Maximise Your Retirement Benefits
Navigating the complexities of the Age Pension can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Glasshouse Wealth, we help you understand your eligibility, structure your assets efficiently, and maximise your entitlements. Our goal is to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve while maintaining a secure and comfortable retirement.
Are You Getting What You’re Owed?
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Navigating the Age Pension system is one of the most important parts of retirement planning in Australia. For many people, it provides a foundation of income that supports lifestyle costs and reduces the pressure on savings and superannuation.
But here’s the challenge: the rules are complex, the tests are confusing, and eligibility can change based on income, assets, or even how you structure your super. Get it wrong, and you may miss out on thousands of dollars every year. Get it right, and the Age Pension can give you confidence and stability in retirement.
At Glasshouse Wealth, we work with you to understand your eligibility, optimise your financial position, and make sure you receive every cent you’re entitled to without unnecessary stress.
What Is the Age Pension?
The Age Pension is a fortnightly income payment from the Australian Government that helps cover everyday costs for older Australians. It is means-tested, meaning not everyone will qualify for the full payment.
Think of it as a safety net, it’s designed to provide a baseline income, and for many retirees it works alongside superannuation and personal savings. Even if you don’t qualify for the full rate, a part pension can still be extremely valuable because of the extra benefits it brings, such as health care cards, cheaper medicine, and utility concessions.
Who Can Get the Age Pension?
Eligibility rests on three main pillars
Age Requirement
You need to be at least 67 years old.
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Means Tests
Both income and asset tests apply. Whichever test gives you the lower pension amount is the one Centrelink uses.
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Residency
You must meet Australian residency rules, both currently living here and having spent a minimum number of years in Australia.
The Tests That Determine Your Pension
1. Income Test
- Superannuation pensions
- Rental income
- Dividends and managed fund distributions
- Part-time or casual work
2. Asset Test
- Super balances (if you’ve retired and can access them)
- Investment properties
- Savings accounts and shares
- Vehicles, caravans, and valuables
Centrelink uses the test that results in the lower payment, so understanding both is crucial.
Why Pre-Planning Matters
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Too many Australians wait until they’re already 67 to think about the Age Pension. By then, your options may be limited. Pre-planning in your late 50s or early 60s can make a dramatic difference.
For example:
Selling or gifting assets at the wrong time could reduce eligibility.
Drawing super as income instead of leaving it in accumulation phase can alter the means test.
Failing to review your investments may push you above thresholds unnecessarily.
With the right plan, you may qualify for more income support than you expect.
Common Pitfalls We See
Not true. Payments can change if your circumstances, income, or asset values change.
No, there are strict rules on gifting and transfers. If you exceed limits, the value can still be counted for years.
Incorrect. Part pensions still bring valuable benefits like concession cards.
False. The principal residence is exempt from the asset test.
How Glasshouse Wealth Helps
We specialise in guiding clients through the maze of Age Pension rules, ensuring nothing is left to chance. Here’s how we add value:
Eligibility Assessment
We run both income and asset test scenarios, showing you where you stand today and in the future.
Optimisation Strategies
Structuring assets, super, and income streams to maximise what you qualify for.
Deeming Rates Guidance
Explaining how deemed returns apply to savings and investments, and how to plan around them.
Paperwork & Centrelink Navigation
Helping you cut through the forms, submissions, and follow-up so you avoid costly mistakes.
Ongoing Reviews
Pension entitlements can change; we check regularly to ensure you continue receiving the maximum benefit.
The Extra Benefits Beyond the Payment
- Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) for cheaper medicine and health care.
- Utility, council rate, and transport concessions.
- Reduced registration and licence costs.
- Access to bulk-billed medical services and cheaper energy bills in some states.
What To Do Now
The Age Pension is complex, but the opportunity is clear: it can improve your retirement security and quality of life significantly.
Here’s how to get started:
Gather your details: assets, liabilities, super, and income sources.
Book your consultation with Glasshouse Wealth.
We’ll run projections, test scenarios, and map out your eligibility.
Together, we’ll create a plan to maximise your entitlements and secure the benefits you deserve.
"Referred by a friend and has been the best decision Ive made to join Chris and put my trust in his financial acumen!!"
"We recently (within the last 12 months) began our journey with Chris as our financial planner, and I’ve found him to be thorough and detailed. He has taken the time to really understand my family’s financial situation and goals, which has provided a strong foundation for our planning. I feel confident that we are in good hands with Chris—he stays on top of market changes and keeps us updated on our progress, while guiding us through any adjustments needed along the way"
"Absolutely outstanding service! My financial advisor Chris took the time to truly understand my goals and provided clear, practical advice tailored to my needs. Communication was prompt and professional, and I always felt supported and confident in the decisions we made. I couldn’t recommend him more highly."
"Chris finance advice has set my future up for success we have nothing but appreciation for his guidance, the process was very quick and easy"
"Recommend Chris Carlin's Glasshouse Wealth as your first stop for financial advice. He is a professional who wants to help you look after your financial health - he also is a great ambassador for those who haven't been so lucky with previous Advisors in the past. Don't go past Glasshouse Wealth to stay financially healthy."
"Thanks to Chris, we have peace of mind knowing our family's financial future is secure. As a teacher and parents of two young kids, the advice and ongoing support have been invaluable. We feel confident in our financial decisions and are grateful for the guidance. Thank you, Chris, for helping us build a secure future for our family."
"Working with Chris has been incredibly beneficial for us. As a small business owner, I often overlooked personal finances, but Chris's guidance helped us set up for the future. For Emma, just starting her career as an optometrist, the advice on planning ahead has been invaluable. Chris's clear and simple explanations make financial concepts easy to understand. We are grateful for his ongoing support and look forward to a secure financial future."
"Working with Chris has given us peace of mind about our financial future. With two young kids and Mez being self employed, Chris's guidance has been invaluable. He breaks down complex concepts into simple terms, making it easy for us to understand and stay on track with our goals. Thank you, Chris, for being an essential part of our financial journey."
"We were shocked to discover that Mel didn't have any personal insurance cover. With our first child on the way it was important to us to know our family would be looked after if something was to happen to us. The fact Chris also maximised our super and we have plans for future investments was a bonus! Thankyou Chris!"
"In 2021, after a cancer diagnosis, Chris supported us through the insurance claim process, easing the financial stress during treatment. Thank you for making it so easy! Couldn't recommend a better financial planner."
Wall of Champions
Hear from those who have transformed their financial futures with Glasshouse Wealth
"Referred by a friend and has been the best decision Ive made to join Chris and put my trust in his financial acumen!!"
"We recently (within the last 12 months) began our journey with Chris as our financial planner, and I’ve found him to be thorough and detailed. He has taken the time to really understand my family’s financial situation and goals, which has provided a strong foundation for our planning. I feel confident that we are in good hands with Chris—he stays on top of market changes and keeps us updated on our progress, while guiding us through any adjustments needed along the way"
"Absolutely outstanding service! My financial advisor Chris took the time to truly understand my goals and provided clear, practical advice tailored to my needs. Communication was prompt and professional, and I always felt supported and confident in the decisions we made. I couldn’t recommend him more highly."
"Chris finance advice has set my future up for success we have nothing but appreciation for his guidance, the process was very quick and easy"
"Recommend Chris Carlin's Glasshouse Wealth as your first stop for financial advice. He is a professional who wants to help you look after your financial health - he also is a great ambassador for those who haven't been so lucky with previous Advisors in the past. Don't go past Glasshouse Wealth to stay financially healthy."
"Thanks to Chris, we have peace of mind knowing our family's financial future is secure. As a teacher, I wanted to ensure that we were prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Chris's guidance has been invaluable in setting up a financial safety net, especially with two young kids. Anna and I have also appreciated the ongoing support and advice that have allowed us to make informed decisions about our finances. The ability to constantly turn to Chris for financial advice has made a significant difference. We no longer worry about our financial future because we know we are making wise decisions with Chris's help. Thank you, Chris, for being an essential part of our financial journey and for helping us build a secure future for our family."
"Working with Chris has been incredibly beneficial for us. As a small business owner, I often overlooked personal finances while focusing on growing my company. Chris's guidance on superannuation and insurance has given us peace of mind, knowing we are on the right track. For Emma, just starting her career as an optometrist, the financial advice has been invaluable. Transitioning from a university student to a full-time professional comes with significant financial changes, and Chris's expertise has made the process much smoother. Chris's ability to break down complex financial concepts into simple terms has helped us create a clear financial plan. We are saving for our first home, planning future travel, and securing our financial future. We are grateful for his ongoing support and personalized advice. Thank you, Chris, for being an essential part of our financial success."
"Working with Chris has been a game-changer for our family. My main concern was ensuring our family's financial security, especially with two young kids, and Chris's advice has given us the peace of mind we needed. Chris's guidance has been invaluable in navigating the financial challenges of being self-employed. His expertise has helped us stay on track with our financial goals, including contributing to our super and planning for our children's future. We appreciate Chris's ability to break down complex financial concepts into simple, understandable terms. It's comforting to know we have someone we can turn to for reliable advice and support. Thank you, Chris, for being an essential part of our financial journey.""
"We were shocked to discover that Mel didn't have any personal insurance cover. With our first child on the way it was important to us to know our family would be looked after if something was to happen to us. The fact Chris also maximised our super and we have plans for future investments was a bonus! Thankyou Chris!"
"Having a young family, personal insurance was a must have. In 2021, getting a cancer diagnosis was something that shocked my family and me. Chris was aware of my situation and his support in making an insurance claim eased the burden of financial stress during treatment. Thank you for making the claim process so easy! Couldn't recommend a better financial planner."
FAQs
You can invest either through your superannuation or in your personal name. As part of the advice process, we will determine the most appropriate structure for your situation and develop an investment philosophy tailored to your needs. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear and effective strategy that aligns with your financial aspirations.
It is highly likely that you cannot use your existing superannuation fund due to the limited investment options, especially with leverage. You may need to transfer to an alternative provider. Our preferred platforms are cost-competitive, easy to use, and transparent, having been around for a long time. If you have a self-managed super fund (SMSF), we can consider that too, but it is not required.
Absolutely. Investing in your personal name is a common approach and can be beneficial for various reasons, such as tax planning and asset ownership. However, it’s important to consider other structures like investment bonds, which might offer additional benefits depending on your situation. We will guide you through these options to find the best fit for you.
With 12 years of experience as a financial advisor, I specialize in helping aspirational accumulators. My expertise spans investment strategies, superannuation, retirement planning, and personal insurance. At Glasshouse Wealth, our team is dedicated to providing professional, personalized advice to help you navigate your financial journey.
Many people don’t realize that when working with a financial planner, you may not need to pay out of pocket, as the cost of advice can often be funded directly from your superannuation or investment portfolio.
At Glasshouse Wealth, we use a hybrid fee model, meaning we have a flat fee and a percentage of funds under management. We are an ongoing financial advice provider and do not offer once-off advice. The standard fees for the overwhelming majority of our clients are $1,100 plus 0.55% of funds under management as a once-off payment. Then, ongoing fees are $1,100 plus 0.55% of funds under management, renewable every 12 months. These fees can usually be funded 100% from your investment platform or superannuation if you implement all of our recommendations, unless advised otherwise.
Here are some examples:
• If you are a single 40-year-old with $200,000 in super, you will pay an initial advice fee of $2,200 upfront ($1,100 + 0.55% of $200,000 = $2,200) and $2,200pa for ongoing advice in the first 12 months, subject to market fluctuations.
• If your situation is more complex and you are part of a couple (e.g., John has $300,000 in super, Sally has $200,000 in super, and they have $100,000 in their personal name), total funds under management is $600,000. The fee would be $3,300 for three accounts plus 0.55% of $600,000 ($3,300), totaling $6,600 pa.
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