Higher interest rates can present unique opportunities for saving and potential portfolio rebalancing. As inflation continues to challenge the economy, it’s likely we’ll see interest rates rise and economic activity slow. However, that doesn’t have to be cause for panic—higher interest rates can present unique opportunities for saving and potential portfolio rebalancing. What do interest…
Understanding how aged care accommodation payments work and getting advice on your options can help to avoid the panic of trying to find a large lump sum. If the prices for a room in residential care, have caused you alarm and led to concerns about how to find such large lump sums, you are not…
Will I have enough money to enjoy the retirement lifestyle I envision when I retire? It’s a question many of us will need to ponder at one point. It’s a question most of us will need to ponder at some stage in our lives. When I retire, will I have enough money built up in…
How can investors rebalance their portfolio and how often should they do it? The target mix of your investment portfolio should be built on your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. But goals can change, and market fluctuations can cause your asset allocation to shift, so it’s important to monitor your portfolio regularly and adjust…
We plan ahead for many aspects of our lives, but few people plan for future aged care needs. Now is the time to change that trend. The truth is, most of us avoid thinking about our own future aged care needs, delaying our decisions until perhaps they’re taken out of our hands. Life expectancies are…
Fees in residential aged care are means-tested, but the rules are complicated. This article explores the three key facts you need to know about means-tested fees. Providing aged care in a residential service is expensive when you add up wages, equipment and other operational costs. The government pays most of this cost, but you may…
Beyond accumulating wealth over time, planning your financial legacy is one of the most important aspects of estate planning. With the greatest family wealth transfer set to occur in the next 20 to 30 years, investors should consider a few things when planning. Succession planning is common in the business world. Last week, the United…
Investing in familiar names may bring a sense of comfort but by focusing too heavily on the Australian market, investors may limit their opportunity set and forgo the benefits of greater diversification. With the recent surge in global market volatility, many investors may be wondering whether investing internationally is still a good idea. When it…
An interesting finding in the federal government’s Retirement Income Review report is that many Australians are dying with the majority of the wealth they had when they retired. Having enough superannuation to enjoy a financially comfortable retirement lifestyle is most Australians’ aspiration. As the super system continues to mature, and with the benefit of compounding…
Retirement village living and residential care are often seen as alternatives, but the fact is they are not true substitutes. The style of living, the services provided, and what the government will subsidise (and regulate) are different. Residential care combines accommodation and full-time daily living support. The costs are split between the resident and the…