Australia

The apps that got Melbourne through lockdown

November 22, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

To say that Melbourne went through a collective trauma is not an overstatement. Those eight long months of lockdown felt like an eternity, feeling even longer with the rest of the country coming out of isolation and moving on with their lives. There were brief reprieves and inspirations that caught our attention, like the quest to make the best banana bread and then trying to master a sourdough. Although, ultimately, it was the smart app developments that we spent too much time on that passed the months, each of them serving our needs in different ways and at different points of struggle.

Government App

The government has provided an app to keep you informed and safe during the Covid crisis in Australia. The COVIDSafe app is a tool that helps identify people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps us support and protect you, your friends and family.

News apps

ABC’s rolling coverage of COVID-19 was in high rotation for many Victorians, especially when the restrictions were tightening or easing by the minute. Other than the ABC app, so many other news sources reported on the events unfolding bringing a varied dialogue in their own app form or part of the general News app. PedestrianTV covered the news with a millennial slant, Betoota Advocate provided the satire, as well as the stalwart outlets of The Age and the Australian. Given the mix of cultural, political and personal persuasions in Melbourne, choosing a ‘source of truth’ has been integral to all Victorians and was heavily relied on in times of uncertainty.

Mindfulness apps

If the need for mindfulness was a theory for some before lockdown, it was swiftly put into practice as isolating circumstances were not always conducive with a healthy mindset. Calm and Headspace are leading mindfulness apps in the marketplace offering guided meditation and playlists to support the goal of sleep, anxiety relief and affirmations. Other apps are designed to purely capture grateful moments or journaling prompts, and others encourage small activities that can bring some calm to lockdowns, such as visualisation or mindful walking. Checking in with yourself has always been an important priority, especially as the lockdown was testing the resilience of many.

Social network apps

TikTok wasn’t that new to the world at the start of 2020, but it really reached its stride in Australia at around the time lockdown took effect in March. The simple act of filming dance challenges and short videos provided a point of connection and purpose to the community who needed it. House Party was another popular app during the lockdown, which facilitated video calls and group games in the easy-to-use social platform.

Health-tracking apps

When exercise was permitted for one hour a day, this was a significant announcement to those who were used to spending more time outside exercising and commuting. The closure of gyms also encouraged many to download health-tracking apps to clock how many steps a day were taken and logging exercise as it happened. Given the nature of the virus that prompted the Melbourne lockdown, the community was more attuned with their health and became more aware of any changes or possible symptoms as they were occurring.

Podcast apps

Podcasts were growing in popularity even before the lockdown, but so many more were started in the Melbourne lockdown as a way of connecting with others and making use of the extended periods at home. Consuming news daily was a given, but hearing your trusted podcast hosts digesting that same news and discussing the state of play was a way of accepting the long lockdown that Melbourne found itself in. With podcasts now available on the Podcast app (on Apple), Spotify and Stitcher, it’s never been easier to tune in.

It was an incredible day when Melbourne came out of the eight-month-long lockdown, and it was a feat that none want to go through again. As parts of the world start their own second lockdown, apps and digital resources will no doubt assist in the long slog ahead.

How to Control Emotion While Trading

September 28, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Most people consider trading as an easy job where you just need to buy and sell and you will get tons of money by which traders buy expensive stuff. Even in Hollywood movies, they show traders like this and people often do not get to know how trading is. Trading ads what you are going to find but when you are surfing the internet is like you just need to click and you will be in profit. But if you also consider trading like this then you are still in a dream. There are lots of variables goes through in traders mind and this profession is not as easy as it looks in ads and movies. Controlling your emotion is the hardest task when you are a trader. In this article, we are going to talk about the ways how you may able to control your emotions.

The ups and down

Think out the first day when you ride on a rollercoaster and how was the feeling that time. We know it was scary so you can consider the trading market like riding a rollercoaster because you do not know when and where the next turn can take. So when you are in the trading industry you must have to be able to deal with losing as well as winning and sometime it may occur within few seconds and this is the hardest part to keep your mind focused no matter how well or worst the situation is. To become a winning trader in Australia, you must need to take this type of pressure very easily and without this, you cannot go far just with the best trading strategy in the world. So your first step of becoming a winning trader has to be mastering your own emotions so that it can’t control your decisions.

Research the market

You are going to invest your money with Saxo markets, so at first, you just need to know the market well enough so that you can make buy and sell decisions very confidently. This will also help you to control your rollercoaster trading life. For example, you may be thinking about investing in a certain company and if you have a clear view about that market then you may buy or sell that companies share confidently as you know everything about that company. So knowing about the market make you more sensible and you can make a more effective trading plan and can act accordingly. People who trade bonds online knows exactly how they should research the market data. So, develop your researching ability.

Follow some successful traders

Here following does not mean coping a successful trader rather than we are trying you to research a few successful traders. How they make their trading decisions, which indicators they prefer, how they manage their risk, and from where they collect financial news. So once you get to know these things it will help you to find your own lacking and you may work on them and which will help you to boost your trading career.

Losing money is natural

You will not find any trader in the world who has a 100% winning rate in trading and so you have to understand that losing money is ok here and it is not a bad thing. You cannot avoid it no matter how good you do your analysis and how good is your knowledge you will lose now and then in this market. But the key thing that you have to do when you are losing is that you need to find out the reason you lose and work on them so that it will not repeat. Keep in mind that even if you are winning 55% of your trades then you are doing just fine and you don’t need to be tensed.

People often get emotional no matter he is earning money or losing money and earning money can make you overconfident and losing money can make your confidence level very low. So you need to control your emotion and don’t let emotion control you.

Enhancing the Body Opens the Door to Profitable Business

September 22, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

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

September 14, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

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.

Breaking Down Business Insurance: What To Consider

August 4, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

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.

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

June 27, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

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

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.

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

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

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:

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

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

May 28, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

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.

Isolation Innovation – 5 Tips for Small Business Owners Working from Home

May 11, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Source: Pexels / Pixabay

Across the world, business owners and employees are being urged to work from home. For some, it’s an effortless process, and one they may have already been doing to some degree. For others, it’s foreign territory that can take a while to navigate and explore. Here are a few different things that can help make that adjustment period a bit more comfortable:

Keep Your Professional Support Contacts

Working from home may mean you’re working in a different setting, but it doesn’t mean you aren’t going to face the same challenges as you would in your office. Don’t cut contact with those other businesses that keep yours going. Stay in touch with your small business IT support guru and remember to keep your accountant informed with business operations.

Everyone you needed to run your business at the office will still be required while you work from home.

Don’t Change Your Routine

Working from an office has always promoted a sense of routine. You rise at the same time every day, get in the car or jump on public transport, then spend the working week doing the same things. While your morning commute is now from the bedroom to the dining room, that doesn’t mean your work routine must change.

Wake up at the same time, have a shower, get dressed in tidy attire, and start the working day at the same time. The sameness of your routine can ensure you achieve the same level of work as you would if you were in your office.

Educate Your Family

Your spouses and kids know that when you’re at the office, you’re not available to make them lunch, help with chores, and answer the door when there’s a knock. After all, how can you do those things when you’re not home?

Once you’re working from home, though, it can be easy to forget that you’re in work mode. When the working week kicks off, offer a gentle reminder that interruptions can be disruptive to how much work you achieve. Of course, spend time with your family, but set aside a few hours of your day just for you and your regular work routine.

Be Comfortable

Most people have their work station set up ergonomically at their place of business. Once you get home, though, you’re more likely to learn over a laptop in bed or stare down your phone with your neck at a crooked angle. Working at home should mean the same ergonomic principles apply.

Use a comfortable chair and desk, keep your monitor an arm’s length away, and adjust your chair height, so your hips and knees are level with each other. The more comfortable you are, the more you can achieve.

Use Apps

Working from home can mean you go without some of the creature comforts of the office. You may not have the same conferencing software, dedicated room for meetings, or microphones and camera equipment. Things are different, but there are some apps online that can make your working-from-home experience better.

Try apps like Skype, Slack, Trello, and Calmly. Whether you need fewer distractions or a working platform for you and your team, you’ll find plenty of options online.

Working from home may not be something you are familiar with, but that doesn’t mean it has to impact how much work you get done. Stick with your routine, talk to your family, and keep your same professional contacts so that your business operates like a well-oiled machine. You’d be surprised at how convenient and effortless working from home can be.

World’s Best Boss – 5 Tips For Keeping Employee Morale Up During The Coronavirus Pandemic

May 11, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the world’s economy, many people are worried about their current and future state of employment. While workers deemed “essential” are still fortifying the work front, many laid-off workers wonder if and when they will return to their jobs.

Although times are uncertain right now, employers can do a lot to boost morale and ease the minds of their employees. If you’re an employer, take a look at the suggestions below to keep your workers’ spirits up as this worldwide crisis continues.

1. Give the Gift of Appreciation

COVID-19 has separated and isolated the public at large. As such, workers may feel disconnected at home and taken for granted in the workplace. As an employer, you can help your workers, both at home and in-office, feel connected and valued by giving corporate gifts of appreciation.

You’d be surprised at how much small gifts can help during this trying time. It will remind your employees that they are part of a larger group and that they are still valued as a member of the team.

2. Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Because times are uncertain right now, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. Whether your employees are working from home, working in-person, or laid off during this time, you must keep them apprised of any and all changes taking place. By adopting an “open-door” policy, your employees still feel connected and able to discuss their concerns about work, family, and health with you.

3. Embrace Virtual Technology

As the coronavirus spreads, many people are forced to work from home. Aside from the traditional phone call or email, employers should adopt other forms of virtual tech to help employees feel less disconnected. Facetime, Skype, Zoom, and other online technologies make it possible to conduct one-on-one video calls as well as group video conferences over a wi-fi signal. As an employer, you should use as many virtual enhancements as possible to help your workers feel as if it’s business as usual, even if they’re quarantined at home.

4. Give Working Parents a Break

The rapid spread of the coronavirus has led to the mandatory closing of schools as well as some childcare centers. This leaves working parents struggling to balance their jobs with childcare. As the boss, it’s up to you to recognize this struggle and give your working parents a break when you can.

If their job isn’t one that needs to be done during normal business hours, you can allow them to work when it’s convenient for them. Alternately, you could relax project deadlines to give them more time to complete their work.

5. Make Sure Your Network Can Handle Remote Work

Despite the many reasons to be feeling down about COVID-19, many people are still motivated to do their jobs well. As such, your company’s network must be able to handle the influx of remote work that’s taking place. If it can’t, your workers may begin to feel dejected with an attitude of “why bother?”

If you notice that your IT infrastructure isn’t keeping up with the demand, you should get the expert help it takes to get things running smoothly for your employees. If you don’t have the funds for in-house IT workers, small business IT support services can save you in these difficult times.

No one knows just how long the coronavirus is going to continue to wreak havoc on the world. Until it’s all over, though, employers can help boost the morale of their employees by adopting some or all the suggestions listed above.

Small Loans – Getting Financial Help When You Need it Most

May 10, 2020 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Staying safe and helping each other through COVID has become a focus for us all right now, and safety means our well being – physically, mentally, and financially.

We all need to focus on what matters in our lives and keep things as simple as possible – as there has been a lot of change for us all to get used to.

One of the most important things for us to do though is keep those necessities going – the little things in our lives that we see as essential to our well being.

That’s where a small loan can help, and with social distancing, and the temporary closure of many face-to-face businesses, it’s helpful to know that the application can be completed 100% online.

Unlike large loans say for houses or cars, a small loan is designed to help with life’s necessities. For some of us, those necessities are yoga classes which we can do online, and for others of us, it might mean purchasing a breadmaker so we can make gluten-free baked goods and be self-sufficient at home.

Whatever your situation, we are all in this together, and we all need to focus on what matters most to us and the people we care about.

Whether it’s realising that you now need to purchase a laptop or a tablet so the kids can keep learning from home, or being able to pay a higher than usual utility bill because you are housebound, a small loan may help relieve the pressures we are experiencing right now.

Rates have been officially frozen in Australia by the RBA, so there are no more increases to come while we take measures to look after our health, and plan for life during and after COVID.

If you are looking for a small loan to help, here are a few tips on what to look for online:

1. Is the process simple?

When situations are stressful, and we are all experiencing a lot of change both socially and financially with COVID, you want to keep any processes simple. Look for a small loan online that is straightforward, and that is easy for you to complete. Expect to answer a few simple questions, so look for online applications that can be completed in a relatively short time frame (less than an hour).

2. Are the repayment terms clear?

You want to make sure that you can manage your repayment cycle, and that there are no hidden fees with any small loan. Look for how you access the money, what the interest rate is, and whether you have a short repayment term like three months, or a long repayment term. It can be easy to understand repayment amounts if the loan company has an online tool.

3. Does it fit with your pay cycle?

Be sure that you can fit the repayment with your pay cycle. This can make it easier for you to manage, as you will know when the money will come out of your account.

4. Can you speak to a customer service team easily?

You want to be able to contact a customer service representative of the company when you need them. Check for their operating hours, and whether you will be able to speak with them, email them or phone them.

5. What are other customers saying about the small loans?

Look at what other customers are saying. This will help verify that the online application is as easy as the loan company says it is.

If you are looking for a small loans, remember that simplicity is key.

Look for a small loan that can help you cover the essentials for your family when finances are a little stretched in the short term. It might just be the positive difference you all need in your life to keep you focused on what matters most – the health and safety of your family.