Receiving an inheritance · Pakenham
An inheritance, invested wisely.
However it reaches you, an inheritance carries the memory of the person who left it.
For some, it's life-changing — the chance to do something they never thought they could, and a reason to be grateful to that person for the rest of their lives.
For others — especially someone who's just lost the partner they'd planned their whole retirement around — no inheritance comes close. They'd give it all back in a heartbeat for one more year together.
We understand both. What we do is take care of the practical side — your income, your Centrelink, the tax, where the money should sit — so that whatever you're feeling, it's all looked after properly: invested wisely, doing right by you, and honouring the person it came from.
What we do
What we take care of
We work in two phases — first the things that can't wait, then the measured moves for the future.
Right away
Keep your cashflow steady
A reliable income to live on, and capital on hand for the costs that have to be met right away — the funeral, the flowers, the wake, the headstone. We make sure the money's there when it's needed, keep a reserve set aside for whatever crops up, and quietly guide you on keeping your accounts and cards working. The bigger decisions can wait.
Protect your Centrelink
An inheritance can change your Age Pension. We recommend the changes that help — how it's invested, structured or gifted — to keep as much of your pension and concession cards as the rules allow. And we deal with Centrelink on your behalf, so you don't have to.
Update your estate essentials
Your situation has changed, so the key documents need to catch up — your binding death benefit nominations (who your super goes to), your will, and your Powers of Attorney — brought up to date promptly, working with your solicitor where needed.
Then, for the future
Use it where it does the most good
Part of our job is helping you put the inheritance to its greatest long-term use — and that looks different for everyone. Sometimes the best move is clearing debt rather than investing; for others it's a renovation, downsizing, a holiday, or something meaningful that honours the person it came from. We talk each option through and weigh up what it really means, so it goes where it counts.
Restructure for what's ahead
We review where your money should sit — in your name, in super, or in a family trust — and consider any gifting, keeping tax low and the estate protected, for you and for your beneficiaries.
Invest for the long term
We invest what's there for long-term growth and an income designed to last — a dependable foundation for the years ahead.
Before, as well as after
If you know it's coming
Sometimes you know an inheritance is on the way — you're caring for an ageing parent, or a loved one has asked you to look after things. If so, the kindest planning happens early, while there's still time and capacity.
Done ahead, the structuring can mean less lost to tax, your Centrelink protected, and the family looked after the way everyone intends. For the person leaving it, there's real peace in knowing a lifetime of saving will do exactly what they hoped. For the one receiving it, there's clarity instead of confusion at the hardest possible time.
How it works
How we'll work together
We listen
A phone chat to understand where things are up to, what's on your mind, and what you'd like to happen.
We coach you through it
We talk you through the options and help you weigh up what's right for you.
We put it into action
We handle the practical side — the income, the Centrelink, the structures and the paperwork.
Often connected
Things we can help with too
Common questions
Questions people often have
Will receiving an inheritance affect my Age Pension?
It can — an inheritance is assessed by Centrelink, so it may change your payment or your concession cards. We look at how to keep as much of your entitlements as the rules allow, and deal with Centrelink on your behalf.
Do I have to pay tax on an inheritance in Australia?
Australia has no inheritance or death tax. But tax can still come into it — capital gains tax can apply to some inherited assets (and not only when you sell; in certain cases the inheritance itself is the trigger), and super left to certain people can be taxed. We work out where tax applies, keep it to what the rules require, and structure things with future tax in mind.
Do I have to decide everything now?
No. We put your income and access to money on a steady footing first, then hold the bigger decisions until you're ready — nothing locked in that can't be changed.
Can you help before an inheritance, not just after?
Yes. If you know one is coming, planning ahead can protect tax, Centrelink and the family's intentions, and spare everyone a great deal later. Your loved one is welcome in those conversations too.
Do you handle the legal side of the estate?
No — that's your solicitor's work. We coordinate with them where the estate is still being settled, and look after the financial side.
What does the first chat cost?
The first phone chat is complimentary and without obligation — general information, not personal advice — and any fees are explained up front before you decide anything.
When you're ready, we're here
When you'd like a hand, book a complimentary 15-minute phone chat, or simply call us. We'll listen first, explain any fees up front, and take things from there at your pace. (It's general information, not personal advice.)
Book a chatOr call us on (03) 5941 5955 · Mon–Thu, 8:30am–5:00pm
Recommended to lots of friends who have all been equally impressed with the knowledge and personal attention they have received.
Well done to you all and thanks again
Mary and Aiza are amazing with fantastic financial guidance, thanks to them I’m living my best life,
Thank you very much
Outstanding support and guidance
Mary from Plan4Wealth went above and beyond to help me understand exactly what I should be doing and why. She explained everything clearly and made the entire process easy to follow. I truly felt supported and informed every step of the way. Highly recommend Mary at Plan4Wealth to anyone looking for trusted financial guidance!
Thank you so much
We have complete faith in their level of expertise and ability in this field and would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them as the go to professional and sound advisory consultancy.
Michael and Glenda Milligan
Very professional.
Very understanding.
Very clear with the direction given.
Great guidance and assistance, and lovely to chat with and have already put the wheels in motion for stage 1 of our plans
Highly recommend
Mary is skilled as a financial planner and has a good way with people.
Cathy Lizza is the person in the plan for wealth team, who handles insurances. Likewise, I can say that Cathy is very skilled having worked in this area for 20+ years and is a nice person with efficiency.
Aiza is the face of the business. You will speak with her when you phone.
again a person who is good at her job and efficient.
I am happy to recommend Mary, Cathy and Aiza
I found her very friendly and helpful and more importantly easy to understand.
I have no hesitation in recommending Plan4wealth and will be returning to use their services in the future.
