Skip to main content

What to do if your job is made redundant.

Being retrenched from your job can be hard to accept. It is the sudden shock that catches most people but try not to take it personally. Redundancy is usually not about your personal performance; it’s the performance of your employer’s business, the industry sector in which you work, or even the global economy.
Dealing with the key considerations below can help you take back control of your life and career.
Take control
  • Redundancy payment: Genuine redundancy payments are given special tax treatment, including a tax-free amount related to years of service. Your lump sum payment might be your last pay packet for a while, so draw up a budget. This will help you identify areas where you can economise until you find a new job. Your financial adviser can help you work out the best use for any lump sum you receive.
  • MortgageIf you have a home loan, contact your lender immediately. You may be able to adjust payments while you are out of the workforce.
  • CentrelinkYou may be eligible for income support from Centrelink. Be aware that waiting periods and income and asset tests apply, so contact Centrelink as soon as possible. Go to www.humanservices.gov.au for details.
  • Superannuation and insuranceDepending on your fund you may need to rollover your superannuation benefit. You may also need to replace any insurance cover you had with your employer or your previous super fund. Your adviser can guide you on these matters; firstly, contact your super fund to check your insurance details.
  • New job or new career: Redundancy is usually an unwanted challenge, but many people take the opportunity to make the move to a completely new career. This may involve a period of re-training for which government assistance may be available. It is possible to come out of your redundancy experience with the chance of an exciting future.
  • Other support: Some companies offer outplacement assistance to former employees. Apart from helping you update your CV, find a new job or transition to a new career, outplacement companies can also provide support in dealing with the emotional consequences of retrenchment. If outplacement services are available, always take advantage of them.
No alt text provided for this image

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Times are tough. How can you position yourself to minimise the impact?

The last few weeks have been extraordinary to say the least. We’re battling a world wide health crisis and we face uncertainty in many aspects of our lives.  It’s true that there are simply some things beyond our control and we will more than likely see many changes to our everyday lives for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. So, what can be done?  On the other side of this, many people will be left with dramatic financial stress, whether it be periods of unemployment, depleted cash reserves or battered superannuation balances.  And for many, timing will be an issue. Those who were weeks ago contemplating retirement may now need to change their plans. And those that are still accumulating for retirement have more than likely just seen their investments and superannuation return to levels of 5 or 6 years ago. Essentially the clock has be wound back in one way or another.  It may well be a good time to take stock and lay some foundations for when thing...
Before you get excited (or not), I don't offer Pet Insurance, however I have received many questions about it.  So I thought I would offer some thoughts to consider for your independent pet insurance research. Australians are a nation of animal lovers.  According to the Australian Companion Animal Council, we have one of the highest incidences of pet - ownership in the world! Dogs and cats are our favourites; around 36% of Australian households own a dog, and 23% own a cat.  We're familiar with the companionship pets bring, and the social interaction they foster, but there are other benefits too: Lowered blood pressure and cholesterol; Increased physical activity; Strengthened immune system and reduced incidence of allergies and Children learn responsibility, empathy and respect. When considering a pet, you expect costs like food, bedding, the annual vet visit and so forth, but there are other costs you may not have thought about. Let's start at t...

Don't Wait till you're in your 60's to see a Financial Adviser

Ask most 30-year old’s who their financial planner is and the typical response might be ‘huh?’ After all, financial advisers are for older people with plenty of money to invest, aren’t they? Well, yes, people nearing or in retirement will benefit from sound advice. But so will younger people. With the benefit of having time on their side, and with some help from an adviser, a 30-something can easily establish a wealth creation plan that can deliver a big payoff in the future. Harness compound interest It’s been called the most powerful force in the universe, and compounding returns – earning interest on your interest – can deliver dramatic results. Imagine that, at age 30, you commence a simple savings plan. You contribute $2,000 each year to an investment that delivers an after-tax return of 6% pa. After 30 years you will have contributed a total of $60,000, but your investment will be worth $158,116. The magic of compound interest will have delivered you an effortles...