News

When you become the money manager for an ageing parent

September 22, 2026 • aged care • estate planning • family • nw-original • topic-020

Suddenly responsible for Mum or Dad's finances? Here's which documents matter, why a power of attorney doesn't open every door, and the simple habits that protect both your parent and you.

Noel in the News: aged care isn't one big bill - it's five

September 21, 2026 • aged care • family • Noel in the News • nw-curated • retirement planning • source-yourlifechoices

Most families focus on the room price when a parent moves into aged care. Noel Whittaker explains the five separate fees that actually make up the cost - and why how you fund the room can matter more than which home you choose.

Blended families and inheritance: protecting your partner and your kids

September 20, 2026 • blended family • estate planning • nw-original • topic-019

In a blended family, "we'll just leave everything to each other" is the plan most likely to end in court. Here's how life interests, testamentary trusts and binding super nominations let you look after your partner and your own children at the same time.

Noel in the News: your will names the heirs, but who pays the tax?

September 19, 2026 • capital gains tax • estate planning • Noel in the News • nw-curated • source-yourlifechoices • wills

New capital gains tax rules starting 1 July 2027 can trigger a tax bill when shares pass to an estate, with no sale proceeds to pay it. Noel Whittaker explains why your will should say who bears that tax.

The 'death tax' on super that catches most families by surprise

September 18, 2026 • estate planning • nw-original • superannuation • tax • topic-018

There are no death duties in Australia, but superannuation left to adult children is taxed - and most families only find out when the cheque arrives. Here's how the tax works, what it costs, and the four things you can do about it while you're alive and well.