Dementia Awareness Month
Did you know that dementia is now the second leading cause of death in Australia, and is the leading cause of death for women? Become involved in Dementia Awareness Month. Dementia is not just one illness, but rather is described by Dementia Australia as the...
read moreEarly access to super
We all know that our superannuation is there to provide for our financial needs in retirement. That means we can’t usually access our super until we reach preservation age and meet a condition of release. Preservation age is between 55 and 60, depending on date of...
read moreTime to review household debt
Fuelled by rising house prices and low interest rates, the level of personal debt in Australia is relatively high compared to many other countries.i The largest proportion of this debt is often used to purchase a valuable asset - the family home. With careful...
read moreReminder: Do you need to claim a personal tax deduction for superannuation contributions you made
If you have made a personal contribution in the last financial year and wish to claim it as a tax-deduction you will need to complete a valid Notice of Intent (NOI) form and send it to youir superannuation fund by the earlier of: - when they lodge their 2017-18 tax...
read moreAged Care – What you ought to know
By our Aged Care Specialist Melinda Hedges Most people want to remain independent throughout retirement and to stay in control of where and how they live. But your ability to do so may depend on your health and physical well-being. As we age, some things become harder...
read moreHow to talk money with children
Visit our eBook download page to find FPA's Money & Life How to talk money with children for ideas and activities to help kids and teens grasp the value of money in a digital...
read moreWhat is responsible lending and why does it matter?
Whether it’s due to over-enthusiastic lenders or desperate borrowers, failure to adhere to robust lending standards can land some borrowers in serious financial distress. In many cases the difficulties experienced by these borrowers could have been avoided if...
read moreIs a DIY Will kit enough?
More than 45% of Australians don’t have a valid Will. If you die without one, your hard-earned wealth (your estate) will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy – a government-determined formula. That may not divide your estate as you would like, and...
read moreA different way to help the grandkids
Many grandparents want to give their grandchildren a head start in life, and a common way to do so is to help by paying some (or all) of their school fees. This can, of course, simply be done by making a contribution at the time the fees are payable. However, it’s not...
read moreDon’t just sit there!
Do you have a twelve-a-day habit? We’re talking seated hours, not cigarettes, although recent studies indicate that sitting too much and moving too little can be just as bad for your health. The Victorian Government’s Better Health website suggests that sitting...
read more