a key step in the inheritance planning process.

Residential real estate and superannuation, which combined make up more than three-quarters of total household assets, are the largest components of most inheritances.

Ensuring that any superannuation you have left over at the time of your death is distributed according to your wishes requires you to complete a binding death benefit nomination form provided by your super fund.

Seek professional advice

It’s important to be aware of any potential tax implications. For example, while superannuation distributed to a surviving spouse or dependent children is generally tax-free, non-dependents (including adult children) may be required to pay tax on amounts they receive.

Those inheriting assets such as property and financial securities may also face tax issues.

Estate planning can be complex. Speak to us about helping you and your intended beneficiaries map out an inheritance framework that also identifies issues such as potential tax liabilities is a prudent step.

To ensure a smooth transfer of inheritance and put the right plan in place for you, contact our team here. 

Source: Vanguard November 2025

This article has been reprinted with the permission of Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. Copyright Smart Investing™

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