Insurance premiums set to increase by as much as 25%
Is it time you checked in on your policy?
Is it time you checked in on your policy?
Spend, spend, spend as the focus remains on recovery and jobs, jobs, jobs
Ever looked at a friend who has everything together and thought ‘what’s their secret?’ Here are five habits you can implement to achieve financial security.
The start of a New Year is a chance to put the past behind us and focus on what’s to come – but often it’s harder than it sounds.
We’ve all been there – the clock is counting down the last few hours of the year and you start to reflect on what you’ve achieved over the past twelve months. Often fuelled by drinks, food and a party atmosphere, friends excitedly ask what your resolutions are for the year to come. How will you become a ‘better person’ overnight?
Don’t be discouraged. Sure, tightened lending means home loans are becoming harder for some to get, but it’s not all bad news.
That’s because there’s also reduced competition from investors, housing prices are falling, and clearance rates are too, making it much more of a buyer’s market than in years gone by.
So let’s take a look at a few simple steps you can take to improve your chances of obtaining finance in the tighter lending environment. Armed with these tips you could be better equipped to take advantage of the weakened housing market.
Life Insurance cover is about protecting those who are left behind. Find out how the right policy can ensure your family isn’t left in debt if the worst should happen.
The end-of-financial-year period isn’t really a time most people relish, but it does offer an excellent opportunity to review your finances and possibly free up funds for more important and enjoyable pursuits.
Below we’ll show you, in five easy steps, how to streamline the income tax return process and possibly free up funds for the more important things in this great Australian life.
It’s time to schedule an annual checkup. A health insurance checkup, that is.
Because a lot can change in a year – your needs may have changed, the insurance market has most certainly shifted and living expenses continue on an upwards trajectory.
For example, in 2018 some banks put their interest rates up, which can put extra stress on the family household budget.
So, let’s take a look at the steps you can take to complete a health insurance policy checkup now.
The productivity commission has released a report into the superannuation industry and made 31 recommendations for reform. So how could they impact you?
Coming in at 700 pages, the December 2018 Productivity Commission’s report does not make for light reading. So we’ve done the hard yards and had a look at what it could mean for you.
The Productivity Commission, Superannuation: Assessing Efficiency and Competitiveness inquiry report starts with the premise that: “Australia’s super system needs to adapt to better meet the needs of a modern workforce and a growing pool of retirees. Structural flaws – unintended multiple accounts and entrenched underperformers – are harming millions of members, and regressively so”.i
The report states that fixing these problems could benefit super fund members to the tune of $3.8 billion each year. For example, “a 55-year-old today could gain $79,000 by retirement,” and “a new job entrant today would have $533,000 more when they retire in 2064”.
Now, whether or not any or all recommendations are adopted depends on the government of the day, here’s how they could impact insurance through super.
Exercise can be incredibly beneficial for the body, but it’s also great for the mind. So what are you waiting for? Get moving!
We all know the feeling – that buzzy, warm glow we get after exercise. Whether it’s a gentle jog, playing footy with the kids or lifting a personal best, exercising makes us feel good. But it isn’t just the smug satisfaction of knowing we’ve been active for the day (although this is pretty nice too) – there’s a scientific reason why moving our bodies makes us happy.
It all comes down to processes in the brain. According to the Australian Medical Association, exercising releases neurotransmitters into the brain called endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals have mood-boosting properties that leave you with the so-called ‘runners’ high’. Endorphins help to encourage positive feelings and can provide relief from conditions like anxiety for hours after exercise is over.