Early Planning (really early!) to avoid problems later

Passwords can cause havoc when we pass away

Logging in to a phone

The modern need for internet security can cause havoc when someone dies. Jennifer Cooke shares her recent experience of this – and other problems for executors, a role you can find yourself in with little warning, preparation or support. Jenny is an award-winning author and journalist and former legal affairs … Read more

Sponsored Article: When tragedy strikes, it’s never part of our plan.

Photo by Jen Theodore, Unsplash

By Rachel O’Connor, Director, Flourix Wealth. Tragedy strikes at any stage of life, as we’re building our family, our home, our financial security. On my website I say: “Many of us have a picture of what our ideal life would look like. A comfortable life, where we have the means … Read more

Tree Burials, Sea Burials and Green Burials

Connecting-to-a-loved-one-through-growing-a-tree-can-be-a-comforting-and-joyous-experience

by Sandra Moon. This article was updated 7 November, 2022. It features sustainable burials. As a child I was intrigued by a Native American tradition of placing their deceased on a platform in a tree. It seemed so natural to me to decompose through exposure to the sun, rain and … Read more

Free services for pensioners from the Trustee and Guardian.

Trustee and Guardian's Office gives free legal advice to pensioners.

Free drafting of documents is done for pensioners by the NSW Trustee And Guardian. NSW Trustee and Guardian is a state government agency that provides a full range of Wills and Estate Planning services for the community.   The preparation of Estate Planning documents such as Will, Power of attorney and … Read more

It’s not what you see in the movies, says Kathryn Mannix.

It's not what you see in the movies, Kathryn says.

We love this. Kathryn Mannix is a palliative care specialist from the UK who we admire. And she’s recently written a book on approaching death, With The End In Mind. This is a similar take to mine – which is not as surprising as it may seem. Because when people … Read more

National Advance Care Planning Week, March 22-26.

From an Advance Care Planning Australia video

As the organisers say, it’s “a time to talk about what matters most”. “National Advance Care Planning Week is an annual initiative by Advance Care Planning Australia that encourages all Australians, regardless of their age or health status, to make their future health care preferences known,” they explain on their … Read more

Care in the carpark.

Love and trust, Jean Kittson on caring for her parents in a challenging time.

Updated February 2022 Jean Kittson’s latest role is caring for her parents in the challenging, frustrating time of COVID-19. My interview with Jean appears in this week’s editions of Mosman Daily, North Shore Times and The Daily Telegraph. Like so many of us today, Jean – well-known Australian commentator, actor, … Read more

Sorry to disappoint you, Robbie, but it’s coming to us all.

In the Radio ABC Sydney studio this morning to chat with the lovely Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck. We shared insights about a good death ahead of the three events being organised by Bayside Council and facilitated by Home Instead. To listen to the interview, go to the following link … Read more

Our first hubbub of 2020 was at Waverton.

The Waverley Hub spreads good cheer with carolling at Waverton Station, Christmas 2019.

‘Come and listen to Margaret at our next Waverton Hub Speakers’ Presentation: 2pm at the Waverton Uniting church hall, 75 Bay Rd Waverton Tuesday 4 February. No need to book – free entry – all invited.’

Do dostadning now

Peter Walsh - Let it Go

Australian-born Peter Walsh, who’s made it in LA with blessings from Oprah, has  written the ideal gem for those at that difficult time of dismantling their parents’ home. Even though Let It Go, like many of Walsh’s books, is about decluttering generally, it shows what a cleansing experience this can … Read more

When expectations differ

Julie’s father passed away in August, 2014: “We had all gathered to be there with him when he died and we were ready to let him go. “He’d been married to my stepmom, Monica, a beautiful Italian Catholic, for about 35 years, but we are Jewish. The Jewish tradition is that … Read more