Aged Care Financial Planning Melbourne

Q: How does Centrelink affect aged care costs?

Centrelink payments and aged care fees can interact through income and asset assessments. Changes to the family home, investments, super, bank accounts or income streams may affect Age Pension payments and aged care means-tested fees.Centrelink and aged care advice can help families understand how these assessments may work before making changes to assets or income.

Aged care decisions often arrive quickly and carry emotional weight. Freedom Financial Planning provides aged care financial planning in Melbourne to help families understand costs, Centrelink, cashflow and the financial choices involved before moving into care.

Aged care costs
Centrelink guidance
Family decision support

Clear advice during an important family decision

Financial planning for aged care can help you understand how care costs may be funded, how Centrelink may assess your position, and what choices may affect the family home, super, investments and estate planning. Good advice can reduce confusion and help families make decisions with more confidence.

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What aged care financial advice can help with

Aged care financial advice helps you assess the financial impact of moving into residential aged care or planning support for a loved one. This may include accommodation costs, daily care fees, means-tested fees, Centrelink payments, cashflow and asset decisions.

Families often need to make choices under pressure. Should the home be kept, sold or rented? How will fees be paid? Will Centrelink payments change? We explain the options clearly so the next step feels more manageable.

Understanding aged care costs in Melbourne

Aged care costs can include accommodation payments, daily fees and means-tested care fees. The way these costs apply depends on personal assets, income, home ownership, Centrelink status and the aged care facility selected. Advice can help you compare options before signing agreements or changing assets.

Centrelink and aged care advice for families

Centrelink and aged care advice can help you understand how the Age Pension, income test, assets test and aged care means assessment may interact. A change in accommodation, home ownership or investment income may affect both aged care fees and pension payments.

We help families review the full picture before making decisions. This may include modelling cashflow, assessing how to fund care, reviewing super or investments, and considering the impact on a spouse who remains at home.

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Client Testimonials

Freedom Financial Planning

5.0

Based on 42 reviews

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Brad Haley

06:05 03 Jun 26

Joanne and I can't speak highly enough of Stephanie and her professionalism. Her knowledge, politeness, care and guidance throughout the process made us feel so comfortable in the decision to partner with Freedom and their partners. Keep up the great work Steph !!!!

Joel Read

01:47 30 Apr 26

Sarah and I would like to shout out to Stephanie and Georgia for their amazing knowledge, communication skills, persistence and their ability to methodically understand our financial situation today, tomorrow and into the future. Their strategies and recommendation have placed us in a position of confidence and comfort knowing our best interests are priority. We would highly recommend Freedom Financial Planning to anyone, and at any stage of their journey to best shape future goals. So, thank you Steph and Georgia, you are legends!

Catherine Choueiri

01:28 04 Jun 25

First home buyer here wanting to get advice regarding investment property vs home to live in. I called freedom financial planners and spoke to Leigh Jackson as i didn't know where to start and what to do. Leigh did not take advantage of my unknowledgable position and provided great information and advice over phone. There was no pressure to book in an appointment and he provided me great tips for direction to start learning about the process. He was also open to taking any other questions I had later down the track.As a women trying to get financially independent, it's sometimes hard taking the step to ask about financial concepts and Leigh definitely made the first step alot easier. Thanks Leigh!

Rob Kean

05:06 12 Nov 24

Freedom Financial Services were recommended by a client of mine several years ago.I am extremely happy with the service provided by Stephanie Mitchell and her staff.I have no hesitation in recommending her.

J Piper

00:38 23 Apr 24

What sets Freedom Financial Planning apart is how they really focus on your specific wants and needs rather than trying to squish you into a product set that suits them. We have had outstanding service and outstanding returns over our long association and now have financial freedom as we approach retirement that we would never have had without them. A million thank yous

Vicks Naidoo

08:44 12 Feb 24

The discussion was very professional. Provided the status of the investments with increase in principal amounts. Provided assurance that assistance was available at all time and investments were reviewed periodically to ensure continuous growth of the principal amount.

Peter Stewart

04:29 06 Jan 24

I’ve been using FFP for a number of years. Completely satisfied with their support, advice, & recommendations for my finances. Richard is always great to work with. Highly recommended without any hesitation!!!!!!

Angela Meinke

04:19 06 Jan 24

I’ve been a happy customer for a number of years of Freedom Financial Planning with Richard Unmack providing me with professional advice and a friendly and when needed “plain English” explanation.Richard has helped me to set myself up for the future and get my affairs in order. I particularly appreciate the sound advice and quick responses, especially during key/critical decision making times.I believe that Richard has a good understanding of my needs, priorities and principals/values and that he really listens to what I am trying to achieve and that this enables him to provide great, independent advice to enable me to do that.He has been great to work with and making the decision to engage Freedom has really helped set me up for the future and to ease any of my worries.

Nelson Herrok

23:39 01 Dec 23

Great assistance, friendly and knowledgeable advice in regards to our financial needs. Thanks Mark ‼️

Viv Schembri

06:57 30 Nov 23

Lee Jackson has been my Financial advisor for many years. He is always professional, friendly and knowledgeable securing A Comfortable Future for me and my family,

Robyn Simpson

06:01 30 Nov 23

I have been with Freedom Financial for a number of years now. It was recommended by a friend who had enjoyed very reliable service for many years.Since becoming a client, I have enjoyed advice whenever I needed it. While I was working part time, I needed to engaged regularly with Centrelink to advise changes of salary. It was very taxing to spend so much time on the phone. Freedom took over the Centrelink involvement entirely. The fees were worth that alone!! My Superannuation and finances became more manageable and I was better off as a result of suggestions made to me. More recently, I have inherited funds and had significant help with investment and more broadly Retirement Village living.Most importantly to me, I have always found them to be scrupulously honest and I could not recommend them more highly.Specifically, I have dealt with Mark Struik, but Stephanie is now my friend’s Adviser and she has always been more than delighted.

Dot Ng

05:39 30 Nov 23

Best financial advisors! Been helping me over many years. And real people handling and caring for my financial and emotional well being. Highly recommended!

Denise Martin

05:36 13 Jul 23

I can't recommend Freedom Financial Planning highly enough. My husband and I have been with them for over 20 years and Mark Struik and Stephanie Mitchell (and their support staff) have always given us the most professional, friendly and accurate service and advice; always going that extra mile to achieve our required outcomes.

Valerie Paezold

13:33 12 Jul 23

Thank you to all at Financial Planning for putting on a great evening. The Presentation, food and the movie were excellent!

Denise Martin

09:35 23 Apr 23

Fabulously efficient and friendly service. Mark and Stephanie are so personable and they always have our best financial future at heart. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone for sound, professional and reliable advice.

Hudley Rana

01:25 17 Apr 23

We have been with Ryan since February 2016. His genuine caring advice, holistic in nature, keeping in mind our ongoing changes with respect to family, health and careers have enabled us to retire with confidence. Thank you Ryan and the Financial Freedom Planning Team. Hudley Rana

Angela Forgan

07:00 14 Apr 23

Have received excellent, sound advice from FFP for many years. Would not have been able to make some serious financial decisions without their support and guidance. Have recommended FFP to other friends who have also used their services very happily over a number of years.

Robert Macdonald

09:09 12 Apr 23

We were with another company for many years, and never had any contact with them, and they charged so much and did little. Freedom was recommended to us, and after 5 years of ongoing easy to understand friendly meetings, the results are very pleasing.

dorothy nathan

02:48 07 Apr 23

over the years we have found freedom financial very obliging & helpful in connection with our financial arrangements & have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Maurice Aspinall

05:48 06 Apr 23

The service we received was friendly, Courteous and explained in great detail, well done to you all, keep up the great work.

John Mitsios

06:12 05 Apr 23

I have been with Freedom Financial Planning for many many years and have found Mark to be excellent in sharing his advice and financial planning knowledge. I have full faith and trust in the advice provided by Mark and he has not let me down.

ian macdowall

09:05 04 Apr 23

Thanks Mark and the team at Freedom Financial, your expert advice has helped my Super grow faster than i would have thought and the tips and information provided throughout the year is most appreciated.

Stephen Lewis

00:59 04 Apr 23

My wife and I have been customers of Freedom for many years.We have always been extremely happy with the professionalism and have built a relation of trust with Ryan our main contact.

Alan Day

23:08 03 Apr 23

We've been using FFP for a few years now. We can't recommend their services highly enough. Very easy to speak to for our financial requirements.

George Sutherland

09:13 03 Apr 23

We have been clients for many years and have had courteous valuable advice for all that time, Our initial involvement involved establishment of financial plans for an elderly relative requiring care and estate planning. We then engaged to establish a financial plan for ourselves and are now able to enjoy our retirement by implementing those plans. We have encouraged others to also engage with Freedom Financial Planning and each of them has achieved similar effective resultsGeorge and Carol Sutherland

Robin Bray

08:28 03 Apr 23

My wife and I have used the services of Freedom Financial Planning for a number of years and have been thoroughly satisfied with their performance. The staff are always friendly and welcoming and provide sound financial planning advice and assistance.

Michael Clarke

08:01 03 Apr 23

Have used FFP for many years and will continue to do so. They have provided a great service, which is personally tailored to your needs.Highly recommended

Andrew Struik

07:30 03 Apr 23

I have been very happy with FFP and also their associated mortgage service. Both have been very responsive to any requests, and have shown initiative in making suggestions on how they can do better for me.

Janette Bradley

05:14 21 Feb 23

I have a very good relationship with all of the advisors, and their staff. They are very helpful, and I trust them, they feel like good friends. I would recommend them to others, with no hesitation.

Rod Bartlett

07:14 01 Feb 23

lee jackson has been my advisor for years he is very well informed and professional he more of friend than advisor i would highly recommend him also shaun the mortgage broker who set up my bridging loan and morgage also was highly profession and who i drove mad unfortunatly i believe either of them are essendon supporters

Dawn Hatcher

05:42 01 Feb 23

I have been with them for over 5 years and they have been exceptional in providing assistance in all my financial matters.

Matt Wood-Collins

01:44 01 Feb 23

I've been delighted to work with Stephanie Mitchell and the team at Freedom Financial Planning on both life insurance and investments. Stephanie has always been diligent, patient, well-informed and professional. I'm confident my finances are in good hands.

Kayla Jade

04:18 31 Jan 23

Working with Lee was the best financial decision we’ve ever made. Freedom has been an absolute fantastic company to work with! Continued communication and support! Thank you 😊

Airwize Pyrotechnic Displays

07:40 29 May 19

The team at Freedom Financial Planning in Mount Waverley are the best at what they do.I Anthony (Jack) Poletko have been dealing with Lee Jackson for a number of years now and he is good at what he does,If i have ever had a problem with my superannuation or need to know something financially,He will take the time to explain it and make sure i was good with it.He has not let me down once (super is doing great).Would highly recommend Lee Jackson to anyone for financial advise and have many times.Just last year both my wife and started looking at investment properties, Lee Jackson put us on to their finance broker Sean Lowe who has done an out standing job to get us into the market,He puts us onto an investment property broker, They have sources us a home to which it is in the process of being built,Sean has gone above and beyond in helping us get the loan and finance for our property.we previously had another broker who did not do anything of what Sean has done for us.Once again we would highly recommend his services to anyone and have done many times.Great Work Guys AAA ratting for customer service.jack & Jacky

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Support for the person in care and the family around them

Aged care planning is rarely just about one person. It often affects partners, adult children and estate planning wishes. We help families talk through the financial issues in plain English, so decisions are based on facts, not guesswork or pressure.

Introductory Meeting (No cost & obligation free)

The first step in our advice process is to arrange our introductory meeting. This meeting provides the opportunity to discuss your current situation and requirements, as well as your goals for the future. We can also explore how we may be able to help you.

Advice Preparation

Should you wish to engage our services, our work begins on reviewing and assessing alternative financial models and investment scenarios appropriate to your needs and circumstances. Fees occur from this step.

Strategy Development

Development of the detailed strategy and recommendations and preparation of your personalised plan (Statement of Advice document).

Advice Presentation Meeting

At this meeting we will present your tailored financial strategy and explain how our advice and recommendations will help you to achieve your goals and aspirations.

Implementation of Advice

Once you are comfortable with our advice and recommendations, the next step is to implement the detailed strategy as outlined in the Statement of Advice. We complete all of the required paperwork & process these.

Ongoing Advice and Regular Reviews

To ensure your financial strategy remains on track to meet your objectives (as they are subject to change over time), we will meet on a regular basis to review your situation and make any necessary adjustments that may be required.

Need help understanding aged care costs?

Aged care decisions can affect income, assets, Centrelink payments and family plans. Speak with Freedom Financial Planning about aged care financial planning in Melbourne and get clear advice before making major financial choices.

Cashflow & Budgeting

Centrelink Advice

Investment & Wealth Creation

Personal Risk Insurance Advice

Retirement Advice

Superannuation Advice

Aged Care Advice

Strategic Tax Planning Advice

Get In Touch

If you are helping a parent, partner or loved one move into care, Freedom Financial Planning can help you understand the financial choices ahead. From our Notting Hill office, we provide aged care financial advice for Melbourne families who need clear, practical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does aged care financial planning include?

Aged care financial planning helps you understand the costs and financial choices linked to residential aged care or later-life support. It may include accommodation payments, daily care fees, means-tested care fees, Centrelink impacts, cash flow, home ownership and investment decisions.

The advice should also consider family needs, including whether a spouse remains at home, how care will be funded, and how decisions may affect future estate planning.

How much does aged care cost in Melbourne?

Aged care costs in Melbourne vary depending on the facility, room type, personal financial position and level of care required. Costs may include a basic daily fee, accommodation payment, means-tested care fee and extra service fees where applicable.

The final cost depends on personal assets and income. Getting aged care costs advice before signing agreements can help you compare options and plan how fees may be paid.

Should we sell the family home to pay for aged care?

Selling the family home may be one option, but it is not always the best or only option. Some families consider keeping, renting or partly using other assets to fund care. The right choice depends on cashflow, Centrelink, aged care fees, tax, family needs and estate planning wishes.

Before selling the home, it is worth getting advice on how each option may affect the person entering care and any spouse who remains at home.

How does Centrelink affect aged care costs?

Why choose Freedom Financial Planning for aged care advice in Melbourne?

Freedom Financial Planning helps Melbourne families understand aged care costs, Centrelink impacts and funding options in plain English. We review the full financial position and help create a strategy that supports the person entering care and the family around them.

Our team also works across retirement income, Age Pension advice, Centrelink, super and estate planning considerations, which helps connect aged care decisions with the broader financial plan.

Freedom Financial Planning welcomes your enquiry. To book an appointment or simply ask us a question, fill in your details and we'll be in touch soon!