Two weeks ago, my mum pushed the alarm button on the medical necklace which she constantly wears around her neck. The organisation at the other end of this alarm followed the correct procedures which they have in place – call my mum and if they are not able to raise...

Regular readers will know that we often refer to the costs of living in retirement published by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia and known as the ASFA Retirement Standard. The figures are updated every three months to take into account movements in the general cost of living. The...

On the 1st of January 2015, the age pension assessment of account-based pensions changed. Assessment of account-based pensions was brought in line with other “financial Investments”. What does this mean? The balance of the account-based pension, regardless of the income being drawn down, was assessed in the same way as...

When saving for a long-term goal, such as retirement, is it better to save small amounts for a long time, perhaps saving when we can ill-afford to, or waiting until later in life and putting larger amounts aside when it is more affordable? This question has plagued society for decades...