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Enhancing the Body Opens the Door to Profitable Business

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When it comes to booming business fields in Australia,plastic surgery ranks high on the list. Men and women are flocking to their cosmetic clinics to find ways to improve their appearance. It could be a tummy tuck, a face lift, breast implants, or a nose job. The possibilities are endless as clients try to defy age or change a feature they have never liked.

There is Plenty of Room for Competition

Plastic surgeons don’t have to offer every type of procedure under the sun. While theAustralian Society of Plastic Surgeons offers a comprehensive list of procedures, what a surgeon decides to perform is a matter of choice and education. Surgeons may focus on reconstructive surgery, cosmetic procedures, or non-surgical procedures. Having an area of specialty can give a plastic surgeon an edge. Clients will tend to choose the surgeon who focuses on the procedure they want. If someone wants a breast procedure, whether it is a lift, reduction, or augmentation, they are going to look for a surgeon who is renowned for excellence for their procedure of choice. Plastic surgeons can also be at the other end of the spectrum as they offer every type of procedure that is imaginable.

How Successful are Plastic Surgeons in Australia?

Every year, more people are turning to plastic surgeons in Australia to transform their bodies. Looking at recentstatistics, over 313,000 breast implant procedures were performed in 2018. That number spiked nearly 14,000 from the previous year. Over a million procedures are completed each year. The increased use of social media may play a role in prompting men and women to put themselves in the hands of a plastic surgeon. When they aren’t happy with that selfie, they get professional help to polish their appearance.

Australia is in the Top Ten Countries For Cosmetic Procedures

The numbers don’t lie. With over a billion dollars spent on an annual basis on cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeons are doing well. The majority of clients are choosing liposuction, nose jobs, and breast augmentation as their top picks. However, non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, are increasing in popularity as well. People are drawn to procedures that don’t involve the cost and healing that comes with surgery. They can dabble in dermal fillers to decide if they are happy with the results. If they are, they keep coming back for more every six months to two years. Plastic surgeons can count on a steady income from clients who come in for a touch up on a regular basis.

One Procedure Often Leads to Another

A successful experience with a plastic surgeon often opens the door to future procedures, another reason this field is doing so well. When a person comes in for liposuction that targets one area, there’s a good chance they’ll want to focus on another area in the future. The mother who had a tummy tuck after the baby was born could be back for a breast lift once nursing is over. For those who come in for anti-aging procedures, they’ll never stop getting older. Once they begin having procedures, they’ll be in an endless cycle to try and stay young.

Building a Reputation for Excellence is the Secret to Success

While there are many plastic surgeons in Australia, that does not mean they are all equal. Surgeons need to build a reputation that speaks for itself. Being a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is a good place to start. Hiring staff members that meet a high level of expectations is essential. Maintaining a state-of-the-art facility is also a key component. The best plastic surgeons with thriving practices will pay attention to every piece of the puzzle in order to give clients a positive experience.

Look Before You Leap

For anyone who is considering a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to do research first. Choose a reputable practice, such as the Cosmos Clinic in Melbourne. Come in for a consultation to discuss the desired outcome of a procedure or a problem area. A qualified and experienced surgeon will perform an assessment and discuss any health concerns. Potential clients should be given several options, including the least invasive procedures. The procedure of choice should be clearly explained.

There should be no surprises when it comes to costs. If an individual isn’t happy with one surgeon, move on to another. Remember that having a cosmetic procedure is not about getting a bargain. It’s about getting optimal results. If that means paying a higher price, it will be worth it. Look for the practice that has been established, has many positive testimonials, and has a long waiting list. That is the sign of a successful business that is doing right by its clients.

4 Common Relocation Mistakes You Should Avoid At All Costs

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Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-couple-unpacking-boxes-in-new-home-4247768/

They say you commit mistakes to bridge the gap between inexperience and experience. But moving home isn’t exactly the best time for the hit and trial approach.

In fact, relocation is stressful and exhausting. One rookie mistake down the line can cost you a lot of money and energy. Therefore, these mistakes must be avoided at all costs.

In this post, we will talk about the 4 common relocation mistakes to avoid.

Not Curating A Moving Checklist

Most people underestimate the power of moving a checklist, and therefore, start the process without one. Not only does it lead to disorganisation and chaos, but chances are likely that you may forget one or the other important task that has to be done.

So, sit down. And before you start the planning process, write down everything you have to do pre-move, during the move, and post-move.

Once that list is ready, you can move ahead and start the work.

Making It A DIY Project

Many people assume that relocation is a DIY task. Mostly, because they want to save costs associated with hiring a professional moving company.

The truth is relocation is not a one man’s job. And while it may be tempting to avoid moving costs, things can get out of hand if you don’t know what you are doing. Moreover, if you are moving on your own, you will have to hire moving pods, buy various supplies and accessories, which will ultimately cost you a lot of money and energy. Plus, you may not know the tricks to move heavy furniture like the professionals.

So, it is advised that you hire reliable but cheap removalists in Sunshine Coast. Qualified movers have the knowledge and experience to tackle all kinds of relocations.

Waiting Until The Last Minute To Pack And Also, Being A PackRat

When it comes to packing, waiting last minute can lead to chaos that can further make unpacking much more difficult. So, ensure that you start packing as soon as you finalise the moving date.

Now, we are not asking you to pack everything in a go. Rather, go room by room, and wrap things at ease. Packing in haste is a recipe of disaster. So, take things slow, and label each box properly. You can also consider writing down a list of all the items every box contains.

Moreover, avoid making the mistake of packing all your belongings. You may have collected a lot of clothes, utensils, furniture, accessories over these years, but that doesn’t mean they have to gather a place in your new house too. Moving house is a perfect opportunity to declutter. So instead of being a packrat and moving everything you have, dispose of the things that you no longer need/ use.

Nobody likes to keep broken or useless goods with them. So take out some time and assess the stuff that you can donate/ sell or throw away.

For certain items that take a lot of space in your home but are needed only once a year, consider options of storage in Sunshine Coast.

Not Keeping An Essentials Bag For First Week At The New Place

A common mistake that a lot of people make is packing everything all together and forgetting to set out some essential items. Now, that can cause you extreme inconvenience.

So, make sure you pack an essentials bag with all the things you may need for the first week at your new place. With numerous things to look after, you may not get the time to unpack immediately after the relocation.

A bag with essentials can help you transition better.

TIP – Keep some clothes, toiletries, food items, towels, bedsheets, and medicines.

Final Thoughts

Moving can get stressful and overwhelming if you don’t have a set plan. So, plan everything in advance and avoid these mistakes to move without any hassles.

Hopefully, this was helpful.

Keep emotions at bay in trading

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It is very common for beginners to get emotional during their trading sessions. As it is the largest financial center in the world, the expectation to strike reach overnight is very intense among the investors. As a result, they will try to implement techniques that are not only harmful but incredibly rewarding as well. Only 5% of the investors make it out of currency trading but the rest loses their capital. Many flaws can contribute to this outcome but the majority of failures occur due to not being able to manage the emotions correctly. Even if the methods are correctly followed, without a proper emotional management process there is no way to make consistent profit in the long run.

From experts to beginners, all of them have to go through the same difficulties. In this article, we are going to elaborate on some techniques that will help the nervous to check their emotions and also undertake meaningful strategies that will help them to make a profit. We expect our readers will understand some basic tricks that will help them to better confirm their emotions even during the financial crisis.

Mentally prepare for losses

We cannot emphasize enough how much important is the mindset of investors. Even if the trend is appearing in a favorable direction, a smart person will always have some backup plan that will be executed in case something goes wrong. It is incredibly difficult to forecast where the price will stop let alone resuming the future result. To minimize the losses as much as possible it is highly advised to prepare mentally before every trade so that it does not have a mental shock. There are various benefits of this strategy. The first is, you will not be shocked if the order is not executed S plant. This will keep the nerves cool and you will be better prepared for the next order.

The second advantage is there will be no hasty decisions made by the people. It is commonly found that people begin to lose money as soon as they have lost the initial trade. Every attempt to recoup the forgone investment results in failure.

Ability to endure losses

Without having the strong ability to endure losses, it will be hard to become skilled at trading. Most people will lose money and struggle hard to improve. When you become skilled at analyzing the market dynamics and accept the losses, the growth of your trading accounts balance will be exponential. Before you start taking the trades, spend some time in the paper trading account and you will be able to boost up the trading performance. Forget about the quick money-making tips so that you don’t have to wait for big profits. Execute smart orders to improve your skills like a professional trader.

Never act in the spur of the moment

This is an inevitable role that must not be broken. No matter the outcome, make sure there are no inconsistent techniques that are being implemented immediately. Human beings begin to lose their concentration whenever there is an unprecedented outcome. The industry knows it better therefore some scammers are trying to convince people to buy some crap formulas that are supposed to help them to make their dream come true. Imagine if a person has lost $10, it would be logical for him to invest $2 for an amazing eBook that will shed light on techniques used by the professionals. This example of an individual who is lost in his thoughts.

In every situation, try to stay calm and think of a solution rather than complicating the circumstances. Take a small break after every trade whether the result is a profitable outcome or financial fail as it will help to clear the mind. This is a long-term business where the right action can determine the outcome.

4 Main Tips to Be a Successful Business Administrator

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Business administration is a great career for you if you’re patient, able to make decisions on your feet and have a keen eye for detail. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Don’t hesitate to explore this career further even if you don’t tick all the boxes – there is plenty of time to learn and prepare yourself mentally for a stress-free business administrator job. If you are wondering how to be a successful business administrator, check out our 4 tips below and see for yourself.

Never Stop Learning

Whatever career you choose, there is always room for improvement. Business administration courses prepare you for this career and shed light on how you can contribute to companies by working on real projects that prepare you for the competitive business world. The curriculum is practical, so you can demonstrate your theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience which comes in handy when you need to solve real business problems and overcome different business challenges. A diploma of business administration is proof that you’re able to apply yourself to the task and know every nook and cranny of the business or a company you represent.

Organization

Being organized and able to work under pressure are two key skills a successful business administrator has to possess. People rely on you to help the business evolve, show off your critical thinking skills and come up with creative solutions to problems if there is need to. This is also a great way to prosper in your career. Job duties include managing files and data, managing meetings and helping the business run smoothly by using a range of specialized managerial techniques. The core of all these job duties lies in organization and time management. Prioritize your daily goals according to their importance for the company to maximize the profit and minimize the time necessary for completing the task.

Be Inquisitive

As a beginner, don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. While interacting with different experts in the field, you can learn a lot about case studies or presentations that are relevant for your future career growth, if you’re interested in climbing up the ladder one day. Pay attention to details, and how you communicate with others. First impression does matter. When a new client arrives, it is your job to make him feel welcome and keep him in the loop about meetings and day-to-day business operations. While speaking to him, you can find out more information about the way he conducts his business and the approaches he prefers.

Adept in Technology

Computer literacy is a pretty common job requirement these days. Creating reports, data entry forms or a calendar that includes important dates doesn’t require advanced computer literacy. However, you have to be proficient in the Microsoft Office package and efficiently use it to accomplish your daily tasks. A thorough understanding of operating systems the company uses, customer relationship management systems and different applications for scheduling or responding to e-mails is necessary. In addition, it would be helpful to have great keyboarding speed and accuracy. Furthermore, your verbal and written communication skills will be the icing on the cake for your employee that will most likely seal the deal.

It’s important not to be afraid of constructive criticism or any type of feedback. Don’t take it personally. The feedback is there to help you do your job better and make necessary changes, if necessary. What do you like the most about this career and what skills should a successful business administrator possess? Tell us all about your opinion in the comment section below!

Breaking Down Business Insurance: What To Consider

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Risk is an inherent part of life, and it is an inherent part of doing business. Business owners have different attitudes when it comes to risk management. But virtually all owners know that business insurance is an essential, if not legally required, component of protecting their businesses from financial ruin.

And most business owners will find that a visit to a business insurance broker helps to reduce risks that are unique to their industries. There are multiple types of business insurance. Each protects from a unique set of risks. You have to consider what kind of risks your business is likely to run into. Then, you can invest in the right business insurance to avoid financial ruin in the event that these risks become a reality.

Let’s look at some of the essential things that you need to consider when it comes to business insurance.

Commercial General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance keeps your business safe from some of the most common risks that you will encounter. Indeed, virtually all businesses have the potential to encounter liability claims from staff or customers. These claims can include injuries and property damage. In the case that either of these harms happens to a third-party in your business, you will have to prove that you were not negligent. But even if you are innocent, the legal fees to defend yourself can add up. It is good to have general liability insurance to keep your business going.

Business Interruption Insurance

There is always the potential for your business to be impacted by a disaster, whether this is human-caused or natural. Floods, fires, earthquakes and the like can all create major disruption and impact your normal revenue streams. As a business owner, however, you still need to pay bills and manage costs while disasters are being resolved. Business interruption insurance will help you stay solvent during these periods.

Product Liability Insurance

If your business sells physical or non-physical products, product liability insurance is a must. When you are in this type of business, your customers might find a problem with your products that can be traced to your business itself. Whether the case has merit or not, going to court to defend your business properly is expensive. And your business still needs to be run well throughout a prolonged legal struggle.

Fortunately, product liability insurance keeps your business financially protected in the event of product liability cases, such as products that cause injuries or illnesses to customers. This type of insurance is important to have if you routinely sell physical products.

On the other hand, professional liability insurance is available for those business owners who provide a service rather than physical goods. This type of insurance is slightly different depending on the industry that you are in. However, the general principle is the same. The insurance will protect you from any claims that allege a customer has faced loss because of your actions.

Commercial Property Insurance

Like other types of property insurance, commercial property insurance keeps the physical premises of your business, and all of its equipment inside, protected from loss. This is a must, especially if your business has invested in costly equipment.

Invest In Business Insurance

Consider the points outlined here and start looking into what business insurance is best for your own business. Especially in the context of the coronavirus, it is important to have financial protection in the event of business disruptions. Insurance helps to keep your business safe from the unexpected. So, even though it can be costly, it is essential for any business owner who is thinking about the long-term viability of their business.

How to do a Vins Revs Car history finance check in Australia

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A revs check or vins check used to be free on the government website before, but now they charge you $4  $2 currently for a vins check. This will also depend from state to state. WA, SA, VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS & NT have their own laws around this

toyota car check

The new website for vins check is http://www.ppsr.gov.au/ (direct links below for checking)

Did you know that if you buy a used car with money owing to a financier from a previous owner, it could be repossessed? (check below for more tips on what to look for while buying a motor vehicle)

Everything you need to know about  VINS number  for vehicles in Australia

  • A vehicle identification number is also known as a ‘VIN’ or a ‘Chassis’ number.
  • A VIN is the 17-character identifier recorded on most vehicles built after 1988.
  • A VIN can only be made up of the following characters: 0-9, A to Z (uppercase) excluding letters I, O and Q.

Before purchasing a used vehicle, you should always do a REVS or VINS check to see if there is any money owing on the vehicle you are buying.

If you type in vins check OR revs check as it is also known, on google or other search engines, you will get many results showing websites available which will do this check. Unfortunately, these websites are only there to make money and will charge a hefty fee compared to the government website as below.

Go Here – Main website

https://transact.ppsr.gov.au/ppsr/Home?li=False

motor vehicle search australia

You can either click on Quick vehicle search link on that page or Then here – to quick vin search or search by serial number or then go here >>

https://transact.ppsr.gov.au/ppsr/QuickVINSearch?li=False

The click the continue button

government website

To go here

third step in process for checking car chasis number and finance owed on motor vehicle

Enter the vins/chasis number and make payment by credit card and you will get details of the check done in next screen, with a email also sent to your with report and receipt immediately.

You can retrieve the search done as well at a later date if you wish with the search number, they email you.

Here is the rate comparison for a revs or vins check on different websites

Official govt website Vins search –$2

Compared to private agencies  below

  • www.revscheck.com.au/Australia‎  – $36.95 for a car history report
  • www.carhistory.com.au/REVSCheck‎  $36.95 link goes to same website
  • http://checkvin.com.au/ – 9.90

After signing transfer papers and Transfer of the Registration

After you purchase the vehicle, you must visit a Motor Registry within 14 days to transfer ownership of the vehicle to your name.

You will need:

  • your proof of purchase
  • at least two forms of identification

and money to pay the stamp duty and transfer fee

What to look for while buying a motor vehicle

Here are some helpful questions to ask when buying a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle from a private party or dealership:

  • Are you the owner of the vehicle? How long have you owned it?
  • How has the vehicle been driven? (Around town vs. long trips)
  • What major work have you done on the vehicle? Do you have receipts?
  • Did you buy the vehicle new?
  • Has it ever been wrecked, had body repairs, or been repainted?
  • Do you have the title?

What to check for in the vehicle you are buying

  • Make sure everything works, including the radio, heater, windshield wipers, lights, and turn signals.
  • Check the brakes
  • Check the tires — look for good treads and matching tyre rim sizes.
  • Check under the hood — look at the battery for leaks, check for dirty oil, check the hoses, etc

Dont get fooled by websites that charge you much more that official rates for the same data and checks , get your checks done by using our links above.

The official website is the Personal property securities register and ti is maintained by the government body Australian Financial Security Authority.

Big four banks to dish out refunds into bank accounts before June end

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No one gets money for free, but the refund from Commonwealth bank, Westpac bank, ANZ and National Australia Bank might be hitting your bank account soon.

Forget EOFY tax return refunds from the tax office, this is sweeter as you don’t have to apply for it, its your money getting refunded without any paperwork needed.

If you see this in your commonwealth bank account

Additional interest
refund
Value Date_ 25/06/2020

additional interest refund

The refund posting may look different depending on which bank you bank with.

Fancy a $10,000 refund?

Refunds can be anywhere from couple of thousand dollars to even $10,000 or more depending on how many loans you have with the bank.

Why the refund ?

If you have a refund looking like above in your bank account you could have possibly got a refund related to remediation done on your home loan, refunding you amounts of interest that was wrongly charged by the bank.

This is due to the remediation the banks have been forced to do due to the government enquiry into banks and how they treat and charge their customers.

CBA Refund on home loan interest charges 2020 for COVID19

This is not a refund, but more like a payment  for the interest on interest  you get charged for your deferred home loan repayments. Australia’s largest bank will make payments to home loan customers impacted by coronavirus to offset interest charges. 

When a home loan repayment is deferred for six months, interest is calculated and added to the loan balance each month which can result in customers paying interest on interest each month. Anyone having a home loan could possibly get this refund before end of June this year.

“This means for an average loan of $350,000, CBA will be refunding approximately $45 to offset the effect of interest on interest over the six-month period. Customer payments will vary based on their loan amount and interest rate.” Commonwealth bank representative said.

2020 – Big four’s Banks current relief packages for covid19

The four major banks in March announced they would allow home loan customers to defer mortgage repayments for six months as part of a $100 billion scheme with the Reserve Bank of Australia to alleviate stress on Australian households, as thousands are tipped into unemployment. 

CBA – Following the end of the six-month pause, home loan repayments remain the same as before, with the loan term being extended. CBA will also make a one-time payment to offset the interest on interest being charged to customers over the deferral.

Westpac – Impacted customers are being offered a 3-month pause with the option for a further 3 months after review. Home loan repayments increase after the deferral, but the loan term remains the same.

national australia bank

NAB – Following the repayment holiday, home loan repayments increase, but the loan term remains the same.

Australia New Zealand Bank

ANZ – Customers can choose to keep the loan term the same or extend it by six months, with a review at three months, with both options likely resulting in mortgage repayments increasing after the pause.

Robodebt refund: June 2020

The Federal Government has announced it will refund more than $721 million dollars in wrongly issued Centrelink debts to over 373,000 Australians.

The incorrect debt collections made between the 2015/2016 financial year and November 2019 targeted individuals who had supposedly received more welfare than their income entitled them to.

The debts were automatically calculated by special algorithms without human intervention and became known as rob debts.

How do I get my robo debt refund?

If your eligible, the amount will get credited in your account, so update your details on mygov if not done already.  Government Services Minister Stuart Robert said 190,000 individuals will be repaid starting from July 1.

Royal Banking Commission Australia

Started: 14 December 2017

Ended: 4 February 2019

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, also known as the Banking Royal Commission and the Hayne Royal Commission, was a royal commission established on 14 December 2017 by the Australian government pursuant to the Royal Commissions Act 1902 to inquire into and report on misconduct in the banking, superannuation, and financial services industry.

2018 CBA Junk Insurance Refund

After the royal commission, refunds for 140,000 were said to be issued to CBA customers

Commonwealth Bank will issue $16 million in refunds to 140,000 people who were sold add-on insurance right before the bank’s ‘junk’ products become the subject of royal commission hearings.

“Consumer credit insurance” has been pitched to customers as a safety net that’ll help them meet their credit card or loan repayments if they lose their job, become sick, injured or die. The financial regulator characterises them as not of much value and consumer groups simply describe them as ‘junk’.

Consumer Credit Insurance. Consumer credit insurance (CCI) covers you if something happens to you that affects your ability to meet your credit repayment. You may be offered CCI cover by your lender when it approves your credit (such as a credit card, personal loan or mortgage).

Find more about this here- https://www.choice.com.au/money/insurance/insurance-advice/articles/commonwealth-bank-refund-16m-junk-insurance-royal-commission-080318

2016 -Recent Fee for no service scandal:

The sweeping scandals – tagged by ASIC as “fees for no service” in its landmark report in October 2016 – saw the big banks and AMP targeted for practices dating back years where millions of dollars in fees were creamed off accounts for financial advice never given.

Wealth management and financial advice industries were involved and investigated in the banking royal commission for this scandal.

Commonwealth bank Wealth package refund in 2015

This happened in 2015. If you held a wealth package, you could have got a refund. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) was said to refund approximately $80 million to around 216,000 Wealth Package customers as compensation for failing to apply fee waivers, interest concessions and other benefits since 2008.

It equated to an average refund per customer affected of around $370, which includes interest. In this case bank staff had to manually apply many of the discounts available under the Wealth Package, which in some instances did not occur.

2017 – CommInsure refunding – CCP premiums

Commonwealth Bank and insurers QBE and Virginia Surety would repay a total of over $26 million to people who were mis-sold add-on insurance, including consumer credit insurance.

CreditCard Plus (CCP) Insurance protects customers’ credit card repayment obligations in the event of death, terminal illness, disability and involuntary unemployment.

Following a review of their records, they identified that CCP Insurance may have been sold to a number of customers who may not have been eligible for all the benefits when they bought their policy. Therefore, they were refunding the premiums paid by impacted customers.

More details here – https://www.commbank.com.au/insurance/creditcard-plus/faqs.html

2020 Westpac refund for small business – Merchant terminal fee relief

The Merchant terminal fee relief was a part of Westpac’s COVID-19 support package for Australian businesses, for 3 months, starting in April 2020.

All eligible merchant customers would have received their final refund payment and westpac are working to provide you with a GST adjustment note for tax purposes in the coming weeks.

Who is eligible? -Merchant customers with a total card spend of less than $5 million per annum.

More here- https://www.westpac.com.au/help/disaster-relief/coronavirus/business/merchant-terminal-fee-refunds/

2015 – 2019 Nab Refunds

NAB’s refund program was set up in 2015, however only about $300 million has been paid back to customers.  IN 2015  National Australia Bank WAS SAID TOl refund A$25 million ($18.38 million) to around 62,000 wealth management clients who were wrongly compensated.

https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2015-releases/15-194mr-nab-wealth-refunds-additional-customers-following-asic-action/

In 2019 Nab was ordered to pay back money to customers for junk insurance given to customers by shoddy financial advice. This came about by the royal banking commission.

It now expects another of its remediation Project Hunt to be finished in October.

ASIC is currently overseeing more than 100 remediation programs expected to pay out more than $2 billion to consumers on top of the almost $1 billion that has already been returned. About $10 billion has been set aside by the industry for remediation programs.

Qantas refund /Airline refund/ Flight Centre Travel agent refund

Qantas and Singapore airlines have many destination flights from Australia and there are thousands of customers still waiting for refunds directly from the airlines or then from flight centre or travel agents.

Airlines have given a mix of “travel credit” “travel vouchers” flights for future and money refunds. Flight centre has attracted court action and being looked into by authorities for delay in them giving refunds to customers.

Those customers who have accepted a travel credit voucher may not be eligible for a refund of money, however those whose flights got cancelled will be able to claim a refund.

Delayed air ticket and hotel accommodation refunds by travel agents and airlines could lead to further legal action being taken by irate customers due to interest charges escalating on credit cards.

Qantas Refunds

https://www.qantas.com/us/en/book-a-trip/flights/compensation-and-refunds-policy.html

Singapore Airline refund

https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/travel-info/charges-changes/cancellations-refunds/

Flight Centre Refunds

https://www.flightcentre.com.au/support/bookings#my-options

https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/flight-centre-to-refund-cancellation-fees

The ACCC has received more than 6000 complaints from consumers dissatisfied with travel companies’ refund policies and cancellation fees, with thousands more contacting their local state or territory fair trading agencies seeking assistance resolving individual disputes. 

Qantas is refunding customers for flight cancellations after the ACCC COVID-19 Taskforce raised concerns with the way the airline had handled claims

CRUISE REFUNDS

Cruise Ships Australia

COVID-19 has been called one of the worst things to happen to the cruise industry in decades.

Thousands of cruise customers from big cruise companies like Caribbean Cruise, Princess Cruise, Carnival Cruises and P & O Cruises are awaiting their refunds due to cancellation of cruises all over the world.

Most cruise liners though American owned, operate from overseas tax haven countries and so has been denied by USA for financial bailouts in the COVID19 Crisis times.

Most cruise liners are offering cruise credits to their customers leaving not many options to disgruntled clients.

Princess cruises

https://www.princess.com/news/notices_and_advisories/notices/refunds-and-future-cruise-credits.html

Royal Carribean Cruises

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/booking-cancellation-refund-policy

P&O cruises

https://www.pocruises.com/request

Carnival Cruises

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/list/search/suggested/1

Reference Websites

Banks:

Westpac Bank – https://www.westpac.com.au/

ANZ Bank – https://www.anz.com.au/

National Australia Bank – https://www.nab.com.au/

Commonwealth Bank – https://www.commbank.com.au/

Government:

ACCC

ASIC – https://asic.gov.au/

ATO – https://www.ato.gov.au/

APRA – https://www.apra.gov.au/

ACCC – https://www.accc.gov.au/

Search Keywords to Article:

Refund from CommBank 2020

Commonwealth bank refund

Credit in bank account

When do I get my cruise refund

What Are The Warning Signs of a Gas Leak?

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A gas leak is a very serious problem that requires immediate attention. If left unchecked, this may lead to serious consequences. For one, inhaling high concentrations from a natural gas leak can cause asphyxia (when you don’t get enough oxygen).

This then can lead to death. Aside from that, a gas leak may also cause a fire or an explosion. So if you notice a gas leak, it is important to act and call for help immediately.

If you feel you have a gas emergency, you must leave the premises immediately, turn your gas supply off, if it is safe to do so. Once you have done this, you can call a gas fitting Sydney plumber to help you repair the cause of the leak.

Here are the gas leak warning signs you should look out for:

1. Rotten egg smell

The first and most common sign you will notice when there’s a gas leak is a horrid smell. Initially, natural gas in its pure form is colourless and odourless. But since this makes it difficult to notice, experts added a chemical called mercaptan to make it easier to detect whenever it starts leaking. So while this rotten egg smell may be awful, it can save your life.

2. Hissing noise

When you hear a hissing or whistling sound near your gas line or around your yard, make the call. This may just be the sound of gas escaping through a crack or a leak in the pipe. 

3. Mist or cloud

Another warning sign to take note of is a mist or cloud. This is usually caused by a tear or a rupture on a gas line. If you reside in Sydney, make sure to contact a gas fitting Sydney professional once you see this white fog or cloud.

4. Dead or unhealthy plants

If you notice that the grass, plants, or vegetation in your yard is unhealthy, dead, or discoloured, there might be a bigger problem than just forgetting to water them. See, gas lines can leak even under the soil. When this happens, it restricts oxygen from the plants.

Additionally, a gas leak can also cause bubbles in still water or blow dirt around your yard. So you see, never ignore little things.

5. Physical symptoms

When the amount of oxygen in the air is reduced, you may feel some of the physical symptoms of a gas leak. These can include any of the following:

· Dizziness

· Fatigue or drowsiness

· Headache

· Difficulty in breathing

· Flu-like symptoms

· Chest pain

· Loss of appetite

· Blistering (when in direct contact with gas)

· Nausea

· Nosebleed

· Eyes and throat irritation

If you have pets, they might also experience some physical symptoms caused by a gas leak. These are symptoms you should watch out for in your pet:

· Difficulty in breathing

· Lethargy

· Watering or red eyes

· Vomiting

· Change in mood or behaviour

· Loss of appetite

· Sore throat

For very high levels of gas, your pet may become unconscious or may even die.

6. Higher than your normal gas bill

If you notice a big change in your gas bill, call your local gas fitting Sydney service provider as this can be an indication that gas is leaking through your pipes or lines. Have them check and inspect your systems to see what’s causing the sudden rise in your bill. Also, this way, they will be able to find the faults and risks and prevent them from causing any more problems in the future.

Ready for a Starter Home? 5 Things you Must Keep in Mind

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Homeownership rates in Australia are touted to reach 64% by 2021.

Undeniably, having a place to call your own is an incredible achievement, regardless of whether you are purchasing a starter home or a forever home.

This achievement is, however, a substantial financial undertaking that calls for preparation, foresight and a lot of diligence.

Are you in the market for your first home? If yes, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Your Credit Score Will Matter Greatly

Your credit score is among the most significant determinants of what your loan’s terms are going to be.

It’s therefore advisable to know what it is, way in advance. If it’s less than pleasant, you will have some time to try and improve it before you actually make a loan application.

Australia scores individuals on a 0 to 1200 scale, with 500 to 700 considered as average. While you might still get a financier with a below-average score, this will likely be on higher interest terms.

A good score, by and large, gets you a better offer.

2. There Will be Additional Expenses

There are several other chargeable fees over and above the actual cost of the home. Some of these include insurance, repair costs, property taxes, association fees and so on.

You should, therefore, have the budget or income to cover not just these costs, but also to cover emergency costs that might arise.

Think ahead to how you intend to furnish your home and how much house leaves you with enough to do that.

If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s advisable to start with the basics such as living room furniture, beds and bedding and basic kitchen utensils and appliances. But don’t rush to the shop if your old stuff is still usable.

However, don’t drag dilapidated belongings into your new home. If you live in the capital, and want to throw away your mattress, consider mattress recycling in Canberra instead of sending it to a landfill.

3. A Good Realtor is Key

Each neighbourhood has unique qualities and peculiarities you should be well aware of before making a purchase.

A credible agent will have a firm handle on what these are, as well as an array of properties with different features and a wide range of budgets.

As you shop for an agent, look for one with extensive experience and coverage in the area you are looking to settle in.

4. You Need a Reputable Home Inspector

A home inspection is done to identify any problems with a house that might require repairs or overhauls.

Without a reputable home inspector, you run the risk of missing some of these issues. The last thing you need is an inspector that overlooks problem areas just to help a seller or a realtor to make a sale.

If you are referred to a tried and tested agent, you can ask them to refer an inspector to you. If not, then you’re better off finding and vetting an inspector or an inspection company by yourself.

If you buy a house with major damage, you will find yourself in a pinch months or years after the purchase as repair and labour costs can get quite high.

5. You Need to Protect Your Financial Standing

Your pre-approval will be solely set within the information given at the time you make an application.

Any amendments like a job with a different salary, additional loans or job loss can result in your loan being denied when you begin the purchase process.

As much as possible, try to hold your financial position constant so as not to jeopardize your homeownership dream.

Easy Does It

Finding and buying a house is not a process that should be rushed. When you finally decide to take the steps towards homeownership, allow yourself the gift of time.

This should enable you to shop around for a great house in an enviable neighbourhood and at a good price.

It should also allow you the time to vet agents, inspectors and lenders. Ultimately, you deserve not only the home of your dreams, but you also deserve to get a good deal on the home of your dreams.

The Rostering Revolution: How to Effectively Track a Remote Workforce

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As the world sees a huge shift towards remote working in the last few months, businesses and offices all around the globe have had to find effective ways to manage and track their workforce. Managing staff in an office setting can be difficult enough, let alone managing a workforce that is situated all around the country. Whilst tracking a remote workforce can take a little time and effort on the part of a business owner, it is not an impossible feat. In today’s article, we have a look at how business owners can effectively track a remote workforce by using various tools and strategies that help streamline the tracking process. Read on to find out more!

  1. Software is Essential

When it comes to tracking schedules and work hours, software is an absolute essential. Relying on word of mouth or manual ways of tracking hours is almost always a recipe for disaster. This is why it is so important that business owners make use of tools such as an app for rostering your staff when engaging with a remote workforce. With the help of a timesheet and scheduling app, you will be able to effectively and closely monitor employee hours, shifts and schedules. Software essentially does the work for you, thus greatly reducing the burden on your shoulders whilst at the same time tracking your workforce with utmost precision and accuracy.

  1. Face-To-Face Interaction

Face-to-face interaction when it comes to managing a remote workforce is actually more important than you may think. It can be all too easy for both employers and employees to feel disconnected when working from home, which can ultimately prove to reduce motivation and efficiency levels. In order to prevent this, it is incredibly important that business owners engage in face-to-face interaction with employees at least once a week. This could be in the form of a team meeting, a one-on-one meeting with staff or even just an online socialising session that allows everyone to come together and let their hair down. Never underestimate the power of face-to-face interaction when it comes to tracking a remote workforce.

  1. A Culture of Accountability

Once a business has implemented its time tracking and scheduling software, it is important for those who are higher in the hierarchy to lead by example. This can come in the form of sharing your own timesheet with your employees and encouraging everyone to do the same. Openly sharing timesheets can greatly improve employee motivation and can easily set a benchmark for performance, efficiency and productivity amongst the workforce. Sharing this information also helps to foster a culture of accountability amongst your workers which will inevitably make your job of tracking them much easier in the long run.

  1. Focus On Deadlines

One of the best ways to encourage productivity and efficiency with remote workers is to set strict deadlines that workers have to meet. Ensuring that your team fully understands the scope of their work and being firm with deadlines is a fantastic way to ensure that every monitoring activity will be focused on one singular outcome instead of getting your team to collaborate together towards a shared goal. Individual deadlines can keep employees on their toes, thus ensuring that everyone is giving their 110% and reducing the need for business owners to constantly be checking up on activity and efficiency levels.

  1. End Of Day Report Summaries

With the number of tasks that your team has to deal with, it can be easy for them to lose track of what they have accomplished during the day. This is why introducing end of day report summaries is such a great idea. These summaries can be used as a tool to help both employer and employee identify opportunities for improvement, iron out any potential issues and keep track of their activity on a daily basis. Summaries should be paired with regular team meetings in order to make sure everyone is on the right track and no one is left lagging behind.

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Tracking and managing a remote workforce can be a challenging job, but it certainly isn’t one that is impossible. By utilising a wide variety of tools and ensuring clear and effective communication channels with your workforce, you’ll find that managing your team is a lot easier than you had ever imagined.