News

Aged care costs explained: RADs, DAPs and the family home

September 24, 2026 • aged care • nw-original • retirement planning • topic-021

Aged care costs in Australia come in four separate buckets, and the six-figure number families panic about is usually the most refundable part of the bill. Here's how the basic daily fee, care contributions, RADs and DAPs actually work — and why the family home rarely has to be sold.

Noel in the News: the retiree taxed at 54% on her next dollar

September 23, 2026 • age pension • capital gains tax • Noel in the News • nw-curated • retirement income • source-firstlinks • tax

Noel Whittaker's assessment of the May 2026 Budget is worth a second look, because the changes don't start until 1 July 2027. He shows how a working age pensioner can face an effective tax rate of 54% while wealthier couples keep the full CGT discount.

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.