Business

Exploring The Benefits Of Income Protection Insurance

Published

1 year ago

November 7, 2023

When we Australians try to navigate the multifaceted world of insurance, we can start to question its actual benefits. Many policies out there are excruciatingly confusing, but there is one that stands out as a beacon of reassurance: income protection insurance. Unique to us, it is becoming an essential aspect of financial planning across the entire country.

What can income protection insurance offer Australians?

This fantastic insurance policy is a safety net when we need it most. It is designed to be flexible, so we can tailor it to do exactly what we need if we are ever confronted with one of life’s misfortunes, such as an illness or accident that prevents us from working. Income protection insurance in Australia can give us up to 75% of our monthly income and ensure we can pay our bills and live the lifestyle we love.

Why we need it now more than ever

It is easy to get caught up in Australia’s vibrant urban life and embrace the existence of a nearly endless summer and countless carefree days. Still, we are never protected from how unpredictable life can truly be. If that isn’t reason enough, income protection insurance is probably more important now than it has ever been.

Unfortunately, the world is becoming increasingly expensive, from the inflation of everyday items to the cost of our homes. We are at a time in history where our income is our biggest asset, and we need to protect it. In modern Australia, you can live extraordinarily well with a regular income, but if anything were to disrupt it, it could be terrifying.

Income protection insurance is there to give you complete peace of mind, allowing you to focus on life’s pleasures and your physical and mental well-being. And if that wasn’t enough, you can claim it back on your taxes, so a good income protection policy isn’t going to cost much at all.

Will I get what I am paying for if I need to claim?

This is a common question when it comes to insurance policies. Thankfully, the ASIC and the APRA are organisations that heavily monitor Australian insurance companies, meaning they are up there with the best in the world. You are in a country where insurance companies are transparent, and claiming couldn’t be easier.

What to look out for in the terms and conditions

There isn’t really much that can go wrong, but if you want to make sure you have a firm policy that will give you everything you need, you will be able to tailor the following to your specific needs.

Percentage of income covered
A range of specific illnesses and injuries
Flexibility in your waiting period and length of coverage

Conclusion

Most Australians want to crack on and keep embracing life as it comes, but we all need to be a little careful. Income protection insurance is one of the smartest things that anyone could buy. To live a life where you don’t need to worry about cash flow disruptions is an absolute dream.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.