• FWX Dec qtr 2023  75.5
  • FWX yr-o-yr  1
  • FWX qtr-o-qtr  2
  • ASX 200 Boards years to equality  6.3
  • Underemployment years to equality  21
  • Superannuation years to equality  17.7
  • Gender pay gap years to equality  21.9
  • Employment years to equality  27.5
  • Unpaid work years to equality  46.1
  • Education years to equality  389

Keeping money plans all in the family

For many women, it’s not just super important to be across your own financials, but quite often, the money matters of ageing parents as well. 
Financy
March 22, 2016

The facts are that women are more likely than men to be the main carers of their ageing parents, so it’s important to understand their money position, including their investments, because this information could seriously impact on your ability to achieve your own money goals.

Research suggests that women are more likely to quit working full time to care for their parents, which not only hurts career progression but also cash flow and long-term superannuation savings.

On top of that because of the ageing Australian population, the financial support required to assist your ageing parents need to be constantly managed.

But we’re not saying that you necessarily have to take over managing your parents’ finances, in fact many ageing parents would prefer their children stayed out of their financial affairs.

But if your parent does require assistance, then it’s good for you to be across what their entitlements may be.

This week for example, the Age Pension is going up by $6.90 a fortnight for singles, while couples will receive an extra $10.40 a fortnight.

Whilst the amount they will receive increased, so too will the payments they make if they are paying for government care including home care services and daily accommodation payments in aged care facilities, as these are set at 85 per cent of the pension.

These amounts change on 20 March and 20 September every year.

The income and assets test was also adjusted impacting those that can receive a part pension.

With investment markets and asset values constantly changing, it might be worthwhile for your ageing parent to review the tests in line with their current circumstances to see if they are eligible.

Other pensions such as the veteran’s pension and disability pensions were also changed.

Remember to get across the big changes that can impact your parent’s finances by reading the media, the Department of Human Services website and of course financy.com.au to see how you can help your parent as they age.

Michelle Chaperon is the co-founder of Carers’ Corner. This is online resource centre in Australia where people with ageing parents can find useful information, get ideas and share experiences to help navigate the maze that is caring for the elderly.

Disclaimer: This article has been provided to financy.com.au by Carers’ Corner and is subject to copyright.The information in this article is specific to Australia. We do not provide health, legal, financial or other advice and this article should not be used for making decisions. You and others should seek advice from suitably qualified professionals. Any use you make of this article is at your own risk and to the extent permitted by law we disclaim all liability in connection with this article. You should read the Disclaimer + legal terms on carerscorner.com for more details about this and the basis on which this article is provided.



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Financy
March 22, 2016
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