Have your smashed avo and eat it too

Home loan lender ME has launched a new property search tool that includes lifestyle and affordability search criteria.

The online Life&Loan tool flips house hunting on its head by suggesting real-time property listings based on the lifestyle buyers like to live, followed by borrowing power, in areas they may not have initially considered.

“The Bank designed the tool with first home buyers in mind, many of whom are anxious about sacrificing their lifestyle in order to be able to afford a home,” ME Head of Home Loans, Patrick Nolan, said.

Anxiety was heightened a few weeks ago when social commentator Bernard Salt admonished millennials in his The Weekend Australian Magazine column for indulging in $22 serves of smashed avocado instead of saving for a home.

“ME thinks you can do both and this tool helps you,” Nolan said.

How Life&Loan works – read on

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Age Pension Eligibility – what you need to know

The federal government has introduced changes to the rules that govern eligibility for the Age Pension. These rules will take effect on 1 January 2017.

Eligibility to receive the Age Pension depends on how much income you earn from certain other sources (such as interest on savings) and the value of your assessable assets. 

These changes apply only to the asset test – there will be no changes to the income test.

Who is affected?

There is no ‘grandfathering’ clause and all Australians currently receiving a full or part pension will be reassessed.  The government has indicated that at least 326,000 existing pension recipients will lose all or part of their current pension benefit. However, some part age pensioners may receive an increase.

Any Australian retiring after 1 January 2017 will automatically be assessed under the new thresholds.

Read on

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Have you tried our new smartphone app?

Last month Australian Unions announced that Member Benefits have a brand new app. So now you can access all of our great Member Benefits on the move!

Current offers include: 

• A great range of movie vouchers at heavily discounted prices
• A range of major retail gift cards: 
• Attractions including zoos and aquariums
• Offers from our partners ME , Crackawines, The Motor Report, Tyresales and Hertz

This is a free program available to affiliated union members.

Make sure you register now for access to app and secure web site:

australianunions.org.au/register

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ACTU mourns loss of NZ Union leader Helen Kelly

The trade union movement has suffered a devastating loss, with the passing last month of Helen Kelly, the former President of New Zealand’s Council of Trade Unions.

Not only was Helen a tireless voice for working people in her own country, she was also a close and valued friend to unions here in Australia and across the Pacific region.

While her passing is terribly sad, she does leave an incredible legacy – both personally and professionally. Everyone who had the fortune to work with her will always remember her commitment and determination to improve the lives of working people.

We join with our New Zealand comrades in mourning her loss, and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time.

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Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Melbourne Dinner

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Update on which CUB brands to avoid

A few months ago, fifty-five CUB workers were sacked and offered their jobs back for just 35% of their pay.

Since the takeover of InBev in September, a few more CUB brands have been added to the Boycott list.

Support the CUB workers by boycotting all CUB drinks. Join thousands in telling CUB and their multinational owner InBev to give them their jobs back on their proper pay.

You can find the full list of CUB brews to avoid here and you can take the pledge here.

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Planning a holiday?

For your next holiday why not try out this great Hertz car rental offer for union members:

• 5% discount off the lowest leisure rates in the Hertz system on passenger vehicles – ranging from the nifty Nissan Micra, to a powerful Ford XR6, or family friendly Toyota Kluger or 8 seater minibus.

• 10% discount off all Prestige, Fun & Adrenaline Collection vehicles – why not spoil yourself and hire a BMW, Mini Cooper or Ford Mustang

• Free membership to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program , providing you with an express rental experience worldwide.

To access these great rates union members must quote a special Hertz CDP discount number. As this is an exclusive offer for union members simply head to australianunions.org.au/car_hire and request the code via our simple online form.

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