Pension
Opinion
Opinion
Deeming freeze a plus for pensioners, but rates can’t stagnate forever
The freezing of deeming rates has provided some certainty in an environment of rising interest rates. But at some point they will need to rise.
- by Noel Whittaker
Latest
Opinion
Opinion
Want to help the housing crisis? Bring back the pensioner savings account
Part of solving the current housing crisis needs to be removing financial barriers for people who want to downsize. Pensioners are a good place to start.
- by Rachel Lane
Opinion
Ask an expert
If I use up my super on a lavish holiday, can I still get the pension?
Taking an expensive overseas holiday using your superannuation should have no bearing on your pension eligibility when the time comes.
- by Noel Whittaker
Opinion
Ask an expert
I’ve paid taxes all my life. Am I entitled to a full pension?
Your entitlement to an age pension is determined based on need, not the amount of tax you’ve paid.
- by Paul Benson
Opinion
Retirement living
A comfortable retirement? Not on these numbers
As a recent retiree, I finally have more free time on my hands. I confess, I use a chunk of that free time wondering how long I can afford to enjoy all that free time.
- by Paul McShane
Opinion
Ask an expert
My bush property is too big for me to get the pension. What can I do?
While being on acreage can be pleasant, the size of your property can risk stymieing your pension options.
- by Paul Benson
Analysis
Analysis
Why the age pension rules are ‘incredibly biased’ against renters
A new analysis highlights how tough it is for renters in retirement, particularly those who are single.
- by John Collett
Opinion
Retirement living
How early can you retire? These are the key dates to know
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the retirement process, from the steps leading up to retirement to navigating life post-retirement.
- by Bec Wilson
Opinion
Superannuation
What a way to start Easter – a plan to smash the nest-egg
One way to limit the budgetary cost of superannuation is to make its sole purpose to allow people to live comfortably in retirement. That’s not what’s going on now.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Opinion
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
Exclusive
Services Australia
The government agency with a backlog of more than one million claims
Services Australia is grappling with 1.1 million unprocessed health and welfare claims. Its new boss David Hazlehurst wants to halve that by the middle of this year.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons