Category: Feature Stories

MoneyCentral Magazine Sponsors The Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival 2024

Posted on by Matty

The Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival is designed to bring together families and communities in a celebration of Australia’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry. With a packed schedule of events, performances, and activities, the festival promises something for everyone. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant mix of music, dance, food, and cultural displays that showcase the unique blend of traditions that make Australia so special.

Festival Highlights

The festival’s diverse lineup includes several key attractions:

  • Queens Grand Parade: A dazzling parade featuring beauty queens in stunning costumes representing various pageant systems. The parade promises a visual feast of colour, grace, and pageantry.
  • 2024 Cover Stars Parade: A showcase of cover stars who have featured in leading magazines throughout 2024, offering a chance to celebrate talent, style, and creativity.
  • Competitions: A series of five major competitions will provide a platform for a wide range of talents:
    • Slay Queen International: A competition that sees transgender model hopefuls from across Australia displaying their beauty and talents, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
    • Cover Model Quest: Divided into male, female, and kids categories, this competition seeks the next cover stars for StarCentral magazine.
    • Search for the Next Mr. Gino-o: A contest for male models, aiming to discover the next big name in fashion and the new face of the Mr. Gino-o brand.
  • Cultural Displays and Food Stalls: A variety of food stalls will offer delicious dishes from around the world, while cultural displays provide insights into different traditions and customs, enhancing the festival’s atmosphere of unity and celebration.

Promoting Unity Through Diversity

The Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival 2024 is more than just an event; it is a celebration of cultural harmony, aiming to foster a spirit of inclusiveness and understanding. Under the banner of “Unity in Diversity, Celebrating Cultures,” the festival is dedicated to bringing people together, breaking down social barriers, and promoting tolerance and mutual respect.

Making It Happen: Partners and Sponsors

The festival is proudly organised by StarCentral Magazine, Flagcom Group, and RGEM Promotions & Management—organisations with a strong commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement. As a sponsor, MoneyCentral Magazine is excited to support an event that aligns with its values of inclusivity and community building.

Other media partners lending their support include InLife International, Global Millionaire Magazine, TV6 Network, FilmCentral Magazine, TV1 News, Sassy & Co, Model & Mode, StarCentral Kids, and MS Entertainment. Their involvement ensures broad media coverage, enhancing the festival’s reach and impact.

Be Part of the Celebration

Don’t miss the Grand Multicultural Entertainment Festival 2024! Join us for a day of celebration, culture, and community, as Sydney comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of the world.

Choosing Between Apartments and Houses: Which Makes Better Investment Sense?

Posted on by Matty

One of the fundamental decisions investors face when delving into real estate investment is whether to invest in an apartment or a house. Each option comes with a unique set of benefits and drawbacks, influencing both short-term financial considerations and long-term investment strategies.

Investing in an apartment holds several distinct advantages that can potentially appeal to a wide range of investors. One of the most compelling factors is the relatively lower entry cost compared to purchasing a house. Apartments typically have a more affordable price point, making them accessible to first-time investors or those looking to diversify their portfolios without committing to a larger initial investment. This affordability can be particularly attractive in urban areas where housing prices may be prohibitively high for many prospective buyers.

Apartments often entail lower upfront costs and ongoing expenses. Maintenance costs, such as repairs, landscaping, and sometimes even utilities, are typically shared among the unit owners through strata fees or body corporate fees. This shared responsibility reduces the financial burden on individual owners and simplifies property management. When it comes to upkeep and repairs, economies of scale can benefit investors and even boost the project’s total profitability.

Moreover, apartments can offer a more hands-off approach to property management, especially in buildings with professional strata management. Investors may benefit from this. who prefer a passive income stream or who do not have the time or expertise to manage extensive property maintenance themselves. The ability to delegate tasks to a dedicated management team can streamline operations and minimize the stress associated with property ownership.

Despite these advantages, investing in apartments does come with its share of challenges and considerations. One notable drawback is the payment of strata fees. These costs pay for the upkeep and repair of the apartment complex’s shared amenities, common areas, and facilities. While they spread the cost of maintenance among all unit owners, strata fees can vary widely depending on the size of the building, the range of amenities offered, and the financial health of the strata scheme. Investors need to make sure that these recurring expenses match their financial plans and budgets by carefully assessing them.

Furthermore, apartments are subject to more stringent regulations and restrictions compared to standalone houses. These regulations are typically outlined in the building’s bylaws and may include restrictions on renovations, noise levels, pet ownership, and even the use of common areas. While these rules are designed to maintain harmony and protect the interests of all residents, they can limit an investor’s flexibility in customizing or maximizing the property’s potential resale value. It’s essential for potential investors to thoroughly review the strata bylaws and understand any restrictions before committing to an apartment investment.

In contrast, investing in a house offers distinct advantages that may appeal to different investors. Houses generally offer more space, privacy, and autonomy compared to apartments. They often come with larger land parcels, which can appreciate in value independently of the dwelling itself. Houses also provide greater flexibility for renovations and expansions, allowing investors to enhance the property’s appeal and market value over time.

Generally speaking, homeowners don’t have to pay continuous strata fees as flats do, which can lower the total cost of ownership. However, houses may require higher maintenance costs, as owners are solely responsible for upkeep, repairs, and landscaping. Investors should factor these additional expenses into their financial calculations when assessing the feasibility and profitability of a house investment.

In conclusion, the decision to invest in an apartment or a house hinges on a variety of factors, including financial considerations, lifestyle preferences, and investment objectives. Many investors find apartments appealing because of their affordability, shared maintenance benefits, and potential for passive income, especially in urban areas. However, investors must carefully weigh these advantages against the constraints posed by strata fees, regulations, and potential limitations on property customization. Within the dynamic real estate market, investors can make well-informed selections that complement their long-term financial plan and investment objectives by carrying out extensive due diligence and consulting with experts.

Unlocking the Power of Off-Page SEO: Effective Strategies for Better Rankings

Posted on by Sean M

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for your website if you aim to enhance its visibility and attract organic traffic. While on-page SEO focuses on optimizing elements within your site, off-page SEO involves strategies outside your website that influence your rankings. Here’s a detailed look at the most effective off-page SEO strategies to enhance your site’s authority and search engine performance.

Quality Backlinks

Building High-Authority Backlinks

Backlinks from reputable and authoritative websites are a cornerstone of off-page SEO. These connections inform search engines about the value and reliability of your material. To build high-quality backlinks:

  • Create Shareable Content: Develop informative, unique, and engaging content that other websites naturally want to link to.
  • Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for reputable blogs in your industry. Incorporate a backlink pointing to your website and make sure the information is pertinent and of the highest calibre.
  • Outreach: Contact webmasters, bloggers, and influencers in your niche and ask them to link to your website if it benefits their readers.

Avoiding Low-Quality Links

Not all backlinks are created equal. Links from low-quality or spammy sites can harm your SEO efforts. Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor your backlinks and disavow any that are harmful.

  1. Social Media Engagement

Leveraging Social Media Platforms

Keeping up a social media presence can indirectly improve your SEO. While social signals (likes, shares, comments) don’t directly affect rankings, they help increase your content’s visibility and drive traffic to your site.

  • Content Sharing: Share your content frequently on social networking sites to expand your readership. To increase reach, ask your fans to share your posts.
  • Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, participate in pertinent discussions, and establish rapport with your audience to boost interaction and brand allegiance.
  1. Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with Influencers

Influencer marketing is promoting your content or products by collaborating with influential people in your industry. Influencers have large, engaged followings, and their endorsement can drive significant traffic and backlinks to your site.

  • Identify Relevant Influencers: Look for influencers whose audience aligns with your target market.
  • Build Relationships: Before asking to work together, interact with influencers on your social media platforms, share their content, and provide them with value.
  • Create Value-Driven Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers to produce content that complements your business and is useful to their audience.
  1. Online Community Participation

Engaging in Online Communities

Participating in online communities like forums, Q&A sites, and niche social media groups can help build your website’s traffic and authority.

  • Answer Questions: Provide helpful answers on platforms such as Quora and Reddit, and include a link to your content where relevant.
  • Join Industry Forums: Participate in discussions on industry-specific forums, share your expertise, and link to your site when appropriate.
  • Create Value: Focus on providing value to the community rather than just promoting your site.
  1. Content Marketing

Creating and Distributing High-Quality Content

Content marketing involves creating valuable, relevant content to attract and engage your target audience. Effective content marketing can generate backlinks, social shares, and increased traffic.

  • Blogging: Regularly publish high-quality blog posts on topics relevant to your audience. Optimize your posts for SEO and share them on social media.
  • Infographics: Create visually appealing infographics that present data and information in an easily digestible format. Infographics can generate backlinks and are very shareable.
  • Videos and Podcasts: To reach a broader audience, produce engaging video content and podcasts. Share these on platforms like YouTube and podcast directories and embed them in your site.
  1. Local SEO

Optimizing for Local Search

SEO for local search is crucial if your company operates locally or caters to a particular region.

  • Google My Business: Activate and enhance your listing on Google My Business. Ensure that your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Local Citations: Get your business listed in local directories and citation sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories.
  • Reviews: Urge pleased clients to post favourable reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review sites. Respond to reviews to show that you value customer feedback.
  1. Press Releases and Media Coverage

Generating Media Attention

Press releases and media coverage can generate high-quality backlinks and drive traffic to your site.

  • Press Releases: Press releases about significant occurrences, new product launches, or company milestones should be written and distributed.
  • Media Outreach: Establish connections with bloggers and journalists in your field. Offer expert commentary or exclusive stories to gain media coverage.

Conclusion

A deliberate approach to increasing your website’s authority and exposure is necessary for effective off-page SEO. To boost your off-page SEO and improve your site’s search engine rankings, focus on building quality backlinks, engaging on social media, leveraging influencer marketing, participating in online communities, creating high-quality content, optimizing for local search, and generating media attention. Implement these strategies consistently, and monitor your results to refine your approach for optimal performance continually.

Charo Santos-Concio Appointed as Director by ABS-CBN Board of Directors

Posted on by Elaine

ABS-CBN Corporation has appointed former ABS-CBN president and CEO Ma. Rosario “Charo” Santos-Concio to its board of directors.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on May 30, ABS-CBN said the company’s Board of Directors elected Charo as a director, filling the board vacancy left by the passing of Atty. Augusto Almeda-Lopez.

Charo served as ABS-CBN president and CEO and held various roles in the company, including chief operating officer, chief content officer, president of ABS-CBN University, executive advisor, and head of Channel 2 Mega Manila Management.

She was named Asian Media Woman of the Year by ContentAsia, Woman of the Year by the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, and recipient of the Gold Stevie Award in the Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand in the Stevie Awards for Women.

Charo graduated as a cum laude of St. Paul’s College in Manila with a degree in Communication Arts. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2007.

MoneyCentral Magazine Presents a Grand Finale: Join Us for an Opulent Year-End Celebration at Sir Stamford Circular Quay!

Posted on by Gary

MoneyCentral Magazine, part of the StarCentral Media Group, is preparing for a spectacular year-end celebration at the prestigious Sir Stamford Circular Quay on December 17th, starting at 11 am. This event will joyfully conclude a vibrant year, commemorating the Christmas spirit and a year of accomplishments, uniting sponsors, collaborators, friends, and industry partners for a grand celebration.

In collaboration with MS Entertainment Network, Flagcom, and APCO, this highly anticipated event promises an evening filled with elegance and splendor. It will feature special events, including the much-awaited StarCentral Magazine’s People of the Year Awards and the captivating Kings and Queens fashion exhibition.

The opulent affair will unfold at the esteemed Sir Stamford Circular Quay, located at 3 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, providing a luxurious backdrop for this glamorous occasion.

Esteemed sponsors supporting the event include Cubecorp, PW Mortgage Partners, and Parramatta Community College. Their invaluable contributions have played a significant role in making this event a reality.

To enhance the event’s allure, GEM Models and TV6 Network will make a special appearance, promising an evening brimming with talent and excitement.

This event serves as the perfect occasion for networking, merriment, and a celebration of the achievements and collaborations of the past year. StarCentral Media Group warmly invites everyone to join in this prestigious gathering, set to be a truly memorable and grand finale to an eventful year.

For more information or to participate in the Kings and Queens fashion exhibition, kindly get in touch with us at your earliest convenience.

Let’s celebrate the end of this fantastic year with an evening of opulence and joy at the Sir Stamford Circular Quay.

For further inquiries, please contact Krissy at krissy@starcentralmag.com.

5 Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience In 2023

Posted on by Gary

For many shoppers, the online marketplace has been one of the best features of the technological age – you get what you want without travelling to the shops and negotiating the long queues and the arduous effort of getting there. For business owners, it’s a cost-cutting strategy to get their products out without costly overheads.

However, how sure are you that you are not paying more than you think you’ve bargained for? Horror stories of buying fakes and low-standard materials have been seen on posts and other online platforms. So how do we protect ourselves from these possible threats?

It would be very hard to figure out if what you’re buying is the real thing or a triple-A imitation. So we sought out brand maven Barbs Aguirre-Miravalles, the Division General Manager for Fragrances of LUXASIA – the leading omnichannel partner for luxury beauty and lifestyle brands to reach Asia Pacific consumers for some tips to help consumers figure out what they are buying.

Find a reliable source

Most e-commerce platforms have a marketplace where in it is open to all resellers. It is difficult to spot authentic resellers from counterfeit resellers as most would put 100% authentic on their product pages. When in doubt, I recommend shopping at the retailer.com sites or brand.com sites so you can be guaranteed that the products come from the original sources.

Compare and review

It would help to read reviews, but it would still help to compare prices and product details/ specifications from the original brand websites to know what you are buying. Check the source of the products.

Beware of cheap items

Counterfeit items are sold at cheaper prices precisely because the ingredients/materials used to create this is not comparable to the authentic item. We suggest watching Netflix’s ‘Broken’ to understand the danger of counterfeit items. This is dangerous to one’s health, especially for cosmetics and ingestible. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. You get what you pay for, so the lower money you spend equates to the quality you will receive in return.

To further help our readers, we dug deeper into precautions necessary for doing online purchases courtesy of the Australian Filipina:

Always make your purchases from a secure connection.

After clicking the link to the site, check out the prompt in the address field. It would usually read https://www, but if you read “Not Secure,” then it’s not worth your while.

Create a unique password.

If you keep on forgetting your password, get a secured password keeper like dashlane which keeps all your unique passwords that can be generated by the system or from a story of your life that no one knows about.

Be mindful of the information that you provide the sites

Identity theft is one of the most rampant crimes going around, and giving more information than you have to may just be the biggest mistake you can ever make. Standard information would be information on the payment method, shipping address, telephone number and/or email address. If the merchant asks for more, walk away.

Check the shipping details.

Some merchants charge exorbitant shipping fees that can turn a shopping bargain into an expensive mistake. Look to see if they provide tracking and insurance. Understand what carriers they use, and be particularly cautious if the item won’t be shipped within ten days.

Always remember, before you CLICK & SHOP, STOP & THINK.

Source: The Australian Filipina

Swarovski and EssilorLuxottica announce a ten-year licensing agreement

Posted on by Gary

Swarovski and EssilorLuxottica announced recently that they have signed an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture, and worldwide distribution of Swarovski Eyewear.

The agreement will be effective until December 31, 2028, with an automatic renewal option of an additional five years. The first collection under the agreement will be available on the market from September 2023.

This agreement combines Swarovski’s creativity and savoir-faire with the knowledge, innovation, and expertise of EssilorLuxottica.

The partnership builds on Swarovski’s luxury credentials alongside its enduring commitment to eyewear as a key fashion accessory. Swarovski Eyewear, which features designs inspired by the brand’s jewelry families, brings an additional facet to Swarovski’s customer offering, and complements its extraordinary jewelry, home décor and accessories collections.

The first collection will be developed under the leadership of Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and launched in time for the FW23 season.

Alexis Nasard, CEO of Swarovski, said: “We are delighted to further evolve our Swarovski Eyewear business with global leader EssilorLuxottica. This is in-line with our LUXignite strategy, and is a natural partnership for us, forged from a shared passion for beautiful design coupled with impeccable quality and savoir-faire.”

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Swarovski, a brand known for its artful design and incredible attention to detail. We have always seen each pair of frames as a piece of art to be worn, which makes Swarovski and its story such a wonderful fit.”

About Swarovski

Swarovski is a place where magic and science meet. Swarovski unifies all parts of its organization under one spellbinding idea and brings forward a wondrous new world of crystal craftsmanship. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and sells the world’s highest quality crystal, gemstones, Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as crystal objects and home accessories. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. A responsible relationship with people and the planet has always been an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage. This manifests today in the company’s well-established sustainability agenda with youth-focused education programs and foundations to promote human empowerment and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact. For more information, please visit swarovski.com.

EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. Formed in 2018, its mission is to help people around the world to see more and be more by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations. The Company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands including Varilux and Transitions, and world-class retail brands including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Salmoiraghi & Viganò and GrandVision are part of the EssilorLuxottica family. EssilorLuxottica has approximately 180,000 employees. In 2021, the Company generated consolidated pro forma revenue of Euro 21.5 billion. The EssilorLuxottica share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESLX.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. For more information, please visit essilorluxottica.com.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Swarovski

Editorial credit: Luca Lorenzelli / Shutterstock.com

Prominent Buyer’s Agent launches Australia’s first ever simple step-by-step guide for everyday Aussies looking to invest in commercial property

Posted on by Gary

Chinese-Australian buyer’s agent Helen Tarrant is Australia’s number one commercial property buyer’s agent. With house prices fluctuating and interest rates continually rising, she believes it’s time Australians end our ‘love affair’ with residential property. Having built a multi-million-dollar property empire herself, Helen is finally unmasking the hidden secrets surrounding the alternative investment pathway – commercial property.

Traditionally, this property market area has felt confusing, inaccessible, and unaffordable for many investors…and this is where Helen’s new book comes in.

This Spring, Helen’s first book Cashed up with Commercial Property: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Cash Flow Positive Portfolio, will launch in bookstores Australia-wide. Published by Wiley, the book will be a first-of-its-kind educational guide that makes commercial property investment easy to understand and accessible to all – no matter your age, ethnicity, or background in investing.

Whilst most of us feel like we need to either win the lottery (or have cashed up family members) to get our foot on the property ladder, Helen’s own story proves this doesn’t have to be the case. After migrating to Australia from China as a young girl, Helen’s family had only $70 to their name. She moved house 9 times and worked three jobs to support her family throughout high school. After completing a Master of Laws at university, she founded her own beauty therapy business. She was burning the candle on all ends, yet still felt like she couldn’t save, or find any work life balance. It was during this time that a single moment with her landlord changed the course of her life forever…

“My landlord would show up, collect my rent, and then just go out fishing. That was all he did. His income from the rent of his tenants in our building meant he could live the life he loved. Cue my light-bulb moment…maybe I should look into commercial property. After doing some research I found that commercial property had the potential to halve my investment journey time and help me make ten times as much cash flow than investing in residential. And so, I took a leap of faith and never looked back,” Helen says.

In 2012 Helen purchased her first commercial property, a Japanese restaurant in North Sydney for $395k. Fast forward a decade, Helen’s property portfolio is worth over $30 million.  And due to the way that commercial property is geared, during that time, Helen was also able to build her income, earning an additional $20k plus in positive cash flow per week from her investments alone.

These simple ideas and lessons Helen learnt along the way was what eventually inspired her to become a buyer’s agent. Realising there were many misconceptions in the market and no one really educating everyday investors about commercial property, she found a niche providing essential education and strategies for the average Australian seeking to get their foot in the door. Helen now has helped over 1,000 Australian investors find financial freedom through commercial investment, with a total property portfolio worth over half a billion.

Cashed Up with Commercial Property is unique in its category, as it features real life case studies and practical guides for what is required to invest in commercial property. It provides helpful comparisons on investments between residential and commercial, as well as sound strategies that any Aussie can use to generate additional income as they work towards their property/investment goals.

One such case study is Sydney mum Joey. With three kids under five, Joey works as a compliance consultant while her wife, Diane, is a dentist in her own practice. “Joey first approached me when she had 11 residential properties, was negatively geared and in desperate need of some cash flow so she could support her growing mortgages and family lifestyle. Over the past three years we have helped her source excellent commercial investments that would drive a sound return and help her reach her cash flow goals. In that time, we have secured her three properties and close to $100k in passive income, and that’s after outgoing expenses,” Helen explains.

In her book, Helen debunks the biggest myths about commercial property and provides encouragement that no matter who you are or what your property goals are, she can help you on your journey. Three simple pieces of advice her book, includes:

  1. Embrace the Mindset ChangeTrying something new always comes with uncertainty and a bit of gear-shifting. But embrace the mindset changes and don’t apply the same things you know about residential, to commercial. It’s a learning curve, but the payoff (literally) is worth it.
  2. Don’t wait!Ever heard the old idiom, there’s no better time than now? Well this is completely true in commercial property. The market is always changing, so no matter who you are, I recommend getting some advice and starting now, even if it’s small, because the longer you wait, the lower the yield. Build the right strategy and don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.
  3. Allow Yourself to Dream Big!We can so often feel despondent about property – whether you’ll own the dream home or are scared of being priced out of the market. But with commercials, we encourage you to dream big no matter where you’re at in your investment journey. Map out your big-picture goals, and then with the help of your team, we can help you work backward so you can figure out the best way to start now.

Cashed Up with Commercial Property is published by Wiley and is available for purchase through all good book retailers for $32.95.  For more information or to purchase a copy, visit: https://helentarrant.com/

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Medianet

Banking and finance executive develops technology that is set to significantly boost the performance of Australia’s superannuation industry

Posted on by Alex

One of Australia’s most experienced banking and finance executives has developed world-leading technology that is set to boost Australia’s superannuation industry’s performance significantly.

Douglas Bucknell, Founder and CEO of Tailored Superannuation Solutions (TTS) was the CEO of Anglican Investment Development Fund (AIDF) and Senior Policy Advisor for the three Commonwealth superannuation funds and APRA.

He has developed the world’s first ‘Smart Default’ fund that will significantly increase superannuation members’ retirement balances.

“This ‘Smart Default’ fund will greatly impact the quality of life for Australians entering retirement because it will boost their retirement balances by, on average, at least 35%.

“We’re able to do this by replacing the one-size-fits-all ‘balanced option’ and simple age-based life-cycling default design, with this ‘smart’ fund,” Mr. Bucknell said.

“The days of simply dumping all members in the same investment option for life should be over,” he said.

Last year, 13 super funds were found to have failed the Federal Government’s new performance test. Since then, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has released all the funds it assessed showing another seven, including some of Australia’s biggest MySuper funds only marginally passed the test.

“Superannuation trustees need to focus on improving retirement outcomes for their members – that’s what they’re paid to do.

“Our technology delivers on the Productivity Commission’s finding that well-designed life-cycle solutions are better than the single strategy, one-size-fits-all, approach,” he said.

The ‘Smart Default’ fund uses a SAAS (software-as-a-service) solution to automatically tailor the existing investment options of superannuation funds to a member’s own projected retirement outcomes.

“We improve the competitive performance of superannuation funds enabling them to exceed the Federal Government performance targets and deliver superior outcomes to their members,” Mr. Bucknell said.

TTS is Australian-owned and operated. It was established in 2016 and backed by some of Australia’s leading business and government figures.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Medianet

8 Surefire Ways You Can Save Money As Prices Soar

Posted on by Alex

Recent data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed prices climbing by 6.1% in the June quarter, driven primarily by the increasing cost of food and fuel.

Especially for those with kids, financial outgoings such as education, grocery, and days out can set you back.

Nick Drewe, money-saving expert at Australian discounts platform, WeThrift, shares his top tips on how you can cut your everyday costs. From energy bills to travel and grocery shopping, he shares his top tips below.

1. Keep checking your bills regularly: As some energy suppliers have been known to either make changes to tariffs or make mistakes when charging customers, it’s always a good idea to check your regular household bills.

With winter approaching, those who continue to work from home or have flexible conditions may opt to not return to the office Therefore, bills for water, energy and mobile data are likely to increase.

2. Reduce activities and classes: Whilst it is important for a child to have a routine, there seems to be pressure around keeping children busy with activities from a young age.

If you can’t quite afford every single activity, why not keep it simple and cost-free and encourage time to play in the backyard, playgrounds and explore the local creek. Children enjoy picnics, playdates and time at the beach, which will help reduce time spent in the car and spending money on petrol, entry fees, registration, tuition fees, uniforms or costumes.

3. Have a cap on present spending: Once your child starts school, they will begin to get more invitations to birthday parties. While this is lovely, this can also get expensive. Decide on a limit for presents early on and stick to it, unless it is a close friend where you may want to spend more.

Simple gift ideas that can work for both genders could be a pencil case filled with nice new stationery, a piece of sports equipment or a water pistol. 

Also, start collecting generic things throughout the year and put them in a gift collection cupboard. You never know, they may come in handy.

4. Choose inexpensive holidays: Once you have children, it is not as easy to travel interstate and overseas. Camping, particularly with young children, is fairly inexpensive to do once you are set up with some gear. 

Children love to ride their bikes around, meet other kids and roam the extra space, which is a great way for families to interact without spending too much money.

5. Share school trips with other parents: The cost of petrol adds up when taking the kids to school every day, and being able to do alternative trips with other parents nearby will definitely help cut your costs. 

If you can arrange to do alternative days or even alternate between the morning and afternoon drop off, this will cut your journeys in half. 

6. Look for discount codes before ordering takeaways: If you’re treating the family to a well-deserved takeaway at the weekend, before clicking ‘checkout’ on sites like Deliveroo or Menulog, it’s always worth a search on voucher sites for any discount codes or free delivery incentives that could knock your basket price down. 

Also, always check your emails for any promotional vouchers that may have been sent following your last order. Often delivery couriers will offer customers small incentives ahead of their next purchase, to retain their loyalty and avoid them being tempted to order elsewhere.

Deliveroo customers have the option to ‘Refer a friend, which will secure both of you $10 off your next order.

7. Time your grocery trips wisely: Try to time your grocery trips for when your local stores are likely to have just added yellow ‘reduced’ stickers to stock that needs to be sold that day. Making the most of these heavily discounted deals will help you to fill your freezer up with discounted meat, fish, and freezer meals for cheaper food options in the coming days and weeks.

Normally workers will start discounting products that are about to pass their sell-by-date later on in the afternoon or early evening, so a food shop after work is the perfect time to grab a  bargain.

Many supermarkets also have clearance sections where products that cannot be sold at their RRP or may have damaged packaging can be found. Just make sure to check you are happy with the item and that the goods aren’t compromised before heading to the checkout.

8. Cancel any unnecessary direct debits: Now is the perfect time to log on to your online banking and scour your direct debits and standing orders to see if you can cancel anything that’s become an unnecessary spend. 

Whether it be a gym membership you aren’t quite getting your money’s worth for, or a streaming service you signed up for during lockdown that you no longer make the most of, cutting these small outgoings will make a difference to your bank balance in the long run.

Also, make sure all of your monthly direct debits look correct, and if there are any questionable outgoings from your account to immediately address it.

Source: https://www.wethrift.com/tag/australia