Tom Ellison

Tom Ellison

Before becoming an award-winning financial advisor and stockbroker, Tom Ellison was a policy advisor and Financial Information Service officer for Australia’s Department of Human Services, so there’s not much about retirement planning he doesn’t know about.

He’s also worked as a journalist, financial analyst and managing editor of The Barefoot Investor newsletter.

These days, as a writer and communications consultant, Tom works with businesses and superannuation funds to help turn complex issues into words that most people can understand.

He also runs a financial education business, The Naked Investor, which aims to help everyday Australians learn more about investing, understand how super works, and unravel the complexities of the share market. The Naked Investor publishes a subscription-only newsletter for investors ready to get started in the share market.

When time permits, Tom’s putting the finishing touches on two books – Super Made Sexy, and Three Chickens and One Dog (Planning the Perfect Retirement).

Although he’s now a resident of Queensland, he still calls Tasmania home.

A difference of 1 per cent in fees could make a difference of 20 per cent in your final retirement payout. Image source: Getty
I can’t say our casual acceptance of the growing divide between rich and poor makes me proud to be Australian. Source: Getty
For the assets test, the house you live in is really the only thing that isn't taken into account. Source: Getty
Last year alone, more than 40,000 claims for Age Pension were rejected.  Source: Getty Images.
It’s important you correct the values of your assets such as, bank accounts, investments, cars, and home contents regularly. The majority of your assets depreciate over time, providing an opportunity to increase your pension. Source: Getty Images
Buying a brand new car might not be all that it's cracked up to be. Source: Getty
Of our 25 million population, only about 40 per cent actually pay income tax. So for every taxpayer, there’s about $100,000 in government debt. Source: Getty
Deciding whether or not to put money into a nest egg can be tricky. Source: Getty.
When you have to dig into your super for big expenses, is common to worry about the tax implications. Source: Getty.