The totally off-topic thread

[JohnK]

Interesting how everyone treats bills.
I usually check when they are due and then pay the bill when the credit card month comes around.

If bills were left to me they'd be paid after the first or second or final reminder.

So mum pays the important bills.

 

[medhead]

We've been on the same MBP policy for 20 odd years, Top Hospital, Blue Ribbon Extras ... they ceased marketing the policy years ago. Anyway, MBP have been lobbying for us to change the policy so "we can save money" - around $1,000 year.

From what I can see they scream about the savings and bigger rebates however, they're pretty coy on the things that get dumped - renal, joints, eyes, etc...

Seems to me the things that are getting dumped are expensive and common.

I'm thought they kicked me off blue ribbon extras to the new plan. I don't recall having a choice in the matter at the time.

 

[amaroo]

I'm thought they kicked me off blue ribbon extras to the new plan. I don't recall having a choice in the matter at the time.

We received no notification about the change in policy offer - we've just kept paying the money. It's only since I've queried some rebates (dental practice, not a members choice*) that they started to make a concerted effort to get us to change.

Still deciding if we'll change. Saving $1k a year with higher rebates is a good reason however, the reduced cover is making me a little gun-shy.

* after 7 years seeing our family dentist, I finally wised up why our rebates were pretty lousy .... we now have a new dentist.

 

[Katie]

Yesterday was a unexpectedly a really 'big' day for me. I am still recovering in more ways than one.

I've known for a few months that Friday 28 August was always going to be the formal end date for project I've been working on for the past 18 months. I obviously don't want to go into specifics, but it has been the best project of my career. A massive impact to the business, and also a positive impact to several communities around the world. We finished on a high with all have a real sense of achievement.

Unexpectedly around 10am the 28th became a significant date as my ex gave birth to a baby daughter, her first with the new husband. She was only 34 weeks, so this was rather premature, but both mum and bub are doing well so far). By lunchtime I was expecting a weekend of celebrations (of a different kind).

Unfortunately the third event was not so good. I was robbed on the way back to the office from lunch. Thankfully I am physically fine, and what was stolen is easily replaceable. (I still have my phone and credit cards, etc). From my limited view of the assailant he was a rather gruff individual displaying dilated pupils and was twitching constantly, which to me suggests he was most likely a heavy user of Methamphetamine. Beyond the sensational headlines, the way that drug takes hold is really concerning. In hindsight I probably could have tried to grab the guy or something, but I was too slow. You don't expect to be robbed in Melbourne!

I am still really shaken up, but quite thankful that it could have been much worse. Unfortunately the nature of the crime means that our wonderful friends at the Victoria Police will most likely do nothing apart from filling out the form, and filing it.

So what was going to be a big weekend of various celebrations will be a quiet one at home for yours truly.

What a day, indeed! Glad you're OK.

 

[drron]

Fremantle beat Melbourne 108-54 and are the minor premiers with a game to spare, after the Adelaide Crows beat the West Coast Eagles. Hawthorn are still the team to beat.
Am I a bad fan if I didn't finish watching the match to the end and instead went and watched the film Holding The Man, a sad ending to that film that was based on a true story, more from wiki.

Yes you are a naughty boy.Please stand in the corner.

 

[medhead]

We received no notification about the change in policy offer - we've just kept paying the money. It's only since I've queried some rebates (dental practice, not a members choice*) that they started to make a concerted effort to get us to change.

Still deciding if we'll change. Saving $1k a year with higher rebates is a good reason however, the reduced cover is making me a little gun-shy.

* after 7 years seeing our family dentist, I finally wised up why our rebates were pretty lousy .... we now have a new dentist.

Maybe I've forgotten the detail, it was a while ago. Perhaps they gave a choice.

Did my tax last night. Not happy about missing out on the medical expenses offset, solely because I didn't get that offset last year. Spent about $4000 last year just on my medical stuff. The rest of the family could be another $1000. Shame we only spent $1200 the year before.

 

[blackcat20]

Maybe I've forgotten the detail, it was a while ago. Perhaps they gave a choice.

Did my tax last night. Not happy about missing out on the medical expenses offset, solely because I didn't get that offset last year. Spent about $4000 last year just on my medical stuff. The rest of the family could be another $1000. Shame we only spent $1200 the year before.

Same annoyance here, had some surgery and associated expenses but apparently cant claim which is bollocks.

 

[Pushka]

Same annoyance here, had some surgery and associated expenses but apparently cant claim which is bollocks.

Yeah. Agree. That slipped quietly through a couple of years ago. Thanks Julia.

 

[drron]

Sorry but that was introduced in the May 2013 budget which Joe Hockey certainly wasn't allowed to frame-

On 14 May 2013, the government announced in the 2013–14 Budget that it will phase out the net medical expenses tax offset.
From 1 July 2013, those taxpayers who received the offset in their 2012–13 income tax assessment will continue to be eligible for the offset for the 2013–14 income year if they have eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses above the relevant claim threshold. Similarly, those who receive the tax offset in their 2013–14 income tax assessment will continue to be eligible for the offset in 2014–15.
The changes mentioned above will not apply to all taxpayers – the offset will continue to be available for taxpayers with out-of-pocket medical expenses relating to disability aids, attendant care or aged care expenses until 1 July 2019.
The amending Act received royal assent on 18 March 2014.
https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-...ls/Net-medical-expenses-tax-offset-phase-out/

https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-individuals/Net-medical-expenses-tax-offset-phase-out/

 

[Isochronous]

Australia needs a tax strike. Only then will people start showing some respect for the 1pc who work enough to subsidise the rest of the country and achieve a lower, fairer tax system.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Australia needs a tax strike. Only then will people start showing some respect for the 1pc who work enough to subsidise the rest of the country and achieve a lower, fairer tax system.

They should stop complaining and work harder..

 

[TomVexille]

Australia needs a tax strike. Only then will people start showing some respect for the 1pc who work enough to subsidise the rest of the country and achieve a lower, fairer tax system.

I'm someone subsidising the rest of the country. But I should probably be the one getting the subsidy's. Too bad they tend to go to people who already have enough.

 

[erkpod]

My trip to Melbourne didn't exactly work out as planned after needing to spend 2 & 1/2 days in bed because ill.

An unexpected meeting in the MEL Vlounge with Buzzard yesterday was unexpected. *waves*

 

[medhead]

Australia needs a tax strike. Only then will people start showing some respect for the 1pc who work enough to subsidise the rest of the country and achieve a lower, fairer tax system.

You might like to have a look at page 6 of today's Australian newspaper. Then you will find that the top 1 percent are not subsidising the rest of the country. It is at least the top 2 quintiles, i.e. 40% and depending on the split of the middle quintile might get towards 50%.

If the top 1 percent want to claim they do all the lifting, perhaps they better start paying more.

 

[cove]

Thanks for your thoughts on taxes guys but I really don't need more frequent flyer points.

 

[medhead]

Oh come on! as someone in the top 10%, by some measures, and definitely the top quintile, but not in the top 1 percent. I'd love the elite to take over my burden. Think of the points... SQ suites...

 

[Pushka]

Thanks for your thoughts on taxes guys but I really don't need more frequent flyer points.

I do. Flick some over to your long lost cousin. Or whomever you want me to be.

 

[cove]

That Suites Saver thread should be banned. It egged me on I say.
With taxes many think bills with one comma in them is bad......

 

[Bundy Bear]

Banks and solicitors what a mix, the solicitors love to print paperwork and banks saying we don't do it that way.

Now hanging out for a bank transfer from Bank West to Westpac so I can go to the local Westpac branch to organize a Bank cheque that I can take to the solicitor and then the company can own a building that is a 1/3 the size of the current building, but the rent will be a $10,000 saving a month.

The skip bin has arrived so there will be some throwing away of things.

Pity I couldn't pay any of it by American Express.

 

[RAM]

Who says share markets ALWAYS make money over long time periods?

I am trying not to get hooked on China perspective but the short term focus of all the commentators is REALLY annoying me. I suppose it is because many of them were not in their jobs more than 5 or 7 years ago.

But basic due diligence wouldn't go astray...

This graph shows just what a bubble the Shanghai Market is, was and continues to be. Not too different to the Nikkei from 1986 to 2000.

For comparison It also shows the S&P500 over the same period.

Big difference though is over that period 'economy wide inflation' aka GDP deflator has been around 100% vs in the US about 26%. So if you had REAL (after inflation returns) you are way behind if you were in the Chinese market. Luckily most westerners couldn't invest easily in China for much of the period.