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I came across a really good belt, with an internal zipped pocket for carrying currency (although folded a lot). It has a plastic faster on a webbing belt, and works extremely well. My waist does expand and contract a bit these days, and it's nice to have exact adjustments instead of holes. It...

While I was talking about rooftop solar, I wholeheartedly agree with you on EVs. As for solar, it's so cheap, the rich producers have to be subsidised by poorer consumers. The irony in both situations is as heavy as one could imagine.

Yup! The greatest shift of wealth from poor people (who couldn't afford it) to rich people (who could) in recent history. It's an absolutely disgusting aspect of the whole industry, although far from the only one.

This is one of the main problems with EVs today. Unfortunately the technology just isn't there, at least economically, yet. Unfortunately, the rest of it isn't there yet either. The required charging infrastructure is still in its infancy, and I often see people trying multiple attempts to...

Unfortunately for them, I'm "as compromising as a paranoid mule" (to quote Tom Robinson), and I'm retired, so I have both the incentive and time to dig my heels in deep. To court if required. A stupid waste of money over a grand in flights not taken.

A quick update: after a looooong conversation with a couple of people who really can't speak English well, and actually couldn't access any real information, they tried to tell me that the passenger had actually taken the Brisbane to Perth flight. I pointed out that it took off 5 minutes after...

Your first paragraph is exactly what happened. She took the next available flight back to Mackay the next day, because no suitable flight was offered (eg early morning), so the entire day would have been a washout in Perth. She was even given a claim form for accommodation etc. I'll be filling...

I bought a return VA ticket from Mackay/Brisbane/Perth for a friend whose mother had died. The Perth part cancelled, and another flight 14 hours (?) later offered. This was completely unsuitable as the trip was just for a weekend, and time constrained by work commitments. So, having the Perth...

In the case of CBA, my reduced mortgage interest rate more than covers the annual cost of the card. Interestingly, I once blocked the card from use (for a couple of personal reasons), and the fee now goes on to my mortgage, which means I don't really have to think about it for another 20 years... 😉

This is obviously extremely subjective. Personally, I like Flametree winery from Margaret River. They are way less 'oaky' than normal Australian wines are, so suit my European-trained palate. They have a good range of styles. Cabernet Merlot is my fave red, but Malbec is v good too. Prices...

Cross-body is my preference too, under my shirt, except for airports (because of security). If the strap is too long, tie a knot in it, perhaps. Mine has an adjustable thingy. Also RFID proof. I may be paranoid, but I'm not sure I'm paranoid enough.

When we went to Chile, we entered with our UK passports (no visa required), because of this issue generally. It was a bit awkward getting back, as we had to 'leave' on our UK passports, but 'check in' on our Australian passports to be allowed to board our cruise back to Oz.

I tried to buy a car from a dealer on a card in 2002, and they said the $22k was above their limit to accept. I'm not sure if that would still be an issue. Given that they pay a significant amount for cc transactions, they probably won't be keen, even if possible.

In my experience, you won't qualify for the domestic lounge in Melbourne, no. It's worth a try, however, but the systems probably won't allow it. Invites would probably have to be used.

Yeah, I've abandoned MH now, abdicated to star alliance again because of this. I did have good flights with Emirates, using the cars each end. Never got my MH points, however 😥 Singapore are now my faves, with 'almost' double beds on the A380s in business. TBH, I loved the throne seat (bulkhead...

My firm policy in planning for my demise, having property and banks in multiple countries is as follows: 1. All properties and accounts in my main country of residence in my name. My will is there too. This country has no inheritance tax. 2. All properties in other countries will be...

In my experience the arriving flight class is sufficient for your lounge access when connecting

My only experience was that I was asked, by the finance co, to reduce my available credit. Since I never used the total $70k odd credit, I didn't mind. Car finance was $50k. All this 10 years ago. My income was probably reported as about $100k. Never been asked to drop a card, however.

I can't see the problem. She borrowed money against her house. We pay it back on selling the house. I can't see why it shouldn't be repaid.

Why is this such a problem for you? My late mother took one out, and it paid for several years of full-time care at home, where she wanted to stay. A perfectly legitimate borrowing situation.