Finance Personal

Hi Janne, our daughter and son-in-law have just had their first child - Edward. We are so excited! We would like to help them out in some way as they will only have one income for a while now. They have enough to live on but we would like to help them to provide financially for themselves and Edward for the future. Do you have any ideas?

Hi Janne, we have retired and our son has just been diagnosed with a serious illness. We don't think he will be able to work again. He has a family and a mortgage and our daughter-in-law has just had their third child, so is at home. What advice can you give?

Dear Janne, I have just received an inheritance and am concerned about losing the age pension. Can you help me? Regards Simon, Narrabeen NSW.

Hi Janne, I enjoy reading your articles every month. I have heard mixed reports about the value of the ‘transition to retirement’ strategy. Some people tell me it is a waste of time, and others swear by it. Please clarify for me when it is appropriate and if there are any disadvantages. Thanks Janne.

An interest only loan is almost always a better way to finance property, even for an owner occupied dwelling, says property investment advisor and educator Richard Sheppard.

Hi Janne, I am in my fifties and am wondering whether I still need income protection insurance. My house is paid off and I am now working mainly to set myself up for retirement. What do you think? Regards, Liz, Bayview

I really enjoy your articles each month. I am currently looking after my own investments and don't know whether I should have advice from a financial planner, and if so, what value a planner could add. I look at managed fund returns and they do not seem to be any better than what I am getting myself. I would be interested in your views.

I have recently had a number of health problems and have been unable to work for over a year. A number of people have suggested that I claim on my total and permanent disability policy. I don't really want to, as I am hoping to get better. What do you suggest?

A career change may be exciting or daunting - it depends largely on the reason for the change. Whatever the case, there are some financial matters to think about, says Janne Ashton.

Hi Janne, I am currently looking at buying a house and would like advice on whether to use a fixed rate or variable rate for my mortgage, or some of each. Please let me know what you think.

I was discussing superannuation with friends and some suggested that a self managed super fund would be a good idea, as they said it is cheaper. Is that true? Kind regards, Joseph.

Many people insure their house, cars and boats but fewer people insure themselves, reports Gail Fitzpatrick.

Parents are becoming confused and increasingly frustrated by the inability of their X and Y children to handle their debt situation. This frustration however is also felt a lot of the time by the X and Y generation themselves, says Andrew Toumazis

Superannuation is a topic that most people have a definite opinion on – they either love it or they hate it. Janne Ashton simplifies the process of choosing the right super plan.

The best way to organise your finances is to ask the right questions. Andrew Toumazis from Forest Accounting answers the 20 most popular queries his clients have.