Opinion
Pension
Do I need to be retired to get the age pension?
It is possible to still receive some pension if you’re working reduced hours – you’ll be assessed on the income test.
- by Noel Whittaker
Latest
Opinion
Negative gearing
Who in their right mind would want to stop negative gearing?
A few thousand dollars in tax deductions today will save the government hundreds of thousands of dollars in welfare down the track. What’s not to like?
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
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Can I avoid the Medicare levy if I salary sacrifice?
Salary sacrificing to buy a home will reduce your taxable income in the eyes of the ATO, but not when it comes to the Medicare levy.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
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Why do I have to withdraw more of my super as I get older?
While it might seem counterintuitive for the government to force you to draw down more of your super, there is method to the madness.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
Payments
Good riddance to cheques, but don’t ditch cash just yet
Cheques are an inefficient form of payment and should be phased out. Cash, however, is still used and valued by many.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
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Does having a holiday home mean we can’t get the pension?
It’s likely a holiday home with a decent value would exempt you from the pension, though that may change over time.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
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I have relatively simple finances, do I really need a will?
If you die without a will in place, your assets will be divvied up by the government – which can produce some unintended outcomes.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
Retirement living
Deeming dilemma: The major problem facing retirees – and Labor – this year
Deeming rates should undoubtably rise – but how far? Whatever happens, it’s not going to be popular with a large group of voters.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
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Should I pay off my HECS debt before I save for a home?
Opting to pay off your HECS debt before saving for a house may not always be the right move.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
Passive investing
Think you can beat the market? Hear this cautionary tale
Time and time again, people have told me they want to invest in shares. My response has always been the same.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
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How does living in a caravan park affect my pension?
Thanks to the quirks of the pension system, living in a caravan park and not a retirement village could be costing you up to $321 per fortnight.
- by Noel Whittaker