As we get older, it’s important to maintain a well-balanced diet to stay energised, avoid nutrient deficiencies, maintain strong immunity and prevent disease. But, at the same time, our lifestyles and eating patterns can change as we age. We tend to be more sedentary, have a reduced appetite, and illness and mobility ... Read more
What retirees need to understand about property insurance
The bushfires in Australia have ravaged millions of hectares, left thousands of people homeless and killed millions (if not billions) of native animals. One demographic group that may be overrepresented in the coastal and mountain regions, that are particularly prone to bushfire, are retirees that have decided to ... Read more
How long you can expect to live, and what it means for your super
Ever wondered how long you’ll live? Or wondered what your life expectancy could mean for your super savings? Well the answers may surprise you, as it could be a lot longer than you think. Life expectancy is a complex topic, so SuperGuide has put together a straightforward guide to help explain the key concepts – ... Read more
What retirees say they would have done differently
Paula, 66, teacher, retired 2014 “I would have invested more in property. I worked in Sydney from 1977, so I could easily have bought enough property to provide myself with a very healthy retirement fund today. When we were young, we thought owning a house meant being tied down but as it turned out owning your own ... Read more
3 questions to ask when choosing a responsible investment option
Although you might want your super fund to produce a good investment return every year, many fund members also want their money invested responsibly and in line with their personal values. If you feel uncomfortable with your retirement savings supporting activities like fossil fuel mining, development of armaments or ... Read more
What is the Pension Loans Scheme, and how does it work?
From 1 July 2019, retirees looking for new ways to boost their retirement income or pay for expenses like home care have another option open to them following some big changes to the federal government’s Pension Loans Scheme (PLS). Although the PLS has been around for about 30 years, few retirees know about it and even ... Read more
Your simple guide to state Seniors Cards: How they can save you money
Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many people forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – their state government’s Seniors Card. Even if you have not fully retired from the workforce, it’s worth checking to see if you are eligible for a Seniors Card, as in many states the rules allow you to undertake ... Read more
How to choose an investment option for your super pension
If you think all the hard work of creating a retirement income is over once you retire, unfortunately you’re mistaken. There are still lots of decisions to make. A key one is how to invest your hard-earned super savings. Most super funds offer a range of super pension products, so you have lots of choices when it ... Read more
How the 10/30/60 Rule can help achieve your retirement plans
Most retirees around Australia are not exactly thrilled with the current low interest rates, but it’s a situation that seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Ultra-low interest rates make retirement planning difficult and low returns from the defensive asset classes traditionally favoured by retirees — ... Read more
How much can I afford to spend in retirement?
One of the biggest challenges for retirees is working out how much of their savings they can afford to spend each year. Fear of running out of money and a reluctance to seek financial advice means many people withdraw the minimum amount required from their superannuation account-based pension. But what if there was a ... Read more
Reverse mortgages: What are they and how do they work?
If your super account is not as big as you want when you retire, one solution could be to look to your home as a way to generate some extra money – and that doesn’t mean becoming an AirBnB host. One way to unlocking some of the money you have tied up in your home to pay your retirement expenses is to take out a reverse ... Read more
Definitive guide to the $1.6 million transfer balance cap
One of the most significant changes to superannuation – the introduction of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap – became effective on 1 July 2017. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) estimates the changes will impact only 1% of Australian superannuants, however that 1% needs to be clearly across the Treasury ... Read more
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: What it is and how to apply
If you don’t qualify for a government payment when you retire, it can seem like there isn’t much help available when it comes to your living expenses. But many people overlook just what the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) can provide. If you’re eligible, this concession card gives you access to cheaper health ... Read more
Should I retire overseas?
Alan and Ros Cuthbertson are living their dream. The Queensland couple, both in their 60s, spend half the year in Thailand, and the other six months housesitting throughout Asia and Europe. Their website, Frequent Traveller, is full of advice on planning the perfect holiday with tips on how to make your travel dollars ... Read more
How to check if your mum or dad’s nursing home is up to scratch
If you’ve read the headlines about poor standards in Australia’s nursing homes, it’s only natural to be concerned about your own family or friends in residential aged care. For instance, there was news in recent weeks that 45 of 72 Bupa nursing homes in Australia had failed to meet all health and safety standards, with ... Read more