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How You Can Get Affordable Supplemental Health Care Insurance For Seniors by Elizabeth Newberry -

Our older years are supposed to be our golden years, yet many seniors are faced with financial burdens they shouldn’t have to deal with – especially after long lives of education, taking care of families, working, and paying taxes! Where’s the fun in the golden years if they’re spent worrying about how to pay for the left over health care costs that Medicare failed to pick up?

That’s where affordable supplemental health care insurance for seniors comes into the picture. By purchasing an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors can rest assured that all of their health care costs will be covered, and not just the health care Medicare covers.

When seniors purchase an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, they can stop stressing about the next health care bill the mailman drops off. After all, if you already have health care insurance, you shouldn’t have to worry about health care coverage and costs, right? Wrong. Some health care insurance, such as Medicare for seniors, doesn’t cover all health care costs. Luckily, with an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors won’t have to stress anymore.

Many health insurance companies offer affordable supplemental health care insurance policies that are perfect for seniors; however, Medicare offers several affordable supplemental health care insurance policies for seniors as well. When choosing an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan for seniors, the goal is to choose a plan that isn’t going to cost anymore than paying for the additional health care costs out-of-pocket would cost. Many seniors are on limited incomes as it is, so considering one of the plans Medicare offers is a good start.

Medicare plans include the original Medicare with Medicare Supplement plan; the Medicare Part D plan which offers prescription drug coverage; the managed care plan, which includes HMOs, PPOs, POS, and cost plans; the Medical Savings Account Plan; the Religious Fraternal Society Benefit Plan; and the Private Fee-for-Service plan.

How to Get Affordable Supplemental Health Care Insurance for Seniors How to make self employed health insurance more affordable

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Property Price Developments in Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia by Ulysses

BALLINA

I noticed with interest that the Weekend Northern Star had a front page spread pumping up Shelley Beach as “the New Wategos!” This media frenzy is silly but also self-fulfilling. An ordinary home with a great view on Suvla Street just sold for $2M and there is another listed for $1.9M. I can declare an interest in this area, as I own a unit in Grandview Parade (the continuation of Suvla St).

I have always believed that Shelley Beach is a special location and have lived there for a time. It’s a great beach and properties on the Suvla St hill provide great views of ocean and river. The commute to Byron is only 25 minutes along one of the prettiest roads in the country. Unfortunately my off-the-plan purchase was delivered nearly two years late and because there was a glut of new units I had very little capital gain over the few years I have owned it.

The oversupply of new units has now cleared and Shelly Beach should now be a great buy and hold opportunity. I would be happy to talk to anyone who may be interested in buying a unit in the complex I am involved in. The prices are presently discounted but I believe they are present a good buying opportunity. They are especially good value for anyone who has a tax position that could benefit from negative gearing and a depreciation schedule. Prices start around $400K (2X bed lower floors) and go up to mid 500 for 3 Bed upper floors. Some come already with a furniture package and the holiday let yield of around 5%.

For anyone interested in a bigger play. There is a block of modern 4 x 3 bed units brick and tile in top location, strata approved but not registered. Current return $54080 on 1050 m2 block and expected to fetch around a mil. Units sold individually once strata is finished will be around 330K.

CASINO

I did manage to spend a day looking around Casino and am still bullish about this town. Houses around $200K are selling quickly. It is possible to buy a house on 1050 M2, put in a DA for 2 units on a battle-ax block out the back. Units will sell for 200K and the front house could hold the value (if market rises) at 200K. At a 150K build for each unit (inc council contribution, holding costs and agent fees), you could have all up costs of $500k and a sell of $600K. Talk to me if you want more information.

A NON PROPERTY OPTION

I have already mentioned to many of my clients I am associated with a group called Navra Financial Services. They run a managed fund that has been averaging around 18% consistently over the years. They run a one-day seminar where they explain the strategy they use which I believe is safe and consistent. I wish I could declare an interest and say that I get a referral commission but I don’t. I asked if that was possible but I have been through their commission structure and there is just no room in there for little ole me!

They are having another one-day seminar in Brisbane on May 12th. I will be going and will accompany anyone else who wants to attend. The cost is $179 including a great buffet lunch. It is limited to 30 people and it will fill fast. Have a look at www.navra.com.au and you can book for the day online. I think it is difficult to find a good managed fund that offers a good return but does not gauge you on fees.


PROPERTY PRICE INCREASES IN OUR AREA

Below is a list of the towns in our area and what has been their performance during the past calendar year of 2006.


Town / Median price $ / 1 yr % year change

Byron Bay / $515,000 / -3.7%

Ballina / $430,000 / 4.9%

Bangalow / $516,000 / 15%

Lismore / $255,000 / 6.3%

Mullumbimby / $380,000 / 2.7%

Ocean Shores / $406,000 / 4.1%

Pottsville / $419,000 / 1.8%

Casino / $189,500 / 3.1%

Evans Head / $380,000 / -3.8%

Kyogle / $210,000 / 16.7%


FYI, the highest property increase in the state was at Darling Point where the median is now $3.1M after an increase of 113%. The rish just keep getting richer. The worst was at Artarmon with a loss of 19%.

Resources:
www.byronpropertysearch.com.au/
www.mortgageaustralia.com.au


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Buying A Condo In Austin by Adeal Benhayoun

Over the past few years condos have become one of the most popular forms of housing in most major cities. With such an astounding variety of condo styles it is easy to say that most everyone can find a condo that suits them. However there are a particular set of concerns and things to watch for when buying a condo that are quite different than those associated with purchasing a single family home. Remember that a condo is a communal or apartment style living situation where neighbors will be in close proximity at all times so if that bothers you, you may want to consider something else.

One of the first things that any prospective condo buyer should consider is how the complex in question is managed. Usually there are two entities that one must deal with when living in a condo. There is the condo management and then there is the residents council or association. Take some time to research any management company before buying. Some are better than others and some are; well.... It is important to know how a building is run before buying, if the current management is not doing their job and fulfilling their responsibilities then you should easily be able to find a complex where the management does. Also it is good to find out about the resident's association and any rules or guidelines that they have set out for the complex. Some of those rules may not be to your liking so take the time to investigate before you buy. Don't forget to find out what the monthly condo fees are either, this is an important expense and one that you should be aware of up-front.

A major thing to consider is the neighbors who will be living with you. Is the complex mostly owners or renters? Naturally owners will respect their units more and have more pride in them than renters do. In fact, many complexes have strict regulations regarding rental of units. Some popular vacation areas also have a thriving vacation rental market so if new neighbors on a weekly basis aren't your cup of tea then it would be wise to move on.

As with any real estate purchase it is unwise to jump into anything. Research is one of the most important steps in the process and if you have no idea about where to start then consult with your real estate agent for guidance. After all, they are professionals!

Adeal Benhayoun is a professional realtor specializing in Austin Texas real estate. For all of your Lake Travis Real estate needs, please contact Adeal for educated and intelligent information and service. Start searching for Austin luxury homes with our latest interactive Google map.

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