time to get wise about digital security

Time To Get Wise About Digital Security

time to get wise about digital security

Even as the pandemic winds down, it continues to influence where and how we work, with more time spent online, you and your digital credentials are at risk now more than ever.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the home lives and workplaces of millions worldwide. Offices closed, people transitioned to working remotely and shopping online, and families bunkered-down at home.

With nowhere to go, they spent more time online. That isn’t likely to change anytime soon, even if some offices re-open.

Details
the growing industry of cyber-crime that is brokering stolen data in australia

The growing industry of cyber-crime that is brokering stolen data in Australia

the growing industry of cyber-crime that is brokering stolen data in australia

In October 2022 (which ironically was ‘cybersecurity awareness month’), Australia experienced several major cybersecurity breaches (“hacks”), including Medibank and its subsidiary AHM, Optus, Woolworths and electricity provider Energy Australia.

Many other Australian and foreign companies – large and small – are all now among the household names that have fallen victim to a data breach.

Details
preparing for your digital afterlife

Preparing For Your Digital Afterlife

preparing for your digital afterlife

When was the last time you posted a letter, printed out a photo, rang up your share broker, or visited a bank branch? Chances are, not that recently.

This is because more and more of our lives are spent online, and hanging off digital cloud services.

But what would happen if you lost mental capacity or died? While your physical life may be well provided for, chances are your digital life is seriously at risk.

Details
family loans and gifts here there be dragons

Family Loans and Gifts – Here There Be Dragons

family loans and gifts here there be dragons

Helping out a struggling family member always begins with goodwill and the best of intentions.

But gifts and loans between family members all too often result in family disputes and litigation which could easily be avoided with some simple precautions.

The incredible rise in house values, the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the rising cost of living, mean lots of Australian families will be relying on family to help out more than ever and that support is likely to take the form of financial assistance.

Details
What are digital assets

Estate Planning must include Digital Assets

What are digital assets

How many things in your life do you manage or store on your computer, tablet, smartphone or online? Like many people today you probably access photos, videos, music, e-books, blogs, movies, emails, conversations, social media, games, bank accounts, medical records, and even your identity – all online.

All of these are called “digital assets” and they may be of financial or sentimental value to you and your family. They can be just as precious and important as physical assets that you can touch. They should be part of your general planning for what happens when you die or if at any time you are unable to manage your own affairs.

Details
did you know youre a yoyo

Wills and Estate Planning Adelaide: Did You Know You’re A YOYO?

did you know youre a yoyo

YOYO stands for You’re On Your Own, and it has never been truer for Australian retirees.

In the 1980’s when Bob Hawke and Paul Keating changed government policy to encourage us all to save enough money for our eventual retirement, we did so with an expectation of mastering our own destiny to enjoy a wonderful and carefree retirement.

The idea was to reduce the dependence upon government funds for the old-age pension.

There has been a tremendous change in the social culture of Australia in the 40 years or so since superannuation commenced.

Details
parents dilemma choosing guardians for children

Parents Dilemma Choosing Guardians for Children

parents dilemma choosing guardians for children

Choosing a person to care for your children is difficult. In fact, for many families, it’s the hardest part of planning their estate.

It’s not easy to think of anyone else, no matter how loving, raising your child.

The problem only gets harder if your child has a disability.

Yet, you can make a tremendous difference in your child’s life by planning ahead.

Details
what happens when a gift in a will has been lost

What happens when a gift in a Will has been lost?

what happens when a gift in a will has been lost

With Australians living longer than ever, their physical health is often declining slower than their mental capacity, requiring close family members to assume the role of agents and substitute decision makers for financial and legal matters, generally by way of an enduring power of attorney.

It is not surprising if you have never heard of ‘ademption’. Ademption is a legal term derived from a Latin word meaning ‘a taking away’.

Ademption occurs when property (either personal or real estate) gifted under a Will is no longer in the Will-maker’s (Testator’s) estate when they die.

Details