6 Emergency Numbers To Have On Hand

There are some phone numbers it is important to have easy access to, particularly in an emergency situation or if you find yourself stranded for whatever reason.

Everyone’s situation is different though so it’s worth sitting down and compiling a list for yourself. Write them down and keep them in your wallet or by your landline, or store them in your mobile, either way, make sure they are easy to get to. Below are a few suggestions to get you started.

 

  1. Emergency services
    000 (Australia) and 111 (New Zealand).
  2. After hours medical assistance
    National GP Help Line (Aus) 1800 022 222 and National Healthline (NZ) 0800 611 116.
  3. Poison information Centre
    13 11 26 (Aus) and 0800 764 766 (NZ).
  4. Roadside help
    Your roadside assistance or vehicle insurer in the case of theft, accident or breakdown.
  5. Next of kin
    Your next of kin or a reliable friend’s phone number in case you need to get hold of someone.
  6. Banking
    Your bank or credit card provider’s emergency hotline in the case your card is missing or stolen.

 

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Most Young Adults Will Live To 70

The risk of dying during middle age has dropped substantially and Australians in their twenties have an almost 90 per cent chance of surviving until the age of 70, according to a new study.

In light of the findings, researchers have called for more to be done to help Australians live disability-free lives in old age.

Researchers at Monash University analysed epidemiological data from the Human Mortality Database to predict the chance of a 20-year-old living to 70 for every decade between 1960 to 2010.

According to the analysis, the chance of young men and women living to this age was 54 per cent and 72 per cent respectively.

This rose to 82 per cent and 89 per cent respectively in 2010.

The study found the risk of dying during middle age dropped substantially, especially when it came to dying from cardiovascular diseases.

Looking at the 1960 mortality rates, 29 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women died of cardiovascular disease (CVD) before age 70, compared with five per cent of men and two per cent of women in 2010.

Cancer mortality also declined, by 21 per cent in men, 22 per cent in women.


While the declining mortality among middle-aged Australians is good news, the researchers say it has serious implications for an ageing population.

 

“In 2012, 53 per cent of the 3.3 million Australians aged 65 years or more had some form of disability, compared with 16 per cent of those aged 25-64 years.

“While the disability rate among older Australians has been relatively steady since 1981, projections based on 1998 prevalence rates predict that the absolute number of older people with profound disabilities will double between 2006 and 2031.”

 

Article source here.

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Renovation Tips That Can Increase Your Home’s Value

Taking care of basic maintenance tasks before you sell your home is a no-brainer, but a quick and not-too-costly renovation can add a lot of appeal for potential buyers, and may boost the final sale price.

Basics first

Fix those little faults that you no longer notice – leaky taps, rusty gutters, broken window catches. They can make a huge difference to a buyer’s perception of value.

Landscape the garden

A well-kept garden can create a low-maintenance feel before buyers even step inside.

Bring the outside in

Opening living areas to the garden can be as simple as adding big bi-fold doors that create an inviting sense of flexibility.

Take the inside out

The garden is a place to live: a barbecue area, deck, pergola or even a plunge pool all invite buyers to imagine their future lifestyle in your home.

Let the light in

Brightening dark areas boosts a home’s appeal; you can install skylights quite economically, and swap solid doors in dark areas for glass-panelled ones.

Put some colour on it

Fresh paint makes a home look ready to live in. Think carefully about colours, and maybe seek some interior design advice – although neutral colours present some people with a blank canvas, to others those spaces just seem bland.

A solid footing

New carpets make a home feel new. Again, think carefully about colour. A step further? Look under the carpet – those timber floors will be lovely when sanded and sealed.

Green it

Installing solar panels or a solar hot water system can add value for potential buyers, who will see future energy cost savings.

Bathroom fix

A brand-new bathroom can cost a lot. Instead, think of replacing shower curtains with clear glass screens and installing new taps, a water-saving cistern and even a new toilet seat. Replace small tiles with big ones, and don’t forget to clean/renew the grout.

Add storage

Buyers are looking for places to store their stuff – cupboards in the garage and in neutral spaces such as hallways are always welcome. A butler’s pantry in the kitchen is great, too.

Some simple and affordable renovation moves can make your home more desirable to buyers, potentially adding to the final sale price.

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End of financial year tax tips for employees and small business

The end of the financial year is one of the busiest and most stressful times for businesses and employees. Are your financial records in order? Do you know how to take advantage of standard deductions? While many people only see their accountant once or twice a year, you’re much more likely to identify deductions and make necessary adjustments when an ongoing relationship is in place. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, you need to understand which deductions are available and relevant to you so you can benefit from them.

Tax tips for businesses

If you run a home office, you may be able to get a significant tax break. Sole traders and anyone who is operating a business from their home may be able to claim a deduction for occupancy and running expenses. This includes things like your mortgage and rent, which can add up to a large sum over time.

Business travel expenses are another common deduction, whereby any expenses incurred by you or your employees can be claimed. If you’re away from home for six or more consecutive nights, you need to record all of your activities and expenses.

Auto expenses are another common area for deductions. Any motor vehicle expenses by your employees can be claimed as business-related expenses, with the fringe benefit tax (FBT) also relevant if the employer uses the vehicle for private use. The salaries and wages you pay to your workers can also be claimed as a tax deduction, including any super contributions that you make for them.

Repairs, maintenance, and operating expenses can also be claimed in some situations. The amount of these deductions can vary considerably and is dependent on the type of business that you run, which is why it’s so important to keep up a relationship with an accountant.

Tax tips for employees

With the end of the tax year quickly approaching, it’s time to educate yourself so that you can meet your tax obligations and reduce your tax liability. From vehicle and travel expenses through to self-education and tools, making the right deductions now could have a huge impact on your financial health going forward.

With different deductions available for work and private purposes, and many work-related deductions requiring stringent record keeping, it’s hard to keep on top of it all. Instead of waiting until the end of June to get your financial records in order, perhaps it’s time to set up an ongoing relationship with a qualified and experienced accountant.

 

 

Article source here.

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