Do you have a plan for who will receive your super if something happens to you? For many Australians, superannuation is their greatest asset outside the family home. But do you have a plan for who will receive your super if something happens to you? The laws around super death benefits are complex, with strict…
Australians inherited an estimated $150 billion in 2024, an increase of more than 70 per cent in a decade, according to a JBWere report.i It’s a number that’s predicted to grow more rapidly over the coming 20 years to $5.4 trillion, the report finds. Managing this flow of wealth to family groups, often complicated by…
A good estate plan will help make sure your wishes are carried out when you die. It can also help if you become unable to make your own decisions. Estate plans An estate plan records what you want done with your assets after your death. It can include documents such as: It also covers how…
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. Yet, around 60% of Australians don’t have a will in place—a surprising figure given how straightforward the process can be. A will is a legal document…
Planning for what happens when you pass away or become incapacitated is an important way of protecting those you care about, saving them from dealing with a financial and administrative mess when they’re grieving. Your Will gives you a say in how you want your possessions and investments to be distributed. Importantly, you should also…
Moving into residential aged care can trigger a range of emotions, particularly if it involves the sale of the family home. What is often a major financial asset, is also one that many people believe should be either kept in the family or its value preserved for future generations. Whether or not the home has…
The COVID-19 pandemic gave us all a sneak peek into what life might be like if we lost independence and mobility. But what if the limitations were not due to an international pandemic and were not affecting everyone in your street, but just you? What if it was your own personal capacity (physical or mental…
Having a legally valid will can go a long way to avoiding disputes over the division of your assets. What did the artist Picasso, musicians Bob Marley and Aretha Franklin, and billionaire entrepreneur Howard Hughes have in common? You would be correct if you think they had amassed large fortunes before their deaths. But another…
Moving into residential aged care can be stressful with complicated rules, family conflicts and rushed timeframes. This can easily lead to mistakes, which can be costly and difficult to rectify. This article highlights three common mistakes and tips to avoid traps. Rushing your decision The biggest expense you will face is the cost of your…
Life is filled with changes. But with preparation and good advice, you may be able to manage the changes more effectively to minimise the stress. Watching your spouse’s health decline can be difficult and stressful. And if this decline results in a move to aged care, you will both be faced with a lot of…