Fixing or Floating Your Home Loan: What’s the Right Choice? Fixing or Floating Your Home Loan: What’s the Right Choice? Contact Us The benefits of a floating mortgage rate Floating rates, on the other hand, are constantly adjusted according to market interest rates and the Official Cash Rate (OCR). While they are usually higher than fixed rates, floating loans offer greater flexibility. You can make lump‑sum repayments, restructure your loan, or refinance without penalty. This can suit borrowers who expect changes in income, plan to sell or refinance soon, or want to pay their loan down faster. However, floating rates can rise at any time, which can make your regular repayments less predictable. Something else to consider When refixing, it’s important to think beyond the interest rate. Consider how long you plan to stay in the property, whether your income is likely to change, and how much flexibility you may need over the next few years. Here’s one answer Many borrowers choose a split‑loan approach, especially in times of economic uncertainty. This involves fixing a portion of your mortgage for stability while keeping the remainder on a floating rate for flexibility. This can help balance the different characteristics of a fixed versus a floating mortgage rate. Refixing is an opportunity to review whether your mortgage still supports your wider financial goals. That’s why it makes sense to contact your Futurisk Mortgage Adviser. We will provide you with information that enables you to properly consider your options and ensure your home loan remains fit for purpose, even in uncertain times. A perennial question for New Zealand homeowners, especially during times of uncertainty in global financial markets, is, “What should I do when my home loans come up for refixing: Should I lock in a fixed rate, move to a floating rate, or consider a combination of both?” The answer Unfortunately, there is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The best decision for you depends less on trying to predict where interest rates might go next, and more on your personal circumstances and cash flow, and how comfortable you feel with whatever decision you make. The benefit of a fixed mortgage rate Fixed rates provide certainty. By fixing your interest rate for a set period, your repayments remain the same regardless of market movements. This can make budgeting easier and offer peace of mind, particularly if your household budget is tight or you would struggle to absorb higher repayments. While fixed rates are often lower than floating rates, they typically come with less flexibility. Making extra repayments or breaking the loan early can result in fees. 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

Is Your Insurance Still Working for You? Small Tweaks Can Make a Big Difference Is Your Insurance Still Working for You? Small Tweaks Can Make a Big Difference Contact Us Consider targeted insurances You may also be surprised to learn about some newer, more targeted options. There’s now Cancer Cover available that focuses solely on cancer treatment, offering up to $500,000 a year. It’s often less than half the price of comprehensive health cover and there’s no excess. On top of that, some policies allow you to cover just specialist consultations and diagnostic tests. This can help with the cost of things like specialist visits (up to $10,000 a year) or procedures such as colonoscopies, MRI scans, ECGs, and more (up to $100,000 a year), when referred by a registered medical practitioner. Give your Financial Adviser a call At Futurisk, we work for you. If your cover is starting to feel a bit expensive, we’re more than happy to review it with you. Our goal is to help you keep insurance in place that’s affordable, practical, and—most importantly—does exactly what you expect it to do when claim time comes. Sometimes, a small tweak today can make a huge difference tomorrow. If the cost of your insurance has been on your mind lately, you’re not alone. We all sometimes wonder if we could get a better deal or if there are a few tweaks we could use to maximise our cover. The good news is, there are more options than you might realise. Here are a few thoughts on optimising your insurance cover. Adjust your cover to suit your life and your budget Today, there are plenty of ways to adjust your cover so it better suits your life and your budget. A quick conversation with a Futurisk Financial Adviser could unearth a few simple changes to ensure you’re getting great value without giving up the protection that matters. Review your insurance’s benefits It’s also worth asking yourself, “When was the last time I reviewed the benefit amounts I have in place?” Life changes quickly. Your financial situation today may look very different from when you first arranged your cover. Do you still need the same level of Life Cover, or do you now have other assets that could support your family and ease the financial pressure if the unexpected happened? The same goes for Critical Conditions (Trauma) Cover. Insurance products have evolved, and there are now more flexible options available. For example, Progressive Care Cover can pay out based on the severity of a condition and even allow for multiple claims. Some insurers also let you split Trauma Cover, with part allocated to Severe Trauma Cover, focusing on the most serious conditions and often coming at a lower cost than standard Trauma Cover. Income Protection is another area worth revisiting. You might now have more resources at your disposal, such as accrued leave or savings, that allow you to increase the waiting period or reduce the benefit period. Small adjustments like these can make a noticeable difference to your premiums while still ensuring a firm safety net is in place. And don’t forget Health Insurance. If your financial position has improved, increasing your excess could be a smart way to reduce costs while still maintaining access to private healthcare when you need it. 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

Explore KiwiSaver investment options and managed funds with Futurisk Insurance. Secure your financial future with expert guidance in New Zealand. Managed Funds Our Solutions > Kiwisaver/Investments > Managed Funds > Our Qualified Fund Managers, can help you choose the right funds to invest your money in, based on your Investor Profile. Managed Funds Enquire Now Why use our Fund Managers? Get specialised help to create an investment strategy – our Fund Managers can help you choose the right funds to invest your money in. Achieve your savings target – be supported to reach your savings goals. Enquire Now About Managed Funds Managed Funds are a great way for you to invest any surplus income and utilise the skills and experience of a qualified Fund Manager, who will choose the right funds to invest your money in, based on your Investor Profile. Your money will be pooled with other investors’ money and invested in various investments. Minimum account balance is $1,000 and you can make regular deposits and withdrawals (minimum amounts apply). Fees are based on the net asset value of your Funds and you can get the same returns as a good performing KiwiSaver fund, but your funds will not be locked in until you reach retirement age, and you are able to move your investment between the Funds at any time. If you are saving for a large expense in 5 – 20 years’ time, this could be the perfect option for you to watch your money grow and help you reach your financial target. Contact Futurisk to find out more and complete your Investor Profile. Or you can work out your own risk profile at https://sorted.org.nz/tools/investor-kickstarter . We offer honest and genuine advice with your best interests at heart. Our passion lies in discovering the best solutions tailored just for you. Talk to an adviser Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Payment Alternatives Payments > Credit Card Pay your insurance online with a Visa or MasterCard. A convenience fee of 2.7% of the total amount + NZ$0.30 will be applied. We do not receive any income from the convenience fee. Please note: You will need your Policy Number and Transaction Reference Number. It is displayed on your invoice. Pay Now Debit Card Pay your insurance online with a Visa or MasterCard. A convenience fee of 2.7% of the total amount + NZ$0.30 will be applied. We do not receive any income from the convenience fee. Please note: You will need your Policy Number and Transaction Reference Number. It is displayed on your invoice Pay Now Bank Transfer Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at +64 0800 17 18 19, and we'll be delighted to assist you in establishing a bank payment direct debit.

Ensure your business can withstand unexpected disruptions with business continuity insurance from Futurisk Insurance. Get expert coverage solutions in New Zealand. Business Continuity Insurance Our Solutions > Personal Insurance > Business Continuity > Business Continuity can protect your business from disruptions caused by sickness and injury. Business Continuity with Futurisk Enquire Now Additional Options Partial Disablement Benefit Provides additional income if owing to a continuation of the disability, you are working less than 20 hours per week and have been totally disabled for a period of at least two weeks. Peak Season Benefit If you are on claim during the pre-nominated three-month peak season period, you receive an additional 25% of the monthly benefit. Business Income Support Should you suffer a serious accident or critical illness and are unable to work long term, you will need cover additional to the Business Continuity Benefit. This cover can provide additional cover benefits and financial support to age 65. Benefits of Business Continuity Worldwide Cover Agreed Value Benefit Guaranteed Benefit Recurrent Disablement Benefit What can it cover? Most businesses protect their physical assets such as plant and equipment but may not protect human assets that are key to keeping their business running profitably. Business Continuity Insurance helps your business by providing monthly payments and support should a key person become disabled or unable to work due to ill-health. Offsets No offsets applied. Business Continuity Cover does not have ACC offset. Waiting periods The length of time between you becoming disabled and the time when you are eligible to receive a claim payment can vary to suit your personal requirements. Longer waiting periods can decrease your monthly premiums. We can offer waiting periods from 4 – 13 weeks. Benefit Payment Periods You can select the amount of time you receive payments. Selecting a shorter benefit payments period can decrease your premiums. We can offer from 6 – 24 month payment periods to suit your circumstances. Chat to one of your local advisers today to organise a personalised insurance plan. Talk to an adviser Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Should I Cancel My Health Insurance to Save Money? Should I Cancel My Health Insurance to Save Money? Contact Us Understanding why you should use a Financial Adviser? Health insurance isn't a "set and forget" product. As your stage-of-life changes, so do your health needs, financial commitments and budget. That's why, as a Futurisk client, your insurance is reviewed regularly to ensure your cover continues to meet your needs and remains as cost-effective as possible. We know that comparing health insurance policies can be overwhelming. Every insurer has different policy wording, benefits, exclusions and optional features. Our advisers spend the time reading policy wordings, keeping up to date with product changes, and comparing providers, so you don't have to. We help explain what your policy covers, identify any gaps, and recommend solutions that best suit your needs and budget. Best of all, there is no additional cost to you for using our advice and annual review service. Whether it's reviewing your existing cover, helping you understand policy wording, or discussing ways to reduce your premium, we're here to help you make informed decisions and ensure you continue to have the right protection in place, today and into the future. Understanding your premiums and how to reduce them Public healthcare provides excellent emergency care, but waiting times for non-urgent specialist appointments and elective surgery can be long and private healthcare can be expensive. Here is a list of some approximate costs of private treatment in New Zealand: Hip replacement surgery: $35,000–$45,000 Heart bypass surgery: $80,000+ Cataract surgery: $4,000–$8,000 per eye Some non-Pharmac funded cancer medications can cost well over $100,000 Five ways you could reduce the cost of your health insurance Before you make a decision to cancel your health insurance cover, consider these possible ways to save on your premiums: Increase your excess – If you're mainly protecting yourself against major medical costs, a higher excess may reduce your premium while still providing valuable protection. Review your level of cover – Your needs may have changed since you first took out your policy. Focus on what matters most – Some clients prefer comprehensive hospital cover, while others prioritise fast access to specialists and diagnostic tests or cancer treatment only. Review your provider – Different insurers offer different benefits and policy features. A review may identify an option that's a better fit for your needs and saves you money. Most importantly, don’t cancel your cover before speaking with your Futurisk Financial Adviser. Understanding Trauma Cover Alongside your health insurance, you may also want to consider Trauma Cover as an option. This means, if you are diagnosed with a listed critical medical condition such as cancer, or a heart attack, you receive the specified payout and can decide how to best spend it on your ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or living expenses. More details in our next article - What is Trauma Insurance and How Does it Work? Should I Cancel My Health Insurance to Save Money? Recent media coverage has highlighted the rising cost of living including health insurance premiums. As we all attempt to tighten our belts a little, many New Zealanders are asking, “Is going without my health insurance one way to save money?” Before you make a decision on this, ask yourself, “Do I really understand my health insurance policy?” You see, it's not just the premium that matters; it's understanding what you're covered for when you need it most, and what it might cost you if you don’t have medical insurance at a crucial time. The good news is that rising premiums don't necessarily mean you need to cancel your cover. Health Insurance Premiums Have Risen – But You Have Options Understanding your policy Every policy is different and there are often ways to make a policy more affordable while still maintaining valuable protection. Furthermore, every insurer offers different policy features, benefits and policy wording, so it's worth reviewing your cover and discussing it with your Futurisk Financial Adviser to ensure you are receiving value for money and to avoid unexpected surprises when you need it most. At Futurisk, we work with a range of leading health insurers, including Partners Life, AIA, NIB, and Southern Cross . Each provider offers different policy features, benefits and strengths, so the best solution for you will depend on your individual circumstances and healthcare needs. For example, some clients value Partners Life's Guaranteed Policy Wording , which means the policy wording is guaranteed when your cover begins and cannot be changed by the insurer in the future (subject to the policy terms and conditions). Others may prefer features such as AIA's Specialist and Diagnostic Tests option, Southern Cross's extensive Affiliated Provider network, or NIB's flexible hospital cover options. The role of your Futurisk Financial Adviser is to help you understand these differences, explain your options, and recommend the cover that best suits your needs and your budget so you can make informed decisions with confidence. 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

Navigate the home loan process with ease. Futurisk Insurance provides expert mortgage brokerage services, helping you secure the best mortgage options in New Zealand. Mortgage options with Futurisk Our Solutions > Mortgages > How we can help First Home Buyer Expert advice to help you secure your first home with confidence. Kāinga Ora 5% Deposit Take advantage of government-backed support to make homeownership more accessible. Refinance Find better rates and terms to save money on your existing mortgage. Personal Loan Flexible financing options tailored to your unique needs. Vehicle Loan Drive away with competitive loan options for your next car. Let’s turn your financial goals into reality - contact us today! Enquire Now Why choose Futurisk? Your trusted Mortgage partner At Futurisk, we understand that buying a home - especially as a migrant or first-home buyer - can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to make the process easy, stress-free, and affordable for you! Expert Guidance You Can Rely On We work with multiple lenders to provide honest, unbiased advice tailored to your needs. Our deep understanding of bank requirements means we help you get approved faster and with ease. Save Time and Skip the Stress No more confusing paperwork or endless back-and-forth! We manage the entire process - from applications to negotiations - to ensure your journey to home ownership is smooth and hassle-free. A Smooth & Supportive Journey Navigating the mortgage process especially as a migrant or first-home buyer - can feel overwhelming. That’s why we handle everything - research, paperwork, and communication - so you can focus on finding your perfect home with confidence. We Work for YOU, NOT the Banks Think of us as your personal mortgage advocate - securing the best rates, flexible terms, and a faster approval process to get you into your new home sooner. Our Service is 100% Free for You! That’s right - our expert advice comes at no cost to you! We’re paid by banks and lenders, so you get professional guidance without paying a cent. Making Home ownership & Financial Freedom a Reality! Whether you’re buying your first home, renovating, refinancing, or investing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Mortgage solutions Mortgages Kāinga Ora 5% Deposit First Home Personal Loan/Vehicle Loan Refinance Debt Management Personalized Advice – Tailored mortgage solutions to suit your financial goals. Expert Guidance – Helping first-home buyers, migrants, and investors navigate the lending process. Access to the Best Deals – We work with top lenders to find competitive rates and flexible terms. Hassle-Free Process – From pre-approval to settlement, we make the journey smooth and stress-free. Meet our expert Mortgage Advisers! Buying your first home, refinancing, or investing? Our experienced mortgage advisers are here to guide you every step of the way! With in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market and a passion for helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams, our team provides: Robin Varghese BDM / Financial Adviser 06 358 3400 ext 712 Bio With 9 years of experience in the insurance and mortgage industry, I specialize in guiding individuals and families toward making informed financial decisions. My goal is to simplify the complexities of mortgages and insurance, ensuring you find the right solutions tailored to your unique needs. I pride myself on providing personalized, transparent, and reliable advice to help clients achieve financial security and homeownership with confidence. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to refinance, or seeking comprehensive insurance coverage, I’m here to help every step of the way. I am dedicated family man, married to Jesteena and is a lovely dad to his daughters Hannah and Isa. Whether it be support or someone reliable, honest, and trustworthy i provide you with a service you deserve every time. Email Carmela Laylo BDM / Financial Adviser 06 358 3400 ext 703 Bio Carmela migrated to New Zealand from the Philippines in 2012. Her passion for creating a positive impact not only to her fellow Filipinos, but also to all people from diverse cultures and background, has led her career in the Insurance Industry. In 2013, she started as an insurance broker doing personal risk management and two years after, she accepted the role of a Business Development Manager (BDM) managing her own team of advisers. As a BDM, she works with her team to come up with marketing ideas that could help Futurisk to grow. Because she realized that there is still a wide range of options to open more opportunities, in 2016, she decided to add Mortgage in her portfolio pursuing her passion to help more people not only to protect their assets, both tangible and intangible, but also to achieve their dream of home/investment ownership. Carmela has received her bachelor's degree in Foreign Service with major in International Trade from Lyceum of the Philippines University. She has gained over 15 years of sales, customer service and management experience from her previous local and international professional exposures. She keeps herself updated with the insurance and mortgage industry by attending regular trainings and seminars and earning CPD credits as well as completing other industry requirements. As the industry is constantly evolving, with new products and technologies always being introduced in the market, Carmela makes sure that she is always on top of everything to provide the best possible service to her clients. She makes things happen and is not afraid of hard work but believes that life should be fun, too! Carmela is involved with beauty pageants and fashions shows, she loves to read, sing, socialize and explore the world! Outside work, she loves to spend her time with her loving and supportive husband, Richard and three lovely kids, Kian, Karl and Kayla. Email 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 Freephone 0800 17 18 19 Feeling overwhelmed by mortgages? If your loan application was declined or negotiating with banks feels stressful, don’t settle for less. At Futurisk, we make homeownership easier! Easy & Hassle-Free Mortgages, turning your dream home into reality! Our Partners

Access flexible personal and vehicle loan options with Futurisk Insurance. Achieve your financial goals with our customised financing solutions in New Zealand. Personal & Vehicle Loans Our Solutions > Mortgages > Personal and Vehicle Loans > Personal Loans Enquire Now Secure your personal loan with confidence! Need financial flexibility for unexpected expenses, home renovations, or consolidating debt? We offer personal loans with competitive rates and flexible repayment terms to suit your needs. Whether you're funding a special project, covering medical costs, or achieving personal goals, we're here to help you access the funds you need. With a simple and fast application process, you can get the support you need with ease and peace of mind. Vehicle Loans Enquire Now Get the support you need and book a free consultation with one of our friendly mortgage experts today. Book a Consultation Robin Varghese BDM / Financial Adviser 06 358 3400 ext 712 Bio With 9 years of experience in the insurance and mortgage industry, I specialize in guiding individuals and families toward making informed financial decisions. My goal is to simplify the complexities of mortgages and insurance, ensuring you find the right solutions tailored to your unique needs. I pride myself on providing personalized, transparent, and reliable advice to help clients achieve financial security and homeownership with confidence. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to refinance, or seeking comprehensive insurance coverage, I’m here to help every step of the way. I am dedicated family man, married to Jesteena and is a lovely dad to his daughters Hannah and Isa. Whether it be support or someone reliable, honest, and trustworthy i provide you with a service you deserve every time. Email Carmela Laylo BDM / Financial Adviser 06 358 3400 ext 703 Bio Carmela migrated to New Zealand from the Philippines in 2012. Her passion for creating a positive impact not only to her fellow Filipinos, but also to all people from diverse cultures and background, has led her career in the Insurance Industry. In 2013, she started as an insurance broker doing personal risk management and two years after, she accepted the role of a Business Development Manager (BDM) managing her own team of advisers. As a BDM, she works with her team to come up with marketing ideas that could help Futurisk to grow. Because she realized that there is still a wide range of options to open more opportunities, in 2016, she decided to add Mortgage in her portfolio pursuing her passion to help more people not only to protect their assets, both tangible and intangible, but also to achieve their dream of home/investment ownership. Carmela has received her bachelor's degree in Foreign Service with major in International Trade from Lyceum of the Philippines University. She has gained over 15 years of sales, customer service and management experience from her previous local and international professional exposures. She keeps herself updated with the insurance and mortgage industry by attending regular trainings and seminars and earning CPD credits as well as completing other industry requirements. As the industry is constantly evolving, with new products and technologies always being introduced in the market, Carmela makes sure that she is always on top of everything to provide the best possible service to her clients. She makes things happen and is not afraid of hard work but believes that life should be fun, too! Carmela is involved with beauty pageants and fashions shows, she loves to read, sing, socialize and explore the world! Outside work, she loves to spend her time with her loving and supportive husband, Richard and three lovely kids, Kian, Karl and Kayla. Email 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 Freephone 0800 17 18 19 Finance your next vehicle with ease! Looking for a new or used vehicle? Whether you're purchasing a car, van, electric vehicle (EV), motorbike, boat, caravan, or motorhome, we’re here to help you secure the financing you need. We offer flexible terms and competitive rates, giving you the confidence to drive away in the vehicle of your choice. Let us guide you through the process with ease, so you can enjoy your new ride sooner!

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

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

Car Insurance hiccups Car Insurance hiccups Contact Us 3. Taking your vehicle off-road Most would assume this rule doesn't apply to them – when was the last time you took your hatchback 4-wheel driving? However, off-road doesn't just mean doing jumps and doughnuts in the mud. If you try to do a U-turn in a paddock and a stampede of cows damages your car, that’s counted as driving off-road. If you park on the beach and your car gets damaged, that’s also counted as off-road, and is all the insurer needs to decline your claim. 4. Driving in unroadworthy conditions If you have an accident and upon assessment your tyres are declared to have had insufficient thread, your claim can be denied. It doesn't matter if you have a Warrant of Fitness, or if bald tyres had nothing to do with your accident. 5. Driving recklessly Burnouts and hand-brakies are a favourite past-time of many young folk these days, but attempting to do a manoeuvre in a car that goes wrong is means to have your claim declined almost immediately. There are a number of key things to remember when driving a car: always put on your seat belt, give way to traffic on the right, and make sure you've read the fine print of your insurance policy documents. These days you’d have to be pretty foolish to drive around without insurance. Damaging your car, or even worse, someone else’s, without insurance is a fast-track to debt. But something so many drivers forget is that even having insurance is not always a get-out-of-jail-free card. Your insurance policy will have so many special clauses and exclusions to give your insurer all they need to deny your claims, and put you out of pocket. Here are a few key exclusions to remember. 1. Breaching license conditions If you’re on a restricted license, and you have an accident while illegally carrying a passenger, your insurance claim can be declined. Even though your passenger had nothing to do with the accident, it still gives your insurer all they need to decline your claim. 2. Not securing your vehicle If your vehicle gets stolen, but you’d left the door unlocked or the window down, that’s another reason to have your claim declined. This one can get a bit tricky because there’s often nothing for the insurer to go on other than your word, so you could say it was locked – but that wouldn't be honest. 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

Understanding Changes to Liability Insurance in New Zealand Understanding Changes to Liability Insurance in New Zealand Contact Us What to do if you face a liability claim? Liability claims are often complicated, involving multiple parties and significant costs. Alongside resolving the issue itself, there’s usually the added challenge of protecting your company’s reputation. Reaching a resolution typically requires input from legal and technical experts —fortunately, these costs are generally insurable. Your insurer is experienced in managing these types of claims and is best placed to guide you through the process. To achieve the best possible outcome, it’s essential that we’re involved early. As soon as you become aware of a potential claim — whether it’s legal action, an allegation of wrongdoing, or a demand for compensation — get in touch with your insurance adviser. Importantly, do not admit liability or offer any form of settlement before speaking with your adviser . Early communication gives us the best chance to protect your business and secure the right support from your insurance cover. For more information on changes to the RMA and liability insurance for your company’s protection, contact your Futurisk Insurance Adviser today. If your business relies on liability insurance (and most do), there are some important regulatory changes you need to know about. It’s particularly important to note the changes to statutory liability . Under recent Resource Management Act (RMA) updates, fines have increased significantly, and soon it will not be possible to insure against them. This is a significant shift for businesses that previously relied on insurance to cover regulatory penalties. However, insurance can still cover legal and expert costs if your company faces an RMA prosecution. This operates much like the cover available for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. 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