Fire Alert

Hi Scott

My beautiful friends, who have three children under eight, were caught in the Gidgegannup fires yesterday. They escaped with the clothes they were wearing, their cats and their toothbrushes. They lost their home and all other possessions. If there is any advice or assistance you could suggest to them, it would be ever so appreciated. I know I am being rather presumptuous but I thought asking you may be my best way to help them.

Deb

Hi Deb,

I called your friends this week and offered them a hand.

Anyone struggling with money can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, or the Small Business Support Line on 1800 413 828, and speak to a financial counsellor like me.

Your question really hit home because this weekend marks the 7th anniversary of Liz and I losing practically everything we owned in a bushfire.

Like your friends, we didn’t think it was going to happen to us.

So, here’s a five-minute peace of mind booster.

Pull out your phone and call your insurance company and ask them how much you’re covered for, and what events you can claim for. Bonus points: while you’re on hold, take a video of your house and all your possessions. (And, as an extra bonus, your conversation will be recorded, which you can call on if you ever have to make a claim.)

Scott.