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Age pension, Budgeting, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Uncategorised

Donating to your kids

You’re retired and you’ve set yourself up well financially. You have no debt, no job to lose, no (or little) taxable income, no kids eating your fridge out and ready access to capital. You’re the envy of every financially stressed 40 year old with years of pressure head of them; possibly your own children. You wonder how you can help but you don’t want to just hand over cash without a purpose, and you also don’t want to create dependency or expectations.

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Deeming Rates To Rise and Aged Pension Payments to Increase

From 20 September 2026, Australia's social security deeming rates will rise by 0.5%,

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement: How Australians Can Retire with Confidence

One of the biggest concerns facing Australians approaching retirement is the fear of running out of money. Financial experts have even coined a term for it: FORO (Fear of Running Out). While this anxiety is understandable, research suggests that many retirees may be more financially secure than they realise. By understanding the factors that influence retirement income and longevity, Australians can make more informed decisions and enjoy their retirement with greater confidence.

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Aged Care Higher Everyday Living Fee explained

The Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) has replaced the Extra Service Fee and Additional Service Fee as part of the new aged care rules which came into effect on 1 November 2025. The intent is to provide protection to residents purchasing additional services with their residential aged care.

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Increase to Deeming Rates

From 20 September this year, deeming rates will increase for the first time since the Covid-era freeze. This change may affect people whose payments and benefits are determined by the income test. The announcement confirms that rates will gradually return to ‘pre-pandemic settings’ with staged increases to take effect in the future. Increases will be realigned from 1 July to the same time that payments are indexed (expected to be 20 March and 20 September).

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Retirement: A “Risky” Business

For retirees, there is a need to manage a range of risks, both Financial and Non-Financial..

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Upcoming Changes to Home Care Packages in Australia

A significant update on the horizon is the transformation of the Home Care Packages Program in Australia, set to take effect from 1 July 2025.

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

How much is enough….and how long will my money last in Retirement?

These are common questions we hear from clients about to retire or already retired - regardless of how much wealth they’ve accumulated. With all the mixed messages in the media and the complicated rules around superannuation, retirement incomes and tax, managing wealth in retirement can feel overwhelming. Ensuring you live the retirement you deserve, takes careful planning - you need a budget and some goals!

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Major Changes to Residential Aged Care from 1 July 2025

The Government introduced new Aged Care Legislation to Parliament last month which includes major changes to both Home Care and Residential Aged Care, including changes to fees and charges from 1 July 2025.

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Insurance, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Budget 2024: Why?

The Budget this week has created a diverse opinion as to who the beneficiaries are; it appears it’s everybody and nobody. As is customary for all budgets, praise is thin.