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

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.