Money

Your Money

Alarmingly more than half of Australians don't have a valid will in place. Source: Getty Images.

News

Dying to Know Day: Aussies urged to break down the stigma around end of life planning

The discussion around end-of-life planning comes to the fore on Monday, August 8 as Australians are urged to prioritise conversations around death and dying as part of Dying to Know Day.

Written byMatthew Hart

Four key strategies for addressing key issues and promoting sustainable growth in Aged Care

The government costs of providing subsidised aged care for around 1.5 million seniors are set to blow out, while earnings for providers are dropping. The paper raises serious questions about whether the system can survive the measures needed to address the issue of sustainability in Aged Care.

Written byThe Conversation

While demand for subsidised services is high and rising, many parts of the system need improvement. The federal budget can’t solve these problems by placing the entire burden on taxpayers. Source: Getty

Your daily retirement budget: How much can retirees afford to spend?

Starts at 60 examined the major daily expenses that over 60s need to consider when they retire, and how the cost of living will impact their daily budget while consulting financial experts to find out how retirees can best navigate this financial minefield.

Written byMatthew Hart

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that 31 per cent of older Australians feel insecure regarding their financial future. Source: Getty Images.

The ‘damaging’ myGov phishing scam catching out ‘unsuspecting’ Aussies

The new scam impersonates myGov and claims that the recipient has an outstanding account refund of $736.98 AUD for the purpose of stealing bank accounts and credit card details.

Written byKiara Camuglia

Companies such as MailGuard and Scamwatch offer verification services for customers seeking to identify whether or not a message/email/offer they have received is legitimate. Source: Getty

Retirement looming: how to set yourself up if you are asset rich and income poor

Ensure peace of mind once you’re retired: consolidating debt, credit cards into one facility

Written byBoomer Home Loans

Planning for an extended retirement is one thing. Being able to afford it is another. Image source: Getty

Q&A

Retirement Income

‘Is $2M in super and savings enough for a comfortable retirement?’

by Rodney Horin

Financial planning

‘How much Rent Assistance can I get with a pension and nearly $600K in assets?’

by Rachel Lane

Estate planning

‘Should I give my home to my daughter now or will it to her?’

by Brian Herd

Retirement Income

‘Can a 58-year-old, full-time worker use their super to pay off a mortgage?’

by Jim Kilkenny

Estate planning

‘Should I have contested my partner’s will after his kids got everything?’

by Brian Herd

The hard retirement choices an 'average' couple will have to make

The hard retirement choices an ‘average’ couple will have to make

Finding additional income from somewhere will be a necessity for most. Read the article

End of life planning

The complete state-by-state guide to probate: Who needs it and when

If you’re the executor of a loved one’s estate, your role will almost certainly involve distributing assets, as well as possibly paying debts or overseeing the sale of property or other belongings. But there are a number of steps required by law before you start dealing with the deceased’s finances.

Money ExpertNoel WhittakerThe Financial Wizard of Oz

Money ExpertJim KilkennyThe Financial Services and Investment Veteran

Money ExpertNick BruiningThe Retirement Income Expert

Money ExpertBrian HerdThe Elder Law Legal Eagle

PROPERTY EXPERTRachel LaneThe Retirement Living and Aged Care Guru

Money ExpertTom EllisonThe Naked Investor

Your Money's Sections

Our money section is broken into four core pillars. Each is packed with expert insights, real life questions and helpful information.

Everyday Money

Accounts, bills, budgets, cash, credit, consumer protections, products, payment platforms, rates and more; over-60s want to get the best out of their most frequent financial transactions because they know if they look after the pennies, the pounds look after themselves.

Retirement Income

When you’ve worked for 40 years or more, knowing you can finally kick back without financial worries really matters. That’s why the pillars of Australia’s retirement income system are top topics; super, the Age Pension, mainstream investments, personal savings and property are all in focus here.

Planning for Later Life

All of this looking after the pennies and maintaining a secure but not indulgent retirement income means wealth to pass on. There’s no taboo on talking about death; we regularly discuss the nitty gritty on who, what, when and how when it comes to estate and end-of-life planning.

The Big Questions

Starts at 60 Community members submit their questions to us for response by our financial experts. Helpful insights from real life situations.

The latest from our partners

Financial Planning

‘I worked too hard all my life to keep saying no to good things in retirement’

Vivienne spent more than a year researching options to boost her retirement income - you might be surprised at what she chose.

Written byHousehold Capital

Retirement Income

How an Australian mortgage trust could help meet your retirement income needs

Access competitive returns on an investment that’s carefully risk-managed by a trusted Australian fund manager.

Written byTrilogy Funds

Investment

DIY investment or super: What to consider when choosing the option for you

Just as most people on Grand Designs end up learning, DIY is never as easy or cheap as it looks.

Written byChristine Seib

From the experts

When if the last time you assessed your superannuation account's performance? Source: Getty

News

Self Managed Super Funds: Everything you need to know

When if the last time you assessed your superannuation account's performance?

Written byAimee Courtney

Age Pension

Downsizer contribution: All of your questions, answered

Thinking of downsizing, but don’t know where to begin with your finances or superannuation? We’ve asked Australia’s most trusted finance...

Money ExpertNoel Whittaker

Downsizing is never simple, but Noel Whittaker, has all the best tips. Source: Getty

Age Pension

Maximise your Age Pension: Top tricks to get you more and the traps you should avoid

Pensioners owe it to themselves to make sure they’re getting their full entitlement. Here’s how to do it.

Money ExpertTom Ellison

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

Experts

Cars can kill you financially

Financial expert, Tom Ellison, shares his secrets on what makes buying a brand new car such a bad idea during retirement.

Money ExpertTom Ellison

Experts

The bank of mum and dad for property: how to protect yourself when lending money to your kids

As the property market continues to boom and prices skyrocket, it is even more likely than ever you’ll get a call from your adult children asking for some financial help to buy a home.

Written byBarry Frakes

78% of over-60s surveyed said they had helped their kids get on the property ladder

News

Avo’ go at the price of these avocados

If you’ve been into a supermarket recently, you’ve likely seen huddles of shoppers in the fruit and vegetable section, pushing...

Written byAimee Courtney

KAMPALA, CENTRAL REGION, UGANDA - SEPTEMBRE 24: Avocados cardboard box ready for shipment on Septembre 24, 2018 in Kampala, Central Region, Uganda. (Photo by Camille Delbos/Art In All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images)

Health

What happens if I lose capacity due to dementia?

There are nearly half a million Australians living with dementia today, with that number potentially doubling across the next 25 years. Do you know what steps need to be taken, if diagnosed with dementia?

Written byAnna Hacker

Many Australians are unsure of what to do, in the case of a dementia diagnosis. Source: Getty

Experts

Over-60s and the budget: The pros and the potential pitfalls to avoid

Find out what the Budget 2021-22 really has to offer older Australians – and where there’s a sting in the tail.

Money ExpertNick Bruining

The treasurer unveiled the budget on Tuesday night. Source: Getty

Financial planning

‘Shameful’: Experts slam ASIC’s latest financial adviser fee increase

The fee hike, published by the industry watchdog, represents an increase of 160 per cent over two years for financial advisers.

Written byAnna Wall

Numbers of Australian financial advisers have dropped from about 25,200 in 2017/18 to just 21,200 now. Source: Getty

Aged care

Don’t let the ageing parent trap derail your retirement

Brian Herd shares 10 tips to help you prepare for your ageing parent's future to avoid stressful disputes – and pave the way for a peaceful retirement.

Money ExpertBrian Herd

The needs of ageing parents is a ticking time bomb topic that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Source: Getty

Estate planning

How to spot when elderly loved ones are being manipulated for financial gain

Leigh Adams reveals the early warning signs a family member may be trying to unfairly access more of an estate and how to stop this in its tracks.

Money ExpertLeigh Adams

It's better to identify a potential problem early and nip it in the bud before it's too late. Source: Getty

Retirement Income

‘If I’m in a tough spot financially, is it smart to move to an income stream?’

"Creating a super income stream because you 'need' to isn't always the right approach."

Money ExpertJim Kilkenny

This reader wants to know if it's better for his overall financials to drip feed his super into his pocket rather than take it out in a lump sum. Source: Getty.

Aged care

5 key considerations when researching residential aged care in 2021

"There is probably no other industry in Australia that has such a confusing array of jargon, acronyms and nuances."

Money ExpertRodney Horin

The aged care system can be a maze. Here's how to know if you're doing it right. Source: Getty.

Estate planning

‘Should I have contested my partner’s will after his kids got everything?’

"There is probably not a lot to gain from a 'shoulda' or 'coulda' analysis."

Money ExpertBrian Herd

Even though the ship has now sailed, one reader wants to know if she should have contested her partner's will when he passed away. Source: Getty.

Estate planning

Avoiding disaster: How to choose the right power of attorney

We look at some of the common mistakes involving POAs and how you can avoid them.

Estate planning expertMarie Brownell

Don't want your estate to crash and burn after you're gone? Choose the right POA to take care of it. Source: Getty.

Watch Starts at 60 Masterclasses

Starts at 60 Members are invited to attend our retirement masterclasses. These are some of the money masterclasses we've held in the past 12 months.

Starts At 60 Masterclass

Watch Now: Managing your Money in Uncertain Times

Watch our online panel event on how you can manage your money in the uncertain times. It covers 1. Ensuring access to your bank accounts 2. Staying calm about super 3. Updating end-of-life planning 4. Key themes emerging from the economy.

Starts At 60 Masterclass

Watch Now: All your digital banking questions answered

Learn about the tech keeping your money safe online, how you can easily keep yourself safe from scammers and the many things you can do with digital banking – without needing to leave your home!

Starts At 60 Masterclass

Downsize or don't: Retirement income post-Covid 19

If you’re worried about whether your retirement income will last the distance or whether to downsize now our later, our online masterclass with financial guru Noel Whittaker, downsizing expert Rachel Lane and economics commentator Adam Creighton has the answers.

Watch: Your Money

Here's a selection of videos to help you navigate your money issues as you are nearing, and in retirement.

Everyday Money

Watch: Creating a budget for your retirement

Everyday Money

How you can help your kids while in retirement

Retirement Income

What do I do with my money when I retire?

Browse all Your Money videos

Money

Your Money

News

Dying to Know Day: Aussies urged to break down the stigma around end of life planning

How much you really need to comfortably retire exposed

How much you really need to comfortably retire exposed

Estate planning: What happens if you die without a Will in place?

Estate planning: What happens if you die without a Will in place?

Think smarter: a powerful way to fund your big retirement ambitions

Think smarter: a powerful way to fund your big retirement ambitions

Good will hunting : The essential scenarios to consider when planning your Will

Good will hunting : The essential scenarios to consider when planning your Will

Top tips for budgeting on a pension

Top tips for budgeting on a pension

‘Expected to bite’: How the RBA’s interest rate rise will impact over 60s

‘Expected to bite’: How the RBA’s interest rate rise will impact over 60s

The seven deadly sins of estate planning

The seven deadly sins of estate planning

Four key strategies for addressing key issues and promoting sustainable growth in Aged Care

Four key strategies for addressing key issues and promoting sustainable growth in Aged Care

Your daily retirement budget: How much can retirees afford to spend?

Your daily retirement budget: How much can retirees afford to spend?

The ‘damaging’ myGov phishing scam catching out ‘unsuspecting’ Aussies

The ‘damaging’ myGov phishing scam catching out ‘unsuspecting’ Aussies

Retirement looming: how to set yourself up if you are asset rich and income poor

Retirement looming: how to set yourself up if you are asset rich and income poor

Q&A

‘Is $2M in super and savings enough for a comfortable retirement?’

by Rodney Horin

‘How much Rent Assistance can I get with a pension and nearly $600K in assets?’

by Rachel Lane

‘Should I give my home to my daughter now or will it to her?’

by Brian Herd

‘Can a 58-year-old, full-time worker use their super to pay off a mortgage?’

by Jim Kilkenny

‘Should I have contested my partner’s will after his kids got everything?’

by Brian Herd

The hard retirement choices an 'average' couple will have to make

The hard retirement choices an ‘average’ couple will have to make

End of life planning

The complete state-by-state guide to probate: Who needs it and when

Expert contributors

Your Money's Sections

Our money section is broken into four core pillars. Each is packed with expert insights, real life questions and helpful information.

Everyday Money

Retirement Income

Planning for Later Life

The Big Questions

The latest from our partners

‘I worked too hard all my life to keep saying no to good things in retirement’

How an Australian mortgage trust could help meet your retirement income needs

DIY investment or super: What to consider when choosing the option for you

From the experts

News

Self Managed Super Funds: Everything you need to know

Downsizer contribution: All of your questions, answered

Downsizer contribution: All of your questions, answered

Maximise your Age Pension: Top tricks to get you more and the traps you should avoid

Maximise your Age Pension: Top tricks to get you more and the traps you should avoid

Cars can kill you financially

Cars can kill you financially

The bank of mum and dad for property: how to protect yourself when lending money to your kids

The bank of mum and dad for property: how to protect yourself when lending money to your kids

Avo’ go at the price of these avocados

Avo’ go at the price of these avocados

What happens if I lose capacity due to dementia?

What happens if I lose capacity due to dementia?

Over-60s and the budget: The pros and the potential pitfalls to avoid

Over-60s and the budget: The pros and the potential pitfalls to avoid

‘Shameful’: Experts slam ASIC’s latest financial adviser fee increase

‘Shameful’: Experts slam ASIC’s latest financial adviser fee increase

Don’t let the ageing parent trap derail your retirement

Don’t let the ageing parent trap derail your retirement

How to spot when elderly loved ones are being manipulated for financial gain

How to spot when elderly loved ones are being manipulated for financial gain

‘If I’m in a tough spot financially, is it smart to move to an income stream?’

‘If I’m in a tough spot financially, is it smart to move to an income stream?’

5 key considerations when researching residential aged care in 2021

5 key considerations when researching residential aged care in 2021

‘Should I have contested my partner’s will after his kids got everything?’