Qualifying for the Age Pension – Part One

As we move towards a federal election you can bet that retirees will be a major focus for all political parties. After all, they are the fastest growing group in the country and most of them have plenty of time on their hands to voice their opinions. But the system is complex, and many people …

Noel Whittaker’s Awards for 2021

As we count down to Christmas, it’s time to have some fun and recognise those who have made unique contributions to the world of money in 2021. Let’s start with bitcoin. I gave it the Golden Tulip Award in 2017 for the fastest growing “asset class” when it rose 1671% in just one year. Then …

Aged Care Checklist

Choosing an aged care home for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. Sadly, for many families it is a decision undertaken in haste, with adult children asked to make a shortlist of acceptable homes within a matter of days. The government’s My Aged Care website can help you identify homes in your area, …

Superannuation Basics

Over the past week I’ve made three presentations to separate retiree groups, and from the questions being asked, it’s obvious many are still confused about superannuation. So today I’ll give you a brief overview, incorporating answers to many of their questions. First the good news: there is no limit on the amount your superannuation can …

Refundable Accommodation Bond

A major part of the current aged care system is the bond residents can choose to pay for their accommodation. It is known as a Refundable Accommodation Bond (RAD) and, as its name indicates, is refundable in full to the resident or their estate when they leave. The purpose of the bond is to provide …