Thorners Lifestyle Check

Sometimes you might think that we ask the most personal or strange questions but in our Duty of Care to you, we need to make sure that we understand your situation and can advise appropriately.  Our advice may also extend to being seen by another professional person to ensure you are advised correctly on specific matters.

Good risk management is not just about having enough money to cover expenses, its about recognizing changes in your life and how they effect your financial future. Food for thought…gloomy things…

  • Twenty nine percent of New Zealanders have a diagnosed long term illness or capacity  Males have a two in five chance of suffering a critical illness between the ages of 30 and 64
  • One in eight people will have a stroke
  • Seven in ten females are likely to become disabled due to an illness or accident before they turn 65, preventing them from working for at least a month. Of these, nearly a third will still be on an insurance claim twelve months later
  • Every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from a heart attack (17 deaths a day)
  • If you don’t have Enduring Powers of Attorney in place and you are unable to manage your own affairs, those closest  to you will need to apply to the Family Court to become your Attorney.  This could be a simple as not being able to pay your bills or disconnect your telephone.
  • If you have no Will, your estate may not automatically pass to your partner.  In fact if you are separated but not divorced, it may go to your ex partner!
  • You can leave funeral directions in your Will.
  • A funeral could cost $10,000

On a positive note…

  • Those on a limited income may be entitled to a Rates rebate from their local council.   Check www.ratesrebate.govt.nz  for full information.  Claims need to be made by the end of June each year. Are you or your parents entitled to this?
  • Many new life policies have an immediate payout if you are diagnosed with a critical illness
  • If you stop smoking for 12 months, tell us as your Life Insurance premium may decrease substantially
  • Trim your vehicle insurance premium by restricting approved drivers
  • You can start a KiwiSaver for your children’s future now and no contribution may be needed

Take our short lifestyle survey now…

1. I have enough saved to get by if I was unable to work for several months due to injury or illness:
Yes
No

2. If an accident or illness made it impossible for me to ever work again, there would be no financial hardship to my family:
Yes
No

3. If I die, my financial dependents will have sufficient cash to maintain their current and ongoing lifestyle:
Yes
No

4. I am confident that my lifestyle and family are financially protected from life’s unexpected unfortunate events:
Yes
No

5. If I had a major stroke tomorrow but was likely to survive, I would have enough cash to support my family during a lengthy period of sickness:
Yes
No

6. I have health insurance covering specialist and hospitalisation and/or surgery:
Yes
No

7. I have a current Will that distributes my estate to loved ones:
Yes
No

8. I have Enduring Powers of Attorney for both Property and Personal Care and Welfare:
Yes
No

9. I have reviewed my home and contents cover in the last twelve months:
Yes
No

10. If you are self employed, you have significant public liability cover:
Yes
No
Not Applicable

11. All of my motor vehicles are insured:
Yes
No