Many of us spend a great deal of time planning for our retirement but understandably, often do not put the same degree of effort into planning for our deaths. It is not always a pleasant topic to think about, nor is it a commonly understood process. It is however a way of caring for your … Read more
When you’re here to supervise your worldly affairs, your voice, which reflects your current views, is heard, and more often than not, heeded. But when you’re not here, what voice will be heard? Will it be your most recent voice; an old voice from several years ago; or the voice of government legislation? Unfortunately, all … Read more
One fact of life is certain, we don’t stay young forever. As we grow older, everyday tasks can become tiresome; we suffer inevitable aches and pains and often have difficulty remembering things. But the ageing process should be seen as a privilege. We have retirement to look forward to, access to good healthcare and the … Read more
None of us likes to consider our own mortality. For our older loved ones, it’s an even more confronting topic and difficult to discuss. When Charles became ill, his family’s priority was to support him through his treatment, and keep him positive and as comfortable as possible. Typical of his generation, Charles had always been … Read more
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 if your family consists only of distant relatives your assets … Read more
Many of our best laid plans rarely follow through exactly as we might have hoped. However, it’s another story when it comes to planning for what happens after we’ve left this planet. Our ideas about who will benefit from our estate could potentially change often during our lifetime. Estate planning ensures that when we die, … Read more
As we move towards the end of yet another year and ponder how fast the last 12 months have come and gone, many of us find ourselves thinking about the coming year and our aspirations for the future. Let’s face it, we’ve worked hard throughout the year and now is the time to reflect on … Read more
Australia has emerged from a mix of wonderful cultures, many of which came to our country in search of a new life in a new country with great promise. The courage and commitment our forefathers brought with them from often difficult lives elsewhere has been the basis from which the Australian ethos of “never give … Read more
Are you taking care of elderly parents? Do you still have adult children living at home? Do the words ‘meat’ and ‘sandwich’ strike any chords with you? You could be a member of the “Sandwich Generation” without realising it! Sandwich Generation refers to people who are ‘sandwiched’ between caring for elderly parents and adult children … Read more
Supporting older loved ones no longer means removing their independence. With in-home care readily available, older people and their families are benefiting. A report by the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, confirmed, ‘Sustained enjoyment of life over many years could be linked with healthier behavioral choices, promoting longevity.’ “Sometimes I read these things,” Maria, a … Read more
Following on from last weeks article on aged care. Imagine you were no longer able to look after your financial affairs, or, less dramatically, simply found it an increasing burden to manage your money. How easy would it be for a trusted family member to step in and help you? There are many reasons why … Read more
A growing number of Australians are encountering the challenges of assisting elderly relatives with the move into aged care. One of them is David. Recently he had to help his 82-year-old mother, Jan, with the painful decision to move into care. It meant leaving the family home she had lived in for decades, separation from … Read more