Ray White Bunbury Blog

Dealing with Tradespeople Effectively

Bunbury Girls in The Miss Summer Parade

Last Sunday saw Bunbury young ladies vying for a place in this week’s Grand Final of the Miss Summer Parade 2011.

Competition was fierce as the second and final heat of the parade began.

Catching many an eye, Jess Oates appeared on stage, the sun hitting her glitterati togs. Olivia Scattini turned heads with her red streaked hair and floral swimwear.

Proving a master of the catwalk, Alicia Bannon strutted down the runway followed by competition regular Ashlee McGlashland and Rachel Maher worked the crowd and pulled the right moves to secure a place as a heat finalist.

Competition coordinator and Classique Model Management director Tamara Herring said the battle for this year’s title was sure to be a tough one with many talented girls due to strut their stuff this Sunday.

Get down to the Parade Hotel on Sunday for all the action of the Miss Summer Parade grand final, which will kick off at about 3pm.

Bunbury Residents Suggest Water Park Attraction

According to Bunbury residents, Bunbury is lacking an attraction to entertain local families and RadioWest presenters Cliff Reeve and Nay Pearce have set the ball rolling for that to change.

Generating a discussion within the Bunbury community regarding Bunbury’s lack of attractions, residents are worried that in people’s minds Bunbury was behind when it came to having an identity, with many pointing out how far Mandurah was coming along and getting better.

To combat this, the suggestion of a water park was put forward by a few people so Cliff and Nay put it out there on the radio.

More people agreed.

Discussing the idea with City of Bunbury deputy mayor Brendan Kelly, Cliff then created a Facebook page to further gauge community reaction.

A mother herself to two young children, Nay, like many parents are finding it hard to find inexpensive entertainment for their children in Bunbury.

A water park in Bunbury means not having to travel outside the town to visit other attractions close by, such as Donnybrook’s playground.

Since Busselton’s Nautical Lady had closed down, options are remaining slim.

Cliff said the idea of a water park in Bunbury would eventually be proposed to council with the support of the community.

“Obviously it’s got to be economically viable, it’s got to be paid for and you’ve got to have somewhere to put it,” Cliff said.

“But at least it’s being talked about.”

Over 1300 people like the idea on Facebook, so put your thoughts out there and visit the “Let’s Have a Water Park for Bunbury” page.

Bunbury’s World Class BMX Event This Weekend

Jamon King is making his comeback at the upcoming 2011 National Probikx Championships and Union Cyclist Internationale Oceania ranking series held at the new Perkins BMX Stadium this weekend.

Restarting his BMX riding in October last year, Jamon said he was hoping to scope out his competition at the upcoming championships when he makes his comeback debut, and then hopefully move forward to the Nationals later this year.

In the sport for 12 years, 17-year-old Jamon first began his BMX career at a young age and by the age of 10 had achieved the National Championships.

“At my age it starts to get super competitive,” he said.

“But after you’ve had the feeling of winning, you want it more and more.”

King believes that the new track will present a challenge to some of the visiting riders for the competition.

“This is a world class track and we are already getting a collection of broken bike parts,” he said.

“However, I feel as though the track was made for me.

“I’m confident I will do alright in the championships.”

Dealing with Tradespeople Effectively

Don’t Let Christmas Credit Card Debt Rule Your Life

It may be only the end of January, but if you feel as if the time is just flying by and, like last year, Christmas will sneak up on you again, then it’s time to get organised.

No doubt your credit card statement is a daily reminder of how much you did and brought, and if so, you aren’t alone.

Managing finances is hard work, living costs, food, petrol, bills, entertainment, and around Christmas our hard earned money seems to just vanish.

However, below are some suggestions to ease your current Christmas Credit Card Debt and be totally organised for Christmas 2011 in advance.

POST CHRISTMAS DEBT

• Tighten your budget and really bring your spending on everything back to the basics.
• Pay as much as you can off your credit card, even paying a small amount each week will help because then there won’t be so much to pay to meet the monthly repayment minimum.
• Address the high interest cards first and pay more than the monthly minimum when you can.
• If you have several cards, concentrate on paying one card down (the highest interest rate one) and then close it, or at least get the credit limit reduced.
• Return any presents that you don’t like or need and put the cash on your credit card.
• Be wary of adding credit debt to your mortgage and only do this as a last resort because it means you are paying interest on that money (admittedly usually at a much lower rate) for 25 years or more.

PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS 2011-01-23

• Start tightening the family budget now.
• Go without luxuries now and put the money aside for Christmas.
• Have a family meeting and decide how to buy for Christmas, maybe one present each instead of a lot of little ones.
• Start buying extra bottled and tinned food items and put them away from the kitchen so they don’t get used until Christmas. Buy frozen foods if you have somewhere to keep it.
• Lay-by your presents and pay a little off each week and check the stores lay-by policies.
• Plan Christmas meals so that they are cost effective.
• Open up a savings account, without a card, and get an automatic weekly withdrawal from your everyday account. Even $15 a week will add up to $750 over 50 weeks.
• Buy presents throughout the year when items are on sale. Presents like linen, kitchenware, etc, are not affected by fashion so never go out of style.

How to Manage Your Living Expenses and Mortgage

Increased living costs are a natural part of our daily lives. It’s no secret that when food, bills, interest rates and petrol prices increase, our budgets are impacted immensely.

There are steps that can be taken before these increases occur to ensure they don’t throw your budget, and your life, in chaos. They say prevention is the best cure and with these five essential tips, you’ll be more prepared for those increasing living costs whilst still being able to pay off your mortgage.

Step 1: Is your home loan the perfect match for you?

Everyone is different. Our needs, our lifestyle and financial circumstances all differ from the next home owner. So a home loan which might be perfect for one person might not be so perfect for you. Consider how competitive your lender’s interest rates are. Consider what features you are paying for, what ones you aren’t using or what you don’t need or have, and take a close look at the fees you are paying. Compare cost versus benefit for switching loans and/or lender.

Step 2: Are you paying extra when you can on your home loan?

Making lump sum payments such as tax return, bonus or any wages left over on your mortgage reduces the interest on your loan and the loan term. Paying extra also helps you build a financial buffer for those times of need. So, if you aren’t paying a bit extra on your mortgage on a regular basis, now is the time to start.

Step 3: Are you repaying at a higher rate?

It is a great idea to get in to the practice of paying your mortgage off as though its interest rate was at least two percentage points higher. Doing this prepares you for rate rises and unexpected financial changes. Good savings habits are also built.

Step 4: Still struggling with repayments?

Considering repayment reduction strategies, such as extending your loan term or debt consolidation, could also be beneficial. It is imperative though to consider the financial and emotional pros and cons beforehand as stretching your debt over a longer period will attract interest with every extra month.

Step 5: Are you spent?

Consider what you’re spending on little things. Are you spending more money than necessary on transport, entertainment, takeaway food and other luxuries? List your list of expenses and work out ways to save.

A Call To Bunbury to Roll Up for The Circus

What is it about circus’ that gets the hearts of adults racing? Is it the danger, the constant cause for laughter or the animals?

Relive a childhood memories and make new ones for your children this weekend with the Circus Royale.

Circus Royale is the premier Australian circus, it boasts circus superstars from overseas and acclaimed Australian performers. Not forgetting it is a great nights entertainment for your family.

Featuring acrobats, fast paced jugglers, aerial acts high above and a variety of animals, the team of Circus Royale prides itself on delivering a traditional circus experiences, with performances from size countries including Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, New Zealand, Scotland and of course Australia.

The circus continues to come to life on Friday and Saturday at 4pm and 7.30pm and the final show on Sunday at 10am, after opening night on Thursday.

Tickets will be on sale at the circus site from 10am each day.

For bookings, phone 0410 669 253 or go to the website.

Dealing with Tradespeople Effectively

Basic Tips in Keeping Your WA Home Secure

Your home is something you’ve worked hard for, so protecting your home is a priority for every property owner in Bunbury.

Keeping your home secure does not have to mean spending thousands of dollars. For first home buyers who don’t have that cash, there are a few basic measures that you can take into account when planning the security of your home.

Ensuring main windows and door entry points are clear of trees and bushes ensures burglars cannot loiter and take time to break in without being seen.

Good quality deadlocks to both windows and doors are essential. External doors should have proper mesh security doors fitted and steel security grilles or roll down shutters can also be fitted to windows.

Sensor lights outside of house are also a great deterrent, as anything which interrupts or startles a burglar will make them think twice about continuing. They can be wired into your mains (a job for a qualified electrician) or powered using an extension lead running from inside the house.

For valuables that must be kept at home, a properly installed safe is far more secure than the top drawer of your dresser.

Cameras and electronic equipment should be engraved with a security number and records should be kept of makes, models and serial numbers.

If you have a shed, keep the door locked. Use a quality case-hardened padlock with a hardened shackle. Garden sheds often present burglars with a soft target and things like mowers, leaf blowers and bicycles are easily converted into cash.

Ladders, if left out, can not only easily be sold by a thief but can also provide them with access to second floor windows or skylights.

For personal protection, install a peep hole in the front door and fit a security chain or latch which will allow the door to open a crack.