From 1 November 2025, a new program called Support at Home will replace the current Home Care Package system, bringing significant changes. On the positive side, there will be more packages available, which should reduce waiting times. But there will also be changes to the contributions (fees) you pay – and for some people, this…
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…
The number of Australians aged over 65 is expected to more than double in the next 40 years while the number of people aged over 85 is predicted to triple in that time.i Aged care funding and services have seen major changes in the years since the 2021 report of the Royal Commission into Aged…
We’ve all heard the old saying ‘an elephant never forgets’- but unlike elephants, we humans certainly don’t have flawless recall. Forgetting where you left your keys or the name of the person you met last week, is all too familiar. Memory lapses happen to the best of us, but there are ways to sharpen your…
Moving into residential aged care is a big step, and one of the most important financial decisions you’ll need to make is how to pay for your room. The legislative rules provide clear guidelines on your payment options and the timeframe in which you must decide. With so much happening when you make the move,…
The end of a relationship is never easy, and getting divorced or separated can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. There are steps you can take to help things run more smoothly on the pathway to this next stage of your life. First steps when you separate A good first step is to try to…
Achieving your long-term financial goals doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you can put in place some basic financial steps, you are on the road to a successful outcome. It means keeping on top of your options and devising strategies for investment, debt reduction and risk protection. The start of the year is a perfect…
Here’s some easy money management skills for children of different ages. Teaching good financial habits, such as saving and budgeting, is one of the best ways to prepare children to have a secure financial future. It’s never too early or late to start talking about money with your children — start as soon as you…