Choosing Between a Van, Car or Motorbike

Given vehicle options today, which is a better choice; van, car or Motorbike. The answer depends on what your needs are for transportation. We will take a look at the pros and cons of all three in several areas.

Anyone with a need to transport cargo must first consider a van above the other options. Available with or without rear seats, it is the quintessential choice for transporting either people or freight. In addition, other positives include a larger fuel tank for distance travel and heavier construction for added safety in the event of a crash. There are some downsides to a van as well, such as higher purchase and operating costs. Fuel economy is often less that cars and maintenance costs can be higher as well.

Cars are the most versatile of the three options, ranging in size from compact to luxury. They are a good choice for simple transportation needs of individuals, or small families. They provide good protection and moderate costs, but fuel economy can fluxuate greatly. Although less room than in vans, some cars have significant trunk space. One factor not to overlook is as with vans, cars protect you from the weather.
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Westpac Leaked Document Dubs Melbourne As Provincial

A confidential document authored by Australian banking major Westpac labels the city of Melbourne and its community as being “provincial”, predicting that the city’s media will throw its support behind the $578 million bid to revive the Bank of Melbourne brand.

The document was prepared by Westpac last July for its board members and has been leaked literally weeks before Bank of Melbourne opens its first branch, and is likely to be a little embarrassing for Westpac CEO Gail Kelly, as she seeks to push into the Victorian banking market.

A Westpac spokesperson said the document was prepared over a year ago and does not make an accurate representation of Westpac’s business plan for Bank of Melbourne.

”It was not the business model put to the Westpac group board for final approval and therefore should not be relied on as an accurate source of information,” she said.

The rebranding of St George in Victoria, dubbed by Westpac as Project crest is designed in large part to rebuild the lenders market share in the state, and is primarily aimed at offering a strong regional alternative to the big four banks.

As part of the plan, Westpac will rebrand 34 St George branches in Victoria as Bank of Melbourne branches, and says it intends to triple the size of the network over the next five years.

David Morgan who was Gail Kelly’s predecessor as Westpac chief, made the controversial decision to bin the Bank of Melbourne brand in 2004, after having promised to keep it when Westpac bought the business in 1997 for $1.5 billion.

The document admits St George has ”a small position and a relative weak performance” in the state. Adding that a ”la


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Some advisers still avoid online applications

Some life insurance advisers are still reluctant to lodge applications online, according to new research from Zurich Life Australia.

Research undertaken by Beaton Research and Consulting for Zurich Life found a third of the 435 advisers surveyed submit less than 10% of their life insurance applications online.

But figures supplied to insuranceNEWS.com.au by Zurich Life last week show 41% of advisers are now submitting more than half of their applications online.

Older advisers are more reluctant to use online applications, with 40% of advisers aged 40-54 and 10% aged 55-64 submitting less than 10% online.

Advisers under 35 submit more than 50% of their applications online, but the research also showed some older advisers are equally comfortable using online processing.

About 40% of advisers aged 55-64 and those above 65 submitted more than 50% of their applications online.

Philip Kewin, Zurich Life GM Sales and Marketing Retail Risk, says the survey shows some advisers will not change their habits despite the efficiency savings that come from using online applications being “fairly well documented and understood”.

But the number of advisers using traditional methods to lodge applications is declining.

“We conducted similar research late last year and found close to 20% of advisers did not use online application services at all,” he said. “But at


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New Social Network Provides Personal Finance Advice

Savings Accounts and Money Market Rates provided by 11 August 2011 Online social networking is perhaps one of the most prominent trends in the culture of the world today. A newly launched website, Social Premier, intends to use this internet format to provide personal finance information, advice and various related services to its members.

The new site will offer information and tips regarding topics such as , the development of new businesses and evaluation of real estate. Access to pertinent blogs, instructional media, news and interactive message board forums for users to carry on discussions and share information will also be provided.

Numerous exclusive educational videos can be viewed by Social Premier members. Industries covered by these videos include insurance, law, accounting, mortgages, real estate topics and lending, among others.

Social Premier is available free at first, for an initial trial lasting seven days. Afterwards, subscribing to the site will require paying a $60 annual fee, or $75 either once a year or split across 12 months to have access to additional resources and amenities.

The prevalence of social networking in various forms is confirmed by the U.S.
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5 Popular Cards from American Express

American Express is one of the few credit card families I feel comfortable recommending (Discover Card is another). One reason is American Express’ commitment to rewarding their card members with unique benefits and the other being their outstanding customer service.

American Express calls their customers “card members” and it affects the way they view their relationship with them. When you’re a member of something, a country club, a church, a social organization, there are certain benefits that go along with membership … and American Express is one of the best.

The target market for these cards is someone who regularly spends a lot of money each month and has the ability to pay the bill in full. Additionally, the target market for these cards should want the fantastic benefits and services offered to American Express Card members.

So what’s the difference between most of the cards offered by American Express? Eac


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