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REVIEW: Feel supported and comfortable through every stride with ASICS

<p dir="ltr">Finding the right sports shoe can be a challenge, whether you’re an avid runner, Sunday afternoon walker, or just want the extra support when going from A to B. </p> <p dir="ltr">Then there’s the added difficulty of your foot shape, and finding what works best for you and your circumstances, and when there are so many sports shoes on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. </p> <p dir="ltr">One of those many brands are ASICS, who are a much loved and trusted staple in the world of activewear for both your body and feet. </p> <p dir="ltr">In July, ASICS announced the launch of their new shoe the GEL-KAYANO 31: a classic shoe in the ASICS range with updated and advanced comfort and support to help you move easier. </p> <p dir="ltr">I was lucky enough to try out the GEL-KAYANO 31, and as one of the many people who have long struggled to find the right shoes for me, these shoes were one hell of a treat. </p> <p dir="ltr">While the GEL-KAYANO shoes are marketed as a “running shoe”, the only running I do is when I’m sprinting to the bus, so as a regular park walker, I put my new shoes to the test. </p> <p dir="ltr">From walking 20 minutes to the shops, to going for an hours-long stroll through the park these shoes did not let me down. </p> <p dir="ltr">The new technical engineered upper material (the bit of the shoe that hugs your ankle) sits a lot higher than other sports shoes, making this shoe so supportive, as you truly feel enclosed and in control. </p> <p dir="ltr">The PureGEL technology, which is designed to improve softness and shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints and keep you moving comfortably, is second to none, after all my walks my feet felt comfortable, cool, and ready to walk even further. </p> <p dir="ltr">The GEL-KAYANO 31 also features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam to deliver a softer landing through your movement and energised cushioning to keep you feeling comfortable on harder surfaces.</p> <p dir="ltr">And while I may not fall into the over sixty age as many of you reading this, my dodgy hip and knee would have me feeling very differently, and through my mild mobility issues, these shoes took the pressure off my joints and supported every step. </p> <p dir="ltr">ASICS have also updated the shoe’s outsole with a HYBRID ASICSGRIP rubber material, as the shoe helps provide better traction throughout your movement, to strengthen the shoe’s stability, helping you feel more comfortable for longer. </p> <p dir="ltr">And if that wasn’t enough, ASICS shoes are the only brand of sports footwear to be recommended by Sports Medicine Australia, who are instrumental in working with the brand to address specific biomechanical requirements. </p> <p dir="ltr">Junichiro Tateishi, General Manager of Product Function Research Department, at ASICS said, “We believe the GEL-KAYANO™ 31 shoe not only provides the stability the shoe is famous for, but also delivers a truly impressive level of comfort to help runners go further. We are also proud that GEL-KAYANO™ 31 shoe continues to display its CO2e emissions, printed on its insole as 10.6kg per pair, which shows ASICS’ ongoing commitment to transparency regarding the CO2e emissions, so that runners can feel confident about their choices when purchasing the GEL-KAYANO™ 31 shoe.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“The GEL-KAYANO is a legendary running shoe for a reason, and we’re excited to see how fans of the series enjoy this added comfort when they try the shoe. Our hope is that it helps everyone feel comfortable, confident and uplifted,” said Tateishi.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.asics.com/au/en-au/gel-kayano-31/p/AOP_1012B670-300.html">GEL-KAYANO 31</a> shoe is available now for men and women from <a href="https://www.asics.com/au/en-au/">ASICS</a> retail, online stores and official ASICS stockists for $280 AUD.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you’re in the market for a long-lasting, supportive, stylish and comfortable pair of walking/running shoes, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 will revolutionise the way you move, keeping you supported with every stride. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Supplied</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Melissa Caddick's hidden millions

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>The long-awaited report into Sydney conwoman Melissa Caddick's financial affairs has revealed she allegedly misappropriated 25 million of investors' funds.</p> <p>However, the report has been met with disappointment from investors, saying that "nothing's been answered".</p> <p>“It doesn’t reveal a lot we don’t already know,” said one person owed a considerable amount of money by Ms Caddick to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/melissa-caddick-s-missing-25m-report-reveals-scale-of-lost-funds-20210303-p577ju.html" target="_blank"><em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em></a>.</p> <p>“The report is so heavily-redacted it’s hard to make any sense of it,” said another who added that “it doesn’t say where the money’s gone."</p> <p>The report had two parts, the first part diving into Caddick's financial affairs and the second part investigating her company Maliver.</p> <p>According to the report, Caddick would use Maliver as a money-laundering vehicle.</p> <p>“Money went in [to the company] and then money went out,” said one of the investors.</p> <p>The report comes as the search for Caddick enters a crucial phase with NSW Police divers preparing to search waters near her home in Dover Heights.</p> <p>Several theories have emerged around Caddick's death, with many thinking she is still alive.</p> <p>Police have not currently ruled out foul play or that she took her own life.</p> <p>Corporate watchdog ASIC has said that it remains a priority to retrieve funds for investors, with a two-day hearing taking place next month.</p> <p><em>Photo credits:<span> </span></em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-03/nsw-police-divers-suspend-search-for-melissa-caddick-remains/13210394" target="_blank">ABC</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

Money & Banking

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Understanding the rate rigging scandal

<p>The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is taking legal action against three of Australia’s major banks (NAB, ANZ and Westpac) alleging that these financial institutions have engaged in unconscionable conduct and market manipulation.</p> <p>ASIC contends that these banks have been manipulating the bank bill swap reference rate (BBSW), which is a reference point that’s used by banks when they lend to each other and is used to set interest rates and personal lending rates.</p> <p><strong>What's happening?</strong></p> <p>Prior to September 2013 the BBSW was set by Australian Financial Markets Association, which made its decision based on submissions from up to 14 banks, who would quote the interest rate they were paying and receiving at 10am each business day.</p> <p>Well, at least that’s what they were supposed to be doing.</p> <p>Instead, ASIC believes NAB, ANZ and Westpac were colluding to produce inaccurate data that could result in hundreds of millions of dollars in profits for the banks.</p> <p><strong>Why should I care?</strong></p> <p>Well, because the BBSW sets the benchmark rates on corporate loans, business loans, mortgages and credit cards, if traders were colluding to manipulate it, odds are you as a consumer had to foot the bill by having to pay higher interest rates.</p> <p><strong>What is being done?</strong></p> <p>Prompted by a similar scandal in the UK, ASIC has been investigating the potential of manipulation in Australia. ASIC has confirmed it will take legal action against NAB, ANZ and Westpac and may pursue fines in excess of $1 million.</p> <p>Labor has called for a Royal Commission into the banking sector, while the Coalition says they’ve given ASIC more funding and powers to investigate misconduct.</p> <p>So, as is often the case with issues like this, we’re just going to have to wait and see how it plays out. Still, it’s hardly an encouraging thought.  </p> <p>Were you aware of the rate-rigging scandal that’s taking place, and what do you make of it? Does this change your opinion of the big banks?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/03/questions-to-ask-your-bank/">Questions you need to ask your bank today</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/06/when-it-comes-to-banking-ethics-are-blind/">When it comes to banking ethics are blind</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/05/simple-ways-you-can-make-your-money-grow/">Simple ways you can make your money grow</a></strong></em></span></p>

News

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Tigerair in trouble over travel insurance claim

<p>Tigerair came into a spot of bother recently when it was investigated by the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) regarding travel insurance booked on the airline’s website.</p> <p>The dispute came from a minor detail in the 15,000 word product disclosure statement which revealed that passengers were not actually covered for flight delays, cancellations and rescheduling with “pre-ticked” travel insurance.</p> <p>ASIC’s main concern was that website representations were not consistent with that which is set out in the policies and the product disclosure statements.</p> <p>“Insurance and other financial products should not be promoted in a way that misleads consumers about the price and benefits of the product,” said ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell. “Consumers should be confident they are paying the price and getting the benefits that they understand they are getting. ASIC will continue to monitor advertising to ensure it’s not misleading.”</p> <p>Following the concerns raised by Australia’s corporate regulator, Tigerair promptly removed the misleading representations on its site. But the case stands as an important reminder to the importance of understanding the detail hidden in product disclosure statements and remaining vigilant as a consumer.</p> <p>Spokesman for consumer advocacy group CHOICE, Tom Godfrey, said, “While it’s important to have international travel insurance, purchasing the wrong policy can leave you high and dry and thousands of dollars out of pocket.”</p> <p>“Don’t let yourself be tricked by the airlines’ one-size-fits-all travel insurance. It’s particularly important for consumers with pre-existing medical conditions to take their time to read the detail of the policy and if in doubt contact their insurer to find out what is, and what isn’t covered.”</p> <p><em><strong>No matter where you’re travelling to, making sure you know how to access your cash while away – and in the most affordable way – is very important. Easy to use and with countless benefits, the Over60 Cash Passport allows you to securely access your cash in the same way you use an ATM or credit card­. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://oversixty.cashpassport.com.au">To apply for a card today, click here.</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/01/travel-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2016/">16 travel scams to watch out for in 2016</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/01/simple-measures-to-avoid-sickness-overseas/">8 simple measures to avoid sickness overseas</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/01/common-travel-insurance-exclusions/">8 common travel insurance exclusions</a></span></strong></em></p>

Insurance

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Tigerair in trouble over travel insurance claim

<p>Tigerair came into a spot of bother recently when it was investigated by the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) regarding travel insurance booked on the airline’s website.</p> <p>The dispute came from a minor detail in the 15,000 word product disclosure statement which revealed that passengers were not actually covered for flight delays, cancellations and rescheduling with “pre-ticked” travel insurance.</p> <p>ASIC’s main concern was that website representations were not consistent with that which is set out in the policies and the product disclosure statements.</p> <p>“Insurance and other financial products should not be promoted in a way that misleads consumers about the price and benefits of the product,” said ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell. “Consumers should be confident they are paying the price and getting the benefits that they understand they are getting. ASIC will continue to monitor advertising to ensure it’s not misleading.”</p> <p>Following the concerns raised by Australia’s corporate regulator, Tigerair promptly removed the misleading representations on its site. But the case stands as an important reminder to the importance of understanding the detail hidden in product disclosure statements and remaining vigilant as a consumer.</p> <p>Spokesman for consumer advocacy group CHOICE, Tom Godfrey, said, “While it’s important to have international travel insurance, purchasing the wrong policy can leave you high and dry and thousands of dollars out of pocket.”</p> <p>“Don’t let yourself be tricked by the airlines’ one-size-fits-all travel insurance. It’s particularly important for consumers with pre-existing medical conditions to take their time to read the detail of the policy and if in doubt contact their insurer to find out what is, and what isn’t covered.”</p> <p><em><strong>No matter where you’re travelling to, making sure you know how to access your cash while away – and in the most affordable way – is very important. Easy to use and with countless benefits, the Over60 Cash Passport allows you to securely access your cash in the same way you use an ATM or credit card­. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://oversixty.cashpassport.com.au">To apply for a card today, click here.</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/01/travel-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2016/">16 travel scams to watch out for in 2016</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/01/simple-measures-to-avoid-sickness-overseas/">8 simple measures to avoid sickness overseas</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/01/common-travel-insurance-exclusions/">8 common travel insurance exclusions</a></span></strong></em></p>

Insurance

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ASIC to weigh in on financial advice practices

<p>Institutions offering financial advice to Australians will be the subject of an investigation by the Australian Securities &amp; Investments Commission (ASIC). The independent government body that acts to regulate the corporate sector is stepping in to offer specific guidelines for the financial industry to follow after some customers have been found to have been given bad advice.</p> <p>Banks and financial advice providers have been conducting their own reviews of their services in recent years, usually when widespread issues are uncovered in terms of the value of the advice being offered to customers. Customers that are found to have been given bad advice or paid too much for the services are identified and remunerated accordingly.</p> <p>ASIC is stepping in to ensure that large and small advisers are conducting these proactive reviews in an efficient, fair and honest way.</p> <p>At the moment there are three reviews underway for CBA, Macquarie Group and NAB. These were implemented following the discovery that some rogue advisors were not acting in their customer’s best interests.</p> <p>Recently Westpac confirmed that they will commence a review and remediation process after ASIC lifted the lid on the way the bank was approving credit limit increases.</p> <p>ASIC found that Westpac had failed to ensure that card holders were currently employed before approving credit card limit increases. They will start investigating customers who had experienced financial difficulty as a result of the limit being increased, and may give the customer a refund if it is deemed appropriate.</p> <p>While the procedures will not be compulsory, it will offer the industry some best practice procedures to follow, instead of the ad hoc system which is normally designed internally.</p> <p>The guidelines suggest the positive step of actively seeking out customers that may have been affected, rather than waiting to be contacted by unhappy clients. ASIC suggests that the industry look as far back in their records as possible, not just from the mandatory retention period.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/finance/insurance/2016/02/smart-watches-can-transform-the-insurance-industry/">How smart watches can transform the insurance industry</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/finance/insurance/2016/01/insuring-your-home-for-a-natural-disaster/">Insuring your home for a natural disaster</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/finance/insurance/2016/01/insurance-product-disclosure-statements-too-complicated/">Are insurance product disclosure statements too complicated?</a></em></strong></span></p>

Retirement Income

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Aussies are too shy when talking money

<p>To say money can be a sensitive topic for some people is an understatement.</p> <p>Unfortunately though, that means people tend to avoid broaching the topic altogether.</p> <p>Which is quite troublesome, because without communication actions like keeping track of your finances, choosing the correct financial products and maintaining financial control for a whole family can be difficult and individuals can find themselves in strife.</p> <p>A 2014 report from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found that 31 per cent of Australians find the process of dealing with money stressful and overwhelming, and 20 per cent of Australians feel as though there is nothing they can do to change their financial situations, which is a startling set of statistics.</p> <p>Natasha Panagis, a financial advisor at the firm Strategy Steps, reiterates the need for increased financial literacy, “A lot of people don't know where to begin. You don't need to be a financial adviser to give this type of information. It's important to raise these issues and help people to get started.”</p> <p>The importance of being able to talk with your family about money should not be understated and with a bit of planning you can forge an open dialogue that will lead to healthy money habits.</p> <p>As with anything like this though, there requires a bit of understanding and willingness for a bit of give and take with your partner, children or other members of your extended family. By including everyone involved with financial discussions, keeping your goals front and centre and choosing your words carefully you can ensure that you broach sensitive topics with care.</p> <p>By being more open to talk about money with your family, you can do the following:</p> <ul> <li>Consolidate an approach to manage everyday expenses</li> <li>Make clear plans for the medium and longer term</li> <li>Shop around for financial products and understand and assess investment risk</li> <li>Effectively use information, tools and guidance on hand</li> <li>Make savings behaviour more effective and manage debts</li> </ul> <p>Talking about finance is the best way to get your head around some of the more complicated aspects of the market that, while largely out of your control, can have a huge effect on your individual investments. An awareness of complicated financial topics like risk-return pay off, diversification and inflation you can ensure you’re better placed to achieve your own individual financial goals.</p> <p>The most important thing however is honesty.</p> <p>Whenever you’re talking about these matters sensitive topics are bound to come up and people may feel the urge to tell others what they want. While the truth is sometimes hard to hear, it’s going to come out sooner or later.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/01/10-exciting-retirement-adventures/">10 exciting retirement adventure ideas</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2016/01/should-you-withdraw-all-of-your-super-at-once/">Is it a bad idea to withdraw all of your super at once?</a></span></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong><a href="/finance/retirement-income/2015/12/create-reliable-income-in-retirement/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ways you can create reliable income in retirement</span></a></strong></em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

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