Posts by Melinda Planken
What Does the Outcome of the US Election Mean for Australian Investors?
What impact will the US election result have on share markets here and overseas?
Read MoreJobKeeper v JobSeeker
JobKeeper v JobKeeper – What are the main differences
Read MoreWhat happens to the family home when moving into permanent aged care?
It is a common misconception that people are forced to sell their homes to fund a move to permanent aged care. Depending on financial assets outside the family home, assets could be structured to cover the costs without accessing the home equity.
Read MoreSuperannuation Contributions – New Rules from 1 July 2019
Each year the Government changes the goal posts for superannuation. This year older Australians saving for retirement have been given a boost. Please read on to see if these changes apply to you.
Read MoreHow to Update Centrelink with your Income & Assets
If you receive a payment from Centrelink, it is very important to keep Centrelink aware of your Income & Assets and update them within 14 days of any changes to your circumstances. Doing so ensures you get everything you’re entitled to. We know that keeping Centrelink up to date can be rather confusing. Accordingly, we…
Read MorePlanning for Aged Care
Taking the step to move to Aged Care can be a draining one, emotionally, physically and financially. To make the transition as stress-free as possible, it is important to fully understand your needs and options. Some issues you’ll likely need to consider as you begin planning a move into Aged Care include the actual level…
Read MoreMuirfield Budget Update – 2017
On 9 May, Treasurer Scott Morrison delivered the 2017 Budget. Morrison touched on quite a few points and declared that Australia will return to surplus in the coming years. There are some interesting changes that may come about due to the budget, and we have highlighted these below: Home Proceeds and Superannuation In the…
Read MorePaying your Aged Care Entry Fee
If you have entered care and are required to pay an Entry Fee you can choose to pay this in one of three ways: A Lump sum payment called a ‘Refundable Accommodation Payment’ or RAD A Regular rental-type payment called a ‘Daily Accommodation Payment’ or DAP Combination of a RAD and a DAP You will…
Read MoreReminder: You’re doing fine!
And we know you’re doing fine, because you’re reading this and are clearly interested in actively securing your lifestyle in retirement. You are either working to develop a plan for your future or already have one in place. You are ahead of the curve. According to a study done by MLC, of the Australians who…
Read MoreHow Not to Invest
Every once in a while we hear investment suggestions that make us uneasy. It’s not that the suggestions are necessarily wrong or bad, more often than not they are based wholly in common sense. The problem is that the rules of common sense rarely ever apply to good investing. AMP’s Chief Economist, Shane Oliver,…
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