First of all – the dangers.

Dodgy Websites. Whether it’s pornography, violent games or music videos which promote drug use, please be aware there are an endless number of websites that you wouldn’t necessarily want your children viewing.

Social Networks. While social networks such as Facebook can be great for sharing photos and keeping in touch with family or friends who don’t live nearby, they can also leave your children vulnerable to the approaches or voyeurism of unsavoury strangers.

Online Games. As above, online games can be a fun platform to help connect kids to others with similar interests. However they have also been reported to be a favoured ground of paedophiles looking to ‘groom’ children by establishing trust and then luring them to real-word meetings.

Bullying. Finally, it’s a sad truth these days that it’s become all too easy for kids to bully their classmates and acquaintances online through social media, instant messages or rumour campaigns. It’s also very easy for parents and teachers to be oblivious to this because there are no physical signs or aggression and as most cyber bullying can go un-witnessed.

So what can you do? The good news is that with a little effort, you can do a lot to mitigate the threats discussed above.

Communicate. Maintain an open dialogue with your kids and make them aware of possible online dangers. Additionally, ask them to promise to tell you if they notice something suspicious or receive unsolicited emails and be clear that you will be monitoring their browser history, email and social media accounts regularly.

Limit Internet Access. This is one of the most effective strategies to keep your kids safe. Allowing them to only use the family computer in the lounge or for 20-minute time slots while you are in the same room will discourage most inappropriate activities.

Set Ground Rules. Let your kids know what constitutes acceptable internet use. This will vary from family to family but could include rules such as not downloading files without parental permission or not signing up for any sort of account without checking with you first.

‘Net Nanny’ Software Programmes. You’ve probably noticed that exercising some flexibility with the internet use of tweens and teenagers can go a long way to family harmony! However, parental control software can provide added piece-of-mind that your younger children are not accessing sites that you deem inappropriate. There is a host of software packages out there to choose from, so you’ll need to do quite a bit of research before choosing the right one for you. This parental software review is a good place to start; it summarises the pros and cons of some of the best choices out there.

In sum, as long as you exercise reasonable precautions, the internet can be a wonderful, family-friendly tool. Be sensible, but have fun and relish the privilege of introducing your kids to a lifelong love of learning!

1. What sort of broadband is available in my area? Some isolated parts of New Zealand do not yet have access to wireless or fixed line broadband, meaning that satellite may be your only option.

2. How fast do I need my broadband to be? Not all broadband connections are born equal! If speed is important to you, you may like to visit the website www.nzbt.org.nz. This site was set up by the government-owned Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) in 2012 and compares broadband speeds in different parts of the country and between different internet service providers. Some rural broadband packages also set rates based on upload/download speed, so make sure that you read the fine print before signing up.

3. How much data do I need? It can be tricky to estimate how much data you’ll need per month, so enlist the help of salespeople. Visit at least two providers and tell them your needs, how many people will be accessing your network connection and what you will generally be using the internet for. Be honest – if you spend an hour a day watching Justin Bieber songs on YouTube, the salespeople need to hear it so that they can accurately advise you how much data you’ll need per month.

4. What calling options do I want? Are cheap national calls important to you just on weekdays or every day? Different packages will come with different calling options, so take a few moments to review your landline use now.

5. Are there extra costs that I’ll need to incur with a broadband package? Ask whether the package includes equipment such as a wireless router, otherwise you may end up surprised by unexpected expenses.

6. What incentives are providers offering to new customers? To increase their market share, providers are often willing to woo customers with free products such as security suite licenses or with 3 months of free internet use. If there appears to be nothing on offer, don’t be shy to ask, as salespeople generally have leeway to throw in a few extras to close the deal.

7. How long do I want my contract to be? This is a tough question. On the one hand, a 24-month contract will tend to offer lower monthly rates and a couple of extra sign-on incentives. On the other hand however, a shorter 6- to 12-month contract affords you the added flexibility to shop around for a new package or provider if you are unable with the level or service.

8. What provider should I choose? Again, there’s no right answer, so we suggest you shop around. The New Zealand broadband market has become extremely competitive lately and there are some great deals out there. A good rule of thumb is to talk to other consumers and ascertain whether the provider you are considering has a reputation of providing reliable service in your region.

First up, if you already have broadband, how does it shape up relative to the rest of the country? While prices and data allowances are easy enough to compare on sites such as priceme.co.nz, have you ever had a sneaking suspicion that your broadband speed just wasn’t what it could be? The government-owned Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) thinks that you have the right to know too, and set up the New Zealand Broadband Test site in 2012. This site will compare your broadband speed with others across the country as well as comparing the results of different internet service providers. Go here to try: www.nzbt.org.nz. Be aware though, that if you’re out on a remote country station, your speed is unlikely to always be as fast as someone in Central Wellington.

The next thing to consider is the type of broadband that you’d like to buy. Here in good old Godzone, we have four main types:

ADSL (or in technical language ‘Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line’). Most Kiwi homes with broadband use this form of connection, which uses telephone wires to provide a generally reliable, cost-effective and fast service. An added benefit is that ADSL is available in almost every region!

Cable. Fibre-optic cable is what the ‘ultra-fast’ broadband project is all about. A cable connection can provide greater bandwidth than an ADSL connection, resulting in faster internet access for you! The current network covers most urban centres in New Zealand, although more and more cable is being laid each day. This is great news for people in Gore who like watching a lot of TVNZ On Demand!

Wireless. Wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) works by using radio frequencies to transmit data from radio towers to your device. Wi-Fi is available across the country and is generally quite reliable, although it can be affected by weather and local topography. This is the probably the most convenient and flexible broadband option for the average Kiwi.

Satellite. If you’re in a remote part of New Zealand, satellite broadband could be just the thing for you, as it boldly goes where other broadband options simply cannot. Satellite broadband today is reasonably cost effective and reliable, and can provide coverage anywhere.

Finally, the actual package or provider that you choose will depend largely on the individual needs of you, your family or your business. The packages (and prices!) offered by providers can vary immensely, so don’t be afraid to talk at length to salespeople and shop around until you find the package that works best for you. Happy shopping!

As competition in this sector is relatively new, however, you should be aware that there are significant value differences between packages and providers. Read on to discover more about the ins and outs of rural broadband.

“Rural broadband” is simply broadband delivered to rural parts of New Zealand. Some of these areas traditionally have not been able to access mainstream broadband packages. While satellite broadband was once seen as the only viable option, rural communities today have greater options. This is seen as a significant step in supporting rural communities and businesses to be able to compete in bigger marketplaces as well as for schools in isolated areas to be able to access educational resources and tools previously beyond their reach (and budgets!).

So, what are the options for the average rural household?

Satellite Broadband

This delivers broadband via the IPSTAR Satellite directly to a small satellite dish on your property. It is a reliable, reasonably cost effective option that can provide coverage no matter where you live. Depending on your plan (e.g. download and upload speeds and data allowances), prices generally fall within a monthly range of $50 – $200.
Fixed Line Broadband. This is the cheapest option for rural communities, with broadband provided through existing phone lines. Unfortunately, it cannot provide acceptable coverage to all parts of New Zealand, although with the continuing RBI, the reach of fixed line broadband is slowly increasing. Standard monthly plans range from between $40 – $100.

RBI Fixed Wireless Broadband

Finally, when the RBI project is completed, rural Kiwis will be able to have access to high-speed internet access. Initial prices are being offered in some areas, albeit with quite a variance between packages. For instance, Farmside is offering standalone packages at rates similar to satellite broadband. Vodafone, on the other hand, is providing total “wireless solutions” for households for no more than $110 per month. Installation costs can also vary markedly with Farmside offering a flat rate of $199 and Vodafone charging rates between $228 – $598 for 24-month packages.

Who offers rural broadband?

Most New Zealand providers offer rural broadband packages, although it is not their core business. There are also several specialised and regional players such as Farmside (farmside.co.nz/) and WizWireless. Whether you value the security of a national organisation or the highly personalised service that smaller providers can offer, you are sure to find one that suits you.

* What’s the ‘Rural Broadband Initiative’ all about? Telecommunications firm Chorus is working with Vodafone to upgrade existing rural networks with fibre networks and broadband equipment as well as delivering fibre to Vodafone’s mobile sites that will provide Wi-Fi to rural communities.

Who will benefit?

The UFB initiative is slated to provide ultra-fast broadband to 75% of New Zealanders, predominately in urban areas. The remaining 25% shouldn’t despair, however, as the government has also launched the “Rural Broadband” Initiative for smaller and/or rural communities. Phew!

Why is fast internet a big deal?

Hollywood actress Whitney Cummings was once reported to have said “Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are”. A slow connection can be extremely frustrating, but ultra-fast broadband is about much more than that.

With speedier connections, we can not only access more information but also do more *with* that information. Businesses can raise productivity; teleconferencing with overseas partners will become more streamlined and; pipeline innovations such as telemedicine which rely on faster and better connections can become today’s realities!

How will it affect life at home?

The first thing you’ll notice is that all devices in your home connected to the internet will have faster, more reliable broadband. That may not seem like a big deal at the moment, but imagine the possible range of technologies that the average Kiwi home will have in 10 or 15 years. Fridges that automatically put in an order to the local supermarket when you’re getting low on milk? Who knows? But whatever it is, the UFB initiative will make sure that you’re ready for the future.

When will I get it?

Indirectly, you may already be benefitting. At the moment, the initiative is focusing on priority areas such as education, businesses and healthcare. This is because the benefits enjoyed by these areas are expected to flow on to the rest of the country. Additionally, in some urban centres and in new subdivisions across the country, smaller internet service providers such as Orcon, Snap and Slingslot are already offering ultra-fast connections. Talk to your provider or go to Chorus to find out more.

How much will it cost?

Ah, the million dollar question. Or, more correctly, the $3.5 billion dollar question. That’s a lot of morning lattes, so is it really worth it? Bell Labs, an American research and development organisation commissioned to do a preliminary study on the UFB project, say “yes”.

It’s estimated that upon completion, the initiative will net New Zealand economic benefits of about $33 billion over 20 years. Almost half of this will be for businesses who are expected to save $14.2 billion due to increased productivity and reduced costs in other areas such as travel. Let’s just hope this results in lower consumer prices for the rest of us!

It’s easy to get your policy and then just pay the premium. However, it’s good to refresh your memory on where your insurance policy stands so you can determine whether or not you can save a little bit of money and make sure it’s up to date with your needs.

How to Save Money on Your Car Insurance

•    More Than One Policy? If you want to save on your car insurance premium each year, consider using the same insurance company for other insurance policies you might need. They might also provide contents, life insurance, home insurance or even travel insurance and may give you a multi policy discount for having more than one policy with them. You should have protection for all your things, so why not take advantage of the fact that you can purchase insurance for them all from the same place?

•    Higher Excess: If you’re willing to pay more money towards your excess if an accident occurs, you may be able to lower your monthly premium. Ask the company about a higher excess as this could greatly decrease the amount you pay each month.

•    Reduce Your Coverage: If your car is getting old and isn’t really worth much anymore, any claim may be more than the excess and the cost of your insurance, so you may not need comprehensive coverage. Third party car insurance or third party fire and theft car insurance may be the perfect choice in this situation.

•    Take Advantage of Discounts: While multiple policies with the same insurance company can reduce your premium; you might also want to consider checking other discounts the company might provide. For instance, a no claim discounts could provide you with a significant drop on your car insurance quote. This discount can usually be obtained if you haven’t had a claim in the past two years.

•    Stick With It: One of the most common and popular discounts offered by car insurance companies are loyalty discounts. If you want to get this, however, avoid switching policies too often. Sticking with the same insurance company each year can result in a much lower premium.

You want the best insurance, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a fortune for it. Look for simple ways you can reduce your car insurance premium every year.

Sometimes it pays to purchase a policy that is more comprehensive, and here’s why.

2 Fantastic Reasons to Purchase a More Comprehensive Policy

•    More Cover: Ask yourself this question: What are the most expensive and valuable items you own? If you are like most of us, your home, belongings and your car are your most costly assets, and any damage or loss to these could be devastating to your everyday life. For this reason, the right kind of insurance matters. While partial policies like third party car insurance or even third party fire and theft car insurance can protect you in certain circumstances, buying a more expensive comprehensive car insurance policy to fully protect you can be very advantageous. You’d not only be protected in the event of a collision, fire, or theft, but can usually get roadside assistance if you break down or have an option to rent a car while you vehicle is in the shop

•    Customer Service: When you decide it is time to purchase car insurance in NZ, you’re going to want to speak to friendly and professional representatives, and when an accident happens, and you need to make a claim, you want it to be as quick and easy as possible. The extra convenience of a top-notch customer service team is a fantastic reason to pay more for a car insurance policy. If they can easily help you with a car insurance quote, help you file a claim online or over the phone, and answer any questions you may have about your policy, your experience will be that much easier.

Sometimes the cheapest policy isn’t the best one for you. Your car is one of the most expensive and convenient assets you have, so if you want the right type of security for it.  Consider choosing a more comprehensive, car insurance policy that provides you with the protection you really need when you are out on the road.

Time

It is important to set aside time to review the options. Don’t rush through the process just to get it done. Once it is done, it is unlikely that anything more than simple adjustments will need to be made. If the process is rushed, you are likely to end up with a policy that is much more than you need at a higher price than you wanted to pay.

Expense

Life insurance should be included in the fixed expenses category of your budget. It is a financial safeguard that one hopes to never need until well into their elder years. However, if it is considered a luxury within the budget, then it is easily canceled or allowed to lapse.

Choices

Multiple life insurance quotes will provide multiple options both for choices of coverage and policy prices. Agents that do not request comprehensive information as to what your family needs or do not explain the options available should not be considered. Only you know what is right for your family, and you should not feel bullied into purchasing a policy you don’t need, don’t understand, and can’t afford. Once you find an agent with whom you are comfortable, you can freely ask questions about various options and discuss with them the needs of your family.

Whole Family

People tend to think that children do not need life insurance, but the benefits can far outweigh the cost. Some policies for children have locked-in prices, meaning the child can take over payments as an adult at the same low price that their parents paid. Parents may also refuse to consider that tragedies happen to everyone, including children. Medical bills and/or funeral costs can quickly add up, and an adequate policy can help devastated parents pay those bills without financial burden.

What If

While it is ideal to consider worst-case scenarios, being overwhelmed by “what if” can lead to depression and the inability to choose a policy that is right for your family. Oftentimes, it is easier to consider what would happen if you suddenly lost your income rather than met a tragic or unexpected end. Some fore thought is better than none.

Update

Remember to read the regular policy change notices the insurance company sends to you. Some changes may affect the coverage provided by your policy, and you may need to update the policy to make sure your family is covered completely. You should also update the policy whenever there is a life event that changes the needs of your family.

The thought of needing life insurance is daunting, so understanding how to approach the search is important for finding an adequate policy. The knowledge that you took your time, were comfortable with your decision, and have provided complete and adequate coverage for your family will let you rest easy.

But there are a couple of ways that can help you achieve a relatively easy moving without breaking the bank.

First of all, the myth that going full DIY is the best thing to do must be debunked. Sure, it may be cheaper to do it yourself than to hire a professional but what is the actual cost in terms of time and effort?

These are a few of the advantages of hiring professional movers:

– They’re fast. Not only do they know what they are doing but they also know how to do it properly.
– They all show up simultaneously. This is almost impossible to happen with family and friends who are unlikely to be brought together at exactly the same time.
– Movers have professional moving trucks and vans that will surely fit all your personal possessions. They have all the necessary tools, too.
– They are a lot less likely to damage or break something. Unlike your inexperienced friends and family…

Now that you have assured yourself about quality moving services, it’s time to think of ways to keep your costs down.

You won’t need to buy new packing boxes and packing supplies; it would be cheaper if you get a hold of some that have already been used but are still in good condition. Placing an add in the local newspaper or online are good ways of acquiring boxes.

As for the bubble wrap, well, why bother when you can use items from around the house? Old towels will do as good a job as bubble wrap and they can also be reused numerous times. Even old newspapers and blankets can be used for that purpose.

When looking for a removal company, do a lot of research first. You need the best deal, so remember not to jump at the first offer you find. Go online and read a good amount of reviews from people who have used moving services in the past, which should help you make the final decision about which firm to hire.

Money could be saved by doing some things on your own – without putting at risk any of your possessions. Why not make an attempt at packing stuff yourself? Almost all moving companies would charge you extra if you assign them to do packing as well. Get everything ready before the movers arrive.

Sometimes, you can even save money by moving house during winter or autumn. During the cold months, the prices are often lower than in spring or summer. However, you’ll have to bear in mind that the weather will be worse and may make moving difficult.

Article was written by Camden Man and a Van.

Having a nice time is good but there always has to be someone to make sure the pool is hygenic. If this person is you, then you may need some tips to help you clean the pool after the games for the day are over.

Although when the pool is full of water it may look like it’s clean, the water actually creates an environment for growing bacteria. It can be very dangerous for the children and that is why you shouldn’t underestimate the situation.

Meanwhile, the kids are running all over the yard and come in contact with all sorts of dirt and filth, bringing it with them into the pool. It’s another reason why you have to keep the pool safe and clean for your children.

The good news is you shouldn’t need anything too expensive or specific for the cleaning – just towels or rags, water and bleach. The first thing to do is to drain the pool completely. This can be easily done when you have a pump, otherwise you should do it with hands. If you don’t have a pump, you should remember to completely change the water every few days.

Take note of the manufacturer’s instructions to see which cleaners and detergents you can use for the type of children’s pool. Now use as many towels as you need to dry the rest of the water which you can not drain either with the pump or with your hands.

The detergent you will use for the cleaning of your pool consists of five parts of water and one part of bleach. Use a cloth to scrub every dirty area until it is all removed, rinse the bleach and fill the whole pool with clean water again.

The removing of the bleach is the most important part of the cleaning here because any residues can be very dangerous for your children. They often swallow from the water as they are playing, so be very careful at this stage of the cleaning.

No matter how unpleasant the pool cleaning looks, you have to do it for the kids. They are very vulnerable to bacteria and other nasty microorganisms. Use a cover for the pool when it is not needed for a long time. Putting it on top of the water will save you time in the future. Remember to clean it every time a kid gets injured inside the pool to prevent the bacteria growing and creating dangerous environment for the kids.

Article was written by Clean N Gone Finchley.