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Expert financial advice imperative
February 10, 2016
The pathway into aged care is a complex and often stressful one. In many cases the need for residential aged care is due to a sudden health issue. At a time when your main concern is the health and welfare of loved ones you are faced with the complex financial issues of aged care. The...Read More
Understanding aged care services
February 10, 2016
If you or a loved one are no longer able to remain living independently at home, it is important to know what services are available to ensure quality of life and comfort. What is aged care? Aged care is a term most easily understood as being nursing homes and home care. It may also refer...Read More
Six simple ways to teach kids about money
February 10, 2016
If you don’t want your children to treat you like an ATM, start teaching them about money early – how to earn it, how to save it and how to spend it wisely. You can begin at any time, but it’s best to use simple concepts such as the difference between needs and wants early...Read More
What the marshmallow test means for patient investors
February 9, 2016
You have probably heard of the classic marshmallow test conducted more than 40 years ago by US psychologist Walter Mischel. Professor Mischel, then at Stanford University, led this unique research into delayed gratification – that is, the ability to wait for something that is really wanted. Hundreds of children aged four to six were taken...Read More
Making sense of account-based pensions
February 8, 2016
If retirement is on the horizon, you’ve probably heard about an account-based pension (also known as an allocated pension) as one of the income stream options available. We’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions about account-based pensions to help you navigate your way. What is an account-based pension? An account-based pension is a regular...Read More
Working hard for the money
January 5, 2016
There are a variety of avenues in which you can bolster your future earnings potential, but if you’re considering investing in yourself through further education, here’s some food for thought. Do I need a tertiary education? The first thing to ask yourself is – does the field you want to enter require tertiary qualifications. If...Read More
Hats off to working parents!
December 7, 2015
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, the number of parents who work is far greater than a few decades ago. Not so long ago in 1983, the number of parents who both worked full time was just 17%. The most recent Australian Census shows that in 2009 it had increased to 25%1. Given...Read More
Will my kids ever leave home?
December 7, 2015
If you were expecting to have the house to yourself once your kids reached a certain age, you may have to adjust your expectations. Because for Generation Y—or millenials as they’re often called—moving out is not the rite-of-passage it once was. In 2011, around 29% of young adults aged 18-34 years lived without a partner...Read More
What exactly is income protection insurance and do I need it?
December 7, 2015
For some people, income protection insurance might be the answer. So what is income protection insurance? Income protection insurance (or temporary incapacity or salary continuance insurance) provides cover if you can’t work due to illness or injury. It generally pays up to 75% of your monthly income for your chosen benefit period to help you...Read More
Get ready for the first year of retirement
November 9, 2015
Will you be a honeymooner, a go-getter or a relaxer? The first year of retirement is one of transition in which you will need to adjust to major changes that can bring big rewards. Some of the changes may include preparing mentally for the shift to not working full-time, adjusting to not getting a regular...Read More