It happens to us all - you check the bank statement and a direct debit doesn't go through because you forgot about a cheque you wrote a fortnight ago, or your better half used the debit card and didn't mention it. There on the statement is the dreaded $35 or $40 dishonour fee charged to your account - and most likely the other institution that the direct debit was supposed to go to has also socked you a similar amount!

We would have had this happen to us about 5 times in the past 2 or 3 years - think we've ever paid the fee? Nope. We challenge the bank (usually in writing) and EVERYTIME they have waived the fee - we offer to pay a reasonable administration fee, but they always waive the whole fee. Why? to not set a precedent that's why - if they reduce the fee charged then every customer of that bank can demand the same treatment, so they kindly waive it to show 'good faith' or because you are a 'valued customer'.

The reality is that the high fees are most likely unenforceable in law - the law states that an institution may charge a reasonable fee to provide a service, but may not charge an exorbitant one. Plain and simple and that's all you have to remember!

Choice.com.au has a word document and information that you can download to challenge fees. They also say that you can retrospectively challenge unfair fees going back from 3 to 6 years depending on which state you live in.

Here's the link to the website I mentioned -
Choice.com.au - Reclaim your bank fees

Give it shot - I'd be surprised if you are unsuccessful.

Wibble

I thought this might be a useful article for the site - for families and businesses needing to plan ahead.

The information was from an Australian Travel site, so I hope it's accurate. If you notice any errors, please let Andy know on the Contact page.

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

Is anyone else sick and tired of the 'big boy' supermarkets and their tactics? Well, I for one am. As is said, almost daily these days, on the current affairs-type programs - these guys are really ripping us and aussie food producers off.

We do a fortnightly (sometimes 3 weekly if I don't get around to it!) 'big' shop at one of the Nowra supermarkets and every time I go, I see more of the 'house-brand' items there on the shelves. Now, I don't have a major issue with that - it's the removal of other brands that gets right up my nose.

Sure, I can understand there are many people out there 'doing it tough' and a saving of even a few cents is worth making, but we must all realise that if we buy more and more of the 'house-brand' products then eventually we'll have little else to choose from. How long do you think the house-branded stuff will stay so cheap?? Come on, once they have eliminated the competition they can charge whatever they like!

Sure - there will eventually be 'budget' house-brand items and 'premium' house-brand items to choose from - but, where do you think they will come from? Yep, you guessed it, China, Mexico etc. If they are aussie-sourced, then you can bet the poor old farmer will get bugger-all for the produce or products!

Do what I do - take one of their 'Customer Experience Feedback' forms (or whatever they call the complaint forms), tell them that you are sick of the situation and would they kindly give us a real choice and pop one in the letterbox EVERY time you do a shop (they are usually post-paid so it costs nothing but 1/2 hour of your time). You can say at least that you have had your say and you never know, they may take notice if enough shoppers complain about it!

Let's get the ball rolling - why do you like living here? Let us all know your 'pros and con's of our village. What makes it special to you and what do you think needs improvement?

Personally, having only been a 'local' for just over 3 years now, I can only say that the place is fantastic.
Everyone I have come in contact with, either personally or in business has been welcoming and friendly.

Pros: The weather (cool sea breezes on hot summer days keeps it far more comfortable than town) - the facilities (well, we have almost everything here we need don't we?) - the beach and river of course!
Cons: None that I can think of except the painful drive into town for the big supermarket shop!