Protect your business with tailored insurance solutions from Futurisk Insurance. We offer coverage for various industries across New Zealand. Business Insurance options with Futurisk Our Solutions > Business Insurance > Book a free appointment here Business Insurance options Business Interruption Contract Works Material Damage Cyber Insurance Commercial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Rural Insurance Chat to one of your local advisers today to organise a personalised Business Insurance plan. We are local financial advisers who live and work in your community Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19 Why choose a Futurisk Adviser? At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer or the bank. We are local financial advisers who live and work in your community. We guide you to the right solution, at the right price. And when it’s time to claim, we’ve got your back. Find out more

Get in touch with Futurisk Insurance for personalised insurance and mortgage solutions in New Zealand. Contact us today to discuss your financial needs and secure your future. Contact Futurisk Contact Us > Contact Our Team For Personalised Insurance Solutions - servicing Wellington through to Kapiti, Palmerston North, and Waikato. Our locations Futurisk Manawatu 0800 17 18 19 +64 6 358 3400 enquiries@futurisk.co.nz 178 Broadway Ave Palmerston North 4410 PO Box 5252, Terrace End Palmerston North 4441 Futurisk Waikato 0800 17 18 19 +64 7 929 2296 enquirieswaikato@futurisk.co.nz Unit 4, 310 Tristram Street, Hamilton PO Box 1419, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3240 Futurisk Kāpiti 0800 367 467 +64 6 364 6123 enquirieskapiti@futurisk.co.nz 153 Main Highway Otaki PO Box 134, Ōtaki 5542 Contact Us Our financial advisers are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients when it comes to health and life insurance, business insurance cover, home and contents insurance, and travel insurance coverage. Name* Phone* Email* Message* Submit We offer honest and genuine advice with your best interests at heart. Our passion lies in discovering the best solutions tailored just for you. We've got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Refinancing, Refixing, or Restructuring Your Home Loan? Refinancing, Refixing, or Restructuring Your Home Loan? Contact Us The right structure can save you thousands The way your home loan is structured can make a huge difference to the amount of interest you pay over time. When structuring a home loan thought needs to be given to: The mix of fixed and floating rates. The length of your fixed terms. Whether or not you would benefit from have a revolving credit facility. Your stage of life and your financial goals. Despite these considerations, many homeowners stick with the same setup year after year, unaware of the potential savings a smarter structure could bring. That’s why it makes sense to let your Futurisk mortgage adviser help you reassess your mortgage structure in light of current rates, lifestyle changes, and financial goals. Peace of mind in uncertain times Finally, a mortgage is the biggest financial commitment most of us will ever make. Let’s face it, even an average sized mortgage is a lot of money. It’s no wonder some people feel overwhelmed. Getting professional advice from your Futurisk adviser will give you confidence that you’re making informed decisions. If you’re about to refix or restructure your home loan, or if you or someone you know is about to take out a new home loan, get the best advice you can – talk to your Futurisk qualified mortgage adviser. Good Advice Matters Good news! Interest rates are finally starting to ease. That means, many Kiwi mortgage-holders are asking whether now is the right time to restructure, re-fix, or refinance their home loans. While lower rates can offer the opportunity to reduce your monthly repayments or pay off your mortgage faster, navigating the options isn’t always straightforward. That’s where good advice from your Futurisk mortgage adviser can make all the difference. Here’s why good mortgage advice is essential: Every mortgage is different Home loans aren’t all the same. That’s because, when setting up a loan, your current financial situation, your long-term goals, and the structure of your existing loan(s) are all taken into account to ensure the best move for the next period of your life. But situations change as we go through various life stages. Depending on your current situation, it may make sense to break your fixed-term mortgage and lock in a lower rate. However, not always. Breaking a loan early can trigger costly break fees that outweigh the savings. You Futurisk mortgage adviser will help you calculate the real costs and benefits, and tailor a strategy that fits your situation—not just for now, but for the years ahead. Timing is everything The Reserve Bank signalling a lowering of the OCR (Official Cash Rate), is good news and we would expect interest rates to gradually trend downwards. During times of adjustment in interest rates, banks move independently and those movements can be unpredictable. So, when should you refix or restructure your loan? The temptation is always to grab a lower interest rate as soon as you see one. However, fixing too soon or for too long can mean missing out on later interest rate decreases. Your Futurisk mortgage adviser will track market trends, explain what’s likely to happen next (although there are never any certainties), and help you strike the right balance between risk and opportunity. 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 Things Your Bank Will Never Tell You Six Things Your Bank Will Never Tell You Contact Us 4. Bouncing cheques are good for your bank’s business as long as you don’t write too many. Providing there’s no fraud involved, your bank earns big bucks every time a cheque bounces. Not only do they sock you with a fee for the bounced cheque, you'll pay a higher rate of interest if you go over your agreed overdraft. 5. You can pay your entire credit card bill by setting up a direct debit like you do with your power or phone. Banks don’t actively encourage customers to do this. Why should they? They can’t earn interest on your credit card if you pay it off each month. For the bank, the best credit card is one that has money owing on it. 6. Bank advice may be self-interested. 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. This information is adapted from Consumer Magazine (January/February 2006, Issue 455, Page 23). There’s something every person who uses a bank needs to understand—a bank is a business. It exists to make a profit and it does that by maximising the use of your hard-earned cash. Knowing how they do that could save you money. Here are six things your bank will never tell you: 1. Your bank wants you to overspend and stay in debt. That may sound a little harsh, but that is the simple reality. You see, banks make money from people who are in debt. In fact, if you are $250,000 in debt you are a better customer for a bank than a person with $30,000 cash in their savings account. The more you spend the more interest the bank earns from you. And, if you’re prone to cheques bouncing, or if you don't pay your credit card bill off in full every month, then you are the bank’s best-friend. 2. A bank’s review of your account is really a sales pitch. The bank is thinking of its bottom line, not yours. If you’re offered a review of your finances or get a call from your “personal banker,” then chances are they want to sell you a new product—usually insurance. It could be that the product on offer is good value, but ask yourself two questions: Do I need the product at all? And, is the bank’s product better than the one I already have or can get elsewhere? 3. Banks prefer to keep their savings-rate changes under wraps. When banks advertise new accounts with flash savings rates, they do so to attract new customers. The banks can’t afford to put their existing customers on these new high-flying rates and they often don't tell you about them. That’s why it pays to ask. 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

Find the best insurance and mortgage solutions in Waikato with Futurisk Insurance. Expert financial guidance for individuals and businesses. Futurisk Waikato Our Solutions > Waikato > We are your local Manawatu advisors who live and work in your community. We work for you, not the insurer or the bank. We’ll guide you through insurance and mortgage solutions with honesty you can trust and advice you can count on. Contact 0800 17 18 19 +64 7 929 2296 enquirieswaikato@futurisk.co.nz Unit 4, 310 Tristram Street, Hamilton PO Box 1419, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3240 Enquire Now A partner of choice We strive to be partner of choice - for our customers, insurance companies and employees looking for long-term relationships built on a foundation of trust. Our Values, Ethics, Morals, and Integrity - at Futurisk these are the most important factors of our business. Our dedicated team support one another - we learn together, and share each other’s success! We have high standards of achievements and have commitment to the company. We keep our Advisers well informed - they receive continuous education for new products that come up onto the marketplace, we hold regular team meetings, extensive trainings and outings. Our Waikato Team At Futurisk Waikato our mission is to spend time getting to understand you and your financial goals so we can provide you personalised advice which is appropriate for your circumstances and needs. The Principal Adviser, Mark Henderson started in the financial services industry in 2003 as an Insurance Adviser and in 2005 became a consultant with Mortgage Solutions and Financial Services Ltd. In 2010 Mark helped develop the “M-Power” debt management service with Fortifi Financial Solutions and in 2013 he started his own company, Marlin Solutions Ltd. Marlin Solutions provided a range of financial services such as Insurance, Mortgages & Debt Management. In 2020 Mark and Marlin Solutions joined forces with Joe Singh from Futurisk Insurance Limited and they started a new company, Futurisk Insurance (Waikato) Ltd, trading as Futurisk Waikato. Futurisk Waikato are now able to provide expert advice on a wider range of financial services including Domestic Insurance, Commercial Insurance and other General Insurances. Futurisk Waikato also offers our specialised ABF Money Management Service to help kiwis take control of their finances and become debt free faster, saving thousands of dollars in interest payments. Our Waikato Office Meet our Waikato specialists Our advisers are all accredited and have a number of years industry experience behind them. They will work with you to create an ideal insurance plan for you and your family that supports your lifestyle, or the cashflow that your business would need to keep going should something happen. Mark Henderson Director / Financial Adviser 07 929 2296 Bio Mark is the Principle Adviser for Futurisk Waikato and has been involved in the financial services industry since 2003 after working in various roles within NZ post for over 16 years. He lives in Hamilton with his wife. Mark has 2 adult sons and loves spending time with his grandchildren. Mark is keen on most sports and enjoys competing in Masters Athletics. Mark is a proud member of Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) and complies with their Code of Ethics in all facets of his business. He has also completed the Trusted Adviser qualifications, with them. Email Alaa Al Hassan Financial Adviser – Life & Health 027 244 5662 Bio Alaa is a Financial Adviser specialising in personal risk insurance, including life, health, trauma, income protection and accident cover. With nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including extensive work in the UAE, Alaa brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for helping clients protect what matters most — their health and financial security. Now based in Hamilton, with his wife and 2 children, Alaa holds the Level 5 Certificate in Financial Services and is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across the Waikato. Outside of work, Alaa enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family. Email Andrea Mudaliar Financial Adviser 027 221 1442 Bio Andrea Mudaliar is a Financial Adviser specialising in personal and business risk insurance, ACC restructuring and KiwiSaver advice. Andrea is passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners create financial security and achieve their goals. With a background in business ownership and financial services, she understands the importance of having the right protection and financial strategies in place at every stage of life. She holds the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) in Life, Health & Disability Insurance as well as Investments & KiwiSaver. Based in Hamilton, Andrea lives with her husband Arty and is the proud mother of three daughters. Alongside her role at Futurisk Waikato, she co-owns a successful automotive business, giving her first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges faced by business owners and self-employed clients. Andrea believes great advice starts with building genuine relationships and understanding what matters most to each client. She is committed to helping people make confident financial decisions and providing solutions that offer peace of mind for the future. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her daughters from the sidelines, and often being roped into managing or coaching sports teams. She values meaningful connections and helping others succeed, both professionally and personally. Email Get in touch with our Manawatu team today, for local support on your insurance or mortgage needs. Get in touch Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Cleaning up after Christmas Cleaning up after Christmas Contact Us The Futurisk plan to escape Christmas debt: Make escaping debt a priority. This is the most important step: make a conscious decision that you are going to do whatever it takes, and make whatever sacrifices you need to make, to get out of debt as quickly as possible. Work out what you can do without. To become debt free as soon as possible will require some short-term sacrifices. Think about some things that you could do without for the sake of being debt free. Maybe you only buy coffee twice a week at work instead of every day. Maybe you don't buy that weekly magazine for a little while. Maybe you don't go out for dinner until the bill is paid. Whatever sacrifice you make, it will be worth it to escape the stress and financial cost of credit card debt. Just make sure you put the money saved towards paying off that debt. Pay off more than the minimum. This is the biggest mistake made by people with credit card debt. They believe that, by paying the minimum payment required each month, the debt will quickly disappear. While it will eventually disappear, it will be a long and costly process. The quicker you pay off debt, the more you save in interest and the better off you are financially. Having decided what sacrifices you will make with your spending, calculate how much you can put towards paying off your debt each month, and stick to it. Don't add any more to your credit card. The temptation is always there to treat yourself. "It's only a few dollars," we say. But all those few dollars add up. When the credit card interest rate is added to that, we are just prolonging our time in debt. Set a goal. Having made the decision to be debt free; and worked out where you can economise; and calculated what is the most you can repay each month; and having determined not to add anything to your card, set a date at which you can be debt free. Circle that date on your calendar or in your diary; keep that date at the forefront of your mind... it's the day you'll feel a great sense of release--you'll be debt free! Celebrate. Being debt free is something worth celebrating. Plan a celebration for the day you pay off your debt - but don't make it an expensive celebration, and don't put the cost of celebrating onto your credit card! The team at Futurisk would love to talk to you about all aspects of your personal finances and insurances. Beware Christmas debt! As we wander around the shopping malls leading up to Christmas, it's so tempting to pull out our credit card to buy gifts and treats for family and friends. Of course, our intention is to quickly pay off the amount owing as soon as we get back to work in the New Year. Problem is, for many New Zealanders that doesn't happen. Some credit card statistics Leading up to Christmas last year the New Zealand Herald reported: New Zealanders were collectively paying more than $600 million a year in interest on personal credit card debt. New Zealanders collectively owed $5.542 billion on plastic cards at the end of July 2012. Of this $5.264 billion was on personal credit cards. Nearly two-thirds of personal credit card debt is incurring interest. Despite credit card rates of just 12% being available, the average interest rate on outstanding balances is 17.8 per cent. That equates to $638 million in payments going into the pockets of financial institutions over the past year. Credit card debt is dangerous Now, I know most people will say, "But I pay off my card every month before it incurs any interest." The reality is, most people don't! Much of the debt loaded onto credit cards occurs in the period leading up to Christmas. Last December, we collectively loaded over 5 billion dollars onto our credit cards. Did we pay it all off within the month? No. In January this year we still owed over 3.5 billion dollars of that, plus the interest it was accruing. Credit card debt is dangerous because of the high interest rate it incurs. For many people, going into debt on their credit card puts them into debt for a long, long time. It makes sense to limit the use of your credit card leading up to Christmas, but just in case it's too late, here are a plan to help you clean up after Christmas if you find yourself in debt when January 2014 arrives. 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

See what our clients have to say about Futurisk Insurance. Read customer feedback on our insurance and mortgage solutions. Client Feedback Reviews > At Futurisk, you’re not a number to us, you become a friend. We get to know you and your circumstances and support you whenever you need us. Clear Guidance and Outstanding Support Thank you for your excellent support throughout our mortgage process. We really appreciated how clearly you explained everything, your quick responses, and your genuine commitment to helping us make the right decisions. We happily recommend your services to others. I have attached some photos as well. Thank you again. Clyde and Kath Life is sacred Life is sacred and we must do all our best to keep ourselves healthy and strong. But, even in this day and age of advanced technology and medicine, we still cannot guarantee an eternal life or a life that is free of any health issues. In one form or another, our body will just suddenly contract a disease that is unexpected to us whether it is through our doing or just a freak of nature. We see this every day on Facebook. On my timeline, I saw friends, family, relatives, colleagues and classmates in the past and current who suddenly got ill or who suddenly died. And I felt that there is no age, no economic status nor education can save us from neither illness nor death. And I am no different from them. I am just another human who will one day get ill or die. And then I looked at my life and saw my 5 children whom I brought to New Zealand. What will happen to them when I am gone? How are they going to cope in a foreign land all by themselves? That’s when I decided to get a Life insurance. And then one day, I met Financial Adviser of Futurisk Insurance through his son . He advised me that it is also good to have a little bit of help from the insurance while I am alive through the medical condition covered (i.e. progressive care). At least I don’t have to wait to die before I can enjoy the benefits. So that’s when I learned about Sovereign from where I took my Progressive care and Income protection. Then after less than a year of joining Sovereign, a regular smear test changed my life forever. I was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. It was so shocking and unexpected. My life was put on hold. I suddenly stopped working and stopped worrying about bills and everything else around me. All I focused on was to deal with pain and the treatment the Doctors advised me to go through. I was lucky to have met my financial advisor and got my Insurance cover because when I got diagnosed with cancer I felt someone has my back covered for my bills and my extended absence from work. I reached out to my medical condition and work protection cover. It was such a relief that there is someone or something that I can lean on in this difficult time of my life. All I can say is thank you to Futurisk for helping me get my insurance application processed. Insurance is an extra expense but an expense worth spending every dollar for yourself and your family’s future, most especially in times of your need. Loisa Reyes Auckland Best available plan Being a highly-organised and trained planner, and a very practical person to boot, I made sure I acquired different types of insurance so that I will have peace of mind. I saw how Carmela was hardworking and so driven with her job as a financial advisor and I wanted to boost her sales apart from making sure I got covered in all aspects of my life. Knowing that I just about done this, Carmela offered me the best available plan. She wasn't really after making a few bucks from me but showed real concern so I can experience the best benefits. She was even able to convince my husband to get the same insurance coverage. Kudos to Carmela, I now look at financial advisors and insurance coverage in a different light. More power!!! Mayette Cope-Sant Palmerston North Made the process easy I have multiple insurance policies via another insurance provider when I happened to have a discussion with Carmela regarding my search for the right Medical insurance plan for me and my Family. Not only had she gone out of her way to accommodate my crazy schedule, She also made sure that I was aware of the pro's and con's of each product and she really made sure that I had the best fit for my family. About a year after I had signed on with her - I was hospitalized and went into emergency surgery. Not only did Carmela visit and made sure that I was ok, She also made sure I was aware of the other benefits my medical cover had for me. I felt I was more than just a paying client and I felt that I was looked after. I received my renewal for my medical insurance this year and I was more than happy to renew my policy after the outstanding level of customer service I had received from Carmela. She is most definitely an asset to Futurisk and an amazing person to be on your side when facing extreme difficulties. She made the process easy and the policy comprehensible. I am now looking at transferring all my other insurance policies with her since she had shown me exactly how a policy holder is meant to be looked after! Loraine Trinidad Symons Palmerston North See more reviews Get in touch with our Kāpiti team today, for local support on your insurance or mortgage needs. Get in touch 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

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

How to Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net with Accidental Injury Cover How to Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net with Accidental Injury Cover Contact Us Accidental Injury Cover is typically added to an existing policy, such as Life Cover or Trauma Cover, with a minimum lump-sum amount. If you already have cover in place, you may be able to add this benefit to enhance your protection and build a more comprehensive safety net giving peace of mind that your finances are protected. Whether you're active, out and about working, or simply going about your day, this cover helps enable you to focus on recovery — knowing your finances are supported. How It Works: Tiered Injury Categories Injuries are classified into categories based on severity. The more serious the injury, the higher the payout: Category 1: Minor injuries like a fractured ankle may pay 1–2× your chosen benefit. Category 5: Severe injuries such as permanent loss of hearing in both ears may pay up to 12× your chosen benefit. This tiered approach ensures the financial support reflects the true impact of the injury — whether it’s a temporary setback or a life-altering event. Accidental Injury Cover is a smart, cost-effective way to enhance your protection and gain peace of mind. It’s designed to respond when you need it most — helping you recover with confidence, knowing your financial wellbeing is taken care of. Contact your Futurisk Insurance Adviser to find out more. In New Zealand, ACC provides excellent support for a wide range of injuries. However, it may not cover every expense, and the financial impact of an injury can still be significant. That’s where Accidental Injury Cover (also known as Specific Injury Cover) comes in — offering a valuable layer of protection to help ease the burden. With Accidental Injury Cover, you select the level of your maximum lump-sum payout, and any subsequent payout is then based on the severity of the injury, giving you confidence that your financial support will match the impact of the event. With flexible benefit levels, you can tailor your cover to suit your needs — and it’s surprisingly affordable. Accidental Injury Cover provides a lump-sum payment for specific injuries such as fractures, burns, or the loss of limbs. For example, a hip fracture could trigger a payout of up to three times your selected benefit amount, helping cover medical costs, home support, or lost income during recovery. A lesser or more significant injury would trigger a payout of a lesser or greater amount accordingly. 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

Insurances You Can’t Live Without – General Insurance Insurances You Can’t Live Without – General Insurance Contact Us Insuring the things you own – contents insurance. While house insurance covers the actual building you live in, Contents Insurance covers the possessions within that building. Usually it’ll also cover those possessions while they’re temporarily out of your home (but not while they’re overseas). Most insurance companies separate Home Insurance and Contents Insurance into two separate policies and will give a discount if you take out both with them. There are two simple mistakes people can make with Contents Insurance policies. The first is to be under insured. The average New Zealander has their home contents insured for around $50,000. The average value of contents within a home in New Zealand is nearer $100,000. That may seem a lot, but take a walk around your home and begin to total up the value of everything you own—from your television to your computer, bedroom furniture, curtains, tools in your garage… it all adds up. The second mistake is to not read and understand your Contents Insurance policy before signing up for it. Many people assume they have a comprehensive policy only to find, at claim time, that it’s quite basic with many things not covered. Insuring your vehicle. To drive without car insurance is very unwise. It has caused many people to fall into debt that becomes very difficult to get out of. There are two main types of car insurance: The first is third party insurance. This is the most basic of policies and will cover any accidental damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property, but does not cover damage to your own car. The second is comprehensive or full cover vehicle insurance. This covers damage to both your car, and any other vehicles or property you might accidentally damage. Full cover Vehicle Insurance is more expensive than a third party insurance policy, but, unless you can afford to replace or go without your car while, you save for a replacement, you should purchase full vehicle insurance cover. In all of this, remember that insurance is an essential part of your personal finances. Without it you can find yourself in debt; and once in debt, it can be very difficult to escape it. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like insurance is a waste of money, particularly if we’ve never made a claim. Before you get to thinking this way, however, remind yourself what insurance is for. When we purchase insurance, we’re purchasing a product. It’s like when we pay for groceries or petrol or a new television. In the case of insurance, we’re buying protection for our assets and for our financial future. A simple fact of life is this, unfortunate things happen. These things happen when we least expect them, and often catch us completely by surprise. In New Zealand today, one of the most common ways people fall into debt is through the unexpected need to replace a lost or damaged asset that was not insured. Here’s a general rule to bear in mind: anything you need for day to day living, which you could not replace with cash if you lost it, needs to be insured. In general, that boils down to three things: your home, your house contents, and your vehicle. Insuring your home – house insurance. House insurance—everyone has it, right? No. Not everyone does have their home insured. Following the Christchurch earthquakes it was discovered that around 15% of people were not insured and almost half of the homes that were severely damaged, were underinsured. You never know when your home will be damaged or how. Insuring your house: Following the Christchurch earthquakes, insurers have revised their method of assessing a home’s worth. For many years, insurance companies have used a formula based on size, improvements, building materials, etc. to calculate the cost of rebuilding a property. This is about to change. From this year, homeowners will have to state the amount they wish their home to be insured for, and the premiums will be set accordingly. This is good in one sense because it means you will receive the amount of money required to rebuild your home—provided you have insured your home for the proper amount. This new assessment method means you may require a valuation on your home to determine its replacement cost. 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 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