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 […]
Read MoreA Cautionary Tale: Super Funds..sometimes you get what you pay for!
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. […]
Read MorePaying First Class Prices for Economy Service?
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in some cases, and are usually justified by an approach used by banks and larger firms which is becoming more and more outdated in the Financial Planning […]
Read MoreAustralians’ dangerous delay in retirement 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 […]
Read MoreFed Up with the Jargon? Get informed with FIS, & get a Financial Strategy
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 […]
Read MoreGESB Super: Transition to Retirement (TTR)
We are approached by many GESB Super members about the Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy. This is a strategy which offers great benefits for GESB members aged 55-65, in particular those with West State and/or Gold State accounts. However it is an area which often is complex, particularly when dealing with untaxed funds (West State) […]
Read MoreIs the Age Pension enough to live on in retirement?
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 […]
Read MoreGESB Super – Advice from the Experts
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 […]
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