In the last 3 years I have helped my clients claim over $2 million from insurance companies for critical illnesses and disabilities. That alone justifies why I do what I do. However, if you haven’t had the experience of a person prepared to listen to your needs followed up with good advice and support then life insurances can remain a big mystery. Last month I introduced the Trauma insurance product and what it could do for you. This month I will share two real life stories which show why Trauma insurance is worth considering. About 12 months ago I received a call from “Brian”, a farmer client who was concerned…
Alive or dead – are you covered?
Last month I wrote about the need to look after your business and your family by keeping your insurance up to date with your life needs and policy changes. Don’t just “set and forget”. When it comes to Life Insurances most people get enough to cover their debts on death. However, the real cost is in living through an illness or accident. This month we look at Trauma cover. This cover pays a lump-sum to help you get through the financial stress related to cancer, heart issues, stroke, intensive hospital care…the list goes on for about 45 conditions. You might use the money to reduce debt, meet living expenses while…
Kiwisaver is helping your family to buy a house
One of the strong selling points for Kiwisaver is how you can use accumulated funds as a deposit on a house. This latest article shows there is an increase in the number of people planning to use some of their fund to put a deposit on a house. With rising house prices this is a good plan for young people looking to build equity in long term assets. But how is this possible? Article: Surge in KiwiSaver withdrawals for first home-buyers The key for any asset growth is time in the market. That means the earlier you can start the process for your younger family members and employees, the better.…
As an employer you are at risk
Here’s a headline that you would hate to read: Orchard company to pay $134,500 over worker death Especially if it was YOU that was paying the bill. As you’ll read in the article this is a very sad case where an accident occurred that took a man’s life, and it could have been prevented. (Read the full article here: http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/news/releases/2015/orchard-company-to-pay-134-500-over-worker-death) As an employer you are at risk when your employees hurt themselves and it’s just common sense to protect yourself. What are the risks to you? Workplace accidents can remove staff members for extended periods of time Increased costs due to staff replacements and possibly double wages A responsibility to…
Make Safer Farms a Goal
Farming is dangerous and can be hazardous to your health! More people are killed in farming than any other industry in New Zealand – 21 people died on our farms in 2014. In addition to deaths, there are thousands of injuries that lead to a loss of productivity and income for farmers. (Source: Safer Farms.) While we can’t help you make your farm safer, we do care that you pay attention to the risks. Check out this article and others on the Safer Farms website for ideas. It’s true, we’re in the business of insurance and the reason you buy insurance is to provide protection from the consequences of accidents,…
Paying too much for your life insurances?
About 10 years ago a life insurance add campaign was running. The buy-line was to get hassle free insurance and once done you could simply “put it away in the bottom draw and forget about it.” It made me cringe. How could a one off visit cover someone for the rest of their lives? Where was the ongoing responsibility for changes like divorced, another child, increased or decreased debt and taking advantage of new products and premium structures? Would the policy in the draw still cover the financial needs today? At a recent Dairy Discussion group the facilitator asked what the attendees were going to do to cut costs considering…
Socially Responsible Investment Funds
Grosvenor KiwiSaver Scheme’s Socially Responsible Investment Funds remove fossil fuel stocks. Wellington, 29 January 2015 – New Zealand-owned financial services provider Grosvenor Financial Services Group announced today that it has removed exposure to all directly-held fossil fuel-related companies within the two Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) fund options in the Grosvenor KiwiSaver Scheme. Chief Investment Officer, David Beattie, said the changes reflected both developing trends in the SRI investment world and feedback from members of its SRI funds. “The global investment industry has had an increased focus on both responsible and ethical investing, and many of our SRI members have told us that fossil fuel investment is among their primary concerns,”…
Shock bill from ACC … again!
Many Fonterra shareholders would have got a shock to receive their 3rd Workplace invoice from ACC this year. 3 years’ worth of invoices in 8 months due to an ACC project to make their system more robust! For the clients we service, we are able to make ACC invoices less confusing and extend time to pay. If you have received a bill from ACC you don’t understand, let us service your ACC and take the headache away.
ACC Quiz
Which do you think were involved in more injuries in 2013: Gumboots or high heels? Pillow fights or arm wrestling? Air guitar or dancing the tango? Elevators or escalators? Cats or dogs? Christmas Day or New Year’s Day? Boating or golf? Men or women? Fishing or hunting? Staplers or scissors? Answers can be found at this article on the ACC website (click here).
What is Business Succession Planning?
We all plan to succeed in business, but what about BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING? What is succession planning? Succession planning is the process of ensuring your business will be successful without your direct involvement. Businesses that are not reliant on one person or a departing owner’s knowledge, reputation and industry contacts are generally better equipped for sale and to deal with inevitable changes. It can be complicated and emotionally difficult, but the benefits of succession planning can include increased chances of business grow3th, better resilience to challenges and a higher survival rate. Just as importantly, it can mean relationship retention within families and amongst business partners. Ultimately it can lead to…
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Neil Schroeder is an Authorised Financial Adviser (AFA). Find out what that means here:
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