Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being invited by Craig Green, the Community Engagement Manager at Aveo Sackville Grange, to deliver a presentation to the residents of this prestigious Aveo retirement village and apartment complex. I’m Shaun Ganguly, the director of Retirement Village Financial Advice, and I’m passionate about helping self-funded retirees make the most of their hard-earned money.
The event was a great success, with over 40 attendees eagerly listening to the insights we shared about various government entitlements and services that are often overlooked by self-funded retirees living in Aveo retirement villages. Our focus was on benefits that are available to those who might not qualify for the age pension.
During the presentation, many of the residents mentioned they had their own financial advisers, planners, and accountants. However, they had not previously explored the specifics of care and Centrelink planning while living in an Aveo facility, as their existing advice was primarily focused on investments and tax planning. I explained that our services are similar to those of a specialist in the medical field. While general financial advisers can be likened to general practitioners, we act as specialists, focusing exclusively on retirement living, aged care, and Centrelink planning for residents of Aveo retirement villages.
Just as a heart surgeon deals exclusively with heart-related issues, our expertise lies in the niche area of self-funded retirees living in Aveo communities, ensuring they don’t miss out on benefits like the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC). After addressing these specific concerns, we often collaborate with clients’ existing financial professionals to provide comprehensive advice and support tailored to the unique needs of Aveo residents.
We began by discussing the range of at-home support services offered through government-funded home support programs, which can significantly enhance the offerings of a retirement village like Aveo Sackville Grange. Margie Borthwick, the Aveo Liaison Manager, then took the stage to provide an in-depth look at Aveo Care at Home services, which can be tailored to each individual’s needs.
I continued the conversation by highlighting the funding opportunities that many retirees miss when it comes to home-care packages, especially for those living in Aveo retirement villages. I explained that although some may not receive the age pension, they can still benefit from income-tested Centrelink support strategies to reduce their home-care costs. With the right financial advice, retirees can restructure their assets and income to make the most of these services.
Another important topic we covered was the 17% death benefit tax on superannuation if it’s passed on to non-dependent beneficiaries. Furthermore, we discussed how residents in Aveo retirement villages in Victoria can structure their assets if they need to transition to residential aged care.
The Q&A session was filled with engaged Aveo residents asking insightful questions, and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees expressed that they had learned valuable information and were eager to take advantage of the government services they had contributed to throughout their working lives.
Overall, the event at Aveo Sackville Grange was a fantastic opportunity for me to share my expertise with a group of self-funded retirees living in Aveo retirement communities, who are looking to maximise their benefits and receive the care they deserve. I am committed to continuing my work in this area, helping people who do not receive the age pension uncover hidden entitlements and opportunities that can improve their quality of life in Aveo facilities.
