Dollars and Making Sense

Understanding retirement age is rather important. Is it 60, 65 or 67? or none of the above? Justin Bott from Services Australia joins us to discuss some interesting considerations when deciding on when to retire. Money is just a small part of the equation, albeit important! We need to consider aspiration, health, finances, super, retirement aims, and what to do with the nest egg you've been planning for all your life. Now its time to spend it all - but can we? Tune in to find out what are some of the many considerations of when is the right time to retire - or maybe not retire at all?

Michelle Griffiths, a CPA and a FP rolled into one, a rare gem, and we're pleased to have her on the show discussing some nuance around the new Div296 legislation coming into play from 1 July 2026.  Natasha and Stuart from IFPA have explained the facts, now we have a different perspective from Michelle on timing.  To do nothing sometimes is the best strategy - if you know what the strategy should be.  This week, we delve into some aspects on when to act with regard to super balances that need attention as a result of the upcoming laws.  Not to be missed, on Dollars & Making Sense.

Stuart Sheary, subject matter expert from IFPA (Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia) joins us as we start navigating through some major changes in our superannuation system.  Much vaunted since compulsory super came in 30+ years ago, it can get increasingly complex.  Determining who can and can't be paid a death benefit and what tax may apply is a subject of many assumptions and incorrect information.  This week we seek to inform, educate and hopefully untangle some preconceptions surrounding what happens when a family member dies, and the estate and super are part of the settlement.  Nasty tax bills could arise if you're not careful or informed.

With International Women's Day being recently celebrated, we welcome back long time contributor to the show, Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money.  We're discussing progress in women's financial literacy, education and the continuing trend of independent women striking out on their own, despite some pop culture media suggesting directions should be the opposite.  FutureFund2 gets a revisit as well as the outreach program Philippa has done with Queen Chilenga in Kalgoorie.  A show not to be missed no matter what.

This week, Justin Bott, Media Information Office from Services Australia (also known as Centrelink) comes on to discuss the pros and cons of reverse mortgages.  For many that have all their assets tied up in the family home, this could be a valuable way to unlock much needed cash flow.  But buyer beware, there are many traps as well as benefits.  We also discuss for those of pension age, the government offering in reverse mortgages could be just what is required.  As always, contact a professional adviser if you're not sure, and just in case.

There are many misconceptions about the Aged Pension, who can access it, who is entitled to it, and what are the rules that surround applying for, and getting the Aged Pension.  This week, we welcome back Justin Bott, Media Information Officer from Services Australia, (better known as Centrelink).  Justin is a wealth of information and guides us through what "deeming" is, the income and assets means test and how it can impact what you do or don't get paid as part of your entitlements.  The Services Australia website is a wealth of information as is the government's Financial Information Service.

Are you a travelling pensioner? Then tune in to listen to Justin Bott from Services Australia explain what is, and is not permissable under the Age Pension travel rules and regulations. Valuable information for grey nomads, both locally and internationally.

There's a lot of money sitting in the Medicare coffers at the moment that belongs to Australians who never bothered to claim their rebate. Tune in to listen to Justin Bott from Services Australia explain what to do, and how to retreive money that is rightfully yours.

Ian McLeod, principal of RP Emery Legal Agreements returns to chat to us about financial agreements.  Last year we featured 2 shows about binding financial agreements and prenuptial agreements which garnered a LOT of discussion and views.  In today's interview, we focus on timing of agreements and how important they can be in relationships and couples looking to "go the distance".  We also tackle the gnarly question of large traditional holdings like the family farm, and how they are handled.

This week, we follow up with part 2 of what is the difference between non-concessional contributions and concessional contributions in our superannuation system.  Natasha Panagis knows what she's talking about, so tune in to find out if for any range of reasons you over contribute without even knowing it.  This is important stuff for your retirement planning.

Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money continues in Part 2 of the Future 2 Grants program and how it is being rolled out to a program of over 40s and under 40s women.  What are the key components of the program including the "why", not just the "how".  Tune in to find out what the future of the Future2 program is like at Wise Girls Money and Dollars & Making Sense.

Philippa Hunt from Wise Girls Money makes a welcome return to discuss the Future2 grants program and the strides being taken to assist women in need and promoting financial literacy.  True to the idiom, feed a village fish, they eat for a day, teach them how to fish sustainably, they feed themselves into the future.  We explore the program and how its being rolled out into Queen Chillenga's Kalgoorlie constituents and beyond.  Part 1 of an excellent 2 part series.

We welcome a new contributor, Nick Raphaely, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of AltX, a private credit provider that has a strong history.  In this show we look for some clarity on why Private Credit is all of a sudden the hottest topic in town.  Given private credit has been around for well over 20 years, this is a curious development in the Asset Class discussions given private credit is primarily a loan - fixed income investment.  Nick provides some excellent primer's into why this is a great investment choice, tinged with a hint of caution and "buyer beware".

Can your parents help you buy a home or gift money or assets without affecting their payments or estate planning?  After listening to this episode featuring Justin Bott, Media Information Officer from Services Australia (Centrelink) you're likely to think that is NOT the case.  There is impact everywhere you look when Mum & Dad decide they'd like to help out, and even with the best of intentions, it is sometimes far better to "look before you leap", here on Dollars & Making Sense.

We continue our discussion on dealing with couples that fight over money and the causes and potential solutions.  Drawing on some excellent research from the Journal of Social & Personal Relationships done in 2023, we discuss important issues around themes in a couple including fairness, equality and balance, together with compromise and approaches to better budgeting and financial management in couples.  What is the fair share when the work if valued differently, and do separate bank accounts work or not?  Great discussion points and an excellent completion of this series in Part 2.

Justin Bott, Media Information Officer from Services Australia (Centrelink) is welcomed back as Scam Awareness week comes and goes.  A great refresher on what to do and NOT do to avoid being scammed.  The losses keep accumulating, and don't think you're immune, even the brightest, savviest out there have been stung.  Tune in to find out what the latest happenings are on Dollars & Making Sense.

We welcome back Queen Chilenga, a financial social worker providing education and coaching in the Kalgoorlie community is eastern WA.  Queen has first hand experience in dealing with couples that fight over money and the causes and potential solutions.  Drawing on some excellent research from the Journal of Social & Personal Relationships done in 2023, we discuss important issues around themes in a couple including fairness, equality and balance, together with compromise and approaches to better budgeting and financial management in couples.  Part 1 of an excellent 2 part series.

Maybe there's a silver lining to the proposed super tax.  Michelle Griffiths of TAG Financial Services returns to put forward some great ideas about what can be done about working with the proposed new super tax structures.  Maybe the sky isn't falling down around our ears at this time?  Check this interview out for great tips and tricks on the next steps in adjusting and calibrating your superannuation, always value add on Dollars & Making Sense

A year ago Biden was still in the presidential race, Trump had been shot and Albo was written off by the media as a lost cause.  So what's happened in 12 months, and what's the impact on investing, money supply, interest rates and the general outlook?  We welcome back CEO of Coredata, of the world's leading financial research houses to discuss what's going on, and whether "boring is the new sexy".  Some key takeways you don't want to miss on Dollars & Making Sense, a weekly show about finance, money & investing.

We welcome a new guest this week, Paul Miron from MSquared Capital who will explain what is private credit.  Why is it so popular now and what are some key requirements to keep in mind when considering investing in this emerging asset class.  Private credit is not new however the growth of the sector in the past 5 years has made it a special case for increased education, one that OTG Capital and many other companies, including MSquared now participate in.

If you're getting payments from Services Australia, its part of your responsibilities to let them know when things change.  It may surprise you, but the government don't monitor everything you do, and no, they can't read your minds either.  We welcome back Justin Bott, Community Information Officer to assist in explaining what needs to be done to ensure you continue to get the right rate of payments and no surprises.  You'll enjoy this interview and remember the golden 14 day rule to inform whenever something changes.  And if you're not sure?  Notify early and notify often!

Now is the time to be preparing for your tax returns and if you're receiving a government payment of any sort, we have Justin Bott from Services Australia to explain what needs to be done.  There are certain things you can do to make those tasks easier which includes the government website and some easy calculator tools. Tune in to find out a great freeby offer to help those who might struggle with technology too.

In our final installment on life cover inside superannuation, Natasha Panagis from IFPA elaborates on the detail of temporary incapacity and how that varies with the other types of life cover in previous episodes.  There are tax benefits and tips & traps to be aware of, tune in to find out why this form of cover is increasingly important for those needing to ensure continuity of earnings.  This wraps up and brings together an important element of how super not only saves for your retirement, yet also can incapsulate insuring your most important asset - You!

We continue our series on life insurance in superannuation with Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (ifpa.com.au) as she joins us for part 3 of a 4 part series on life insurance cover inside superannuation.  Today we're discussing TPD, temporary & permanent disability cover.  The big conundrum of any versus own occupation cover and what is and is not allowable within your superannuation policy.  Definitions can be important, all on Dollars & Making Sense.

We welcome a new presenter to the show, Kerry Said from Wealth Creation Advisors.  Kerry is a 30 year industry veteran who specialises in SMSFs and working with clients to achieve their financial goals.  Constructing a long term investment portfolio can be relatively simply if you follow some basic steps.  Six of them in fact! And we're covering them off in today's show, check out the blog for references and Kerry's wise words of wisdom.  If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

We continue our series on life insurance in superannuation with Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (ifpa.com.au) as she joins us for part 2 of a 4 part series on life insurance cover inside superannuation.  Today we're discussing terminal illness cover and what constitutes correct conditions of release for APRA funds as well as SMSFs.  What are the implications if you're terminally ill, all on Dollars & Making Sense.

Natasha Panagis from the Institute of Financial Professionals of Australia (ifpa.com.au) joins us for part 1 of a 4 part series on life insurance cover inside superannuation.  Today we're discussing life insurance, beneficiaries and the difference between super beneficiaries and tax beneficiaries.  Pros and cons of taking life insurance within the super environment, all on Dollars & Making Sense.

Justin Bott, Information Officer from Services Australia joins us again in discussing 4 very important documents you need to consider for Estate Planning.  Now we usually don't like to discuss dying, however by planning better, we gift our family and friends with the knowledge and understanding of what we want done not only when we pass away in a Will, but also if we become incapacitated in some way via an EPOA.  Given stats tell us 1 in 3 will get Alzeimhers or dementia, this is a real prospect.  Tune in to learn about Guardianship also and Health choices.  Excellent information from Services Australia.

Justin Bott, Information Office from Services Australia (Centrelink) joins us again to work through free money.  Yes, "free money", money that is yours but you've either forgotten to claim it, or forgotten about it.  We cover off easy ones like lost superannuation sitting in too many accounts that you've lost track of, through to old banks accounts, investments you no longer thought you had, and the hidden one that surprises?  Unclaimed Medicare payments that total almost one quarter of a billion dollars.  Tune in to find out whether you're missing out, and don't worry, there isn't a time limit, if the money is yours? it remains yours.

Philippa Hunt joins us for 2025s first recorded session and its very topical as the massive intergenerational transfer of wealth is underway, and women with property transactions will be the ones most likely in the front of the wave of money hitting the trenches.  All is not well as we discover as Philippa, a fully qualified financial planner and physcoligist explains.  There are many facets to consider none the least being the dramatic lack of financial education amoung boomer women.  Tune in to find out where to get the best information and a great place to start, here at Dollars & Making Sense a weekly show about money, finance and investing.

Justin Bott from Services Australia here again to illuminate us on a government concession card that is widely misunderstood, and as a result, widely not used.  The Concession Health Card is widely available to all taxpayers irrespectively of age and in many cases with very generous limits.  Tune in to be surprised and how you need to apply for this card.  One of the many services available to all taxpayers that helps with day to day living expenses.

Home owners looking to move onto their next place have a unique opportunity to top up their super balances.  This week we welcome a new contributor from IFPA (Institute of Financial Professionals Australia), Stuart Sheary, tech specialist and we're deep diving into Downsizer Contributions to superannuation.  If you own your own home, and need a neat way to bring your retirement balance closer to your goal, this may be a great way of doing it.  Stuart works through the "tips and traps" to take advantage the next time you decide to sell up and move on.