Retirement Village Financial Advice Melbourne

Thinking about moving into a retirement village? Freedom Financial Planning helps Melbourne retirees and families understand the costs, contracts and cashflow impacts before making a decision. We provide clear retirement village financial advice so you can plan your next step with confidence.

Clear financial guidance
Downsizing advice
Retirement village costs

Understand the financial side before you move

A retirement village can offer lifestyle, community and lower home maintenance, but the financial details need careful review. Entry costs, ongoing fees, exit fees, Centrelink impacts and future aged care needs may all affect your decision. Getting advice early can help you avoid unwelcome surprises.

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What retirement village financial advice covers

Retirement village financial advice helps you understand how a move may affect your money now and later. This may include reviewing entry fees, service fees, deferred management fees, resale rules, Age Pension impacts, cashflow and estate planning considerations.

The aim is to help you compare your options clearly. We look at how the village arrangement fits with your retirement income, super, home sale proceeds, Centrelink position and longer-term care needs, not just whether the move feels affordable today.

Retirement village costs can be more than the entry price

Many people focus on the upfront cost, but retirement village costs often include ongoing fees and exit costs. Some contracts also affect how much you or your estate may receive when you leave. We help you understand the financial model before you sign.

Downsizing and retirement village advice

Selling the family home and moving into a retirement village is a major life decision. It can free up capital, reduce maintenance and support a simpler lifestyle, but it may also affect Age Pension entitlements, cash reserves and future financial flexibility.

Good downsizing and retirement village advice looks at both lifestyle and money. We help you assess sale proceeds, moving costs, village fees, super options, Centrelink rules and how much you may need to keep available for health, travel or family support.

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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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Plan for retirement living and future care needs

A retirement village may suit your current lifestyle, but it is worth thinking ahead. Health needs, aged care costs and support at home can change over time. We help you consider how today's decision may affect your future choices, income and financial security.

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 before signing a retirement village contract?

A retirement village decision can affect your income, assets and future options. Speak with Freedom Financial Planning about retirement village financial advice in Melbourne before you commit, so you can understand the costs and financial trade-offs clearly.

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 considering a retirement village, Freedom Financial Planning can help you understand the financial details before you decide. From our Notting Hill office, we provide practical retirement village advice for clients across Melbourne and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is retirement village financial advice?

Retirement village financial advice helps you understand how moving into a retirement village may affect your finances. It can include reviewing entry costs, ongoing service fees, deferred management fees, exit fees, sale proceeds, Centrelink impacts and retirement income.

This advice also considers your broader goals. A retirement village may suit your lifestyle, but the financial structure needs to work with your income, assets, future care needs and estate planning wishes.

What costs should I check before moving into a retirement village?

You should check entry costs, ongoing maintenance or service fees, exit fees, refurbishment costs, deferred management fees and any rules around capital gains or resale proceeds. These costs can vary widely between villages.

It is also important to understand how the move may affect Age Pension payments, cash flow, super, investments and the amount left for future aged care or family needs.

Can moving into a retirement village affect my Age Pension?

Yes, moving into a retirement village may affect your Age Pension. Centrelink may assess your home, entry contribution, sale proceeds, bank accounts, investments and income streams in different ways depending on your arrangement.

Before selling your home or signing a village contract, it is sensible to get advice on how the move may affect your Age Pension entitlement and broader retirement income.

Should I downsize before moving into a retirement village?

Downsizing before moving into a retirement village may suit some people, but the decision depends on your home value, village entry costs, future income needs, health, family priorities and Centrelink position.

A financial adviser can help you compare options, including staying at home, downsizing to a smaller property, moving into a retirement village, or planning for future aged care. This can help you make a decision that fits both your lifestyle and finances.

How can Freedom Financial Planning help with retirement village advice in Melbourne?

Freedom Financial Planning helps Melbourne retirees and families understand the financial impact of retirement village decisions. We review your situation, explain the costs, assess Centrelink and income impacts, and prepare personal advice based on your goals.

Our role is to help you make a clear, informed decision before you commit to a major move. We also provide ongoing advice as your retirement living needs change.

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!