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Could Your Family Save Money By Switching Health Funds?

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Could Your Family Save Money By Switching Health Funds?

With the annual premium increases coming into play, families have been urgently prompted to look at ditching their health insurance to save money. Many people don’t realise that it’s not as black and white as it might seem, and it’s not just a case of either dropping your cover or accepting your health fund’s rate rise.

You also have the option to shop around and switch to another health fund, and many families find that they can save money by doing this. You may be able to cut your costs without needing to change your cover level by switching to an equivalent policy with another health fund. And if you do decide that you want to upgrade or downgrade your cover to better suit your family’s health needs, you may be able to get more value for money by buying a higher or lower level of cover elsewhere rather than sticking with your current health fund.

Is Switching the Right Option for You?

First of all, you’ll need to decide whether you want to carry on with the level of cover that you have now or alter it in line with your family’s needs. To do this, you need to think about the kind of services that are going to be important for your family over the next year and how your cover reflects this. You may need to upgrade to broader cover if you need services that are not included on your policy at the moment but there is also potential for downgrading your cover if you no longer need pregnancy and birth services, for example.

Once you’ve got your needs and priorities pinned down, it’s time to shop around and see what your options are. If you’ll need to change cover level, see how much this will cost with your current health fund and compare it with like-for-like policies elsewhere. If you can get the same cover cheaper with another insurer, you’ve got good reason to switch.

Shopping around can seem daunting and time consuming, especially when you’re a busy mum who needs more hours in the day to get everything done. Here at www.HealthInsuranceComparison.com.au, we can do the hard part for you by comparing policies with a range of health funds. If you like what you see, you can look at switching your custom to another insurer.

Is Your Cover Affected?

If you’re not upgrading or downgrading your Hospital cover level, portability rules mean that you don’t have to serve waiting periods again with a new insurer – provided that they have been served in full before you switch. If not, you’ll have to serve the rest of the waiting period before you can make a claim on your new Hospital policy.

The other key point involves continuity of cover. When you switch, you need to make sure that you have a gap of no more than 7 days between your existing Hospital cover ending and your new policy starting. Otherwise, you’ll probably have to re-serve waiting periods even if you’re switching to equivalent cover.

It’s also worth bearing mind that you’ll need to be fully paid up with your premiums on your existing policy to take advantage of the portability rules.

If you’re switching up in terms of Hospital cover, you will have to serve waiting periods for new services as you would if you upgraded with your current health fund.

For Extras cover, you could potentially be required to serve waiting periods with a new insurer but in reality, some health funds will recognise a waiting period that has already been served and honour it.

What About Lifetime Health Cover?

As long as you continue to maintain your Hospital cover, Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) status will not be affected and you won’t have to pay any extra loading unless you let your cover lapse in the future (and even then, it can be fine if you’re still within your permitted days without hospital cover). For LHC purposes, the main concern is whether you have an eligible Hospital policy and while this is the case, it doesn’t matter which health fund you are with.

How to Switch

Timing is everything if you don’t want to be paying for both your current and new policies at the same time, and to make sure that you don’t have to re-serve any waiting periods because of a gap in cover.

If you cancel your current policy before the new one kicks in, you may be caught out by this so it’s better not to pull the plug on your existing cover until you have started being covered by your new insurer.

Make sure that your existing cover ends on the same day that your new policy begins so that you won’t still be paying for the old cover on top of your new premiums. If you paid by Direct Debit, check that the agreement is cancelled and that no further payments can be taken from your account.

You’ll need to get a clearance certificate from your current health fund when you cancel your policy with them, and this will need to be sent on to your new insurer.

This is an S2 POST.

Cheap Online Shopping Australia + $250 Crazy Sales Giveaway

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Cheap Online Shopping Australia

It’s time to get money savvy. Bargain hunt, research and save yourself some cash!
You have worked long hours and don’t want your hard earned dollars going down the drain. These days everyone is doing it tough and is trying to get the most bang for their bucks. Cheap online shopping in Australia makes it possible!

Save time and money

Shopping online allows customers to compare, shop and save at the click of a button. No more going from shop to shop, trying to find a parking space and then comparing prices. Online shopping in Australia is convenient and easy!

Many online stores like Crazy Sales offer almost every category of item you could possibly want. They have everything from sporting goods to bedding. Their outdoor & leisure equipment has bargain swimming pools, sunshades and awnings, tents, BBQ pits, lighting and so much more. This not only has the essentials your family needs to go camping or to enjoy the Summer sun, you can do it at affordable prices!

 

Parents are typically always on the lookout for babies and kids toys they can put away for Christmas and birthdays. This is especially the case when they are a bargain-basement price and a sale too good to pass up. Bikes, trikes and wooden kitchens are always a winner. No child will turn down a water table, pogo stick or a cubby house and parents won’t turn down a bargain!

New Year’s brings resolutions; many that won’t be kept and will generally cost you money. Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars buying the best instruments you can (because you plan on becoming the next big thing!), start with something more affordable and if you stick with it, then go big. Crazy Sales has heaps of instruments and accessories at hugely discounted prices!

Sport and fitness is another area that people seems to spend thousands on. Exercise and health is fantastic but it doesn’t have to cost obscene amounts. You can now get fit at home with fantastically priced sporting equipment such as home gyms, cross trainers and even trampolines. If poor quality is a concern; read the reviews by previous customers on the product you are looking at to put your mind at ease.

Be smart with your money! Don’t waste it on overpriced products when you have cheap online shopping in Australia available to you.

Prize Includes: $250 Crazy Sales voucher.

**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:
(1). Entries open to Australian Residents only.
(2). Comments on blog and shares via social media are required.
(3). This is a contest of creativity, the most creative entry will be chosen as the winner by the blogger. Judges decision is final.
(4). Prize costs will be borne by Crazy Sales, however Crazy Sales will take no responsibility for the package once it has been shipped.
(5). Winners are required to photos of the prize and share them on social media with a link to the product page.
(6). Commenting on the relative post announced on CrazySale Facebook page is also eligible to enter.
(7). NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I joined forces with Crazy Sales to bring you this giveaway. All opinions are my own.

How To Save Money On Furniture And Homewares

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Save Money On Furniture And Homewares

It is time to get organised. Clean up, clear out and start fresh this festive season.

The holidays have rolled around again and guests are spending the weekend. You don’t want to be embarrassed by your old worn out homewares, so it is the perfect time to change your décor. Get that outdated and shabby furniture off your property and spruce it up with something new or new to you.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

You know the old saying. This is absolutely true when it comes to furniture and homewares. Unlike 10 years ago, today there are so many options to find a bargain and you are crazy to not try. Consider the following before you go out and pay full price:

Christmas and Boxing Day sales

Stores and warehouses around Australia have fantastic Christmas and Boxing Day sales. Sometimes you may have to hunt a little to find them but they are definitely there. You can save up to 50% on some items, which is nothing to be laughed at for brand new pieces of furniture!

Gumtree or Ebay

These websites are full of fantastic bargains. On Gumtree you will even find free homewares, electricals and outdoor furniture. A lot of the time there is absolutely nothing wrong with the items; people just upgrade and want to pass them onto someone else. Keep your eyes peeled for these bargains because they don’t last long!

TIP: For even better deals, check after Christmas when people replace their furniture or are selling their unwanted gifts!

Buy, Swap & Sell sites on Facebook

Similar to Gumtree, you can find mountains of free and cheap household goods and furniture in your local area. Social media has opened up opportunities for sellers to get rid of their unwanted goods and buyers to score themselves a bargain. Sometimes all the furniture needs is a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory.

Get creative with DIY

Look around your local garage sales, businesses, the above mentioned avenues and even friends places for scraps that can be turned into fun items. Wooden pallets are fantastic for creating practical but unique outdoor lounges and garden beds. Create feature pieces by turning old doors and cable reels into tables. For the festive season, extra esky’s and ice buckets are required which is where old bath tubs make the perfect addition to an outdoor area.

For more ideas on how you can create your own home decor with a little DIY, CLICK THE LINK!

Style and comfort doesn’t have to be expensive. You can stay well within your budget by doing a little bit of research and bartering to get a better price.

Everyone wants something new but new isn’t always better. Sometimes older products are built to a higher standard and will last longer than many new pieces. Consider your needs, wants and budget before making your purchases.

How do you save money on your furniture, homewares and gardening items?

This is an S1 POST.

Tips To Find The Right Investment Property

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Tips To Find The Right Investment Property

It’s time to put your future first. Don’t retire with nothing to back you up financially, get ahead now!

Investing in your prospective years can make all the difference to how you live when you give up work. By setting yourself up financially in your younger years, you can get a head start on achieving your goals. Find the right investment property and you will be well on your way!

Why is investing in property important?

Property investment is not for everyone. Some people prefer to invest their hard earned dollars in shares and stocks. But for those interested in investment property; it is typically considered one of the safer options to invest in.

If this is a route you are considering, you must first be aware of the pros and cons that are associated with investing in property.

Pros and cons of investing in property

There are so many factors to consider but the main ones consist of:
PROS

• Insurance – You can insure your investment against a wide variety of risks; natural disasters, fires, tenant damage/tenants leaving, etc.

• Capital growth – If you have chosen your investment well, you will see a rise in property value over the years to come in addition to regular rental returns.

• Tax benefits – If your property is negatively geared it could provide potential tax benefits. This is not always the case and should not be a deciding factor but is often a benefit to investing in property.

CONS

• Problematic tenants – While this doesn’t happen regularly, you could end up with the tenants from hell. They could damage your property, refuse to leave, not pay rent and cause several other headaches that could take months to resolve.

• No tenants – There is occasional periods where you will have no tenant occupying your property and you will be required to pay the mortgage repayments.

• Ongoing costs – In addition to the initial cost of the property, you will also find that there are ongoing costs associated with property investment. These include: rates, body corporate (if applicable), repairs, insurances, water, maintenance and more.

Property must haves

Similarly to when you are purchasing or renting a house for yourself and your family, the property must consist of certain features to make it an enjoyable and desirable place to live. Investments are no different.

• Location – You have heard it before and you will hear it again. A good location is important for attracting the right tenants. A good location is safe, offers peace of mind and is close to public transport, schools, shops, etc.

• Storage – From ample linen space to bedroom closets; storage is a crucial decision-making factor.

• Parking – Surprising to some, not every property comes with parking. By adding the option of a garage, carport, undercover or off street parking; you will increase tenant interest dramatically.

• Maintenance – It is in your best interest to find a property that requires minimal yard maintenance. Tenants don’t want to pay for upkeep of pools, gardens, etc. so unless you are willing to pay a professional to maintain the grounds, stick with simple!

Research the property you want

Buying property can be an emotional experience; however when making the decision, use your head and not your heart!
Research must be done into not just the property but also the area before taking the plunge.

• Infrastructure – What is happening in the area? Are future buildings, businesses or projects planned? This can have both devastating and beneficial effects on the value of your property, so ensure you know what is going on.

• Return potential – The expected return of a property is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing property. Do research and compare the property with those similar in the area on rental sites.

• Investment strategy – Do you plan on negatively gearing the property or receiving a positive cash follow? What is the loan rate? Suburb growth? Do you want a unit, house, etc? By comparing your answers to the above questions on the Homesales.com.au Investment Property Search, you will be shown options around Australia that are expected to produce the results you want.

Don’t just jump in and buy a property. Make sure you take the appropriate steps to ensure it is what is best for you financially and that your purchase will indeed be an investment. Don’t risk buying a bottomless money pit. For more information on property investment, click the link.

Investing in your future doesn’t have to be stressful. By considering the above points and doing your research, you will find the right investment property for you!

What tips would you offer someone trying to find the right investment property?

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor and this article should not be used as such. For financial advice, consult your financial advisor.
This is an S1 POST.

Dos And Don’ts Of Buying A Used Phone

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Dos And Don’ts Of Buying A Used Phone

Before you buy a used phone, STOP and read this. It could save you hundreds!
You have found the deal of lifetime but is it really as good as it seems? There are several things to consider before buying a used phone. They include:

Things to do before handing over your money

You wouldn’t just hand your money over to some stranger walking past you in the street, so why would you think about doing it when buying a 2nd phone or tablet?

Do your research

This should typically go without saying however some people get caught up in the ‘great deal’ that they don’t bother or take the sellers word for it.

Take into consideration what you are looking for in a phone; make a checklist if it is easier. Know what brand you want, storage size, minimum running system, screen size and most importantly condition. By researching your requirements in a phone you will be more prepared and likely to wait for the ‘right’ phone to come along.

Tip: Buy after the latest release because the price will drop considerably!

Inspect

Always meet in person so you can physically inspect the goods yourself. Take a long hard look at the phone for scratches, dents, water damage and cracks. If these look fine then you should extend your inspection to be more thorough.

Include checking: SIM works, Micro SD is recognisable, speakers, pixels in screen, camera, headphone and charger ports work and that it is unlocked or compatible to your network. By ensuring these individual components are in good working order, you will have less to worry about when you get home.

Tip: Before meeting with the seller, ask as many questions as possible so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. This includes the lowest price accepted should phone be as described.

Check IMEI

While this is not a foolproof way to check on a phones handset status; it will tell you at the time of your search whether it has been reported stolen or is blocked.

Check the status of handset here.

Tip: Always request proof of ownership from current owner before handing over your money.

Elimination process

By narrowing down your options based on your requirements, the price and the handsets conditions; you will have a much better idea of what the going rate for that specific phone is. Gumtree have now made the elimination process easier for both buyers and sellers with their online phone price checker tool. This allows you to see the average price and condition of common smart phones.

Do not!

We know finding a bargain is exhilarating but there are some things you should never do when buying a used phone.
• Do not rush in and buy the first one you see. You never know what is waiting around the corner.
• Never meet in a private place. Ensure your meeting venue is a public space and during daylight. Your safety is important!
• Don’t just take the sellers word that it works. Test it and view it in person before paying.

Buying used handsets and tablets definitely has its advantages. They are much more affordable, they don’t require lock in contracts and are typically no different to purchasing new.

You often hear about people having bad experiences buying 2nd hand phones; however if you take these mentioned factors into consideration when purchasing used phones, odds are you will have a positive experience.

What are your dos and don’ts of buying used phones and tablets?

This is an S1 POST.

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