infographic_five-tips-for-looking-after-household-finances

Managing Household Finances

Five tips for looking after your household’s finances

Take the pain out of managing your family’s finances with some simple tips every family can use.

Taking care of household finances can be time consuming and boring – and often people don’t know where to start. Your local library may have some good resources if you want to do your own research, but these simple tips are ones every family can use. If you want to get more serious about your household budget, financial goals and planning your family’s financial future, a qualified Financial Adviser can work with you on something much more detailed, tailored and appropriate.

1 | Look at your current income and expenditure

Sitting down as a family and figuring out how much money is coming in and going out may help you gauge the state of your family’s finances. A clear picture of your household income and expenses could set you up to manage your cashflow better going forward.

You can make this fun by setting up a spreadsheet or large piece of paper with income and expenses categories you will use to track all expenses and income. You can even highlight different categories in different colours to make it easier to read.

2 | Consider any unnecessary expenses

Keeping expenses under control can be tough, especially if you are not used to sticking to a budget. But if you’re spending is as much, or more, than you’re earning, you might want to consider limiting your family’s discretionary costs by buying only what you can afford. If you are tracking expenses on a spreadsheet, it is much easier to see where you may have any unnecessary expenses and cut them out.

3 | Set financial goals as a family

Setting financial goals as a family may help you work towards shared aspirations instead of simply meeting current expenses. Whether it’s buying a bigger house, upgrading your car or going on a dream holiday, having a financial goal may help your family set priorities and stay on track financially.

4 | Look at what’s important to your family

There are things that will be important to your family, that you should definitely factor into your budget. But there will be other things you can do without. Protecting your family for the long term, through health and illness, is important, so talk to a professional financial adviser about factoring in personal insurance cover that will keep the family protected from unexpected accidents or illness.

5 | Build up emergency and retirement funds

Unplanned expenses such as unforeseen medical bills can put a dent in family finances. By growing your emergency fund to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses, you may be better positioned to handle unexpected events.

While it’s easy to neglect your own financial future when providing for your family, saving for retirement should not take second place. Keep in mind that the earlier you start saving, the better chance you have to grow a sufficient nest egg.

Working with a financial adviser

Managing finances need not be a painful exercise. By working alongside a financial adviser and setting financial goals as a family, handling household finances is a task you can achieve. If you are ready to take your budget to the next level with some professional help, we would love to hear from you.

CONTACT US

General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

11 facts about superannuation

11 Tax Facts About Superannuation

Compared to other investment structures, super is widely considered to be one of the most tax-effective investment structures available from a wealth accumulation and cash flow generation perspective.

Although not a comprehensive list, below are 11 of the top tax facts about super.

Please note: Each tax fact isn’t covered in detail (only a brief snapshot is provided), other important considerations go with each. For example, it’s important to consider things such as contribution eligibility, and conditions of release. To discuss how any of the below may be relevant to your situation, talk to your Financial Adviser.

Super investment structure

Overview

When investing via super, it’s important to understand that there is an accumulation phase and a retirement phase. From a life stage perspective:

  • Accumulation phase generally coincides with the time in your life where contributions are being made to your super, and you are accumulating wealth via these contributions and investment earnings. Nearing retirement, some of us may commence a transition to retirement income stream (TRIS).
  • Retirement phase generally coincides with the time in your life where you are using the wealth you have accumulated to help fund your retirement lifestyle via either a retirement income stream, lump sum withdrawals, or a combination of both.

With the above in mind, from a tax perspective, the tax facts listed below are grouped according to their relevance to each phase. For example, the tax facts regarding contributions are underneath the title ‘Super (accumulation phase)’, as contributions can’t be made to a super account in retirement phase.

Super (accumulation phase)
  1. Investment earnings in your super. Investment income is generally subject to a maximum of 15% tax. And, capital gains on assets held for longer than 12 months receive a 1/3 (33%) tax discount, which effectively reduces the tax rate to 10%.
  2. Concessional (pre-tax) contributions to your super. The amount contributed is reduced by a tax of 15% (contributions tax). When considering salary sacrifice and personal deductible contributions (types of concessional contributions), this tax of 15% may be lower than your marginal tax rate. Please note:
    1. If you have income and concessional contributions totalling more than $250,000, you can pay an additional 15% tax (called Division 293 tax) on some or all of your concessional contributions.
    2. If you have adjusted taxable income of $37,000 or less, you may be eligible to receive the low-income super tax offset (up to $500).
    3. Making concessional contributions to pay for premiums for certain insurance held through super can reduce contributions tax.
  3. Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions to your super. The amount contributed isn’t reduced by a contributions tax. Please note:
    1. If you have total income less than $54,837, you may be eligible to receive the Government co-contribution (up to $500).
    2. If you make a spouse contribution (i.e. non-concessional contribution to your spouse’s super), you may be eligible to receive the spouse contribution tax offset (up to $540). The receiving spouse’s income must be less than $40,000.
  4. Insurance in your super. Your super fund trustee can generally claim the insurance premiums as a tax deduction, reducing the tax paid by your super fund trustee on your concessional contributions and super earnings. The tax saving is often rebated to your super account, effectively reducing the premium cost by 15%.
  5. Saving for a home deposit via your super. If you make voluntary contributions, you may be eligible to withdraw all or part of these contributions plus associated earnings for use as a deposit via the First Home Super Saver Scheme. Please note:
    1. The maximum amount that can be withdrawn is $15,000 of voluntary super contributions per financial year made since 1 July 2017 (up to a total of $30,000 across all years). The amount that can be withdrawn is 100% of eligible non-concessional contributions, 85% of eligible concessional contributions, plus 85% of associated earnings. Tax is payable on the associated earnings and concessional contributions portion of the withdrawal (taxed at marginal tax rates, including the Medicare Levy, less a 30% tax offset).
  6. Small business capital gains tax (CGT) concessions. If you are considering selling a small business or the assets it uses, you may be eligible for CGT concessions that help reduce the taxable capital gain associated with the sale, and build your super retirement nest egg in the process. Please note:
    1. You may be able to contribute amounts from the CGT 15-year asset exemption and retirement exemption to your super, without using your non-concessional contributions limits.
  7. Pension payments from your super. Pension payments from an accumulation phase transition to retirement income stream (TRIS) are generally tax-free if you are aged 60 or over. If you are under age 60, the taxable portion of pension payments is taxed at your marginal tax rate, less a 15% tax offset.

    Super (retirement phase)
  8. Investment earnings in your super. Investment income and capital gains are generally tax-exempt. Please note: The transfer balance cap, which is currently set at $1.6 million (indexed) per person, limits the amount of super benefits that can be transferred to retirement phase.
  9. Pension payments from your super. Pension payments received from a retirement income stream (eg account-based pension or retirement phase TRIS) will be tax-free to you if you are aged 60 or over at the time of receiving the pension payment.

    Super (accumulation or retirement phase)
  10. Lump sum withdrawals from your super. Any lump sum withdrawals made after 60 years of age are generally tax-free. If you make a lump sum withdrawal and you are aged between preservation age and 60, the taxable component of the lump sum is taxed as follows:
    1. The amount up to the low rate cap amount (currently $215,000) is tax-free.
    2. The amount above the low rate cap amount is taxed at 15% (plus the Medicare Levy).
  11. Passing away and your super:
    1. A death benefit lump sum paid to a nominated beneficiary who is a tax dependant is received entirely tax-free. If the beneficiary is a tax non-dependant, then any tax-free component is tax-free, but the taxable component is taxed at 15% (taxed element) or 30% (untaxed element), plus the Medicare Levy.
    2. Income payments from a reversionary death benefit income stream paid to a nominated reversionary beneficiary who is an eligible pension recipient dependant are received entirely tax-free if you or the reversionary beneficiary are aged 60 years or over at the time of your passing. If both you and the reversionary beneficiary are under 60 at the time of your passing, the pension payments from the reversionary death benefit income stream are taxed as follows:
      1. the tax-free component is tax-free, and
      2. the taxable (taxed element) component is taxed at marginal tax rate plus Medicare Levy, less 15% tax offset.

However, when the reversionary beneficiary turns 60, the pension payments from the reversionary death benefit income stream are tax-free.

Talk to us

Each tax fact outlined above isn’t covered in detail (only a brief snapshot is provided) and other important considerations go with each. For example, it’s important to consider things such as contribution eligibility, and conditions of release. To discuss how any of the 11 tax facts about superannuation may be relevant to your situation, give us a call. We would love to hear from you!

CONTACT US


General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

Is your Will up to date

Is it time to get your Will up to date?

We have a few months left before the busy Christmas and school holiday period is upon us.

As such, now is the time to think about if your financial plan needs to be reviewed in light of any changes to your circumstances this year, and if your Will is up to date and estate planning is in order.

One of the key aspects of estate planning is the preparation of a Will. A Will is a legal document that implements your wishes for the distribution of estate assets upon your death. A Will determines who will be in charge of the administration of your estate (the executor(s)) and provides instructions as to how the assets of your estate are to be distributed to your beneficiaries.

Wills can vary greatly in their degree of complexity and can be used to achieve a wide range of family and tax objectives. There is no set format for a Will but there are preferred ways for a drafter to write clauses into a Will to achieve a clients’ specific objectives.

It’s usually more appropriate for a solicitor to draft a Will, rather than using a Will kit. A solicitor can consider both your legal requirements and your wishes are met when drafting the Will. A solicitor can also better understand your instructions and comprehensively provide for the future, taking into account your personal circumstances.

Whilst a Will is personal to the individual, most Wills include some common elements, these include:

  • statement that the document is the last Will and testament of the individual
  • revocation of previous Wills, codicils and other testamentary dispositions
  • appointment of executor and trustee. An alternative executor and trustee may be nominated in the event the preferred person is unable to fulfil their obligations eg they predecease the person or do not have the mental capacity to administer the estate
  • gifts 
  • payment of estate debts and expenses from protected (eg life insurance, superannuation and compensation) and non-protected sources
  • instructions for the division of estate assets when a beneficiary has died. One common method is to pay the deceased beneficiary’s share to other beneficiaries
  • general and specific powers of the executors and trustees
  • instructions for the management of the estate, such as selling and/or investing of estate assets.

A Will should be reviewed on a regular basis, particularly if there is a change in your circumstances or any of your intended beneficiaries.

The following list of events may require a review of your Will:

  • divorce or separation (the impact of this differs according to the State or jurisdiction)
  • marriage (in most jurisdictions a Will is revoked when a person marries, unless the Will was made in contemplation of marriage and states this)
  • birth of a child
  • death of an executor (where only one was chosen)
  • death of a beneficiary
  • disposal of specific assets which were intended for certain beneficiaries
  • financial planning recommendations are implemented, which may then have estate planning implications such as:
    • superannuation death benefit nomination
    • ownership of life insurance policies
    • business succession planning
    • disposal or acquisition of assets
  • changes in the beneficiary’s situation eg beneficiary becomes insolvent or wishes to retain social security income support or has a change in their taxation status.

A well-drafted Will helps to safeguard the assets you have acquired and takes care of the people you want considered, once you have passed away. It gives you the peace of mind that there is a legal document in place that outlines your wishes which can be carried out with regard to cost, tax effectiveness and personal needs of family members. Wills which are inappropriately worded can lead to disputes among beneficiaries or even intestacy, which is not the legacy you want to leave behind!

If you would like to discuss Wills, or any other aspects of your financial plan, we would love to hear from you, so please give us a call in Brookvale on 02 9981 2300.

CONTACT US


General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

Is super worth the hype?

Is Super Worth the Hype?

As Financial Advisers we talk about superannuation a lot.

So much so that it probably becomes a fuzzy word people don’t even hear any more. And the younger you are, the less interested you probably are. 

But superannuation is super important. It is likely to be the biggest investment you will have in your lifetime, unless you own a mortgage-free home.

It’s also what will keep you afloat when you retire – which for some of us is a choice, for others it’s a choice made for us due to illness, or the inability to continue to carry out our normal work duties or due to financial hardship.

Without a regular deposit of wages or salary into your bank account, how will you afford to pay your bills, buy food and clothes and keep your car running? Have you have been lucky and wise enough to establish a few back-up options during your working years? 

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA) estimate of how much money you’ll need in retirement, depending on your lifestyle is in the table below. This is how much it estimates you need to have every single year you are retired.

ASFA Retirement StandardAnnual living costs
Couple – modest$40,829
Couple – comfortable$62,828
Single – modest$28,254
Single – comfortable$44,412
Source: ASFA Retirement Standard, for those aged around 65 (March quarter 2021, national)

There are also guidelines for the lump sum couples and singles need sitting in their superannuation account upon retirement for a comfortable lifestyle. These guidelines assume that the retiree/s will draw down all their capital, and receive a part Age Pension – which not everyone is eligible for, so it’s recommended you speak to your Financial Adviser about your situation.

CategorySavings required at retirement
Couple – comfortable$640,000
Single – comfortable$545,000
Source: https://www.superannuation.asn.au/ArticleDocuments/269/ASFA-RetirementStandard-Summary-2018.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y All figures in today’s dollars using 2.75% AWE as a deflator and an assumed investment earning rate of 6 per cent

If you know what your superannuation balance is currently, how old you are and approximately how many working years are left, you can use the above tables to figure out how you are tracking in terms of reaching a comfortable super balance to live a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Keep in mind these are averages and estimates. You, as an individual, may have higher needs, greater expectations of your retirement lifestyle, a desire to retire early or be disadvantaged by not receiving super when you have taken time out of the workforce to have children – all of these factors will impact the amount you will need tucked away in superannuation.

With all this information, what can you do about increasing your superannuation balance so you hit your target by retirement age? If you are currently employed you would be receiving the super guarantee from your employer which for many years was paid at 9.5% of your salary (unless you have an employer that pays above minimum, lucky you!) and rose to 10% on 1 July 2021. It is set to rise again to 10.5% on 1 July 2022.

In addition to the superannuation guarantee there are other options you can consider if you are eligible such as government co-contributions to super, spousal contributions, contribution splitting and the low-income super tax offset. Your Financial Adviser can have a conversation with you about how these strategies may help you increase your super balance.

Hopefully, this article has provided some useful information, and you’re hyped up to take greater notice of your super balance because when your working days are over, it’s going to really matter to you.

If you would like to discuss super strategies, or review your financial plan, we would love to hear from you.

CONTACT US


General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

there's an app for that

There’s an app for that

It seems we are increasingly using apps in everyday life.

Apps can help us manage certain aspects of our lives, tap into things that are of interest to us, or keep track of different goals.

We can use apps to look up movies, events and shows and book tickets within minutes; we can use apps to make medical appointments; track our health, fitness and mindfulness goals; dial into entertainment – to stream programs, listen to podcasts or download audiobooks. We are also familiar with the COVID-safe app.

But what about helping you track and measure your financial goals? Well of course, there’s an app for that.

Banking and budgets apps

There are apps that link multiple bank accounts and other financial institutions that help you to manage your everyday spending. They provide a dashboard that outlines your spending categories which you can use to customise a budget. You can also run weekly, monthly or annual reports so you can see fluctuations in your spending.

Some examples of the more popular banking and budgeting apps include Pocketbook, MoneyBrilliant, and Frollo.

There’s also an app called Finspo that allows you to compare fees and charges with different banks, so you can see if there are savings to be had by switching banking providers.

Everyday savings apps

One of the biggest expenses for any household is the grocery shop. In a 2017 survey it was reported that households spend an average of $1,425 per week on goods and services, of which 17% is contributed to food and non-alcoholic beverages.

There’s a free app called WiseList that allows you to compare the cost of items at major grocery stores. Yep, you can download an app and see a side-by-side view of an item at Coles and Woolworths. Of course, this is only useful if you have a Coles and Woolworths in your local area. If you live in a regional area of Australia, there may only be one option. But for city dwellers, this is a great way to shave a little bit off the cost of your grocery bill.

Another major expense is transport. If you drive a lot during the week you may see a huge chunk of your money go towards filling the tank. The PetrolSpy app allows you to compare costs at the bowser so you can decide where along your journey you want to stop and fill up, to achieve a little bit more of a discount.

Avoid the argument app

Have you been out to dinner with a group of friends only to have the awkward conversation at the end about who owes what on the bill? And then plead with the waitstaff to pay separately? The Splitwise app allows you to track shared expenses and provide reminders of who owes what. Mindful that everyone has to download the app, so it may not be worth it as a once-off, but if you regularly go out with the same friends or you live in a household that splits bills, this could save a lot of awkward conversations and annoying plugging of figures into a calculator.

Apps aren’t for everyone

Whilst some people wholeheartedly embrace apps and find them helpful and useful, they aren’t for everyone. They take time and patience to set up and monitor, and not everyone wants to be glued to their mobile phone or device all day and night. And that’s ok, because an app won’t help everyone on their financial planning journey, but they might help some people stay on track and in control.

Talk to us

Apps are great but they are not a replacement for tailored financial advice. Getting your financial plan in place, one that is individually planned around your lifestyle and your goals, is the first step towards a more financially secure future. We can get your plan in place and discuss what apps you might consider using that will assist you in reaching your goals.

CONTACT US


General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

how to know when advice is right

Seeking professional financial advice

How do you know when the advice is right?

Seeking financial advice can turn your life around and put you on a path to a happier and more secure financial future.

But where do you start? Who do you trust? How do you know you are going to get value for money?

There are many questions that may pop into your head when you think about whether or not to seek professional advice. One major barrier to seeking financial advice may be that you don’t know if the advice is going to be appropriate for you. You may also wonder if the advice is something you need a professional for, or if you can figure out on your own.

Appropriate financial advice can be life-changing because you are tapping into the mind, and technical expertise, of a qualified and trained professional whose job it is to know the ins and outs of financial services and stay on top of regulatory change.

Financial advisors are required to complete 40 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year to remain qualified and compliant – ongoing learning and development is a huge part of a Financial Advisors’ value to their clients. Many Financial Advisors do not work independently, but as part of a team with experts in research, investments, insurance and the technical landscape. A broader and qualified team members may contribute to a more well-rounded and holistically considered financial plan for each individual client.

Do your own research

There are reliable websites you can use to research the qualifications and specialist areas of a Financial Advisor. These include:

  • The Government’s MoneySmart website has an article on choosing a Financial Advisor: https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-advice/choosing-a-financial-adviser
  • You can check the ASIC register for registered Financial Advisors: https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-advice/financial-advisers-register  
  • You could call a few financial advice businesses in your local area with a set of standard questions such as
    • Who are you employed by?
    • What are your qualifications?
    • How many years of experience do you have?
    • What are your specialist areas of advice?
    • Do you work as part of a broader team of financial specialists?
    • Do you offer a fee and obligation free introduction meeting?
    • How do you charge for your advice fees?

Look at the published research

In 2020, CoreData conducted a survey for IOOF with a sample size of 11,615 advised clients and 1,000 unadvised individuals across Australia. The research showed overwhelmingly that financial advice made a positive impact on the advised clients.

The research showed that:

  • 84% of advised clients agree the value of advice outweighs the costs
  • 91% agreed receiving advice helped them to achieve their financial goals
  • 82% believe advice helps inspire them to work towards and reach their goals.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back — talk with us

If you are unsure about the true value of advice but you want to explore whether it might help you reach – or exceed – your financial goals, book a conversation with a Financial Advisor about getting a plan in place.

We have the capacity to take on new clients and welcome the opportunity to meet with you.

CONTACT US

General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial advisor.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

Helping your children financially

Helping your children, financially speaking

As a parent you probably have great expectations for your children

They will have everything you had and more! You will consider their every need and make the most of every opportunity to help them get ahead, right?

Whilst every parent wants their child to be healthy, happy and financially secure, figuring out how to get them there is another thing.

Working with a financial adviser can help you understand options available to financially help your children, and teach them how to take control of their financial future once it is time for you to step out of the equation, and them to step up. Introducing these discussions as a family from early on means you can get help for your children that will serve them well into their future.

Savings

It’s never too early to start a good savings system. If your child gets pocket money for helping out around the family home, birthday money and other small contributions, you can help them divert some of this into savings and some into spending.

Superannuation

Once your child begins work they’ll be asked what super fund they want their employer to make compulsory contributions to. Starting working life with a super fund that charges low fees and delivers high returns will make a HUGE difference over their working lifetime. If your child understands what superannuation is and the power of it to build a nest egg, they are going to be much better off in the long run.

Investments

Many parents want to contribute to a savings or investment fund for their child, if they can afford to do so. A financial adviser can help you to understand the fees, costs and returns of a number of different investment options including investment bonds, trust funds and savings accounts.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back — talk with us

If you are unsure about the true value of advice but you want to explore whether it might help you reach – or exceed – your financial goals, book a conversation with a Financial Advisor about getting a plan in place.

We have the capacity to take on new clients and welcome the opportunity to meet with you.

CONTACT US

General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial advisor.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.

Understanding aged care terminology

Understanding Aged Care Terminology

Aged care is a complex and emotive topic

Many people don’t think about their aged care needs until the time to do something is upon them – at which point the options can be limiting.

This article explains a couple of the key areas to consider around your aged care plan.

Arranging an aged care assessment

When the time comes to move into a facility, one of the first steps is usually an assessment by a team of medical and health professionals who determine the eligibility of any government subsidised care.

You can speak to your family doctor about getting an aged care assessment, or work with a Financial Adviser who can put you in touch with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

Understanding an RAD and RAC

If you want or need to move into an aged care facility you will need to research different facilities, compare their services and ask them about the refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) or refundable accommodation contribution (RAC) which are required to secure a place at a facility.

The RAD is a lump sum payment for accommodation in an aged care home paid by the ingoing resident. It is essentially the cost of a room, in lump sum form that you agree to pay. The RAC is applicable when part of the cost of the room is paid for by the government, leaving you to only pay the difference as a lump sum.

Whilst the RAD and RAC are paid as a lump sum to the facility, by you, they are refundable upon a permanently leaving an aged care facility. Many times this will be at the time of death, so the amount is paid to your Estate.

In some situations, a family member agrees to pay the ingoing RAD or RAC fee to a facility, perhaps because the ingoing resident does not have the liquid cash available. If this is the case, there should be sufficient documentation so that upon death the money is refunded to the rightful recipient. The facility may offer to name this family member on the contract which should give all parties comfort in arrangement.

DAP and DAC

Another acronym you will come across is the DAP or the DAC. The Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is an amount to be paid by permanent residents of a facility that goes towards the cost of accommodation and care. Alternatively, the cost of accommodation and care for low-means residents is the Daily Accommodation Contribution (DAC) which is a reduced amount, based on an assessment of financial means.

More information

There is a good repository of information available on the My Aged Care website. It is worth taking a look, noting anything you don’t understand or would like further information on, and talking to your Financial Adviser.

Talk to us

If you or a family member are nearing the time that an aged care plan is required, it can help to talk to a Financial Adviser who understands this complex advice area and can answer any questions you have. It is often helpful to include close family members in these discussions.

We have the capacity to take on new clients and welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your aged care needs.

CONTACT US

General Advice Warning

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.