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Commonly overlooked estate planning matters

Estate planning is a complex business, making it easy to overlook some important considerations, potentially with costly results. Aside from basic issues like forgotten assets (always keep written records) and inaccurate details (double check everything before signing), seven of the most commonly disregarded estate planning matters are as follows: <ol> <li>Wills</li> </ol> Unlike many younger people, for over sixties the more common issue is not the lack of a will, but one which is out of date. Out-of-date wills complicate matters for executors, can delay probate for your beneficiaries, and may not reflect your true wishes (imagine inadvertently leaving everything to your ex or omitting one or more grandkids!). Update your will as your circumstances change – relationships (divorce, new partner etc), births and deaths, adult children getting married or divorced, exiting a business, asset sales, and so on. Retirement often brings its own changes too – e.g. a sea or tree change, new boat or caravan – which also should be updated in your will. <ol start="2"> <li>Letter of wishes</li> </ol> Wills are typically not read until after a funeral. As such, a letter of wishes is a useful addition for loved ones to have accessible immediately after your death. It can cover everything from funeral arrangements, burial vs cremation, and where you wish to be laid to rest to outlining intentions longer term, such as how any underage children are to be raised and educated, or care arrangements for any pets. <ol start="3"> <li>Super beneficiaries</li> </ol> One of the biggest myths about superannuation is that it is covered by your will. Super is treated separately, meaning you must nominate your beneficiaries within your super fund. And update them as circumstances change. This can be useful for blended families – leaving your super to children/grandchildren from a past relationship without encroaching on the assets of your current partner. Without nominating beneficiaries, the funds could go somewhere else entirely – even to government coffers. <ol start="4"> <li>Advanced Health Directive (a ‘living will’)</li> </ol> Estate planning doesn’t just cover your wishes once you’re gone. Yet people often focus solely on this aspect and overlook how they want to be looked after in the event of ill health or injury preventing them from being able to make decisions (e.g. stroke, terminal illness, severe accident). An Advanced Health Directive can express your wishes and values on everything from life support and resuscitation to palliative care, medical treatments, and who you wish to be able to speak on your behalf. <ol start="5"> <li>Insurances</li> </ol> Rarely do people have adequate insurance coverage for their needs. There are insurances in super, which may cover death and permanent disability. Insurance of assets. Income protection insurance. And health insurance. It’s important to right-size your insurance for your current needs and adapt that cover as your circumstances change. That means: <ul> <li>Taking out new policies for new assets and investments.</li> <li>Updating policy inclusions and exclusions, such as relating to age.</li> <li>Cancelling insurances you no longer need (e.g. sold assets or professional indemnity once you retire).</li> </ul> <ol start="6"> <li>Tax implications</li> </ol> Because Australia has no inheritance tax, many people are lulled into a false sense of complicity over tax implications in estate planning matters. However, beneficiaries can be liable for both Capital Gains Tax and income tax on inherited assets – potentially outweighing the value of those assets altogether. Additionally, your own tax status should be considered. For instance, you may be paying more tax by holding an income-producing asset rather than transferring ownership to a loved one before you pass away. <ol start="7"> <li>Tailored professional advice</li> </ol> DIY will kits, self-titled “expert” authors, and avoiding advisers to save money overlook the true value of tailored, professional advice given the complexity of estate planning. You don’t know what you don’t know, meaning the margin for error is huge. And when it comes to money, tax and estate law, errors can be expensive indeed. A good lawyer, accountant and financial adviser can more than pay for themselves by helping you avoid overpaying taxes, complex legal disputes, insufficient asset protections and lost wealth creation opportunities. And given estate planning is ultimately about peace of mind, can you – or your family – really afford to overlook such valuable insight? Image credits: Shutterstock Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754.

Legal

Separating? 5 commonly overlooked money issues you need to address

Amid the heartache of a relationship ending, it’s easy to overlook money, legal and logistical matters or make poor decisions on the fly. However, that can bring more pain – even years down the track. When a relationship ends, you have the chance to embrace your new-found independence and do things for yourself. Including managing money. Make the most of this freedom by taking charge of your financial affairs, starting with these aspects that commonly get neglected: 1. Split finances and expenses Separating finances is an important first step. Otherwise, your savings could be pilfered or you could be held liable for your ex’s debts and spending. Be thorough – smaller things are especially easy to miss. That includes store cards, utilities, subscriptions, memberships, as well as loans and credit cards. Some could be cancelled; others may need to be retained, in which case they should be changed into just one name. Don’t leave it up to your ex to take your name off anything. Redirect your payments and direct debits to your personal bank account to avoid penalties for missed payments. Update details with your employer for your salary (and superannuation, if necessary) to be paid into. 2. Update estate planning The next step is to look at your estate planning. Failing to do this means your ex could receive an unexpected windfall should you pass away – at the expense of loved ones you actually want to support. Update your will to reflect your new situation as well as the beneficiaries in your superannuation – which is treated separately from your will. The same goes for any trusts, companies, or similar structures you have. 3. Get your best settlement Many people – especially women – settle for less than their fair share in a separation. Why? Some don’t realise their real worth or legal entitlements. Others just want to get it done with quickly. While it makes financial sense not to drag things out due to spite, your future quality of life and retirement depend on how much you walk away with. Among the factors to consider are: <ul> <li>Superannuation: you may be eligible for part of your ex’s super because it forms part of the joint asset pool. This is especially valuable if you earned considerably less or had time out of the workforce to raise children or care for relatives.</li> <li>Custody: supporting children and pets obviously impacts ongoing living costs. Child support isn’t necessarily guaranteed.</li> <li>Your home: is this really worth keeping at all cost if you won’t be able to afford it on your own? </li> <li>Sale time: if you separate on good terms, do you really need to sell assets now? Could you keep them to maximise value jointly or sell later at a better price?</li> </ul> Ensure you get pre-settlement financial advice BEFORE you sign on the bottom line. 4. Live independently You’re now on one income. Economies of scale (most things cost less per person when you’re coupled) no longer work in your favour. Taking time off work may be harder. So, don’t keep spending like you used to. Be proactive in adjusting to your new situation. Make a new spending and investment plan (a nicer and more comprehensive version of a budget). See what you can and cannot afford and make necessary cuts. Update insurances, subscriptions, and utilities to ensure you’re only paying for what you still need. Set up an easily accessible emergency fund, to cover you should you lose your job or face an unexpected crisis. Tailored advice from your financial adviser can help you make the most of what you have – for now and the future. 5. Be wise in love It may be the last thing on your mind amidst a separation, but a new relationship could be in your future. Learn from your current separation and take measures to protect your future self. A pre-nuptial agreement (pre-nup) could be useful to protect your assets. Or a post-nuptial agreement if you already have a new partner. Carefully consider co-habiting arrangements – your place, their place, a new place together? Who contributes what? Even if you don’t ultimately need them (fingers crossed!), the peace of mind from having protections in place will make any new relationship feel that much sweeter. Image credits: Getty Images Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women (Ventura Press, $32.99). Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a>

Money & Banking

How to clean these bathroom items that get overlooked

Cleaning the bathroom will not only make your house feel nicer for but it is important for your hygiene as so many bathroom items are used on a daily basis. Even if your bathtub, shower, tiles and sink is clean, these bathroom items deserve your frequent attention. 1. Toothbrush and toothbrush holder For obvious reasons keeping your toothbrush and toothbrush holder clean is vital to your mouth health. To keep your toothbrush clean, make sure you rinse it well after each use to avoid a build-up of toothpaste. Frequently you should do a deep clean of your toothbrush and this can be done by leaving it in a cup of vinegar for 30 minutes. The vinegar will remove the build of bacteria on your toothbrush. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months and then you can use your old one for cleaning. A toothbrush holder can be cleaned thoroughly by putting it in the dishwasher or you can rinse it out in hot water and dish soap to remove the build-up of gunk. 2. Loofah Loofahs do a great of cleaning bodies but it is important to remember to clean them as well. Your loofah can be cleaned by submerging in a 50/50 mixture of hot water and vinegar for an hour. Then leave it to dry. This method can also be used on sponges or wash cloths. 3. Razors It is important to clean your razor as a wet razor can become rusty and a moist blade can cause ingrown hairs and irritation when shaving. To keep your razor in top condition, put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and swipe across your razor. Dry your razor with a towel once you are done and store your razor in a dry place in your bathroom. 4. Toilet brush To give your toilet brush a thorough clean, rest the brush between the toilet bowl and seat after cleaning the toilet. Spray the brush with a disinfectant and then let it sit as it drips for ten minutes or so. Then rinse the brush in very hot water and allow it to drip dry again. The brush holder should also be cleaned with disinfectant and then leaving it for ten minutes and rinsing with hot water. 5. Plunger After each use of the plunger, spray it with a disinfectant and leave for ten minutes and then let it air dry. It is helpful to store your plunger with a plastic bag so that way, after you use it you can put in the bag and then take it somewhere to clean to avoid any dripping. Don’t re-use the plastic bag. Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Matt Wright accuses police of overlooking evidence in helicopter crash investigation

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright has revealed what he believes caused the helicopter crash that killed his friend and co-star Chris Wilson in 2022, accusing police of ignoring crucial evidence. Wright is facing seven charges regarding his conduct after the fatal crash, including attempting to pervert the course of justice, fabrication of evidence and destruction of evidence. Chris “Willow” Wilson was killed on February 28, 2022, while collecting crocodile eggs in a remote area of West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. The 34-year-old had been suspended in a sling from a helicopter when the aircraft crashed, resulting in his death. Sebastian Robinson, the pilot of the Robinson R44 helicopter suffered severe spinal injuries from the crash. In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Wright revealed the ongoing police investigation is “focusing on picking apart my life and business” rather than the events leading to the fatal crash. “I do seriously wonder why the NT Police are not focusing on whether the helicopter was refuelled and the fact the toxicology report reveals the detection of cocaine derivatives in the pilot’s blood sample,” he said. No one has been charged for Wilson’s death, and Wright has “strenuously” denied any wrongdoing. Wright previously claimed that Mr Robinson’s blood sample tested positive for cocaine and that has been supported by a letter sent by his lawyer David Newey to Senior Crown prosecutor Steven Ledek. The letter was used as evidence during a court hearing in relation to Wright’s charges in Darwin in April 2023, highlighting information contained in the prosecution’s brief of evidence. Wright told the publication he recently learned Mr Robsinson, the pilot who was externally contracted for the flight, “was at a party into the early hours of the day before the crash, where people were using cocaine”. A man who wished to remain anonymous told The Sunday Telegraph that he was introduced to Mr Robinson at a party in Virginia, 30km southeast of Darwin, two nights before the crash. The outlet reported he came forward after hearing about the toxicology report being referred to in the court case. Wright described the new revelations as “extremely concerning”, especially given the references to the toxicology report in court, and said if he were aware of what it suggests occurred before the flight “it never would have taken off”. He also said the preliminary Australian Transport Safety Bureau report suggested the helicopter was not refuelled en route to the egg collection. He believes that is likely what caused the crash. The helicopter was expected to leave Darwin and refuel at Mr Borradaile on the way to a preparation area near King River in Arnhem Land, where it would land, attach the sling and connect a person before beginning the egg collection. Wright told The Sunday Telegraph his Darwin fuel stations use “blue fuel” but the station at Mt Borradaile near the crash site used “green”. The colour indicates lead levels. It was reported that the fuel at Mt Borradaile was provided by a third party company involved in egg collections. The ATSB report said investigators drained “about 250ml of blue fuel from the main tank’s bladder” following the crash. “This makes me question whether the helicopter was refuelled at Mount Borradaile and whether it was fuel exhaustion that caused the crash,” Wright told the outlet. A pilot flying another helicopter joining the fatal mission told the Australian there was “no possible way” fuel exhaustion caused the crash because he filled the crashed R44’s tank himself at a fuel-drum site near Mt Borradaile shortly before the crash. Tim Luck said he flew from Noonamah to the drum site with another pilot and saw Mr Wilson filling up the tank. He also noted he jumped out and took over pumping. “I’m 100 per cent sure that machine was filled to the top,” he said. However, Mr Wright said Mr Luck was not “authorised or trained in refuelling helicopters” as that responsibility, he said, was up to the pilot in command. The Sunday Telegraph obtained a photo which appears to show Wilson sitting in the right-side pilot’s seat with the helicopter’s controls in his hands. Wright said the picture shows Wilson flying the aircraft in the pilot’s seat and Robinson sitting on the left, with both of his feet off the pedals. “This was a commercial flight, the pilot was not an instructor and Chris Wilson did not have a commercial helicopter licence,” he said. According to The Sunday Telegraph, the image is time stamped at 7:43am, 40 minutes after the aircraft left Darwin, and appears to show the fuel gauge indicating the tank was about three quarters full. It was an estimated 90 minute flight from Darwin to fuel the drums. He was not blaming Wilson, describing him as a “true legend” in tributes on social media, for being behind the controls, but could not understand why the “pilot went against protocol”. NT Police said in a statement they were “continuing to investigate all matters relating to this incident”. The ATSB’s final report into the cause of the crash is set for release by September 2023. Image credit: Instagram

Legal

"Overlooked": Ian 'Dicko' Dickson miffed at Australian Idol reboot

Dicko is reportedly feeling snubbed after he wasn’t asked to appear on the Australian Idol reboot. The former judge was one of the originals on the panel when the show first aired in 2003. Dicko, 59, is said to be particularly jealous because his former co-star, Marcia Hines, will be making a guest appearance on the new judging panel. “Dicko was always known as ‘the mean judge’ but producers are keen for Marcia to step up as the tough and controversial judge this time,” a source told <a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Idea</a>. “However, the decision has left Dicko feeling a bit hurt as he feels like he has been overlooked by the series.” The other original Australian Idol judges consisted of Dicko, Marcia Hines and former pop star Mark Holden. Marcia Hines will be a guest judge on Tuesday, filling in for the temporarily absent judge, Meghan Trainor, 29. Dicko gave a tell-all interview back in 2021, weighing in on the show being potentially rebooted after being taken off the air in 2009. Speaking to the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tv-reload/id1546841378">TV Reload podcast</a>, he said, “To be honest, they should have second thoughts.” “There's no guarantee that because it was an iconic television show 18 years ago, that it's going to do the business now,” he added. Dicko’s told the podcast that he felt Channel 7 should reconsider the reboot. The new judging panel consists of Meghan Trainor, Harry Connick Jr, Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands. Earlier last year, there were reports that Sandilands would not appear own the show if he had to work with Dicko. “Kyle Sandilands will agree to be on Seven's revived Australian Idol if he can sign the contract live on-air + won't work with Osher Gunsberg, Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Marcia Hines & Mark Holden.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Elsewhere, there are reports that KIIS shock jock and new dad Kyle Sandilands will agree to be on Seven's revived Australian Idol if he can sign the contract live on-air + won't work with Osher Gunsberg, Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Marcia Hines & Mark Holden. — SydneyCityTV (@SydneyCityTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyCityTV/status/1559367867652775937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote> There have been no comments made by the Seven Network about Dicko’s emotional response.

This was supposed to be a "wellbeing budget" – so why does it feel like the arts have been overlooked?

The first Labor federal budget has come down, but the arts are almost nowhere to be seen. According to Arts Minister Tony Burke, the government is waiting for its <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-25/australia-new-national-cultural-policy-arts-minister-tony-burke/101363244">new cultural policy</a>, to be delivered later this year. Only then will we know if the government is going to take any real action to address the disastrous issues in the arts sector. Given the emphasis in the budget on addressing issues around “<a href="https://theconversation.com/wellbeing-its-why-labors-first-budget-will-have-more-rigour-than-any-before-it-187160">wellbeing</a>”, it is worrisome we have longer to wait before issues in the arts are addressed by the Labor government. It took the Coalition government more than seven months to announce <a href="https://theconversation.com/too-little-too-late-too-confusing-the-funding-criteria-for-the-arts-covid-package-is-a-mess-145397">any real relief</a> to the sector during COVID, by which time many individuals and organisations had given up. Timing is everything when people are desperate. What are the issues in the arts? Where do we start? There is the continued <a href="https://theconversation.com/federal-arts-funding-in-australia-is-falling-and-local-governments-are-picking-up-the-slack-124160">funding decline</a> and support of the arts over the past 15 years, the defunding of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/apr/06/we-are-witnessing-a-cultural-bloodbath-in-australia-that-has-been-years-in-the-making">respected arts organisations</a> by the Australia Council since 2016, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/may/19/the-70-drop-australia-council-grants-artists-funding-cuts">dramatic decline</a> in funding support for individual artists, the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Communications/Arts/Report/section?id=committees%2freportrep%2f024535%2f78295">dire impact</a> of the pandemic, and the need to recognise that cultural value is not the same as economic value, and both are needed. Individuals who work in the arts are highly skilled and talented. Acknowledging their labour as important and valuable is just the beginning. Our artists are another aspect of our national wealth. Australia cannot afford to ignore them. <h2>The small budget measures</h2> Nevertheless, the government has taken action <a href="https://edm.arts.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6358681e8d16a669Pzzzz57fd70ef2def1829/page.html">in some areas</a>. This budget sees: <ul> <li> A$83.7 million in restorative funding to the ABC </li> <li> $5 million to the <a href="https://edm.arts.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6358681e96d03256Pzzzz57fd70ef2def1829/page.html">National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association Dance College</a> </li> <li> $2.4 million to <a href="https://edm.arts.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6358681e97fc8205Pzzzz57fd70ef2def1829/page.html">Bundanon</a>, an organisation providing artist residencies, an education centre, a gallery and other facilities in regional New South Wales </li> <li> $5 million to the <a href="https://edm.arts.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6358681e991bc782Pzzzz57fd70ef2def1829/page.html">National Institute of Dramatic Art</a> (NIDA) to support ongoing delivery of its courses, and </li> <li> $2.4 million over four years from 2022-23 to offset the impact of the efficiency dividend on <a href="https://edm.arts.gov.au/link/id/zzzz6358681e9a735443Pzzzz57fd70ef2def1829/page.html">national performing arts training organisations</a>. </li> </ul> The budget also reflects the merging of Creative Partnerships Australia with the Australia Council. <h2>Creative Partnerships Australia</h2> Creative Partnerships Australia costs the government around $4-5 million a year, so this merging will bring around $15 million to the Council over the next three years. Creative Partnerships Australia grew out of the Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF), an initiative of the Howard government. Its mandate was to promote and facilitate private sector support for the arts and initially it focused on encouraging businesses to engage with the arts. From 1998 to 2012, AbaF was driven through a council of business representatives, who committed $10,000 each and actively advocated for business partnerships with arts organisations. This council provided a rich resource base of potential benefactors and in its early days <a href="https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/AbaF-support-passes-20m">was successful</a> at doing this. A separate arts philanthropy organisation, Artsupport Australia, sat under the Australia Council with AbaF support. In 2012 Simon Crean, then arts minister, decided to excise Artsupport Australia from the Australia Council and re-orientate AbaF by <a href="https://www.danceaustralia.com.au/news/new-body-to-promote-private-arts-support">rebranding it</a> as Creative Partnerships Australia. Creative Partnerships Australia since then has had a primary focus on philanthropic support for the arts, and unlike AbaF, also distributes Commonwealth funds through grant programs. Unlike the Australia Council, Creative Partnerships Australia is based in Melbourne (rather than Sydney), with staff also located in other cities. This means it has more immediate contact with its arts constituents outside Sydney. The organisation has run many workshops over the years to develop fundraising skills for the arts, and has also been the home of the <a href="https://australianculturalfund.org.au/about/">Australian Cultural Fund</a>, which allows for donations to be given to individual artists and organisations that do not have tax deductibility status. The loss of this stand-alone entity will likely be felt more by the smaller organisations and individuals than the larger ones. Larger organisations have no difficulty in claiming tax deductibility and greater likelihood of making connections with donors. The Australia Council is a grant giving body, and has not historically facilitated philanthropy nor been a conduit for tax deductibility. It remains to be seen how these functions will be folded into the Australia Council. The Labor government has a lot to do to restore confidence in the arts sector and help the sector recover from several terrible years. There is an urgency to this, but this urgency is nowhere to be seen in this budget. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-was-supposed-to-be-a-wellbeing-budget-so-why-does-it-feel-like-the-arts-have-been-overlooked-193304" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Art

8 handy uses for the microwave everyone overlooks

A microwave is perfect for reheating coffee and leftover takeaways, but if you think that's all it can do you are seriously underestimating the kitchen appliance's ability. While some remain anti-microwave, among other things, the microwave is actually a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/homestyle/just-how-safe-is-your-microwave-20141119-11pp2m.html" target="_blank">healthy, convenient way to cook</a>. From bringing condiments back to life to disinfecting your sponges, here are 10 handy uses for a microwave. 1. Cooks dinner in 10 minutes flat The microwave's sole purpose isn't just to reheat, it can cook too. A healthy salmon and veggie dinner can be made using fresh ingredients, and be ready in less than 10 minutes. Microwave fish covered with either a lid or a plate and ensure it stays moist. <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/14-surprising-uses-for-your-microwave" target="_blank">Real Simple</a> said to subtract about three-quarters of the recommended cooking time but as a rule of thumb fish should take about eight to 10 minutes. 2. Disinfects plastic cutting boards Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli breed on your chopping board, even after giving them a good scrub. A 1996 report based on microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin Dr Dean O. Cliver's research and advised microwaving chopping boards for five minutes to remove bacteria. Dr Cliver told <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/02/garden/of-cutting-boards-and-cleanliness.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> that people should carefully watch the microwave and turn it off if any problems occur. Real Simple suggests rubbing the board with the cut side of a lemon before zapping. 3. Brings honey back to life The perception that crystallised honey has gone bad is false. When in fact, <a href="http://www.wired.com/2014/03/crystalized-honey/" target="_blank">Wired</a> said it's actually a sign of good-quality honey. If your honey has hardened in the jar, take the lid off and pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The heat will bring the honey back to a delicious, gooey consistency. 4. Cooking vegetables Don't waste time boiling water when your vegetables can be cooked in the microwave for a fraction of the time. <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/homestyle/just-how-safe-is-your-microwave-20141119-11pp2m.html" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a> said, “Multiple studies have supported this, including a 2010 study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry that identified microwaving as the best cooking method for maintaining the colour and cancer-fighting phytochemicals in brussels sprouts.” To cook your vegetables, simply rinse with water, place in a microwave safe dish, cover and zap in the microwave for roughly five minutes, but it depends on your microwave. 5. Kills bacteria in sponges To remove the colony of bacteria growing in your sponge, put it in the microwave. <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/14-surprising-uses-for-your-microwave" target="_blank">Real Simple</a> said soak the cloth or sponge in water; add some vinegar with lemon juice and microwave on high for one minute. 6. Proofing yeast for dough Last-minute pizza dough isn't an option when dough needs at least an hour to rise, that is, unless you have a microwave. Place your dough in the middle of the microwave, along with a cup of water at the back and heat for three minutes on the lowest setting possible. Let the dough rest for three minutes before heating it again for another three minutes. This time let it rest for six minutes. 7. Cook a chocolate mug cake in five minutes Have your cake in eat it too, in just five minutes. Mug Cakes, by Lene Knudsen, is a whole book dedicated to making cakes in mugs. Putting some of the recipes to the test, <a href="http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/microwave-mug-cakes-put-to-the-taste-test-20140906-10d4rq.html" target="_blank">Fairfax Media</a> said the “mug cakes aren't a total disaster.” “They're a great idea, and they are very easy to whip up once you've got the ingredients. They slide smoothly out of the mugs (not much scraping required) and we're warned in advance to eat them straightaway.” 8. Revives old make-up Clumpy mascara means lumpy eyelashes. While some like this look, others loathe it. Before throwing out your dried and chunky mascara, pop it in the microwave. Home economist Jacqueline Mariani told the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2658580/Tights-need-drying-Pop-microwave-It-unclog-mascara-too.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>: “Remove the lid and brush, then place the open tube in your microwave next to a cup of water for humidity.” “Microwave on high for five seconds to loosen up the contents and get a couple more weeks of luscious lashes.” Do you have any ingenious tips for household appliances? We’d love to hear them in the comments below! Written by Livia Gamble. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide-at-home/">28 great uses for hydrogen peroxide at home</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/kitchen-tricks-that-that-will-save-you-money/">8 kitchen tricks that that will save you money</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/04/how-to-unshrink-clothing/">Trick to unshrink clothing</a>

Home & Garden

8 overlooked European cities you must visit

You may have been to the major cities, but Europe has so much more to offer than just London, Paris and Rome. Here are eight hidden European gems that may not make it into most itineraries but are definitely worth a look the next time you’re on the continent. Budapest, Hungry <img width="500" height="298" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10810/budapest-hungry_500x298.jpg" alt="Budapest , Hungry" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> The secret may already be out regarding Budapest, but we think it’s still underrated. And the fact that Hungary isn’t on the Euro means a stay won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Budapest combines a charming, attractive Danube River setting with distinct, romantic architecture. Sample delicious Hungarian fare, relax and unwind in a hot spring and explore Budapest’s complex history. Cork, Ireland <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10811/cork-ireland_500x334.jpg" alt="Cork , Ireland" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Travellers who only make it as far as Dublin are missing one of the real jewels of the Emerald Isle. Sometimes described as the “real capital of Ireland”, Cork is an inviting city with a laid-back vibe. Friendly locals and attractive vistas are simple to find is this easy-to-navigate city that’s also becoming quite a destination for foodies, and people looking to enjoy Irish pub culture. Edinburgh, Scotland <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10812/edinburgh-scotland_500x334.jpg" alt="Edinburgh , Scotland" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Only a few hours from London by plane, Edinburgh is an enchanting city that provides travellers with an enticing entry point to explore centuries of Scottish culture and heritage. Historical sights including the magnificent hilltop Edinburgh Castle that looms large over the city, are complemented by the many vibrant, exciting festivals that add colour and light to Edinburgh in the summer months. Genoa, Italy <img width="499" height="332" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10813/genoa-italy_499x332.jpg" alt="Genoa , Italy" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> While it may not be as famous as cities like Rome, Venice or Milan, Genoa is an ancient maritime city that is full of character. Observe distinctive, colourful architecture as you stroll down winding cobblestone streets. The old town will immediately transport you back to medieval times, while the tree-lined promenade will have you daydreaming about a permanent Italian relocation. Innsbruck, Austria <img width="499" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10814/innsbruck-austria_499x334.jpg" alt="Innsbruck , Austria" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> While many do venture to Vienna, Innsbruck is arguably just as magnificent. Sitting in the shadow of the Alps, Innsbruck is fast gaining popularity as a destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Admire the historic Imperial architecture that creates a striking contrast to some of the city’s more modern designs then drop in for some skiing in winter or hiking in the warmer months of summer. Porto, Portugal <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10815/porto-portugal_500x334.jpg" alt="Porto , Portugal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Colourful, romantic and steeped in history and culture, Porto is fast becoming a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the Iberian Peninsula. Time stands still as you walk the narrow, cobbled street of this coastal city, with the riverside district and São Francisco church providing amazing sights for visitors. And Porto is the birthplace of port wine, so bottom’s up! Brasov, Romania <img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10816/brasov-romania_500x334.jpg" alt="Brasov , Romania" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Brasov sees a few visitors who are looking to explore the nearby Dracula’s castle and Peles Castle (arguably Europe’s most beautiful) but spend enough time in this fascinating city and you’ll see it’s quite a destination in its own right. On dark foggy days this Brasov can be a little eerie, but when the sun comes out you’ll relish the opportunity to explore this quaint part of Eastern Europe. Granada, Spain <img width="499" height="312" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10818/granada-spain_499x312.jpg" alt="Granada , Spain (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Andalucía, Granada is a city with a youthful energy and complex, multicultural history that dates back to Moorish times. The main attraction of Granada is Alhambra, a Moorish hilltop fortress complex that includes royal palaces, serene patios and jaw-dropping reflection pools that date back hundreds of years. A must-visit.

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