Road Safety Tips To Teach Your Kids

Road safety is incredibly important for our kids to learn, so here are the top tips to teach them…

Look, Look, Listen

It is important to model good behaviour around your kids. So before you cross any road, pause to look both ways and to listen for traffic. Always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one available.

Close To Home

It is easy to get complacent when you are close to the safe haven that is home. Teach cautiousness and common sense. Don’t play near the road, don’t run onto the street to grab a stray ball, be very mindful of cars in the driveway.

Car Safety

Keep safe in and around the car by..

  • Having all children sit in the backseat, properly seatbelted into an appropriate carseat
  • Abiding by the road rules and driving to the conditions
  • Don’t park on yellow lines, close to intersections or across driveways, instead park on the side of the road or in a designated car park
  • When dropping your children off, let them out on the footpath side of the car

Bike Safety

Stay safe when biking by…

  • Always wearing a helmet
  • Biking with your children, especially if they are 10 years old or younger
  • Keeping the bike properly maintained with working brakes and reflectors
  • Wearing high visibility clothing and using lights if riding at night
  • Riding single file on the road

10 Road Trip Must Haves

Who doesn’t love an awesome summer road trip? Don’t forget the essentials though, these are your road trip must-haves…

1: Google Maps – never get lost and know exactly when you are due to arrive (even if that time is 6 long hours in the future!)

2: A Stocked Backpack – Activities and snacks on the go to keep the kids amused and to stop them from getting hangry!

3: A Chillybin Or Cooler – Make sure your sausages are still good to cook on the BBQ when you get to your destination by keeping them fresh in a cooler.

4: Travel Mug – Don’t choke down your coffee before dashing out the door, take it with you. And you can even get it refilled when you pitstop along the way.

5: Wet Wipes – Pack these even if you don’t have a baby. They are great for wiping sticky hands, not-so-clean tables and any other dirty spots.

6: Water Bottles & Filters – Never be stuck for clean drinking water with a portable water filter.

7: First Aid Kit – Pack plenty of plasters (and all the other essentials in case something more serious than a skinned knee happens).

8: Road Rescue Kit – Don’t be without your jumper cables, jack and tyre iron in case of emergency.

9: Car Games – Whether you are travelling with kids or not, car games sure do prevent too much boredom setting in.

10: Music – No good road trip is complete without some great tunes to sing along to.

The True Cost Of Doing Your Own GST

There are many reasons a small business owner chooses to do their own GST from, I don’t think I am big enough to use an accountant or more commonly it will save me money. When looking at whether or not you should do your own GST, you need to think about these 4 things:

Do you have the skills?

Business owners are usually unsure what can they claim on GST and can end up claiming everything hoping the IRD doesn’t do an audit on them. If you forget to claim for a bigger item i.e. a vehicle sale or something else substantial it can have penalty and interest implications. There are many expenses that can and can’t be claimed and an SBA accountant will do this for you and generally save you more than if you did it yourself. Do you know about claiming GST on second-hand goods, or finance with trade in and home office expenses? Do you have subcontractors and are they GST registered or not and how should you handle cash payments.  Do you have the skills to be able to claim what you should?

Do you have the time?

On average it will take around 3-4 hours every two months to do your own GST, that’s 24 hours a year just on your GST. We believe you should use that time on the things you love to do or to grow your business, work on your marketing plan, getting quotes out and seeing clients, not doing paperwork that SBA can do for you. So think about how else could you be spending that time?

What is your time worth to you?

You need to look at your hourly rate and work out just how much those 24 hours a year are really costing you.  If you have an hourly rate of $60 an hour, then doing your own GST could be costing you up to $1440 a year.

Is it really saving you money?

As well as the cost of your time, many business owners also use accounting software, you need to add up what that costs you as well. If it costs you $1440 + a year to do it yourself, what will it cost to have it done by the experts?

SBA can do all of your monthly processing and reconciliation, including managing and filing your GST and provisional tax as well as finalising your end of year accounts on average from $1200. You will need to check with your local SBA on their costs and what other services or compliance are required.

All SBA’s use Xero accounting software so we automatically gather your data, so no filling in spreadsheets or bringing in a shoe box of receipts, it’s all very simple.

When you break it down, doing your own GST is nearly 3 x more expensive than using SBA. They save you not only money but also time so that you can spend it doing what really matters.

Leave the GST to the experts and call your local SBA today 0800 999 722.

Your Child’s First Car Purchase

Helping your child buy their first car is an enormous step. Whether or not you financially invest in the car, you will be emotionally invested. Knowing the car they buy is safe and roadworthy will be a huge weight off your mind when you think about them getting out and about on the roads. There are some careful decisions to make when buying a car. Here are some of the considerations…

Price

The saying ‘if the deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is’ has never been more appropriate than when your are buying a car. Do not buy the cheapest option on the lot as it will cost you far more in the long run with repairs and maintenance.

Instead, buy affordable and complete the necessary safety checks to ensure you aren’t being saddled with a lemon. Don’t be bamboozled by car salesman or pushy private sellers. Take the time to make a well thought and informed decision.

Needs Over Wants

Your idea of a good car and your teen’s idea of a good car are probably going to be very different. While they might see bluetooth and a great sound system as a priority, your ideas are going to be focused on safety, economy and practicality.

Think about what the car is going to be used for. If it is a runaround to get to school or University and work, then a small car is probably the best option. However if they need to drive longer distances or lug around equipment, a larger work vehicle might be more appropriate.

You will need to factor in the running costs of petrol, insurance and maintenance, and if your teen can service them on their wages or allowance. Hopefully you can make a happy compromise on the best vehicle for the situation.

Safety

Once you know how much money you will spend on the vehicle, buy the safest option that money can buy. Drivers are more likely to crash when they first learn to drive than at any other time in their lives. So you want them to be safe out there on the roads.

Check the safety ratings for each make and model that you are considering buying. Then look up each individual car to see if it has ever been in a major accident and if it performs well in road testing.

Check It Out

When you have decided which car you are going to buy, then make sure you get it checked by a road safety professional to ensure it meets all of the required roading standards. Also make sure that you and your teen personally test drive the car to check how it sits on the road, how it handles and if your teen will be comfortable driving it.

The thrill of a new license and a pocketful of money can sometimes lead to impractical impulse purchases. Don’t let that happen to your first time buyer. Also an inexperience in vehicles will mean that your teen needs some guidance in their purchasing decision. With some good research you should be able to make your budget stretch as far as possible to the best and safest option.

 

Under The Bonnet Of A Used Car

Sometimes it feels like you are rolling the dice when you buy a used car, especially if you aren’t mechanically minded. The great news is that you can pocket those dice right now. You won’t have to be a mechanic to check if a used car is worth the investment with these simple tips of what to look for under the hood.

Visual Signs

Simply opening a car’s bonnet and peaking in can tell you a lot of things about the vehicle and how it has been cared for. Look for…

Dust: If there is a layer of dust under the bonnet then you can be sure that maintenance hasn’t been carried out in a while.

Service Stickers: Check to see if there is evidence of regular servicing or maintenance with stickers for a cambelt replacement or transmission checks.

Leaks or Fractures: If the pipes are old and worn then you will be able to see this at a glance. Worn pipes can lead to leaks and more serious problems.

Essential Checks

These are the things you want to check out when you do open up that bonnet…

Oil: Check the dipstick to see if there is a sufficient amount of oil in the motor. Black and dirty oil or a lack of oil means the car hasn’t been serviced in a while.

Cap Contamination: Check that there isn’t a thick creamy white substance under the radiator and oil caps. That can mean a contamination of oil and coolant.

Coolant Colour: The coolant should be either bright green or bright red. If the liquid is clear then it means the car requires regular top ups, so could overheat or have a cooling issue.

Mismatching: If anything under the bonnet doesn’t quite match or line up then chances are major repairs have been undertaken. Definitely question this before buying.

Turn It On: Run the engine with the bonnet open, it will be easier to hear any rattling or unusual sounds that would usually be muffled by the car’s insulation.

Metal Damage

Rust: Check for signs of rust or corrosion as this could mean an exposure to corrosive materials or water damage.

Nuts and Bolts: Missing, worn or mismatched bolts can mean that the car has had a checkered past.

Arming yourself with this knowledge will mean that you can make a safe and informed decision about the next used vehicle you buy. Don’t fall in love until you have checked over what’s on the inside!

 

Should You Buy A Used Electric Car?

Electric cars are the way of the future, they are cheaper to run and better for the environment. But they do come with a pretty hefty price tag for the initial investment. Used electric cars are a cheaper option, but are they going to do what you need them to? Before jumping to buy a used electric car, you want to consider these things.

Is It Right For Your Lifestyle?

Electric cars are a great alternative to their petrol guzzling counterparts. But is an electric car right for your lifestyle? If you travel long distances then it may not be the option for you as electric cars generally only last for a maximum of 200km, and most are closer to 100km. So unless you have the time to stop and charge partway through your journey, it might not be the best option right now.

Charging

Because electric cars don’t run on petrol, you will need to factor in how you are going to charge them. This is easy enough when you are at home, but it’s when you are out and about that you need to worry. Charging stations are popping up in many places, but if there aren’t many in the places you frequently visit then you will need to factor this into your decision. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere with no way to charge your car and no way to get home.

There are mobile charging options that you can buy as a safety net, but they are pricey and quite bulky.

Battery Power

When selecting a used electric vehicle, you need to assess the reliability of the battery. If the battery cannot maintain its charge well, then the car is going to be trouble. Just because a car has low mileage does not always mean that the battery will be efficient.

The cost for a replacement battery in an electric vehicle can be astronomically high, so it pays to check this before buying. Because the value of electric cars is depreciating rapidly, the overall purchase value of a used electric vehicle can often be below the cost of a replacement battery.

Top Tip: When you take the car for a test drive, take it on your usual commuting route to check that it has the capacity to get you where you need to go.

Maintenance

While you don’t have to put petrol, oil and water into an electric car, it will still need repairs on items like brakes, tyres and wipers. Check the service records of the vehicle to ensure the previous owner kept up with the regular maintenance. If it is an imported model then a pre-purchase inspection can give you peace of mind that what you are buying is reliable.

In the not too distant future there will be many options for electric cars on the market. But in the current climate the reality is that many people will start their electric vehicle journey with a used model. Ensure that you do your homework so you can guarantee you are selecting a reliable option.

 

7 Tips on Choosing a Property Manager

While there are a lot of property managers out on the market, not all of them have the drive and dedication to protect your investment. That’s why it is important to do your research and choose the property manager that will do the best job for you and your property. Here are some things to look for…

1: Local Knowledge

Having someone with a comprehensive knowledge of the local region your property is in will be invaluable. Not only will they have relationships with local trades for maintenance and other property managers for support, but they will have an understanding of the region. This allows them to access a wide pool of tenants to ensure you get the best ones.

2: Understanding Tenant Desires

If your property manager knows what local tenants are after, then they can market your property by highlighting those popular aspects. This will give you a great pool of tenants to choose from, removing the need to settle for the only tenant interested (even if they are not someone you would usually select). By creating a high demand for your property, it won’t sit untenanted for long.

3: Proactive Nature

You don’t want your property manager to be behind the eight ball and rushing to reactively put out fires. You want them to be proactive and prevent the fires from lighting in the first place. They should also be efficient at collecting rent, organising inspections, arranging regular maintenance and repairs.

4: Financially Savvy

Handling the collection of rent and managing the financial aspects of maintenance will be a big part of your property manager’s duties. Therefore you want someone who understands finances and how they can maximise the return on your investment.

5: Low Vacancy Rate

When selecting a property manager one of the first things you should do is to check the number of vacant properties they are managing. If they have a large number of vacant listings then they may not be very good at finding tenants. A rental property without a tenant is automatically lost income, you don’t want that to happen to yours.

A good property manager won’t have many available listings, so check their website to see what is on there. You will also get a good feel of their professionalism by looking at their online representation.

6: Get A Good Feel

Meet your property manager in person, or at least via a video call. This will give you a good impression of their mannerisms, their character and if you will be able to work with them easily.

If you feel rushed by them when you meet, then they may be too busy to manage your property correctly. Therefore, they might not have the time to give your property the attention it deserves. They may end up cutting corners to save time and you definitely don’t want that!

7: Ask For References

Any good property manager will be happy to supply you with references from their current or previous clients. If they are unable to produce a reference, then think twice about whether you can trust them.

It is important to meet with more than one property manager when you are deciding who will look after your investment. Don’t be afraid to ask them confronting questions like how they would handle a difficult tenant or how often they would inspect a property.

It is also vital to have a formal agreement that lays out responsibilities, payment terms and reporting. Choosing a Property Manager is an important decision, so do your homework and select them wisely.

 

Top 10 Mistakes Property Investors Make

It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner investor with one property on your books, or if you are a seasoned professional with a whole portfolio of properties, you can still make mistakes. Experts have noticed there are 10 common mistakes that every property investor is capable of making. Are you making any of these common errors?

1: Thinking Investing Is The End Of Financial Worry

Owning property does not automatically guarantee wealth. The money will not simply flow in as you sip cocktails on the beach. There is money to be made in property, but only if you put the hard work in first.

2: Not Crunching The Numbers

Before sinking hundreds of thousands of dollars into a property, it is important to check the viability of the investment and the effect it will have on your cashflow.

Ongoing maintenance and day to day costs can make the difference between a sound investment and an absolute lemon. So make sure you crunch the numbers first.

3: Not Knowing The Risks

Property prices will not always go up, in fact sometimes they will drop below the initial amount you paid. Understand the area, if the price is realistic and know the projection for the town’s future. You can then assess how worthy the investment is.

4: Ignoring The Experts

Learn from the wisdom of others so that you don’t make the same mistakes they have. Have an accountant and lawyer with knowledge in property investments and utilise the experience of local investment associations.

5: Not Structuring A Loan Correctly

Finance is more than simply asking the bank for money. You need to consider how you will pay back the loan in the most efficient way. Speak with a mortgage broker to discuss the options of revolving credit, as well as fixed and floating portions.

6: Not Managing The Property Right

Consider hiring a property manager to ensure you are charging the appropriate amount of rent and are able to deal with problem tenants. They will also help you stay on top of maintenance and repairs.

7: Not Doing Their Homework

Check that the property is a sound investment. Assess whether it has structural flaws, leaks, damages, or lease stipulations that prevent you from doing what you want with it. Otherwise you might find yourself sinking money into a bad egg.

8: Buying On The Rise

A lot of investors choose to buy when the market is on a high. This is a terrible time to invest. It is more sensible to invest when prices are lower and you stand to gain.

9: Not Seeing It As An Investment

Remember you are buying this as an investment not as a place to live. That means that you don’t need to spend a fortune to furnish and renovate to your own taste. In fact it is more sensible to have a neutral and functional approach for wider tenant appeal. Your decision to purchase should be based on the numbers, not how pretty the garden is.

10: Buying In The Wrong Location

Be careful when you buy in a town that is booming because of a certain factor like industry. If something affects that, then the property value could rapidly drop. While it is cheaper to buy a home in an area where the prices aren’t as high, you might struggle to tenant the house because no one wants to live there. In the end your cheap deal could end up being a bad investment with no return.

 

What Are The Most Eco-Friendly Home Improvements?

Your house, your castle right? It can be so satisfying to improve things around your house, to make it better, more liveable, or more to your liking. Your house is probably the biggest investment that you will make in your life, so why wouldn’t you work to improve it.

But in today’s age, you have a responsibility to examine the way that you are carrying out any improvements. If you can complete them in a sustainable fashion then you will not only do good for the environment, but you could save some money in the long run. If you make your home more energy efficient then there is less of a drain on resources and you will save money on your power bill.

Those resources do not come from a bottomless pit, so if you can do things sustainably then everyone will benefit. So, if you love DIY and the environment then this list of eco-friendly home improvements will appeal to you…

Window Rejuvenation

You might exit your house through the front door, but most of the heat in your home exits through the windows. Investing in double glazing will increase the all-round insulation of your home and be the biggest way that you can reduce your energy consumption.

If that isn’t in the budget then consider replacing the rubber seals on your aluminium windows, or fitting draft exclusion products to wooden frames.

Curtains are another great way to keep the heat in after nightfall. Invest in high quality, thick curtains that fit your windows as they should. Make sure they are the type that can be pulled back from the windows in the daytime to let natural light in.

Shine Some Light On It

At some point in the evening, you are going to need to turn on some lights. Standard light bulbs are not at all energy efficient. So why not try an LED version?

LED bulbs use 80% less power than their standard counterparts, and they last longer. There will be an initial investment to swap all of your light bulbs over to LED ones, but once that investment has been made you will see a reduction in your energy usage. So over time, you will make your money back… and some!

A Lofty Goal

Heat rises, so it makes sense to check your roofing insulation. You could be losing a lot of heating out of your roof. Almost half of an average winter power bill goes towards heating. Ensure that your roof space is really well insulated to reduce your overall energy costs and consumption.

Insulation is not the only consideration when it comes to your roof space. Do you, or could you have the makings of a wonderfully cosy loft room? Loft conversions can be a great way to add value to your home and maximise the energy efficient space available.

Move It Outdoors

You don’t have to focus your improvement efforts to the interior of your home, the outside can be more eco-friendly too.

One of the most common outdoor improvements is to overhaul your driveway or patio area. If this is on your to do list, then consider permeable pavers for the job. They allow excess water to drain away easier and can even filter water to be collected and reused.

You can create your own ecosystem in your backyard and minimise the potentially damaging effects of flood waters.

Go Solar

Solar panels are probably the most recognised eco-improvement that you can make to your home. You will thank yourself for years to come when you invest in solar panels.

If the panels are placed correctly, not only do you power your own home, you can actually sell your excess energy resources to your local power company so that you power your neighbour’s homes as well.

Solar power is the cleanest and most renewable source of energy on the planet, why wouldn’t you want to utilise it?

 

« First...89101112...20...Last »