Alex O'Brien
Retirement Income

7 resources to help you plan for retirement

While planning for retirement will likely be one of the most important things you’ll do in your life, at times it can be a little difficult to figure out where to start.

The good news is there is a wealth of free information available for people making the transition to retirement. We’ve put together a selection of the best retirement resources. Use them to make informed decisions, and ensure your nest egg goes the distance.

1. Council of the Ageing (COTA)

The Council of the Ageing is an independent consumer organisation run by senior Australians, for senior Australians. The COTA website is a quite a good resource in terms of staying up to date with issues regarding the wellbeing of all seniors.

For more information or to visit the COTA website, click here.

2. Department of Human Services (DHS)

If you’re after up-to-date information regarding the Aged Pension, the Department of Human Services website should be your first port of call. The Older Australians section has a range of useful articles regarding retirement processes.

For more information or to visit the DHS website, click here.

3. Department of Human Services’ Financial Information Service (FIS)

The Department of Human Services also offers a free, face-to-face service that can give you valuable information regarding how best to manage your financial affords.  Anyone, regardless of age or Centrelink status can use this invaluable service.

To make an appointment, call 13 23 00 or click here.

4. Department of Veterans’ Affairs

If you’re a veteran or a dependant of one, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website provides a range of useful information regarding pensions, compensation, healthcare and counselling services, as well as access to the useful Vetaffairs newsletter.

For more information or to visit the website, click here.

5. Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA)

Financial planners can be quite useful, but how can you be sure you’re talking to the best one? The Financial Planning Association represents Australia’s financial planners and has a range of useful information to help you find the right planner for you. 

For more information or to visit the FPA website, click here.

6. National Seniors Association

This non-for-profit organisation is dedicated to providing assistance to Australians aged 50 and over, and has a range of useful articles regarding the issues effecting retirees. The National Seniors Association also allows seniors to sign up and get involved.

For more information or to visit the website, click here.

7. MyAgedCare

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has also provided the useful MyAgedCare website full of information that can help you navigate the ins and outs of the aged care system, as well as preparing your finances for the transition to retired life.

For more information or to visit the website, click here.

Related links:

Hidden costs to retirement village contracts

How to prepare financially with the bad times

Simple ways you can maximise your super

Tags:
retirement, finance, money, resources