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As we enter 2023, long term (including lifetime) annuity strategies are a lot more attractive than they were a year ago, assisted by rapid interest rate rises in 2022. Many retirees are now seeking advice on annuity strategies. We’re finding that whilst most Australians are familiar with the concept, they need advice on how an […]

Whilst we don’t often comment on individual cases, I feel compelled to write about a shocking experience that a family member of mine recently had with her large Industry Super Fund (to prevent bias, we won’t name the fund in this case). She was due to receive a ‘Death Benefit Pension‘ from her late husband. […]

We often come across clients that are paying large ongoing fees for advice on their superannuation and investment portfolios. These fees may be upwards of $10,000 per year in some cases, and are usually justified by an approach used by banks and larger firms which is becoming more and more outdated in the Financial Planning […]

By Glenn Freeman, Morningstar’s Senior Editor: 20/03/17 A new study assessing the retirement readiness of Australians shows a worrying lack of planning and an over-reliance on products, at the expense of expert advice. In a survey of just under 7,000 people, 44 per cent of respondents indicated they feel prepared for retirement, with this figure down […]

We come across many people who have good intentions to plan their financial future, but find the rules, regulations and jargon of the financial services industry more than a little confusing! However it is important not to give up – understanding the rules around Superannuation, Account Based Pensions, the Age Pension and other financial matters […]

It’s a common question – Is the Age Pension enough to live on in retirement? As is so often the case, the answer is: ‘it depends’. It depends primarily on two things – your level of spending, and the amount of age pension that you are entitled to. ASFA (The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia) produces […]

  Many West Australians have worked in the public service at some stage in their career. Therefore, many people approach us with questions about their GESB Super – especially now that GESB have closed their Financial Planning division. See www.superreview.com.au/news/financial-advice/gesb-financial-advice-closes-up-shop The good news is that James and Julianna Baird at JustInvest are GESB Experts, having advised […]