Following the last post… some more from the Australian newspaper on the same story.

AUSTRALIA’S baby boomers will be asked to work two years longer before they can claim an aged pension with the eligibility test for payments to be lifted to 67 years of age by 2023.

Retirees will also be urged to keep working after they leave the full time workforce, with more generous work bonuses introduced to allow pensioners to keep more of their pension when they are also earning income from part-time work.

The decision to make older Australians wait until they are 67 to claim the aged pension reflects the findings of a major review of pensions and retirement incomes commissioned by the Rudd government that argues increased life expectancy should trigger a review of age eligibility test for the pension.

Are other countries doing the same thing? Please let me know and I’ll add it here…..

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeTanning booths are now a regular method to ensure people in ’sun poor’ countries can have that all over tan every day of the year. Technology has come to the rescue to an industry that is having problems, owing to the rise in cases of skin cancer, with some newer techniques that pose less danger. However, even in countries blessed with an abundance of sunlight such as Australia, tanning booths have been popular. Recent deaths attributed to skin cancer being caused by these booths have put that method under close scrutiny and in Australia some may even have legal action tacken against them.

This has led to many people looking at alternative ’safe’ methods for getting a tan. There has been in increase in artificial techniques with spray tanning high up on that list. Although bronzing agents have been around for many years, they tend to leave streak marks unless professionally applied.

Although the popularity is still to be proved, systems using the new spray tanning technology have been designed for home use. The methods of artificially creating this effect may differ but a guide to getting a good finish works with them all. First off, you should exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin. If you apply a tan agent to dead skin it will just fall off and leave light spots in its place.

Once that stage has been completed, the body needs to be moisturized all over. Secondly, you always want to wear gloves if you are applying the tanning agent yourself to avoid getting the dreaded orange palms which are a dead give away that your tan is fake. Also, apply lighter coats on the joints of your fingers, your knees, and your elbows as these areas will appear darker if you do not and the same applies to your feet. When a spray tanning system is used a towel will be needed to wipe off any excess which could cause a streak.

Once the tanning agent (whatever type you have used) has been applied you will need to have somewhere to relax and not move while the coating dries or small smear marks might occur. Remember that these agents aren’t prejudiced and will tan clothes just as well as they do your skin, so be careful when choosing what you wear afterwards. You should choose something dark and also maybe something you don’t particularly care for until the excess is worn off. Applying an artificial tan successfully means there are a few rules to follow which should ensure it looks as genuine as possible.

Image via WikipediaFood for thought……

It’s becoming quite normal for people to install alarm systems in this ever-changing society in which we live. In fact, security systems have become a must have addition to many homes these days in some areas. The thought of home alarms had never entered my mind, because I grew up during a decade where we trusted others and could leave our doors unlocked without consequence. Society today finds that to be the direct opposite to how it used to be. Since I am now a parent, I’ve become increasingly aware of society’s ills and as a consequence, I have been taking a look at the financial involvement of having a home alarm.

I only realized some time ago that most new cars come equipped with alarms. A BMW I purchased came equipped with an alarm, but I have no idea if the alarm has stopped anyone from entering my vehicle, because I am not aware of anyone who ever tried to do so. The auto insurance company also provides me with a discount and I suppose I do get some reassurance from knowing it is there.

Capable and reliable alarm systems are almost mandatory for businesses no matter what size they may be if they want continued insurance protection. Like more and more people are doing these days, I am going to have an alarm system installed at home. After a while considering this I finally decided to look into getting more information on home security. What I didn’t know was that they not only help prevent someone entering your home but can help avoid other dangers too. The benefits of having one set up in your home are enormous.

Now that I know that these types of alarms can detect fire and the deadly carbon monoxide gas, I feel very reassured. Not only are they protection from those threats, but they can help with medical emergencies too. Since I am now responsible for small child and the local crime rate worsening, looking into home security became a critical choice that I had to make. After the kidnappings of children from where they lived made national papers, radio and TV I became more concerned about the situation.

My daughter has her bedroom on the first floor, where it would be too easy if anyone ever decided that they wanted to break in and commit a crime. The thought brought back harsh reality and I started to look seriously into home security systems. I truly believed that making this decision was the best way to keep her safe. My insurance company is also helping me to save money as they give people who have alarm systems fitted a lower monthly premium as a result. Sure, home security might cost you more money out of your pocket each month but to me you cannot put a value on that type of safety. In terms of wealth, feeling safe when you are in your home is worth a fortune.