SMSFs

Younger generations gleefully anticipating inheriting from their parents and grandparents need to take heed of the myriad potential capital gains and income tax traps.

From the wisdom of the ancients to Russian authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy to “modern” authors such as George Orwell and Mark Twain, immersing yourself in great works of literature will be time well spent.

The Federal Government (with Opposition support) has introduced sweeping changes to the sector in a bid to ease pressure on the budget as the number of elderly Australians rises exponentially.

There’s nothing better than a leisurely conversation with a friend or family member over a cup of coffee or a beer (or two). Here’s some suggestions on how to get the best from these moments that can add great pleasure to seniors’ lives.

A wise man once said, “grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder and a little warmer”. Nowhere is this noble sentiment more evident than when they actively participate in helping the younger generation learn.

For many seniors, that classic British comedy, The Good Life, was their introduction to what it’s like to be self-sufficient. Back in the 1970s, it was something to laugh at, not emulate. Today more people are opting for the life of Tom and Barbara Good, just not in the London suburb of Surbiton.

Whether it’s the allure of the fresh sea air or the quieter lifestyle of an inland town, both have their advantages — and disadvantages. It ultimately depends on what best suits your lifestyle and wallet.

While the APRA funds benefited from a surge in overseas equity markets in 2022-23, over the past five years to June 30, 2023, SMSFs have outperformed them, on average, by 1.2 percentage points a year.

Retired and bored. There’s no excuse, really. There is so much challenging, educational and fulfilling material online to fill in the day. The silver lining is that much of it is free.

Love reading but have trouble fitting it into a busy schedule? In that case, listening to your beloved authors is an enticing alternative, especially if the narrator just happens to be your favourite Hollywood star.

The older people get, the more cover they need, and the costlier it gets – especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions. The irony is they have typically never been in a better position, either timewise or financially, to travel.

While the headline number was a 3.73 per cent increase, what it concealed was that four of the big five funds had higher increases. Now National Seniors Australia wants to make private health insurance an election issue.