Why Life Insurance Still Matters in Your 50s
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

Why Life Insurance Still Matters in Your 50s

Even if you’ve had insurance for years, your needs may have changed. Life insurance, trauma cover, total and permanent disability (TPD), and income protection are still important in your 50s. They’re not just about preparing for the unexpected, they’re about giving you peace of mind and protecting your financial future.

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Recipe: Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potatoes
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

Recipe: Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potatoes

Looking for a colourful, crowd-pleasing side dish that tastes like Christmas on a plate? This festive recipe combines roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes with a sweet-tart maple cranberry glaze for the perfect balance of flavours. Topped with creamy goat cheese and fresh cranberries, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

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Is BMI Really the Best Measure of Health?
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

Is BMI Really the Best Measure of Health?

While BMI is a useful starting point, it’s important to remember that it’s just that — a starting point. It doesn’t take into account factors like muscle mass, body composition, or where fat is stored in the body. That’s why health and insurance professionals often use BMI alongside other key health indicators to get a more accurate picture of your metabolic risk.

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Movember 2025: It’s More Than a Mo
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

Movember 2025: It’s More Than a Mo

What started as a simple challenge to grow a moustache has become a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for some of the biggest health challenges men face today: mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

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KiwiSaver Series with Matthew D’Souza: How to Maximise Your Government Contribution and Secure an Extra $521!
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

KiwiSaver Series with Matthew D’Souza: How to Maximise Your Government Contribution and Secure an Extra $521!

With the end of June rapidly approaching, it’s that time of year again when you have the chance to boost your KiwiSaver account with a generous $521 from the government. This annual boost is often referred to as the "member tax credit" or government contribution, and it’s a fantastic way to give your retirement savings an extra boost. But you need to make sure you’re eligible to get the full amount—let’s take a look at what you need to know to make sure you get your full entitlement.

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Keep warm without breaking the bank this winter
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

Keep warm without breaking the bank this winter

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, keeping your home warm and cosy becomes a priority. But let's face it, winter heating can put a serious strain on your wallet. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help you and your family keep warm and comfortable this winter—without blowing the budget.

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How to avoid the most common online scams in NZ
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

How to avoid the most common online scams in NZ

Did you know that in 2020, Kiwis collectively lost almost $19 million to online scams? Despite being generally tech-savvy, people often fall prey to scams that range from phishing schemes to identity theft. At Union Plus, we understand the importance of safeguarding your financial well-being, so we’ve put together a helpful guide on the most common online scams in New Zealand and how to avoid becoming the next victim.

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Health Insurance Claims: What Union Members Need to Know
Rupert Gough Rupert Gough

Health Insurance Claims: What Union Members Need to Know

Recent health insurance claims data highlights the significant costs associated with serious medical treatments. This article explores these trends and offers practical advice for union members on how to prepare financially for unexpected health events.

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What Are Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates?
Rupert Gough Rupert Gough

What Are Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates?

Understanding the difference between fixed and variable mortgage rates can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. In this article, we explain how each option works, the pros and cons, and smart strategies for securing a low interest rate.

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What Is Critical Illness Cover?
Rupert Gough Rupert Gough

What Is Critical Illness Cover?

Critical illness cover can provide a financial safety net if you’re diagnosed with a serious health condition. This article explains in clear terms what critical illness cover is, the key benefits it offers, the typical exclusions you need to watch out for, and how you can include it in your wider financial plan.

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How Much Should You Contribute to KiwiSaver?
Rupert Gough Rupert Gough

How Much Should You Contribute to KiwiSaver?

Choosing how much to contribute to your KiwiSaver account can make a huge difference to your future savings. This article shows what a 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% contribution looks like over time—and helps you decide the right rate for you.

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Why Budgeting Matters for Union Members
Rupert Gough Rupert Gough

Why Budgeting Matters for Union Members

A solid budget is one of the best tools for building financial security, no matter your income. In this article, we share easy ways union members can track expenses, plan smarter, and set up an emergency fund to protect against life’s unexpected costs.

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Understanding KiwiSaver Fund Types
Rupert Gough Rupert Gough

Understanding KiwiSaver Fund Types

Your KiwiSaver fund choice can make a big difference to your future savings. In this article, we explain how to pick the right fund mix for your age and goals, and why it’s important to lower your risk as you get closer to retirement or major withdrawals like buying your first home.

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Smart Holiday Spending During a Cost-of-Living Crisis
Owen Grauman Owen Grauman

Smart Holiday Spending During a Cost-of-Living Crisis

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also bring us financial stress, especially amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With rising expenses for groceries, travel, and gifts, holiday budgets can quickly spiral out of control.

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