I went to a financial advisor/ planner 15 years ago just before I retired - first thing they looked at was how I could reduce my personal assets so I would qualify for the aged pension.
What people don't understand that the aged pension has spawned an industry within itself involving accountants, lawyers, planners, advisors, accountants etc etc. It's not the fault of the average individual as they in general terms would never have been interested in the nuances of the pension.
How to manage your finances is not something taught at school, and that's for a reason!
