Maple's Money Matters & Canine Capers

07/05/2018

I found this to be a great feel good article, hopefully it will help get your week off to a positive start. I know the great work therapy dogs do, and have always wondered if they like it.

A new study examining the stress levels of working canines provides some reassuring results.

28/04/2018

Hello lovely humans,

Hope you all have been doing really well.
Firstly, my apologies for not posting in a while, I had been experiencing a few problems with my health, especially with my skin allergies. So, I have been focusing on getting better, as I needed a lot of treatment. I am feeling much better now, and I’m really excited about sharing more tips with you all!

In other news, my good friend Allie, is crazy busy looking after all of her client’s wonderful animals, with even more animals needing her attention. So, I have told Allie to focus on looking after all of them, and Mum is going to help me keep researching helpful tips for you and your pets.

Save little, save often

Saving can be tough, once you have pay all of your bills, living expenses, and treating yourself occasionally, growing your bank balance, can feel like an uphill battle! However, what many people don’t realise is that you don’t need to save a fortune every week.

If you save a $5 a day during your entire working life (18 – 65), how much will you save by age 65?

Well assuming you earn average 10% on your savings, which is quite possible if the savings were invested into something for example, shares or peer to peer lending (P2P), you would have $2million at age 65. Now that’s a lot of bones :)

If you can save more this will obviously result in even higher savings, while I believe the amount you can save is important, it’s the commitment to regular savings that makes the big difference!

11/03/2018

Woof everyone.

Hope you are all well and having a pawsome weekend.

I have been looking on some of the community pages, you know the ones local to your suburb. I also saw that there are several lost and found animal pages on Facebook as well. Boy i felt sorry for those pooches and kitties.

Got me thinking about Microchipping and also name identification tags.

There was a cat that had been missing for a week. I was a bit shocked , but hey, its a cat, we cant blame them ( that is a canine joke, i love all animals).
Someone saw the post about it missing on Facebook and recognised it straight away. This is where Facebook is absolutely wonderful. The lady was very resourceful and was able to capture the kitty. Took it to the vet and they scanned the microchip and low and behold it was the missing cat.
Thank goodness the kitty was microchipped and also the address and phone number was kept up to date.

Now a days when you buy a dog or a cat, its usually microchipped and the ownership changes when you purchase the animal. In NSW all cats and dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before the time it is sold or given away, whichever happens first.

However if it isn't there are on occasion, days where you can get microchipping done for free/ reduced fee by your local council/ animal shelter.

It really does pay to get your beloved pet Microchipped and importantly kept up to date. I know my family would be absolutely lost without me.

Also all cats and dogs ( other than those exempt cats and dogs) must be registered by 6 months of age. The registration fee is a once only payment, which covers the animal for their lifetime in NSW, regardless of any change of ownership. The fees are discounted for desexed dogs and cats. If you fail to get your cat or dog registered when required there are penalty's.

Again, keep an eye out on FB and the local papers, some vets and also animal shelters/ councils run weeks/months where there is discounted desexing, so you could really save some money.

When my friend Allie finds out some of these days i will ask her to let me know and i will let you all know on this page. We all love to save a little money and you can buy your doggo or kitty more food/treats and toys with the savings.

Anyway, im off to dream about food and walks

Paws out

Maple 🐕

02/03/2018

Best way to buy that new iPhone: outright vs on a plan

We all desire that new fancy shiny new iphone or samsung, or other new smart phone brand thingy name.

The big question is, what is the money savvy want to pay for it?

The answer to that really comes down to how much you’re willing to pay in one go, and whether you want to own the phone or are happy to lease it.
If your bones wallet can accommodate having $1579 or more burned out of it in one go, then you could head straight to the Apple website and purchase the phone directly from the manufacturer.
The handset can be delivered direct to your home or place of work, and this approach will allow you lots of freedom when choosing the right plan for your usage habits.
Simply compare the different SIM-only plans available from dozens of providers to find one that has the best data and other inclusions for you.
If you don’t find the idea of spending big money in one go too appealing, then buying a new iPhone X on a plan may be your best option.
While you’ll still end up paying the same amount for the phone, these contracts can often come with great extra inclusions such as entertainment packages, data pooling or data rollovers. And by making a regular payment each month you’ll dodge any large one-off costs, which should ease your cash flow.
Leasing is perhaps the only way of getting a new iPhone X for (slightly) less.
The process is the same as buying a phone on a plan, except at the end of the contract period you don’t own the phone, the carrier does. However, on the plus side lease plans are typically about $10 a month cheaper than ones where you buy the phone.
And when the contract period is up, you’ll be able to get the newest phone of the day on a different plan. The iPhone XI, perhaps!
Although there are only two iPhone X models, there are many different methods of getting them. The only way to really know you’re making the right choice is to be aware of the different options, plans and prices available so you can choose one that fits best.

Paws Out - Maple

25/02/2018

Hi everyone,
Hope you are all well and happy and have had a pawsome weekend so far.

My friend Allie has recently visited the Dentist and had to have a crown down. She tried to tell me she is a princess and thats why she was getting a crown but I knew she was long over due to visit the dentist. Luckily she has Private Health Insurance and that helped with the payment.

It got me thinking about things that i could do ( well ill chat to the hoomans) or my feline friends could do in between visits to the vet to make sure our pearly whites stay that way and that the hoomans don't have to worry about a painful hip pocket.

When it comes to dental disease a small investment in time and products can show some awesome returns on health and also lower those vet bills. Remember more toys for me !

Pet owners need to start brushing their dogs/cat teeth from an early age to get them accustomed to it.

You can obtain a small toothbrush designed for pets and or a childrens small/soft toothbrush. Do not use human toothpaste, its too abrasive and we could have a reaction to the ingredients.

A toy or treat can help prevent a build up of plaque and can also help scrape off plague.

Appropriate food: the size, shape and texture of some kibbles can produce a brushing effect on the teeth and help to remove plaque and tartar. Fresh water must always be available as well.

Signs to watch out for in your Canine or Feline, that they may have dental problems;

Bad Breath
Brown staining on teeth
Red gums especially where the teeth meet the gums
Avoidance of chewing large hard items.

If in doubt always check with your Vet.

Also if the condition/problem is not urgent and can be kept an eye on. ( check with your vet), most vets have Dental Check months for Dogs and Cats. The appointment is scheduled in that month and is at a reduced fee. Ask your friendly Vet.

Anyway, take care

Love Mapes🐕

25/02/2018

Hello lovely humans,

Ah I’m sitting here, listening to the rain, very relaxing….
Anyway today I wanted to talk about this new bank thingo called PayID. I kept seeing a talking goldfish, in a collared shirt, talking about something called PayID. And I thought to myself this goldfish really looks ridiculous, everyone knows a goldfish should only wear black if it’s going to wear that sort of shirt 😊
I was mostly intrigued by what a goldfish would know about banking, but then again, you are all here taking money tips from a Labrador, it really is a wonderful world.

PayID
In summary PayID is a new concept that has been embraced by many of our banks and other financial institutions. It will allow you to make payments to and from your bank account, without need to remember or share your BSB and account numbers. (AH I just got why they are using a goldfish, no memory, no worries, that’s actually really clever). The added benefit is it works of an instant payment basis, meaning no more waiting days for your money, it will be there instantly.
Your PayID is a unique number linked with your nominated bank account, they also make it even easier, by allowing the number to be the same as your mobile number, email or ABN. Thus making it easy for you to remember.
Sounds like a great idea – yes, but I think there are a few things to consider, before signing up;

- Most importantly check if you bank or financial institution is a participant of PayID (CBA, NAB, ING and Westpac are the ones I know of that have signed on, could be more)

- Consider your privacy, when you enter a PayID to pay someone, the person’s name will appear, so you can validate it’s the correct person. Essentially this turns PayID into a reverse phone book. I’m not concerned about this as I walk around with my mobile number on my collar, but for others it could be a reason not to use your mobile number as your PayID

- Despite being instant, if payments are made on a non-banking day, you won’t earn any interest as your end of day balance for a non-banking day will be the same as the end of day balance for the preceding banking day. Very interesting Mr Bank, I’m certain you still charge me interest on my kennel loan…hmm sneaky

Overall, I think this will become very popular and will be the way in the future, I hope this help you know a little bit more about it, and that funny looking, blue collared shirt wearing, goldfish.

Paws Out – Maple

18/02/2018

Hello lovely humans - hope you enjoyed a great weekend. Today’s post is about the ultimate topic, when it comes to combining pets and money =

Pet Insurance

Slobbery Statistics time -did you know 63% of the Australian population owns a pet? And are spending $12 billion on pet related goods and services. Only 26% of households hold a current pet insurance policy.

The question remains for many pet owners, is pet insurance really worth it? There are many factors to consider, here some recent real life examples of when me and my good canine friend Scout, were really luck our humans had it in place.

In the last 3 years, I have been to the vet 10 times for non routine care. I am a Labrador and a little clumsy, so a couple were for cut paws. Most recently my visits have been for skin allergies, injections for my arthritis and pancreatitis, where I was really sick and had stay at vet for a few days. Mum & Dad were able claim back 80% of all my vet costs, with no excess to pay.

My good buddy, Scout, found out, when she was very young, that she had a mast cell tumour. Scout was very lucky and didn’t need chemo or a skin graft. Her treatment still costs approx $6k, and luckily Scout’s parents also had pet insurance and therefore was able to afford her treatment.

When considering which pet insurance provider to select, the following factors should be compared:

- Waiting periods
- Policy exclusions (very common for pet insurers to exclude dental and mouth treatments)
- Premium costs (will vary depending on the breed and age of your pet)
- Annual claiming limits
- Excess (several policies have no excess)
- Vet limitations ( do you have a choice of any licensed vet)
- % of vet bills claimable (the average is approx 80-85%)
- Is a % of premiums going back to help any pet related charities

For further information you can also check out the Pet Industry Association of Australia website www.piaa.net.au

Paws Out - Maple

16/02/2018

Happy Chinese New Year everyone - ah the year of the dog! Looking forward to more pats, treats, walks, food......sorry got distracted, back to the post!

I have had some of my canine and feline friends ask me about why I have started this page. I’m hoping to help people with money tips, to become financially savvy. I know some people and pets fine money stuff boring so I am going to attempt to make it a bit more fun. In addition to providing some great information on all things related to pets.

We are also going to be running competitions for you and your pet to win prizes. And we are going to be asking for your help, to vote for a local worthy pet related charity, to which we will be making donations to.

Paws Out
Maple

15/02/2018

13/02/2018

Hi everyone,Mapes here.

My full name is Maple but my friends call me Mapes.

So the humans are going on a holiday. I thought i would throw a few ideas around to let you know what i think is important when the humans decide to take a well deserved break.

I've heard that a lot of people book the dates of their holidays and then forget to book someone in to look after the pets. So what ever form of care you decide to use, book in early, especially school holidays or long weekends. No bones about it !

Food ! One of my favourite topics. Buy lots of extra food so it doesn't run out and if for some reason you need to change it, do it gradually over a week. Each day replacing a bit more of the old food with the new food. All well and truly before you go away

Water ! Personally i like to drink it and play in it ! Lots of water bowls/buckets are really important. They can empty very quickly or be hot in the sun as the shade moves away. Some doggos sit in them and lose water and some accidentally knock them over.
Clam Shell pools are also fantastic to have a play in on a hot day. Who says i cant pretend Im in the Bahamas sipping a mock TAIL !

Also some new toys would be great. Dont give them to us all at once though. Get someone to introduce a new one every so often, it will keep things interesting for us.

Gates! Make sure your gates are locked and secure. No one uninvited in and no one going for adventures out. If for some reason someone takes a little stroll out of the back yard, please make sure your fur babies are micro-chipped and tagged for identification.

If you are going away for quite a while, get your mail put on hold or get neighbours/ animal carers to collect. Nothing says ' im away' than mail and junk mail hanging out of the letter box. Ill just have to wait for my subscription of ' Labradors of the world" until my humans are back.

If you are going for over a month don't forget we need our flea and tick prevention ( unless you are using the 3 monthly one). Its important all the time but especially if i go bush walking.

I have a few Reptile buddies as well. Remember to set the lights on timers and heating attached to a thermostat. We don't want our scaly friends freezing or alternatively cooking !!

Anyway, there are a few of my tips that i wanted to let you know about. There are more but my Mum says my dinner is ready, so i need to go.

Happy holidays for whenever you decide to take a break. Im sure it will be Paw-some and Purr-fect.

Paws Out

Maple 🐕

09/02/2018

Holidays

Well I for one love holidays...especially when I get to come along. Actually even when it’s just my Mum, Dad and my baby brother are going on them, I still love them, as It means I get the house to myself!!

When researching and booking holidays, I have picked up some tricks to save $$$. Sites like Hotels combined, Booking.com and Expedia make it easy to look, compare and book your getaway.

Mum used Expedia to book the latest holiday, which has a price guarantee, meaning if you see advertised cheaper elsewhere, they will refund the difference.

The real hot tip is using a cash back website called pricepal.com.au. Signing up is free and easy, once you’re a member, you simply go to the website, click on the Expedia link, book through Expedia like you normally would and you will receive a % cash rebate, based on your booking total, too easy! There are also other online retailers on pricepal as well, including Booktopia, Woolworths.com and many others.

I say that’s easy money for bones, Mum says it’s paid for the pre-booked airport parking, she hates paying for parking. Either way a great deal, for one simple click!

Stay tuned for my friend, Allie’s tips on ensuring your holiday planning factors in your fur, feathery and scaley babies 😀

Happy holidaying everyone

Paws Out - Maple

08/02/2018

Welcome to Maple's Money Matter's & Canine Capers! Firstly let me introduce myself, my name is Maple, and I'm a fun loving labrador. I wanted to start a page about all things money and pets!!

My Mum, Mel of Melissa Cavers - Mortgage & Finance Broker is going to help me with the money matters, she has a Bachelor of Economics & Finance, and a Diploma of Financial Services.

Also helping me is one of my best friends, Allie of Hills Dog Walking & Pet Care. Allie has a certificate 2 of Animal Studies, and is a member of the Pet Industry Association of Australia.

I am hoping to help everyone with informative and useful tips, relating to all things money and pets. I hope you find the page to be enlightening and entertaining.

DISCLAIMER: All information provided on this page is general information only, so does not take into account you and pets objectives, financial situation and needs. Before acting on any information contained on the page you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your objectives, financial situation, needs and those of your pets.