How important is third party car insurance How important is third party car insurance Contact Us Should third party car insurance be compulsory? The Government seems to be weakening on this issue. Some politicians are saying they want to see compulsory third party insurance on cars, and most New Zealanders agree with them. What many people don't realise is how inexpensive third-party insurance can be to buy and how expensive having no insurance can be in the event of an accident. I think our family's story should be a warning to every car owner; you may think you'll never have an accident of any sort, but they happen, and when they do, they can be very expensive. Insure your car and avoid debt! If you have a vehicle, insurance is vital. Remember, when you insure something such as a car, it is not the car you are insuring. You are insuring yourself so that, if you cause damage with that car you will not be placed under the pressure of a debt you may never be able to escape from. Vehicle insurance is not about insuring your car - it's about insuring yourself against a lifetime of debt! If you are uninsured because you find it too expensive, phone an insurer and ask for a third-party insurance quote - it's worth it for your own peace of mind. For years people have been writing letters to the editors of newspapers and phoning talkback saying that third party car insurance should be compulsory. We're not going to go into answering that question here, but one thing we do know for sure; if you're driving your car without at least third party insurance, you are crazy!! A lesson learned Let me tell you a story about our youngest daughter's most horrifying moment. We had an old blue Corolla. Three children had learned to drive in it and they were pretty good drivers. It was an old car, but it was a good car. Mechanically, it went well and there was very little evidence of rust. One day our daughter came home, parked the car in the drive and went inside. Minutes later, she heard a crash. She'd forgotten to put the handbrake on! The car had rolled backwards and into our neighbour's house. Amazingly, there was very little damage to the car. However, the house didn't fare so well. The car was now sitting in the front bedroom. The cost to repair the house was $27,000! As I talked with our daughter about this I pointed out, "If you didn't have insurance, you would be paying that off at $100 a week for the next five years." What is third party car insurance? Third party car insurance is insurance you take out to repair or replace any damage you do with your vehicle, it doesn't cover damage to your own vehicle. There are two types of third-party insurance; Basic third party insurance insures the damage you may cause to another person's vehicle or property with the insured car. Third-party fire and theft is slightly more expensive and insures damage to other vehicles, and to yours if your car if it is damaged by fire or stolen. So, while your car isn't covered, any damage your car causes is. That makes third party car insurance ideal for cheaper cars. The Corolla I told you about was only worth $1,000. To insure it was going to be about $500 a year because of the age of our children. Third party insurance, however, was only $150 a year - and it was worth every cent for our family. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

How to combine KiwiSaver and Managed Funds to Build Your Home Deposit How to combine KiwiSaver and Managed Funds to Build Your Home Deposit Contact Us The benefits of a combination of both Managed Funds are a great tool to use in conjunction with your KiwiSaver, especially if you’re saving for a home. Using managed funds alongside KiwiSaver can help in several ways. First, they allow you to invest additional savings beyond KiwiSaver contribution limits or what your employer matches. Second, they provide flexibility because you can access your savings for other priorities, including a home deposit. Finally, they can help keep your savings working for you rather than sitting in a bank account. Why bother with KiwiSaver then? Why not just have a managed funds investment? Those are questions you may be asking right now. The answer is, because your KiwiSaver contribution is matched by your employer. That is a huge bonus and one all employed New Zealanders should be a part of (unless your company participates in a similar savings programme). Making this work KiwiSaver remains an excellent savings tool for first‑home buyers, but it doesn’t have to work alone. Combining KiwiSaver with managed funds can provide flexibility, choice, and a clearer pathway toward home ownership — even when your timeline isn’t certain. We can help Your Futurisk Financial Adviser is only a phone call away and can give advice on how to maximise your savings to secure your future and, if it’s one of your goals, enable you to save for that home deposit that can seem so elusive. How to combine KiwiSaver and Managed Funds to Build Your Home Deposit For many New Zealanders, KiwiSaver plays a key role in saving for their first home because it contains the option to withdraw most of the balance for a first‑home purchase after three years. However, for some people, KiwiSaver alone may not be enough, particularly if house prices continue to rise or personal timelines change. This is where managed funds can be a valuable complement to KiwiSaver savings. What are managed funds? Managed funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to buy a diversified portfolio of assets such as shares, bonds, and property. Managed by professional fund managers, they allow investors to buy units in a fund, spreading risk across various investments. They are used for long-term growth, wealth building, or saving for goals. KiwiSaver versus managed funds KiwiSaver is designed primarily as a long‑term retirement savings vehicle. While it can be accessed for a first home, it remains largely locked in until specific criteria are met. Usually this means funds are locked in until you reach retirement age (currently 65 years) or request an early withdrawal (usually only granted in the case of financial hardship). Managed funds, by contrast, offer greater flexibility. They allow you to invest outside of KiwiSaver and generally access your money when you need it. This makes managed funds well-suited for medium‑term goals like building a home deposit. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

How to Navigate New Zealand’s Changing Investment Markets. How to Navigate New Zealand’s Changing Investment Markets. Contact Us Equity Market Outlook The NZX 50 index has had some ups and downs lately — you’ve probably noticed your KiwiSaver and other investments dipped slightly in the first quarter of this year. The outlook remains positive, however, and you will have also noticed that, in the past month or two, your investments have started to pick up again. With interest rates coming down, shares are becoming more attractive to investors, and company profits are expected to improve as the economy continues to recover later in 2025. This is good news for investors so keep your eye on your investments. Government Initiatives to Attract Investment A further encouragement for investors is the policies that the government has implemented to attract foreign investment. These include easing 'golden visa' requirements and positioning New Zealand as a 'safe harbour' for investors amidst global economic volatility and uncertainty. Globally, New Zealand is perceived as a socially cohesive, safe, and stable nation which has revitalised the economy and bolster investor confidence. Conclusion So, it’s true that recent shifts in New Zealand's investment markets have caused concern for many. However, the underlying economic indicators and proactive government policies suggest a trajectory towards recovery. At Futurisk, we advise investors to stay informed and, as is always the case with investment funds, maintain a long-term perspective, because the current financial environment presents numerous opportunities for growth and resilience. If you have any questions or concerns about your KiwiSaver or other investments, please give your Futurisk Financial Adviser a call. Caution, not panic is the key. New Zealand's investment markets have experienced notable shifts in the opening months of 2025. Many of these shifts have been as a result of overseas events which are out of our control, such as changes of governments, inter-nation conflicts and changes to international trading conditions. It’s natural that such changes will lead to some investor concern but there’s no need to panic. In fact, at Futurisk, we believe there are real reasons for cautious optimism. Economic Recovery Underway 2024 was a challenging year. Phrases like “looming recession” made many of us nervous and we watched with concern as our investment savings dipped a little. As we progress through 2025, however, the country’s economy is showing definite signs of recovery. In the fourth quarter of 2024, GDP grew by 0.7%, surpassing expectations, with projections indicating growth of 1.4% in 2025 and an acceleration to 2.7% in 2026. On top of this, the Reserve Bank reduced the Official Cash Rate to 3.75% with the aim of stimulating economic activity. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Six Credit Card Traps to avoid Six Credit Card Traps to avoid Contact Us 4. Missing payments Be careful, with some credit cards, if the bank does not get full payment the day it is due or before you will be charged interest in the full balance. The best way to ensue this does not happen is to arrange to have your credit card bill paid monthly by direct debit or internet banking, that way you never miss a payment. 5. Purchasing goods overseas When you use your credit card overseas you will usually incur two fees: the first is the bank's fee. The fee is often associated wit currency conversion and may be called something like a "currency conversion fee." The second fee is charged by the credit card company. When combined, thee fees can add up to 3% (perhaps a little more) onto your purchase price. It doesn't seem much, but 3% added onto your overseas trip can become quite a large sum of money. 6. Lodging security Sometimes, when you use your credit card to book overseas travel-related items,you will be charged interest immediately; e.g. if you use your card to book a hotel room for a trip you are to take three months' time, you may be charged interest from the time of booking rather than the time of staying in the hotel. In a similar way, if you rent a car overseas the trader ma reserve an amount of credit to secure their payment or to cover any possible damage to the car etc. That means, you may find when you use the card it has less credit on it than you expected despite you having actually bought anything. Most people know nothing about the lodging security until it's too late. If you are travelling overseas with your credit card, or using it overseas with your credit card, or using it overseas from within New Zealand, it pays to find out first, what the various conditions of use are. So, these are Futurisk's six credit card traps. One thing we cannot stress enough- avoid credit card debt. What if I'm already in debt? If you find yourself struggling with debt right now, contact the team at Futurisk. We may be able to restructure your debt in a way that savs you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Credit card can be dangerous! Many people in New Zealand today find themselves buried by inescapable debt that can be traced back to being overzealous in the use of their credit card. Sure, credit cards are handy. They provide an easy way to purchase things online or if you don't want to carry cash around with you, but it's so easy to forget when you buy something with your card, you are incurring a debt. And, once you get into credit card debt, it can be very difficult to get out of. That's why the team at Futurisk want to remind you of the six credit card traps you need to watch out for: 1. Extra Credit Every credit card will have a credit limit - that's a maximum amount you can have owing on your credit card at any one time. When you first received your card the issuing bank will told you what credit limit is. As time goes by, the bank will offer to increase this limit for you - particularly if you have been paying your card off each month before the interest payment clicks in. BEWARE: this increased limit will immediately increase the chances of you overspending. That's what the banks are hoping for....to get you into debt so that they can make money off the interest you owe. There was a time when banks didn't even give you a choice about the increased credit, they just put it on your card and called it a, "privilege." The law has changed, however. These days banks should ask if you want the extra credit. If the bank approaches you to ask if you want to increase your credit limit, decline their offer 2. Cash advances Here's something a lot of people don' realise. When you buy goods with your credit card there is usually a one month credit free period, BUT, when you get cash out on your credit card you begin to pay interest immediately. A void using your credit card to et cash out of the bank. 3. Card payment surcharges Have you ever gone to use your credit card and had a vendor tell you it will cost you extra to put purchases on a card? That used to be illegal. These days it's considered acceptable provided the vendor tells you about the surcharge before you use your card. I still think it's a bit on the nose, however, and I refuse to pay such surcharges. Wether you do or not is up to you, but be aware, the surcharge is usually a percentage of the purchase price of our goods. That means, on a large item the surcharge can be quite high and can easily wipe out any saving you thought you were making. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

My KiwiSaver and other investments are dropping in value – what should I do? My KiwiSaver and other investments are dropping in value – what should I do? Contact Us Managed funds Managed Funds are a great option if you’re saving for something big in the future like an overseas trip, home renovations, or the tertiary education of your children. Unlike KiwiSaver, you can make withdrawals at any time, and you don't have to keep refixing like with a Term deposit. Like any investment, however, they will increase and decrease with the ebb and flow of the economy. Once again, the key is usually to invest for the long-term. What we should do Rather than reacting to headlines, consider using this time to review your investment strategy. Are you in a fund that matches your investment timeframe and are you comfortable with your investment risk? If retirement or a first‑home purchase is still many years away, short‑term market drops usually matter less. The most important thing is to stay invested and focus on long‑term growth. If, however, market swings are causing significant stress, or if your circumstances have changed, it may be helpful to seek advice from your Futurisk adviser. A well‑structured plan can provide reassurance and help ensure your investments remain aligned with your goals. Don’t give up And don’t give up! Continuing regular contributions during downturns usually means you’re buying investments at lower prices. That means you reap the benefit when the market turns. Recent global events, including the current situation in the Middle East, have resulted in increased volatility in financial markets across the world, including New Zealand. For most of us this has meant a decrease in the value of investments including KiwiSaver. It’s understandable that seeing our investment balances drop can be worrying, however, it pays to remember, periods like this are a normal part of investing – the market is constantly moving up and down and up again. Don’t panic The first and most important step is to neither panic nor feel depressed about this situation. Financial markets react quickly to global uncertainties, but history shows they tend to recover over time. Making rushed decisions to move or withdraw money based on short‑term market movements can lock in those short-term losses and reduce your ability to benefit when markets rebound. This is particularly relevant for KiwiSaver, which is designed as a long‑term investment for most people. KiwiSaver It also pays to remember that many KiwiSaver funds today hold a higher proportion of growth assets than in the past, which means balances can move up and down more sharply in the short term but provide a greater yield in the longer term. While this volatility can be unsettling, higher‑growth investments have historically delivered stronger long‑term returns for investors with time on their side. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Nine Things to do to get Your Personal Finances in Order Nine Things to do to get Your Personal Finances in Order Contact Us 5. Set financial goals and save for them. Most people have dreams and goals. Problem is we don't plan a strategy to achieve them. Rather than saving for things like a new car or overseas trip, we go into debt to pay for them. Set goals, price how much those goals will cost, work out how much you need to save per month to save that amount, and go for it! 6. Protect what you've got. We all struggle with the "I" word = Insurance. If we never make a claim insurance can seem like money thrown away. Many people have fallen into a lifetime of debt because of inadequate insurance. Here's the general rule of thumb - anything you need but cannot afford to replace with cash if you lost it should be insured. This includes your ability to earn money. (Futurisk give free no-obligation insurance consultations; contact us to make an appointment). 7. Make a financial plan for retirement. People often ask, "When is the best time to save for retirement?" The answer is "now." There are two basic mistakes people make; the first is that they leave it too late to begin saving for their retirement. The second is that they assume their family home is an adequate investment for their retirement when it is only part of what they will actually require. A great way to save for retirement is through a workplace savings scheme, especially if your employer will make a contribution too. And, whatever your age, a great time to start is now. 8. Invest! Make your money work for you. There are many ways to invest other than property or the share market. We all need to determine which is best for us. Simply leaving money idle in the bank, however safe and secure it may be, is not maximising the earning potential of those savings. 9. Teach your kids about money. There is a definite lack in our school system as regards the teaching of basic personal financial management. Teach your children about budgeting, saving for things they want, how to write cheques and use internet banking, the true value of the things we buy etc. It'll pay off in the end - maybe they'll help you build a ‘granny-flat' on the back lawn of their mansion!! The team at Futurisk have three rules regarding personal finance: Spend less than you earn Pay off debt Don't go into debt This article expands on those rules - do these nine things and you need never worry about your finances again. 1. Know what you've got and work to increase it. A person's net worth is the value of everything they own minus everything they owe.In other words; assets minus debt. Many people do not know what their net worth is. Some would be surprised at how high it is, others shocked at how low it is. Set goals and plans that will enable you to increase your net worth. Decide on a figure that you would like to achieve in the next ten years and work out how you can achieve it. I think you might be surprised how much you could increase your net worth over a decade if you just start now and keep at it. 2. Budget! In New Zealand today the average person is spending 17% more than they earn, and that does NOT include mortgages (Dept of Statistics figure) - that means they are now adding to their net worth, they are going into greater debt. The reason people overspend is because they have not calculated how much money they are able to spend without going into debt. The answer is simple; do whatever you have do to ensure you spend less than you earn. Now, it's difficult to never go into debt but it must be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Borrow only what you absolutely need to, e.g. to buy a house. And, when you borrow money, make sure you know the true cost of borrowing that amount. Once interest payments and fees are added onto a purchase it can make for a very expensive item! 3. Pay off debt. This is one of the fundamental principles of good personal finance; pay off debt as quickly as possible. Start with the debt you're paying the highest interest on. This will usually be credit-card and hire purchase debt followed by personal loans and mortgage debt. Remember, the faster you repay debt the better off you are long-term because it is the interest payments that cripple us financially. Paying just the minimum repayments on your debt means you pay thousands of dollars in unnecessary interest. 4. Save for an emergency fund. The killer for the personal finances of many people comes when their washing machine dies or their car breaks down or some other unexpected crisis arises. With no savings we often go into debt that can that haunt us for a long time. Having savings equivalent to three month's income can overcome such an eventuality. NOTE: this is a good thing to do even if you are paying off a mortgage. However, if you have high-interest debt, pay that off first. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

How to know you have the right insurance cover - Life Insurances How to know you have the right insurance cover - Life Insurances Contact Us Which life-insurance should I go for? Term life insurance or a whole of life policy, which one should you go for? The obvious advantage of a whole of life policy is that it's like a savings account. You pay your premiums, and at a certain age you get something back. The disadvantage is that, for all that time, the premiums are higher. The question to ask when deciding which policy to go for is this, "If I go for the cheaper (term life insurance) policy, what will I do with the money saved?" If the answer is that you would squander it, then an endowment policy with the compulsory savings component is perfect for you. If, however, you're able to be more disciplined and put that money aside in some sort of investment for the future, then you might consider doing that and going for a term life policy. Insurances to protect your income: We almost always insure our most valuable assets-it's crazy not to! So, you've probably taken out insurance on your house, your car, your possessions... but none of these are your most valuable asset. Your most valuable asset is your ability to earn an income, and this needs to be protected because without it, you cannot pay your bills. There are two ways to protect your income: Income protection insurance, sometimes called disability insurance. Most income protection policies will, in the event of you being unable to work as a result of illness or injury, pay you up to 75% of your previous taxable income for a pre-specified term. As part of the policy, you can usually choose a stand-down period of four, eight, or 13 weeks before any income is paid out. The length of stand-down you select will be reflected in the premium you are charged - the longer the stand-down, the lower the premium. So, income protection means you continue to get a weekly payment despite being unable to work. Trauma or crisis insurance, sometimes referred to as critical illness insurance. This policy provides a lump sum on the diagnosis of certain specified critical conditions such as, serious cancer, heart disease and stroke. Some people say, it's like life insurance, but you don't have to die! What this means is, if you're seriously ill and need to take time off work, you'll be paid a lump sum to help with medical expenses, living expenses etc. That lump sum is agreed at the time you purchase the policy and, the greater the lump sum, the higher the policy premiums. So, in short, income protection pays a percentage of your income; trauma insurance pays a lump sum. Do I need to protect my income? The simple answer to this is, "Yes." Everyone needs to protect their income in case of an accident or illness. However, when considering income protection insurance you need to consider the value of it by weighing up your income, occupation and any offsets such as ACC payments and the like. For instance, if you are earning $40,000 per year, it may be that you would be eligible for that amount via a sickness benefit should you become ill. It nullifies the need for income protection insurance. One thing is for sure: Whenever you take out insurance, read all documents carefully so you know what's covered and what's not. To get proper advice on life insurances we recommend that you speak to an accredited insurance agent. Life insurances can be pretty confusing. There are so many products out there, and you never quite know which ones are best for you. And then, having decided on the type of insurance, there's the question of how much should you insure for? And when should you start with life insurance? One thing is for sure, however, living without any form of life-based insurance cover leaves your personal and business finances in a dangerous position. One of the most common ways of falling into debt is through the unexpected need to replace a lost or damaged asset that was not insured, and your greatest asset is your ability to earn. If that was suddenly removed from you, debt could quickly follow. Here's Futurisk's quick guide to life-based insurances. In terms of life-based insurances there are two aspects of cover you should consider to avoid potential debt for yourself or your dependents. The first is life insurance; this protects your dependents in the case of anything happening to you. The second is income protection insurance; this protects you and your dependents in a situation where you are unable to work because of some sort of illness. Let's look at these insurances more closely: Life insurances: The important thing to remember about life insurance is that it's not for you. Sure, it's your life that's insured, but the policy is for the benefit of your dependents. It's to ensure that they are able to live with some quality of lifestyle in the event that you're not there to provide for them. There are two types of life insurance policy: Term life insurance: Term life insurance agrees to pay your dependents or your estate an agreed amount if you die. The policy usually runs for a set term. That means, when you reach a certain age the cover ceases. You know longer pay premiums and you're no longer covered. Most people choose an age of about 65, a time when they no longer have children dependent on them, and have some income because they're receiving the pension. Because the insurance company realises the chance of you dying before this age is relatively slim, premiums are adjusted accordingly. This is why the premiums are usually lower than for the second type of life insurance. Whole of life or endowment insurance: Whole of life insurance (sometimes called endowment insurance) tends to be more expensive than straight life insurance because it combines life insurance with a savings or investment component. Endowment policies still mature when you reach a previously nominated age (usually 65), but you receive a lump sum. At that point the policy and premium payments cease. If you die before reaching that age, your estate receives the agreed insurance pay-out. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

What is Trauma Insurance and How Does it Work? What is Trauma Insurance and How Does it Work? Contact Us But doesn't ACC provide this cover? New Zealand's ACC scheme provides excellent protection for accidental injuries, helping with treatment costs and replacing up to 80% of lost earnings (subject to eligibility and limits). ACC does not, however, provide cover for serious illnesses such as cancer, heart attack or stroke, nor does it provide a lump sum to help with the broader financial impact these events can have on you and your family. Every year, around 29,700 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer, approximately 12,000 are hospitalised following a heart attack, and more than 9,000 experience a stroke. These are the types of serious medical events that Trauma Insurance is designed to help protect against; providing financial support at a time when your focus should be on your health and recovery, not your finances. What about Specific Injury Cover? Specific Injury Cover (sometimes called Accidental Injury Cover) is different from Trauma Insurance. Rather than covering serious illnesses, it provides a lump sum if you suffer certain specified injuries as the result of an accident. Depending on the policy, this may include injuries such as fractures to the collarbone, wrist, forearm or jaw, major ligament or tendon injuries requiring surgery, severe burns, fractures to the hip or pelvis, loss of sight or hearing, or even the loss of a limb. While ACC provides valuable support following an accident, Specific Injury Cover can provide an additional cash payment to help with expenses that arise during your recovery, giving you greater financial flexibility when you need it most. As with all insurance policies, the injuries covered, and the benefit payable, will vary between insurers and policy wordings. Make a difference – Plan ahead One of the benefits of arranging Trauma Insurance while you're young and healthy is the ability to choose level premiums . While stepped premiums generally start at a lower cost and increase as you get older, level premiums are designed to remain relatively stable over time. Although they typically cost more initially, many people choose to level some or all of their Trauma Insurance to help maintain affordability in later years, when the likelihood of needing cover is often greater. The most appropriate premium structure will depend on your age, budget, and long-term objectives, making it an important discussion to have with your Futurisk Financial Adviser. How to select and structure your Trauma Insurance Trauma Insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all product. Depending on the insurer and policy, there are different ways your cover can be structured. Some policies allow multiple claims for different medical conditions over time (often referred to as continuous or reinstatable Trauma Cover). Other policies have different benefit structures, where the amount payable may depend on the seriousness of the covered medical condition. These features can provide greater flexibility and, depending on the policy selected, may also offer a more cost-effective way of protecting yourself against serious illness. Give your Futurisk Financial Adviser a call At Futurisk, we work with a range of leading insurers, each offering different features, benefits and premium structures. Whether you're reviewing your existing cover or considering Trauma Insurance for the first time, a Futurisk Financial Adviser will take time to explain all the available options, help you understand the differences between policies, and work with you to find a solution that suits your needs, budget and stage of life. What is Trauma Insurance and How Does it Work? When people think about insurance, health and life insurance are usually the first types of cover that come to mind. However, Trauma Insurance is another valuable form of protection, and it is often overlooked. Trauma Insurance provides a tax-free lump sum payment if you are diagnosed with a specified serious illness or experience a covered medical event, such as certain cancers, a heart attack, stroke, major organ failure, or other conditions defined in the policy. Unlike health insurance, which helps cover eligible medical expenses, a Trauma Insurance benefit is paid directly to you. This gives you the freedom to use the funds in whatever way best supports your situation, whether that's replacing lost income, meeting mortgage repayments, covering everyday living costs, funding rehabilitation, travelling for treatment, or simply providing financial breathing room while you and your family focus on recovery. At a time when your health and wellbeing need to be the priority, Trauma Insurance can help ease financial stress and provide greater peace of mind when it matters most. Bonus Trauma Insurance cover for your children Many Trauma Insurance policies also automatically include complimentary cover for dependent children when a parent holds Trauma Insurance. While the level of cover and policy conditions vary between insurers, the insurers Futurisk works with generally provide up to $50,000 of Trauma Cover for eligible dependent children at no additional cost. This means, if your child is diagnosed with a serious illness or medical condition covered under the policy, this benefit can provide a tax-free lump sum payment to help ease the financial burden that often accompanies a child's illness. The funds provided by Trauma Insurance can be used in whatever way best supports your family, whether that's allowing you, the parent, to take time off work, covering travel and accommodation costs for specialist treatment, or helping manage additional household expenses. During an already challenging time, this benefit can provide valuable financial support and greater peace of mind, allowing your family to focus on what matters most: your child's care and recovery. As with all insurance policies, benefits, eligibility requirements, and covered conditions vary between insurers and individual policy wordings. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

How to decide before you buy something How to decide before you buy something Contact Us THREE: What will this item really cost me? If ever you decide to buy something on credit, the first question you should ask it this: "What will this actually cost me?" Recently I saw a lap-top that I'd quite like. It cost around $1,000. But there was a deal - the store said I could have it for just $10 a week spread over three years. $10 a week didn't seem much, until I worked it out. Spread over three years, $10 a week is a lot more than $1,000 - it's $1,560! You see what I mean? It wasn't such a great deal after all. I was paying one and a half times what the lap-top would have cost if I paid cash. Avoid purchasing anything on credit, but if you do, calculate the actual cost of the item - it may make you change your mind! FOUR: What can't I have if I buy this? We all have a limited amount of money to spend. That means, when we spend money on one item, we have to go without something else. So, before you buy anything ask yourself, "What is it that I won't be able to afford to buy?" Then ask which of those items you'd rather have. Remember this, if we buy a luxury item with cash, but then have to put our weekly groceries or petrol on our credit card, we have, in effect, gone into debt for that luxury item. FIVE: Will buying this item blow my budget? This question is like a summary question of the previous four. Living without a budget is dangerous for our personal finances. But a budget is only worth anything if we stick to it. So, if you don't have the available money to buy that treat, put off buying it until you do, it could save a lot of heartache in the long term. If you'd like any advice on your personal or business finances, contact the team at Futurisk. "Your money is burning a hole in your pocket." That's a phrase my mother used to use. It's another way of saying, sometimes we just feel like buying something! And, we've all felt like that at some time or another. We're down at the mall and we see something we'd like. We say to ourselves, "I've got to have that, and it only costs..." The reality is this, every time we purchase anything it impinges on our future lifestyle and living standard. That's why we need to pause and ask ourselves a few searching questions before we pull out our eft-pos card. Here's Futurisk's five questions to ask before you buy anything: ONE: Do I really need this? Impulse buying can quickly lead to regret, especially when a credit card is used. While there's nothing wrong with buying the occasional luxury, we need to ensure those purchases are within our budget. The best thing to do is set aside some money for those treat-type items, and stick to your budget no matter what! TWO: If I buy this, will I go into debt? The answer to this question is always, "yes," unless you're buying with cash, eft-pos or debit card, or you can clear your credit card before the next due date. New Zealand is facing a debt crisis and this is the number one way ordinary New Zealanders get themselves into trouble with their personal finances;we overspend on our credit cards. It only takes a small luxury here and another small one there, and before you know it - you're struggling to repay your credit card debt. The simple rule is - avoid going into debt View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Seasonal Insurance Tip – Heading into the Cooler Months Seasonal Insurance Tip – Heading into the Cooler Months Contact Us Your One‑Minute Insurance Check Take a moment and ask yourself: Have I bought anything valuable in the last 12 months? Have rebuild or replacement costs increased since my policy began? If I needed to claim tomorrow, would my excess still be affordable? If you hesitated on any of these, it may be time for a quick review – give your Futurisk Financial Advisor a call. Small adjustments now can make a big difference later. Behind the Scenes: Why Clarity Matters As advisers, one of the most important aspects to our role isn’t the help we give at claims time; it’s doing the foundational work to ensure there are no surprises when that moment arrives. Understanding what isn’t covered is just as important as knowing what is. Insurance works best when expectations are clear from the start, allowing you to live each day with confidence rather than uncertainty. Contact your Futurisk Financial Advisor today and ask for a free, no obligation insurance review. Each year, as we move into autumn, we usually see a noticeable rise in home insurance claims, particularly those caused by burst pipes and unexpected water damage. The good news is that many of these claims are preventable. Something as simple as insulating outdoor taps or making sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris can make a powerful difference. A few minutes of preventative care today can save thousands in repairs tomorrow. After all, the easiest claim you’ll ever make is the one you never have to. The Most Common (and Costly) Mistake We See One issue continues to appear time and again: underinsurance, especially when it comes to contents cover. Over the past few years, building costs and replacement values have risen dramatically. What was adequate cover when your policy was set up may no longer reflect today’s reality. A quick review with your Futurisk Financial Adviser could be the difference between peace of mind and a stressful shortfall when you need support the most. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Top tips for keeping your house warm this winter Top tips for keeping your house warm this winter Contact Us Opening the curtains during the day is also a good idea. We often think that open curtains during daylight hour means losing all your precious heat during the day, but opening the curtains makes the most of the sun - the most effective and affordable heater known to man. Just make sure you remember to close them when the sun goes down. Closing unused rooms is another effective method to prevent your precious heat being wasted. If you're not intending to use certain rooms for the rest of the day, close the doors. That way your heat stays where you want it to be. Bear floor boards are a welcome invitation for the cold, and account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss. Wooden floors are the worst for leaking heat, but this can be prevented, or at least minimised, by placing rugs and blankets over the floor. This also has the added bonus of keeping your feet warmer too. If you're keen to know how you can further prevent heat loss in your home, get up and walk around on a cold evening. Are there drafts coming from outside? From beneath doors? From between the floorboards? Have a think about what you could do to keep your house warmer this winter without splashing the cash! Reference NZFSG Keeping your house warm over winter can be hard. It can cost a small fortune to generate enough heat to get your house warm, and then there are so many ways for cold air to take its place. Luckily there are some affordable and simple ways to keep your house warm this winter that don't require a big budget or a degree in rocket science. Thick curtains are great for trapping your heat inside, and curtains with thermal lining are even better. But if you have only got standard curtains in the house, there are a couple of tricks you can use to maximize their heat retention. Thermal lining can be expensive, but other materials, such as cheap fleece, can be almost as effective. Just line the backs of your curtains with some fleece from your local fabric shop, and you'll be able to see the difference. In fact, you can even use an old PVC shower curtain to do the same thing. And it's not just the windows that need to be covered. Doors are notorious for leaking heat, so putting a curtain over your door might be a good idea too. And why not put a rug or folded towel at the foot of the door to stop your precious heat leaving the room. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

How your bank decides to loan you money How your bank decides to loan you money Contact Us Equity (sometimes called Collateral). Equity is a measure of your net worth. It's the value of what you own minus the value of what you owe. In short, the bank wants to be sure that, if you can't repay your loan, you have enough value in your home so that, if they sell it, they can recoup the money you owe them. This is why part of the application form will include a measure of assets versus liabilities. In recent times this became a problem for the bank (and for the person they loaned money to). You see, the banks were loaning 100% on the value of a home. That meant, if the housing market dipped and a mortgage holder couldn't repay their loan, the bank would sell the property but not recoup all their money. So, the person who borrowed the money is now without a home, and still owes money to the bank. This is why there is so much talk about LVR; that is, your loan to value ratio. LVR is the amount you will owe on your house divided by the amount it is worth. LVR's vary from bank to bank but most will usually only loan up to 80% LVR. That means, if you want to buy a new home you will usually need at least 20% of the purchase price as a deposit. It also makes it quite easy to work out how much you can afford to spend on a house - just multiply your deposit by five. Character. For many banks, your financial character is the most important criteria used to assess whether you qualify for loan or not. Banks will look at your financial track record to determine whether they think they can trust you to repay a loan. They will take into account things like whether you have; previous defaults on any type of loan repayments, fines owing, a poor credit rating, a poor job history, or whether you are constantly going into unarranged overdraft. This is why banks ask for three months' bank transactions before giving out a loan - it's to check how well you manage your finances. This is an aspect of borrowing that many people underestimate. It's not just about having a deposit. The bank is more concerned about getting back the money it gives to you, and to prove that you will do that you need to have a good credit and banking record. The challenge. The challenge is simple; if you think you are going to want a bank loan sometime in the future, you need to be proactive now in ensuring you are an attractive client to the bank in these areas; Serviceability Equity, and Character. The team at Futurisk would love to talk to you about all aspects of your personal finances. You will have read in the news that banks are tightening up on lending money to home buyers. Not so long ago it was easy to get a loan, now many first home buyers are wondering how they will ever secure the money to get into their own home. There are, however, things you can do to make yourself more suitable for a bank loan. But don't leave these things until the last minute. If you think you may want to purchase a home in the future, think about these things now. The bank uses three criteria to assess whether to give you a loan There are three key criteria the bank will measure a potential borrower against; Serviceability Equity Character Serviceability (sometimes called capacity). Serviceability measures your ability to repay a loan. Basically, it is your income minus your expenses. This is why, when you apply for a loan, the bank asks you to complete an application form with records of your monthly earnings and monthly spending. Each bank will have a slightly different mathematical formula to calculate serviceability, and slightly different requirements regarding the surplus funds you should have at the end of each month. However, in general terms, banks will expect you to have a monthly surplus of around $300 after all your expenses have been paid. Two things will greatly affect your serviceability and therefore your chance of getting a loan. The first is overspending. If you're thinking of asking the bank for a loan, begin to economise now so that you can show you're able to live on a minimal budget. The second thing that will affect your ability to service a loan is existing debt. If you have debt, you will be making repayments. Those repayments will count against you being granted a loan; and that includes the debt from a student loan. Remember the old rule - pay off debt as quickly as possible. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19