Useful Links also Hints & Tips

Details:

• From Jim....... Western Australia
  If you live in WA and are looking for somewhere to volunteer your time in retirement, check this website out www.volunteeringwa.org.au
• MONEY SMART is an Australian Government (ASIC) website
  It has lots of helpful information and some useful calculators for retirement planning, budget planning and lots more. The Information for Over 55's contains some great information as well.
  Visit www.moneysmart.gov.au to find out more
• WILLS and POWER OF ATTORNEY
  To find information about making a Will or setting up a Power of Attorney for yourself or an ageing parent then visit the Public Trustee website in your home state. You will find lots of helpful information and also what you should do if you are the executor of a will.
  
• CENTRELINK AGE PENSION - where to get information.
  If you are wondering how old you have to be to qualify for the age pension, the eligibilty requirements, other benefits and lots more then visit www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/age_pension.htm
• CENTRELINK - FINANCIAL INFORMATION SEMINARS (FIS)
  Centrelink Financial Information Service holds seminars in a range of locations for people nearing retirement who want to know how to prepare for it and retirees who want to understand their pension and the options they have.
  Visit www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/fis_seminars.htm for all the information, locations and how to request a FIS seminar in your area.
• MEALS ON WHEELS ......all states
  Shirley mention on our retired page she like volunteering with Meals on Wheels. If you are interested in finding out more go to www.mealsonwheels.org.au Choose the FIND US option then click on your state on the map. It will take you to your state's website for more local information.
  In the Northern Territory Meals on Wheels are looked after by the Red Cross so visit their website for more details.
  
• ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES (A.I.R.) Limited ......... branches Australia wide
  is a not for profit voluntary organisation established to advocate to both Federal and State Government on behalf of those who have retired and those who are approaching retirement. This of course must include all Baby Boomers who have now been required to contribute to compulsory superannuation since the mid nineteen nineties but who will not have been able in many cases to have amassed sufficient capital to provide adequately for their whole of life retirement. It operates in all states and to find out more information including the details of a branch near you visit www.independentretirees.com.au
• PEOPLE WHO CARE ........... Perth and Peel regions
  is a volunteer organisation which provides services to the frail aged, people with disabilities, carers and others with special needs to enable them to live independently for as long as possible. It covers the greater part of Perth and Peel regions and if you are interested in volunteering visit www.peoplewhocare.org.au for more information.
• EASY CARE GARDENING.......Some Sydney Suburbs
  provides gardening and lawn mowing services to frail aged people, younger people with disabilities, and their carers within the Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai, Ryde and Hunters Hill areas. This allows them to remain in their own homes as the service helps to convert gardens to low maintenance ones, ensuring that the garden areas are safe and enjoyable. If you are interested in volunteering all the information is on www.easycaregardening.org.au.
  This is a great idea, I wonder if there are any other organisations like this in Australia?
• LOST SUPERANNUATION
  If you are working or have retired it is a good idea to check if there is any superannuation accounts that you have perhaps forgotten about. It may have been from a job you held for a short time. If you visit www.ato.gov.au and put Superseeker into their search it will take you to a place where with your Tax file no, name and date of birth you can do a quick search.
• THE PYJAMA ANGLES.......Queensland but recently launched in NSW
  A comment was left on our retired page advised The Pyjama Angles was a great place to volunteer as you help children learn to read. I had not heard of The Pyjama Angles but found www.thepyjamafoundation.com which has lots of information about them. Take a little time to see what they do.
• AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT information website for Australian over 50
  www.seniors.gov.au enhances the quality of life for older Australians through access to a wide range of online information, services and exciting interactive features dealing with active and healthy ageing, including finances, planning, retirement, health, housing, rights and aged care options in Australia, for older people, their carers, family and friends.
  Lots of information and links.
• Peter has been employing people for 30 years and advises the following
  1. Healthy (Tell them if you don't smoke)
  2. Happy (Smile,be relaxed and friendly)
  3. Wise (Show interest in the job)
  will get you the job.
  Thanks for the advice Peter
• A TIP WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WORK
  Look on the My Career website and click on the Advise and Research tab www.mycareer.com.au
  The My Career section of the Melbourne Saturday Age always has useful tips
  A really good book to help with applications is
  The Secrets of Getting a Job by Philip Garside publisher is Hyland House.
  Thanks Jenny for this great information
• From 50 onwards, you can subscribe to National Seniors for a small annual fee, cheaper as a couple, and you receive lots of discounts in cafes, restaurants, pubs - like buy 1 meal and get the other one free -
  Watch out for their logo on doors everywhere you shop, including chemists.