Super changes from July 2017 How will they impact you? We cover some of the factors to be aware of given changes have just passed in parliament and are due to become superannuation law. Earlier this year, the Federal Budget announcement included a proposal to introduce changes to super bigger than the likes of anything we’ve seen in almost a decade. Then, in September the government announced some significant adjustments to its proposal. The revised …
Changes to the Age Pension assets test The government’s recent changes to the Age Pension could affect your ability to plan for a comfortable retirement. Recent reports[1] suggest that more than 300,000 Age Pensioners will have at least part of their pension cut, with just under 100,000 of these people losing all Age Pension entitlements, taking effect from January 2017. The Age Pension and assets test explained The Age Pension provides income support and …
Five things to do in retirement Whether you’re in the planning stages or already retired, there’s plenty on offer. Once you retire you might be wondering how you ever had time to work! But, assuming your health is in check, there are some interesting pursuits you might want to consider: Travel to an exotic destination – Join around 700,0001 other Aussie travellers who depart our shores annually. For instance, step outside your comfort zone to trek …
Should I repay my home loan or boost my super? Both options make good financial sense—we look at some pros and cons to help you decide. Retirement may not be as far off as it used to be. With this in mind, are you finding there’s a trade-off between home loan repayments and your retirement nest egg? Adding money to super has its advantages and so does paying off your home loan. So if you’ve …
7 tips on how to retire early Are you dreaming about early retirement, but unsure how to go about it? You might be surprised to learn that Aussies are retiring earlier, with 25% of men retiring before age 55 and 50% retiring between 55 to 64 years. For women, the figures are higher, with 55% stopping work before they reach 55 and 36% retiring between the ages of 55 and 64 years1. But while these …
Government support in retirement What is the Age Pension? The purpose of the Age Pension is to make sure you have enough income in retirement. It is a fortnightly payment made by the government to help you meet the cost of living, if your retirement savings are below a certain level…. Read More>>> Download the free PDF file
Maintaining your lifestyle What is retirement income? During your working life you receive regular income in the form of a salary or business income. In retirement, this regular income stops, so you need to draw on your savings to meet your lifestyle costs. You set up your savings so you still receive regular payments, just like a salary. This is called a ‘retirement income stream’. The type of income stream you can start at retirement …
How do transition to retirement strategies work? A transition to retirement strategy could allow you to work less, or work the same hours and increase your superannuation, without reducing your take-home pay. Even if you’re nearing retirement age you mightn’t be looking to leave the workforce just yet. Maybe you want to save more money or perhaps you enjoy the interaction and mental stimulation. Whatever the reason, a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy could provide …
Protecting your wealth What is insurance? Insurance is a form of protection – a way to protect yourself, your family and the things you own if something goes wrong. It enables you to replace or repair your assets, whether those assets are your belongings or your capacity to earn income. Everybody’s circumstances are different, but insurance is important for everybody. Your need for insurance will change as you move through the different stages of your …
Are grandparents giving too much? For many Australian families the arrow of intergenerational help is pointing in a new direction. Not so long ago, it was the norm for adult children to lend a financial helping hand to their ageing parents. These days, the support is more likely to flow downwards, and grandparents are increasingly likely to provide financial support to their children – and even grandchildren. As school costs soar for instance, a growing …
