Holzworth News - Holzworth Partners

3 Nov 2026

Signs a loved one may need a little extra help

With busy schedules, work commitments and families often living further apart, it can be difficult to stay closely connected with the people we care about.When we finally come together for a family gathering, Christmas celebration or special occasion, we sometimes notice that an older parent, relative or loved one has changed more than we realised.Perhaps the house isn't as tidy as it used to be, appointments have been missed or everyday tasks seem to be

3 Nov 2026

Low-Means Residents in Residential Aged Care

By Mark Holzworth

Moving into residential aged care can be a significant life change, and understanding the associated costs is often one of the biggest concerns for individuals and their families.The Australian Government provides financial assistance to help make residential aged care more affordable. However, the level of support available depends on a person's financial circumstances and whether they qualify for what is known as low-means status.Understanding how this assessment works, what it means for your accommodation costs

3 Nov 2026

RADs can once again be paid at any time

By Mark Holzworth

There is some welcome news for people entering residential aged care, along with their families and financial advisers.A legislative amendment has now passed through Parliament and received Royal Assent, restoring flexibility around when residents can pay a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or Refundable Accommodation Contribution (RAC).The change addresses an issue introduced under the aged care reforms on 1 November 2025, which required residents to wait until Services Australia completed their means-test assessment or issued a

3 Nov 2026

Inherited money? Your pension may change

By Mark Holzworth

Receiving an inheritance can bring mixed emotions. While it may improve your financial position, it often comes at a time when you are grieving the loss of someone close to you. If you receive an Age Pension or another means-tested payment through Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), an inheritance may also affect your entitlements. Understanding how inheritance rules work, when you need to notify the relevant department and what options are available

3 Nov 2026

Tax, Superannuation & Business Update

By Jane Purnell

As we approach the end of the year, November is an ideal time for business owners to review their financial obligations and ensure everything is in order before the Christmas break.With changes to superannuation payments, upcoming Christmas celebrations, ATO debt management and important tax considerations, there are several areas worth giving attention to before the year comes to a close.In this month's update, we explore six important topics that may affect your business, employees or

3 Nov 2026

Annuities and retirement planning making your money last

By Jane Purnell

Retirement should give you more freedom to enjoy life. Yet even people with healthy superannuation balances can worry about spending their savings. What happens if you live longer than expected? How much can you spend without running short? And how do you balance your own needs with leaving something for your family?Annuities can provide regular income for a fixed period or for life, depending on the product you choose. Used alongside superannuation pensions, cash and

7 Oct 2026

LRBA Changes: What the New SMSF Property Rules Mean for SMSF Trustees

By Jane Purnell

Significant changes to Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) came into effect on 10 August 2026, changing how SMSFs can use borrowing to acquire real property.The changes do not mean LRBAs have disappeared or that SMSFs can no longer invest in residential property. Instead, the rules have changed the types of real property that can be acquired through a new LRBA.For SMSF trustees, the key distinction is between borrowing to acquire residential property, investing in residential

7 Oct 2026

Residential aged care is under pressure. Why financial advice matters more than ever

By Mark Holzworth

Residential aged care continues to face significant financial and capacity pressures, creating challenges for both providers and the older Australians and families trying to find appropriate care. Occupancy remains high, places can be difficult to secure, and people with complex care needs or lower financial means may face additional challenges finding suitable accommodation. Recent government reporting continues to track wait times for both residential aged care and Support at Home services. At the same time,

7 Oct 2026

Aged Care and Your SMSF: 5 Things to Consider

By Mark Holzworth

If the time has come to consider moving into residential aged care, you and your family may be faced with some significant financial decisions.If you have a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), there can be an additional layer of complexity. Your SMSF may hold a significant portion of your wealth, so understanding how it fits into your aged care and retirement planning can be important.The good news is that planning ahead and getting the right financial

7 Oct 2026

Credit-card payments will end after 30 November 2026

By Jane Purnell

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced that it will stop accepting credit-card payments after 30 November 2026. The change affects individuals and businesses that currently use a credit card to pay tax liabilities or make instalments under an ATO payment plan. Why is the ATO making this change? The announcement follows broader changes to merchant card payment costs and surcharging in Australia. The ATO has stated that, as a government agency, it does not