THE BUSINESS OF POETRY
Launched in 2007, The Australian Poetry Centre is housed in the suitably romantic surrounds of Glenfern, a National Trust property in Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. While there's a revival of interest in the spoken word, the centre's director, Teresa Bell, says, "A real shift needs to be seen in the mainstream support of publishing and selling poetry, which, of course, comes down to getting people to buy it." Poetry salons are held at Glenfern on the fourth Sunday of each month.
A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE
Centrelink advises that the collapse of finance companies such as Fincorp, ACR and Bridgecorp may result in higher rates of payments for victims on the age pension. Deemed income on investments is assessed by Centrelink, so those affected by failed investments should speak to a financial information service officer on 132 300. In some cases, revised assessments will be backdated to when the company first got into difficulty.
THE FRUIT-AND-VEG FACTOR
The cost of retiring has increased again. The latest figures from Westpac-ASFA show that the annual cost of a "modest" standard of living for a couple in retirement is now $26,339 a year. The "comfortable" standard is $48,648. Higher food prices are a major factor, with fruit (up 9.6 per cent) and vegetables (up 7.9 per cent) leading the charge.
STAKE YOUR CLAIM
As at November 30, last year, ASIC has identified $458 million waiting to be claimed from old bank accounts and life insurance policies. Amounts range from $1 to $3 million (from a company takeover). To start searching, see fido.gov.au.
