Collaborative Post | Consumers are being penalised for their loyalty to insurance companies when their policies are rolled over and they don’t take the opportunity to review and find a better deal.
​
In these difficult times, strapped by a cost of living crisis, consumers could be saving around £877 per year by not allowing automatic renewals of recurring expenses, including insurance, according to Citizens Advice.

Consumers are falling foul of the loyalty penalty, a trap set by insurance and other companies who just roll over your policy for another year, costing ever increasing amounts that easily go unchallenged. It’s the most loyal customers that can end up on the worst deal. It's time to do something about it and save money every year.
 
For other consumers, it’s all too easy to forget to renew certain insurances and they can find they are uninsured at the critical moment. If only there was a way to get reminded in good time to do something about it.

Many of us have multiple kinds of insurance, often with a variety of providers. If you own a car, you’ll certainly have car insurance. But you may also have home insurance for your contents, another policy somewhere for buildings insurance, maybe you’ve got an annual travel policy too. And what about pets? You may well have insurance for your dog or cat. And for many people, health insurance for yourself and the rest of the family.
 
It’s not always easy to remember which companies provide which insurance for us, let alone being sure when it is that the renewal date for each one comes around. And that’s how they get you - the automatic rollover from one year to the next relies on us being too busy with so many other things in life to notice another letter or email from another insurer.

 There are several ways to avoid the loyalty penalty and make sure you’re getting value:
​

• Shop around: Before renewing your insurance, compare prices and deals from other providers. You may find a better deal out there
• Negotiate: If you want to stay with your current provider, try negotiating a better deal or price. They should try to keep you
• Switch: Consider switching to a different provider or product altogether. This may require some effort, but the savings could be significant
• Keep informed: Stay up-to-date with any changes to your policy terms or cost. This will help you make informed decisions about whether to renew or switch
• Be willing to walk away: If your provider won’t offer you a better deal, maybe it’s time to walk.

 
Is there a better, easier way to look out for your insurances?

Collaborative Post | Whatever your circumstances when travelling in your fifties, whether it’s with a partner, on your own or with friends, there are plenty of places to seek out and escape to. Whether you’re into backpacking or travelling in optimum comfort, there’s something for everyone

The world is a big place and there’s a never-ending list of places to discover, whether you stick to Europe or go beyond to far-away continents. Across these five destinations, you can find relaxation, excitement and plenty of culture, offering a little bit of everything. Here are five destinations you shouldn’t miss on in your 50s:
​

• Phuket, Thailand: While Thailand is commonly associated with young travellers, that’s not to say that those in their fifties can’t have an equally amazing time. Thailand, and more specifically Phuket, offers an incredible variety of activities and sights to see. Make the most of white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, plus stunning temples and shrines on the country’s largest island. When it comes to food, you’ll be spoilt with southern-Thai cooking delights that incorporate Chinese and Malay flavours.

 

• Lost City of Petra, Jordan: a Jordan tour to the Lost City of Petra is a brilliant trip to add to your travel list. It’s filled with mystery and archaeological intrigue, standing amidst rugged desert and carved into the mountains. It’s thought to have been crafted by the ancient Arabic people during the time of the Nabataeans and built in 312BC. There’s no wonder it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond this landmark however, you can see the grand outdoor theatre and a number of majestic tombs.

 

• Tecate, Mexico: For a rich dose of culture and a feast of smells, tastes and sights, Tecate in Mexico is the perfect choice. You can tuck into burritos, sip local craft-coffee and drink Mexican beer to your heart’s content. If you time your visit wisely, you can also attend the annual Day of the Dead celebrations to really immerse yourself amongst the iconic La Catrina skeletal creatures and feathered outfits.

 

• Dalmatian coast, Croatia: The Dalmatian coast in Croatia is iconic for anyone seeking out crystal clear waters and stunning scenery. Being an archipelago, Croatia offers plenty of exploration across a relatively short distance, making it ideal for anyone wanting to seek out a range of sights while travelling. From Split to Hvar, Dubrovnik to Brač, you’re spoilt for choice with larger towns and villages, all within close proximity to the sparkling Adriatic Sea.

 

• Madeira, Portugal: High cliffs, pebbly beaches and a warm climate, Madeira is a beautiful destination that experiences a touch of the African climate while still being located in Europe. Also known as the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, it’s home to an array of botanical gardens, volcanic caves and natural parks. Perfect for anyone with an interest in the natural world.

 
From the exotic turquoise seas of Phuket to the volcanic caves of Madeira, the top 5 destinations mentioned above offer a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences and natural wonders.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post

Collaborative Post | Staying fit only gets harder the older you grow, yet the benefits of keeping fit are too great to ignore.

Exercising helps you live longer and enjoy a greater quality of life. It also helps you avoid slips, trips, and falls – removing the possible need to instruct personal injury claims lawyers in later years.

So, how do you keep fit after fifty?

We’ve written this article to give you our best advice. Keep reading for five fitness tips for women over fifty

When you first start exercising, it’s best to get expert advice. While it isn’t likely that they’ll tell you that you can’t exercise, they can give you insights into the activities and routines that will be most appropriate for you.

This will help you avoid accidentally injuring yourself or aggravating a pre-existing medical condition. For instance, if you suffer from arthritis, your doctor will be able to tell you how you can exercise without aggravating your joints – by using low-impact activities such as swimming or biking, for example.​

The goal is to exercise consistently. Yet if you try to do this straight away, you may find yourself sore, tired, and disillusioned. It’s far more sustainable to start small and gradually increase your activity over time.

There are a few ways you progress your exercise. First, you can increase the number of times you exercise in a given week. You can also ramp up the intensity with which you do the exercise or activity. Pick a way of scaling your fitness that works for you.
Make sure you pay special attention to recovery too. Be consistent with hydration and nutrition – and consider trying specific recovery techniques like stretching and myofascial release.​

Exercising with others can let you benefit from the insight of others, plus the added social aspect can make staying fit more enjoyable.

Enlisting the help of a personal trainer is a smart move, especially if you’re not confident when you start exercising. They can share their expertise with you, guiding you on the proper biomechanics, intensity, and recovery methods for you to get the best results.
Alternatively, consider taking group classes. This can be more fun than working out on your own. You get to meet new people and spend time with friends, which adds a social aspect that makes keeping fit just as good for your mind as it is for your body.​