For most people, being debt free in retirement is a priority. Others find the concept of ’good debt’ in retirement less stressful. From an age/service pension perspective the correct structuring of good debt is important to ensure that any entitlement you may receive is not adversely affected. When it comes to the Social Security Act – loans and encumbrances can be complicated and, in some cases, a little illogical. It is very important to understand that the taxation rules relating to debt are not necessarily the same as social security rules. For example; real estate investments can be considered. So […]

Over the past week or so I have been reading a couple of articles that painted a rather gloomy outlook for retirees in the coming years. Most Australians will be reliant on the government age pension to meet all, or a part, of their income needs – at least some time in their retirement. That is an inescapable fact. A small number of the population will remain self-funded retirees – for example; having no reliance on government funded income support (except for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card). However for the most part, at some stage in retirement, we will need […]

As we approach retirement some people start to panic a little wondering if they are truly looking forward to the time of their life when they no longer have to work. All of a sudden something they have been pining for is becoming real! Instead of worrying, have a read of the following tips and if necessary, act now. After all, it’s your future – and it could be here sooner than you think. 1: What do you want and how will you get it? What are your goals and objectives for your retirement? Write out a plan that sees […]