Digital Divide: are you being left to your own devices?
Published 13 October 2021
It's hard to keep up with technology when it's constantly changing and becoming increasingly expensive. However, refusing to accept advances in technology may mean you get left behind quicker than you think. (lme)
Do you really need financial advice?
Published 6 October 2021
There seems to be consensus that Australia needs better, cheaper financial planners, but do we really? Or does the problem lie elsewhere? (pve)
Worried about massive government debt for future generations? Well, you shouldn’t be
Published 6 October 2021
The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) found that the impact of COVID-19 remains “profound and uncertain” but that the Australian economy can outgrow its debt with interest unlikely to become a large burden on the public purse. [more]
Ageism, it’s on for young and old: research
Published 29 September 2021
Even though the workforce is increasingly ageing, employees are being viewed as ‘older’ at a much earlier age. It's a surprising finding of recent research.
SMSFs: mates’ rates are out!
Published 29 September 2021
If you have a self-managed super fund with member accounts in accumulation phase, watch out for the ATO's crack-down on non-arm's length SMSF income.
How sure are you that you will never move again?
Published 29 September 2021
DO you ever catch yourself saying that you will never move again or that they will have to carry you out of your home in a box?
NSW COVID-19 passport must include everybody
Published 22 September 2021
While older people as a group have the highest rate of full COVID-19 vaccination in the country, their rate of digital connectedness is much lower. At the reopening of New South Wales, they now risk being left out in the cold in the absence of workable vaccine passport alternatives. [more]
What’s the underlying reason for mentioning underlying health conditions in COVID reporting?
Published 22 September 2021
When announcing COVID-19-related stats, officials are quick to mention if underlying health conditions played a part. [more]
How higher inflation leads to bigger pension indexation increases
Published 22 September 2021
Low inflation has equated to low pension indexation increases in recent years. September 2021 is proving different, but will it last?
Aged care in nursing homes: new website reports on the underbelly
Published 15 September 2021
Aged care workers, residents, friends and family can now record understaffing and its consequences in their nursing home on the Aged Care Watch website, challenging the secrecy in which nursing homes operate.
Windows 11: is your computer a smooth operator?
Published 15 September 2021
Windows 11 promises enhanced security features. This is good news, but not all computers will be able to be upgraded. Those left behind older versions of Windows will most likely be targeted by hackers. Find out how to check if your computer can be upgraded. [more]
Don’t suffer in silence paying energy bills
Published 15 September 2021
In 2021, older people haven’t received cash payments like those that were handed out last year but there is still some help on offer if you’re struggling financially.
Is your MySuper fund a dud?
Published 8 September 2021
MySuper sounds better than default super fund, or the fund-you-get-put-into-if-you-don’t- choose-a-super-fund-yourself, but that’s what MySuper is. If you fall into the uninterested-in-my-superannuation-because-it's-boring-and-all-too-much category, a recent performance test of all MySuper funds may change that view. [more]
Funerals: IPART greenlights wrongdoing
Published 8 September 2021
NSW funeral directors must publish price lists and stick to them. Problem is, only some do, and an even bigger problem is that regulators clearly don't care whether directors comply or not.
Social housing going backwards in NSW
Published 8 September 2021
In NSW spending on social housing is down, social housing as a proportion of total housing is down but the waiting list for social housing is also down, how is that possible? Some moves by the NSW Government play a large part.
Self-managed super: could you do your own accounts and save?
Published 1 September 2021
Do you pay thousands in fees to have your SMSF accounts and SMSF tax return prepared and audited? Did you know that you don't really have to get an accountant to do it?
Home Care Packages: aids and equipment may be harder to get
Published 1 September 2021
From 1 September, the Government is paying Home Care Package providers in arrears for services provided to care recipients. A logical measure but one that may make getting aids and equipment even more difficult than it was before.
Electricity: how to register as a life support customer
Published 1 September 2021
If you or someone you live with needs to use life supporting medical equipment at home such as home dialysis, ventilators or oxygen concentrators, you should register as a life support customer with your energy retailer as soon as possible. [more]
Energy vouchers up and free payphones
Published 25 August 2021
Households in financial hardship can access more assistance for energy costs and Telstra has made its payphones free of charge.
Afterpay or afterdebt, don’t be fooled by the no-interest promise
Published 25 August 2021
Remember the old lay-bys? You wouldn’t get what you wanted until it was paid off, without interest. Now there’s a new version. You get what you wanted to buy straight away, no interest. Sounds too good to be true?
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