Christmas gifting and the Age Pension
Christmas is a time of generosity, and many grandparents enjoy helping their children or grandchildren with gifts that really matter — education fees, a first car, or a contribution towards a home. But when it comes to larger gifts, there’s one thing that often gets overlooked: how gifting can affect your Age Pension. Why gifting […]
Buy now, pay later in retirement villages — should you have a choice?
Choice is meant to be at the heart of retirement living — choosing the right community, the right lifestyle, and the right level of care. Yet when it comes to how residents pay for their retirement village unit, many people are still offered only one option. That’s starting to change. More retirement village operators are […]
Starting aged care discussions early saves stress and money
No one likes talking about aged care. For many families, it’s a conversation that sits quietly in the background — something to “deal with later”. But delaying the discussion often leads to rushed decisions, emotional strain and unnecessary financial pressure. And with Christmas approaching — a rare time when families are together — it can […]
Which retirement village contract is best?
When you’re comparing retirement village contracts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the numbers — deferred management fees, refurbishment costs, capital gains, and buyback timeframes. So which contract is really better value? Let’s look at an example. A reader recently asked about two contracts: Understanding what you’re really paying for The first option provides […]
Should you give your kids a living inheritance?
Many parents like the idea of giving their children money while they’re alive to enjoy it — a “living inheritance.” But giving away large sums isn’t always straightforward, and it can affect your own financial security in retirement. The appeal of a living inheritance For some, it’s about helping children buy a home. For others, […]
What property market movements mean for downsizers
Recent headlines have highlighted apartments rising nearly $100,000 in just a year. For downsizers, these kinds of property market shifts raise important questions: Is now the right time to sell? Will the value of my new home keep pace with what I’m selling? It’s not just about what you sell for The sale price of […]
Why gifting your home could cost you more than you think
Gifting a home to children or other family members may seem generous, but it can have unexpected consequences. Many pensioners are surprised to find that giving away assets can reduce their Age Pension, affect aged care costs, and even put their own financial security at risk. What happens when you gift your home? Centrelink treats […]
Affordable downsizing options — what are your choices?
Not everyone planning their retirement has $500,000 or more to spend on a new home. The good news is there are affordable downsizing options available, and with a little research, you can find a community that suits your lifestyle and budget. Rental retirement communities Rental retirement communities often have the lowest entry costs. Instead of […]
Retirement village fees — your questions answered
When it comes to retirement villages and land lease communities, one of the biggest questions people have is: what will it cost me? Between entry prices, ongoing charges, and exit fees, it can be hard to compare options with confidence. Money expert Rachel Lane, creator of the the software that powers the Village Guru Report […]
VCAT Rules Lifestyle Communities’ Exit Fees Unenforceable
In a landmark decision on 7 July 2025, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) struck down exit fees charged by Lifestyle Communities to residents of its Melbourne land‑lease estates. Justice Ted Woodward found the fees, known as Deferred Management Fees (DMFs), to be void under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), citing inadequate disclosure at the […]
