In 1990 my dad passed away two weeks before his 62nd birthday – I was 34. I was not close to my dad and I had not lived at home for over 16 years. However; I do remember that I was shocked and upset (which is to be expected). The ...
About: Mark Teale
Recent Posts by Mark Teale
Why it pays to trust the expert
PK and I have just spent the last three weeks on the road, travelling from Perth (in the west) and across to Townsville (in the north); visiting all the capital cities in between and talking to a large number of Advisers and Accountants along the way. Our discussions focused on the ...
Can you lose your adaptability?
The simple definition of ‘adaptable’; the ability to adjust oneself readily to different conditions and circumstances. My observation in others, as well as myself, is that as we grow older our ability to cope with change becomes more difficult and paralyzing. My understanding of new technology is very limited. I still buy ...
To downsize, or up-size?
You’re probably wondering what I’m talking about when I ask the question, “to downsize or upsize?” Yes – I’m talking about your home. No doubt most of us have asked ourselves these questions at various times, “Do I need a bigger home?”, or, “Do I really need this much space anymore?” To put ...
Perspective: the way you see something
Over time your perspective can change. This is influenced by numerous factors including age, education, your varied life experiences, family, a circle of friends, and no doubt – travel. I myself am a good example of changing my perspective over time. Especially if I recount my own personal experiences from the ...
Account-based pensions: don’t bury your head in the sand!
On 1 January 2015 the official social security assessment process of account-based pensions (ABP) for the purposes of establishing a person’s age pension entitlement was changed. Prior to this date – the balance of the ABP was assessed as an asset, and for the purposes of calculating the income to be ...
The Olympics: how good are we?
Like the majority of Australians at the moment – I have caught a fever which mysteriously flares up once every four years. This particular fever can be identified when the person exhibits the following symptoms over a two week period. The person will sweat, cry, show signs of Tourette Syndrome with the ...
Loans and encumbrances; a pension minefield
For most people, being debt free in retirement is a priority. Others find the concept of ’good debt’ in retirement less stressful. From an age/service pension perspective the correct structuring of good debt is important to ensure that any entitlement you may receive is not adversely affected. When it comes to the ...
The Dentist: is it really that scary?
Why do most of us fear going to the dentist? For some the fear has, in fact, become a phobia. If you suffer from any of the following then this may be you; You feel tense or have trouble sleeping the night before a dentist appointment. You get increasingly nervous while you're ...
Age Pension: a short history
On 10 June 1908 the Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act received royal assent. From 1 July 1909 – Old-age pensions and the Invalid Pension became payable to the ‘appropriately qualified people’ within Australia. This new scheme replaced a number of very similar pension schemes – which had been implemented by the New ...
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