The ranks of Australians receiving the Age Pension are increasing. It’s important to understand who is eligible and its role in retirement planning. Just days before the 2023 Federal Budget was handed down on 9 May, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released a new report including data on the number of Australians receiving the Age…
If you’re over 55 and looking to boost your retirement savings, you may be eligible to make a super contribution of up to $300,000 from the sale proceeds of your primary residence. On 1 January 2023, the age when eligible Australians qualify to make downsizer contributions was reduced from 60 to 55. For those who…
When will you be ready to retire? There are two important ages you need to consider when thinking about retirement – the preservation age when you are eligible to start drawing on your super and the Age Pension age when you are eligible to receive the Age Pension. Age Pension age This is the age…
The statistics on elder abuse are alarming, with almost 15% of older Australians estimated to be suffering elder abuse each year. The actual numbers are probably higher, as it is likely that not all cases are reported. This abuse often involves the misuse of an older person’s finances and assets by family members – often…
The thought of retirement is an enticing one for many of us. Imagine throwing off the shackles of the workforce and being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But why wait until you are retired to do the things you love? Retirement is a time where we finally have the space to…
If you have an SMSF, it’s essential to get your fund is in good shape and ready for June 30 and the annual audit. It’s particularly important this year, because the ATO is focussed on fixing a number of issues when it comes to SMSFs. These include high rates of non-lodgment and problematic related party loans by…
Understanding the refund rules for RADs may remove some of the stress and worry with a move into residential care. Room prices in aged care are usually quoted as a lump sum. Often this is a big number, which can cause a lot of worry. But this is also one of the most misunderstood areas…
When it comes to investing, there’s no one size fits all strategy that can assure success but there are some different investment styles that could help investors achieve their goals. Growth investing, value investing, momentum investing and dollar-cost averaging – these are some of the common buzzwords used to describe different kinds of investment styles…
Many retirees may want to help younger family members by gifting part of their savings. But if things go wrong in the future, the joy may turn to grief. Gifting may help the children and grandchildren, but it may have significant impacts for an older person’s own future – especially if an aged care need…
The Australian share market rose just under 1.9 per cent in the March quarter – hardly an earth-shattering return, but a positive one nevertheless. Over the 63 trading sessions to 31 March the S&P/ASX 300 Index, which tracks the top 300 companies on the Australian Securities Exchange, closed higher 37 times and lower 26 times….