WealthDesign

2014 – Rome.  Our first exposure to staying with Airbnb.  Max was our contact, and we got to stay in the middle of Rome, in the middle of summer (man, it’s hot over there!) with our daughter, while she was studying in the city for a year.  Breakfast was provided for us each morning, and all went smoothly. (It helped having our own tour guide by the name of Meg!) The price was super-reasonable and all-in-all, a great experience.

Fast forward to about six weeks ago.  John tells me we’re off to Wellington to see the All Blacks play Wales.  I jump online to find accommodation in the city – and unless we were prepared to pay for two nights’ accommodation at some places, or, an exorbitant amount of money for one night – accommodation fell into the ‘hens’ teeth’ category.

So I decided to try Airbnb again – worth a try I thought.  Well, fast track to mid June, and we got to experience a gorgeous little house in Island Bay, with a view of the ferry inching into view, and a chance to meet a wonderful lady by the name of Chris, who was welcoming, hospitable and just plain lovely!  We had friends who came with us too, and the set up was perfect.  And all for a reasonable price, plus in the morning we didn’t have to be gone by 10am for the cleaners to come in! John and I got to go for an invigorating walk along the coastline and take in a bit of Wellington we rarely get to see. 

Technology has catapulted us forward into the 21st century and how we’ve lived and done business in the past has been transformed.  Who would’ve thought of travelling ten years ago, and staying at someone’s home – someone you don’t even know?  But with online reviews that keep businesses honest, the playing field has been levelled, and you can get a feel of what a place will be like, prior to booking.

Go check out the website and get inspired!

 Airbnb

Kristine Barber
WealthDesign – a life well planned

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June is upon us, so ensure you don’t miss out on the full $521.43 government contribution by confirming you have paid the minimum $1,042.86, for the previous 12 months.  If you have fallen short of the minimum contribution, you can top up prior to the end of June, to make certain you receive your government contribution.

IMPORTANT:  If you haven’t already, top up your KiwiSaver as soon as possible, as it can take a while for your KiwiSaver provider to process the payment.  Don’t wait until the last week of June, as you may well miss out on what you’re entitled to.

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June 2016 is fast approaching, so ensure you don’t miss out on the full $521.43 government contribution by confirming you have paid the minimum $1,042.86, for the previous 12 months.  If you have fallen short of the minimum contribution, you can top up prior to the end of June, to make certain you receive your government contribution.

IMPORTANT:  Please top up your KiwiSaver at the beginning of June, as it can take a while for your KiwiSaver provider to process the payment – we don’t want you missing out on what you’re entitled to!

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I bet within your insurance policy there are hidden benefits you don’t know you have. 

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• The right to increase your cover under special conditions without piles of health forms
• Free trauma cover on your kids and also the right for your kids to increase their cover (without proof of good health) over time
• Grief or anxiety counselling support payments for grieving families
• Premium holidays in the event of financial hardship
• Career counselling
• Business counselling and budget advice
• Option to convert to level premiums at any time
• Financial planning payments to help get quality advice around claims and money.

Your greatest hidden benefit is us!  Yes, we know which companies have the best policy wording and the most competitive pricing.  If you have to claim, you can have at least 10 hours of our time at no cost.  This can be hugely supportive at a very stressful time as the following quote from a client shows:

“Thank you so much. That’s a huge weight lifted off our shoulders re: income protection. We have got so much on our plate at the moment. We appreciate your on-going help and support.”

We know the insurance companies and their people and we know the questions to ask, when to smile and when to jump up and down! We work for our people, not the insurance company.  We stand beside our clients – in good times and in bad (sounds a bit like a marriage vow really, doesn’t it?).

John Barber
WealthDesign – a life well planned

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Captain Sully Sullenberger landed the plane, as a result of training, skill and expertise. It was an amazing display of skilful flying.  If you Google Sully, you find a picture of a grey-haired guy. That is what comes with experience. You can’t beat ‘time in the chair’ to teach you life’s lessons.

Financial Planning is no different. Time brings experience and experience saves you from disasters.

Blue-eyed enthusiasm is great for some things, but not when it comes to investing.  The scary thing is that the big guys are desperately trying to corner the advice market. The problem is, a bank teller or the bank’s investment advisor, is paid by the bank and therefore, must follow the party line.

Do you want someone with training and experience, who is in your corner, not someone working for a fund manager or a bank? Someone who will work on your behalf, someone with total transparency, and someone who will stand beside you, for the long haul? 

Do you want some ‘grey-haired experience’ when it comes to your investments?  Look no further! (Okay, if there was hair there, it would be grey!)  I’ve been in the game for long enough to get grey hair, but more importantly, I’ve got the skill and experience to get the outcomes my clients are looking for.  Paradoxically, I’m also about thinking outside the box, and ensuring that I’m abreast of the leading trends and forecasts.  By marrying sound investment wisdom with leading edge thinking, you end up with a successful investment portfolio.

Call me today, and let’s get you on the road to financial success – in a way that’s right for you.

John Barber
WealthDesign – a life well planned

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