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.

Our team of friendly advisers at Union Plus break down the key factors to consider when choosing an insurance policy, along with a handy checklist to ensure you get the coverage you need.

With the cost of living creeping ever higher, it’s great to see that a number of New Zealand’s top insurance providers are offering extra financial relief to Kiwis who sign up for insurance. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.

Bowel cancer is a significant health issue in New Zealand. Each year, more than 1,200 Kiwis die from bowel cancer, and over 3,000 are diagnosed with it. It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country, with New Zealand having one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. The good news is that bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught early. That's why getting screened is crucial.

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.

Men's Health Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight the unique challenges men face regarding their health. Discomfort with medical check-ups, societal pressures, and stigma around seeking help often prevent men from prioritising their wellbeing. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips to kickstart your health journey or support the men in your life in doing so.

Now that winter has started, shorter days and cooler weather can bring a shift in mood for many. The good news is that by recognising these seasonal cycles and adapting your routine, you can maintain good balance and stability throughout the year.

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.

There have been some encouraging trends in the KiwiSaver arena lately, particularly in how investment strategies are evolving to prioritise ethical considerations. This marks quite a shift in how funds are being managed, reflecting more of a move towards responsible investing.

Given that nib currently has a limited time offer on health insurance for pre-existing conditions, let’s look at how their Easy Health, Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max policies can cover many of your pre-existing conditions after an applicable waiting period.

It's a common misconception that children’s insurance is an unnecessary expense, especially when they are young and healthy. However, medical issues can be both unpredictable and expensive. Insurance isn’t just for the adults in the household; it’s a shield for your kids against the unexpected twists and turns of life.

As specialists in financial advice for union members, Union Plus is not just here to help when things go wrong; we're also committed to your ongoing health and wellness. That’s why we’ve put together some expert tips to help you reduce eye strain and protect your vision.

It's that time of the year again when we dive into the latest insights from Consumer NZ's annual KiwiSaver satisfaction survey. If you're curious about where your provider stands or contemplating a switch, you'll find this rundown particularly enlightening.

In New Zealand, the number of scans being performed is skyrocketing. This rise in demand has led to ACC capping the amount they are prepared to cover, creating a gap between the availability and affordability of these essential services. It's clear that private health insurance more crucial than ever.

Partners Life has launched a pivotal advertising campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of income protection insurance. This campaign seeks to shed light on the potentially devastating consequences of being unprotected in the face of illness or injury.

A recent State of the Nation parenting survey conducted by nib highlighted a worrying trend: a significant number of New Zealand parents aren't covered by health insurance. The report revealed some eye-opening statistics about the barriers that Kiwi parents face when it comes to health insurance. Take a look at some of the key numbers.

Sorting travel insurance for your overseas holiday is absolutely essential when it comes to keeping you and your travel buddies safe. Don’t believe us? Check out some real-life travel insurance claims stories from Cover-More to understand why travel insurance is so necessary when heading away.

Introducing our newest series where our KiwiSaver expert, Matthew D’Souza, answers all of your KiwiSaver questions and provides some insightful commentary on one of our most talked about financial initiatives.

We are thrilled to have Matthew join us as a member of our team! With a special focus on KiwiSaver and financial planning, his aim is to delight every client with the retirement that they dream of. Seeing his clients' success is what drives him and gets him leaping out of bed in the mornings!

It’s easy to write health insurance off as a waste of money, but when you need it most, it’s the one thing you can rely on. There are some fantastic policies out there that cover treatments that aren’t funded by Pharmac, and those are the ones you want to have to protect you should the worst happen.

At Union Plus, we strive to help union members avoid situations like the above by ensuring they have the right cover when they need it most. Insurance can be complex, and that’s why our friendly advisers are here to translate the jargon and help you understand how it all works so you can protect you and your family.