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Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Trusts in focus – What the 2026 budget means for family structures

The recent Federal Budget has brought discretionary (family) trusts firmly back into the spotlight, with proposed changes that could reshape how these structures are used over the coming years. At the centre of the announcement is a proposal to introduce a minimum 30% tax on discretionary trust income, expected to apply from 1 July 2028. While not yet legislated, the measure signals a clear shift in policy direction.

Aged care, Budgeting, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Financial strategies at 55, 60 and 65 — why timing changes everything

“I wish I’d known all this earlier.” It’s a phrase I regularly hear after presenting a financial plan to new clients. It’s rarely ‘too late’ but proactive planning for the future is often the biggest advantage you can harness.

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.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Will Retirement Savings Still Matter in 20 Years? Let’s Talk About It.

Every now and then a headline pops up that makes people stop, look twice, and wonder what on earth the future might hold. Elon Musk’s recent claim that retirement savings won’t matter in 20 years definitely falls into that category. It’s bold, it’s dramatic, and it certainly gets people talking. And it’s also very easy for a multi-billionaire to say!

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Uncategorised

Will you pay more tax next year?

If you or someone you know is going through a significant workplace change such as a merger or corporate change, call us. The highest profile change locally is the Adelaide Uni merger and there are plenty of others on the go.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

SA Government Employees – Unique Retirement Advantage

While most Australians are limited to a concessional contributions cap of $30,000 per year (for 2025-26), Super SA's Triple S scheme operates under different rules. Those rules can open the door to significant tax savings and a much faster path to financial independence, if you know how to use them. For those over age 60, the planning opportunity becomes even more powerful when combined with a Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy.

Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Retirement Living: Choosing the right path for your Lifestyle and Finances

Retirement is a time to enjoy your well-earned freedom and comfort, but choosing where to live can be one of the most financially complex decisions you’ll make. While retirement villages are a well-known option, they’re just one of several choices available to Australians, each with their unique lifestyle and financial implications.

Aged care, Budgeting, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

How One Tiny Human Changed Everything

I’ve spent years helping people plan for their futures strategizing, forecasting and fine tuning the numbers. But nothing recalibrates your sense of “the future” quite like becoming a dad.

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).

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

The Lottery Effect: What Sudden Wealth Teaches Us About Money—and Ourselves

Let’s play a little game. Imagine waking up tomorrow to find you’ve won the Powerball. Not just a few thousand dollars—but millions. Your bank account is suddenly overflowing, and the world feels wide open. You could pay off your mortgage, travel the globe, help your family, maybe even quit your job. It’s exciting, right?

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Latest insights

16 October 2026

Support at Home changes: personal care services fully funded from 1 October 2026

Matthew Kelly

From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will fully fund certain personal care services delivered through the Support at Home program. Recipients will no longer need to make personal contributions towards these services.

7 October 2026

What the Shield and First Guardian Collapse Can Teach Us About Protecting Your Super

Michelle Sanchez

You may have seen the headlines about the collapse of the Shield and First Guardian Master Funds. It’s a confronting story, with almost 12,000 Australians affected and over $1.2 billion of retirement savings gone. Many only found out only when a letter arrived saying their super had vanished. It’s the kind of thing that makes all of us stop and check our own arrangements.

11 September 2026

Donating to your kids

Will Chapman

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.