The Retirement Series: longevity 

The Retirement Series: longevity  Australians are living longer, with men and women alike enjoying a life expectancy beyond their eightieth birthday1. According to the United Nations, we now have the third highest male and female combined life expectancy in the world, behind only Japan and Switzerland2. It’s great news for all of us hoping to enjoy life’s pleasures and passions during a long and healthy retirement. Provided we’re prepared for it, because we’re not …

Women need a plan for ‘early’ retirement

Women need a plan for ‘early’ retirement  We know women generally live longer than men, but new research shows the majority of Australian women are unlikely to work past the age of 65, making it more important than ever for them to take control of their finances early and plan appropriately for life after work. The latest AMP.NATSEM Report, Going the distance: Working longer, living healthier, has revealed the gender gap in the Australian workforce …

Five tips for happy healthy ageing

Five tips for happy healthy ageing The best ways to sustain or improve physical, mental and financial wellbeing in your pre and post retirement years are sometimes the simplest. If you’re in or approaching retirement, you may be surprised to know when it comes to living a longer life and leading a healthier and more active lifestyle, the best methods are often easy tasks you can turn into everyday habits. As Australians have one of …

A growing family doesn’t have to blow the budget

A growing family doesn’t have to blow the budget If you’re thinking of expanding your family, be sure to keep on top of things financially. Having a family usually comes not just with extra expenses but also a drop in income as one or both of you take time off work. Raising children and growing your family can be one of life’s greatest joys. But it can also be costly. You’ll need to plan ahead …

Remember to factor in parental subsidies at tax time

Remember to factor in parental subsidies at tax time While you’re sorting your income and expenditure at tax time, make sure you know what you’re entitled to as a parent, carer or grandparent. When the cost of raising kids is ever-increasing, every little bit helps and a bigger tax return is generally welcome. These days just sending a child to school comes with mounting costs, regardless of the type of school they go to. It’s …

Pressed for time?

Pressed for time? When it comes to achieving work-life balance, many Australian families aim to strike the balance between time and money. If you dream of living your ideal life and achieving that elusive balance between spending time at work and being with your family, you’re not alone. These days, finding time to do it all can be challenging. In fact, around 40% of women and 30% of men report feeling often or always rushed …

Tips for success in a competitive job market

Tips for success in a competitive job market The AMP.NATSEM report highlights challenges for young Australians starting their careers. If you’re finding it hard to get started in your chosen career—or your kids are doing it tough—you’re not alone. Many other young Australians are in the same boat, with a high proportion of young people working in part-time hospitality and retail jobs, even when they have uni degrees. The latest AMP.NATSEM reporti shows that demographic, …

Grandparents unsung childcare heroes

  Grandparents unsung childcare heroes It’s meant to be a time to kick back and pursue all those interests you put aside while you worked and raised a family. But increasingly, grandparents are being called on to fill the gaps in Australia’s formal childcare system while their adult children go out to work. Grandparents provide a staggering 23 per cent of all childcare to children under 12 in Australia, according to a recent AMP NATSEM …

AMP NATSEM Income & Wealth Report

AMP NATSEM Income & Wealth Report We can work it out: Australia’s changing workforce In recent years we’ve experienced a global recession that’s changed the global labour force with industries closing down, job lay-offs and increasing unemployment. On top of that, in Australia we’ve experienced significant structural and technological change that’s seen us move from an agricultural based economy to being services based. The recently released 36th AMP.NATSEM report takes a look at the current …

How to make the transition to retirement smooth for you and your partner

How to make the transition to retirement smooth for you and your partner Couples don’t always agree on everything, including retirement. If the time comes for you to retire and your partner is still working—or vice versa—it’s a matter of anticipating the natural changes ahead and then balancing and planning so both your needs can be met. Understanding differences The age you retire may depend on the work you do, your employment arrangements, your health …