Most of us guys are useless at Christmas shopping. Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years.
Ladies, you might want to share this with the men in your family to avoid getting an undesirable and badly wrapped present this Christmas.
Buying your Christmas presents at a petrol station or dairy on Christmas morning really isn't the done thing - apparently not everyone wants a funnel, box of biscuits or a car care kit. Don't do it.
Get started early, no not on Christmas Eve, yesterday was already too late.
First thing in the morning is the best time to Christmas shop, and I mean first thing, teenagers are still in bed.
It's not the thought that counts, it's how MUCH thought that counts.
Cash is a GREAT present for teenagers - and me.
If you must give gift vouchers make sure they are from a shop the recipient actually shops in and try and avoid those with an expiry date.
Wrapping and cards are important, you and I know it's just paper but for some reason they are important.
Before you start browsing in a shop check that it does gift wrapping and accept the service - wait if necessary. If the shop doesn't do gift wrapping move on to the next. Unless you are an expert present wrapper - Yeah Right!
Even if every present you buy is gift wrapped, buy plenty of wrapping paper and sellotape. You are going to need it because dairy's and petrol stations don't gift wrap and being a bloke you'll probably ignore number 1.
Guys ignore the above at your peril and have a wonderful Christmas.
Income Insurance pays a monthly benefit if you are unable to work because of a total disability.
Ask yourself this –
If you had an accident or became very ill and were no longer able to earn an income, how would you manage financially?
In some circumstances you may receive financial assistance from the Government. The bad news is that it's unlikely to be enough to maintain your current lifestyle, let alone allow you to plan for your future – pay off the mortgage, your children's education, retirement savings, holidays etc.
Income Cover provides you with a regular income, allowing you to live the life you want to live. You will remain financially independent, regardless of whether or not you are able to return to work.
Most people take it for granted that they will work until they can afford to retire – and for many of us that means we will still be working until we are at least 65, when government super commences.
It's worth thinking about how much you are likely to earn over your lifetime - because if something happened and you were unable to work, then that's how much you risk losing.
For example:
Let's say you are 30 years old and you earn $60,000 per annum. You have an Income Cover policy worth $45,000. If you suffered a total disability and were unable to work, here's an idea of how much income you would lose - and how much your claim would be worth:
Age when disabilty occurs
Insured Amount- adjusted annually by inflation (3%)
Total Loss of Income to age 65
31
$45,000
$2,720,792
32
$46,350
$2,675,792
35
$50,647
$2,532,484
40
$58,714
$2,263,602
Once you start to crunch the numbers you can see how much your future earnings are worth to you and your family. Insuring your income means that you don't have to gamble on your health and risk losing everything that you have worked so hard for.
Your ability to earn is your greatest financial asset and Income Cover will protect it for you.
Income Cover is comprehensive and can offer special features such as,
An additional lump-sum payment if you are totally and permanently disabled.
Financial assistance with additional expenses that may arise as a result of a permanent disability.
Financial assistance for retraining and rehabilitation. Help to get back to work and feeling in control of life.
A partial payment to top up your income if you are only able to work in a reduced capacity. Ease back into full-time work by making sure that you do not suffer financially.
Your original sum insured still applies if you are on leave without pay for up to 12 months.
The confidence knowing that on leave without pay (e.g. sabbatical, maternity) nothing changes.
Waiver of waiting period if your disability recurs within six months of going off claim.
Cover for people who work but don't necessarily earn a salary such as Home makers and students.
The option to increase your cover on policy anniversary, in addition to CPI – no health questions asked, allowing you to keep your insurance up to date with your changing lifestyle, regardless of any changes to your health.
To discuss Income Insurance Cover or any of your other insurance needs please phone one of our Advisers on 07 578 3863 or Freephone 0800 867 323.
Most of us guys are useless at Christmas shopping. Here's a few tips I've picked up over the years.