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 …

Aged care – A loser in the recent 2015-16 Federal Budget

  Aged care – A loser in the recent 2015-16 Federal Budget Residential aged care received only minimal attention in the government’s recent Federal Budget. Unfortunately, people entering residential aged care from 1 January 2016 are the losers from the budget, as the strategy available to assist families wishing to keep the family home will be removed. Currently there is an advantage for people entering aged care to keep the family home and fund all …

Time to sell the family home?

Time to sell the family home? With children gone and things slowing down it may be time to downsize. When you’ve got a family a big house with plenty of room may make sense. But these days a smaller place may suit you better. Dreams of a change may be beckoning… you may be yearning to wake up to the smell of eucalyptus or doze off with an evening sea breeze. And if you have …

Family matters: Becoming a parent

Family matters: Becoming a parent You often hear new parents say that having a baby is an amazing, life changing experience. Nothing is ever the same again! At a time when every aspect of your life is changing, the last thing you want to think about is money. But while there may not be ways to reduce the financial commitments, there are things you can do to plan and manage them more effectively. Common questions …

Family matters: Educating the kids

Family matters: Educating the kids A good education is one of the best gifts you can give your child, but although it doesn’t have to, it can cost a lot of money. A little research and planning now could save you some financial worries in the long run. The earlier you start to save the better. Common questions to consider Some questions you may wish to consider include: How much will my children’s education cost? …

Family matters: Getting married

Family matters: Getting married Getting married is an exciting time in life but it can also be a time of significant financial change. Common questions to consider Some questions you may wish to consider include: How do we set a budget for our dream wedding? What are the joint financial decisions we should be thinking about now we are getting married? Do we need a Will when we are married? What types of insurance do …

Planning your future: What to expect

  Planning your future: What to expect Having the chance to take a step back for a moment and look at things from a fresh perspective can be a great advantage, especially when it comes to planning your financial future. Our 7 step process What information will you need prior to meeting us? What will you receive? Our 7 step process When you meet with our financial planners we will take you through a 7 …