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Tag: Legacy

Volunteering Abroad

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People of all ages do just that by volunteering abroad. In places like Mongolia, Thailand, Romania, Mexico or Fiji, volunteers are needed every day. You could use your skills and experience on projects from archaeology, journalism, environment, to human rights, teaching, sports and healthcare. Whatever your specialisation, if you have the desire to enrich a community, there is a project for you.

Some people volunteer as a ‘gap year’ before they get on with career or study, and more people are viewing the opportunity as a way to broaden their career experience or as a personal test for themselves while they do something worthwhile.

And the good news is that many groups place great value on older volunteers. They recognise that with age, comes experience, skills and patience that younger volunteers can’t offer. Recent years have witnessed a massive growth in the amount of retired volunteers, with teaching and care being very popular areasi.

Volunteering is an exciting way to experience a place differently – building a bridge so a community can safely cross a river during high tide is something you won’t forget in a hurry!

Getting started

Numerous groups organise volunteer opportunities overseas. Some, like Projects Abroad, actively seek professionals who can make a difference in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Your professional association might also organise volunteering trips, including law societies, medical or engineering associations. Use your professional association as a starting point or try some internet research. Check the volunteer group you choose with the Australian government to make sure they’re legitimate.

Things to consider

Before deciding to volunteer abroad:

  • Be clear on your reasons. Know why you want to do it as you’ll be putting your life on hold in an unfamiliar place with a complete change in lifestyle and living conditions. Be clear with your organisers why you’re doing it – you’ll get more from the experience and so will the community you work with. If you’re volunteering with another person, be sure your ambitions are well aligned.
  • Research. Don’t leave it up to others to decide where you’ll go. Investigate your preferred places, including the political and cultural environment. Will you easily adapt to the culture and living conditions?What are the social norms?
  • Choose carefully. Look into the group you want to go with. Are they reputable and acknowledged by Australia?Register your travel plans with the Australian government in case you need support. The organisation you choose will have a big impact on your experience so ask for references from past volunteers like you.
  • Organise things at home. Organise your life at home before leaving. Do you have a power of attorney? Consider how your financial affairs will be dealt with while you’re gone. If you’ve got investments, who will make decisions in your absence? Don’t hijack your financial future by ignoring your responsibilities while away, and don’t forget to organise your estate plan, including a current and legal will.
  • Safety. Ultimately your personal safety is your utmost concern. Ask as many questions as you need to be satisfied that the project is safe for you.
  • Follow the advice provided. Your volunteer group will provide preparation advice and what to do while away. Follow this advice. It could make the difference between enjoying your time and being too ill to perform.
  • Know the costs. Be clear on your budget. Consider reserving cash for emergencies. And some projects can drain your health so set money and time aside to recover.

Lastly, have fun! Volunteering abroad is one of the most amazing experiences you’re ever likely to have so make the most of it. You could really make a difference to a community by being part of their life for a short time. Be open to the experience, give generously of your time and knowledge, and reap the rewards for a lifetime.

 

Been thinking of taking yourself on a volunteering experience?

And want to make sure your finances are in place? it could be helpful to speak with your SFP advisor on 02 9328 0876.

i http://www.projects-abroad.com.au/why-projects-abroad/older-volunteers/

Article by – AMP Life Limited.

General Disclaimer: This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Please seek personal financial advice prior to acting on this information.

 

Digital Footprint

A digital life after death

Written by on . Posted in Wills & Legacy. No Comments on A digital life after death

Digital Footprint

They are all clients of a non-profit company that researches, advocates for and performs cryonics. That is, the preservation of humans in liquid nitrogen after death with hopes of restoring them to full health when new technology is developed in the future.

This is just one of the more recent examples in mankind’s endless search for eternal life. But, in a roundabout manner, anyone with a laptop, smartphone and internet connection readily collects enough email addresses, passwords, hashtags, likes and PIN numbers to make it seem as if they’re figuratively frozen in ice.

Everyone has a digital footprint

Consider for a moment your own virtual footprint. At a minimum, there’s likely to be at least one or two social media accounts via Facebook or Twitter. Your bank accounts are almost certain to have online access, and perhaps there’s also a few hundred dollars in a Neteller wallet for the odd flutter on eBay. That’s before you even consider the personal data you have stored on the desktop at home, or on the iPad that never leaves your side.

These elements are an indelible part of our lives, but precious few of us consider the implications of these digital alter-egos as part of their formal estate planning.

Digital Wills and social media

Digital Wills are now being made available through respected organisations so people can ensure their online legacy lives – or fades – according to their wishes. The suggested check-list for those considering a digital Will includes:

  • What are your digital assets? Make a detailed and accurate list.
  • Who do you want to look after and deal with your digital assets after your death?
  • Where are your digital assets, who can access them and what passwords or other access controls (such as encryption, etc.) are required?
  • Which sites do you want to continue or close after your death? Are there any saved items you don’t want deleted (such of photos or videos)?

The expertise of a Digital Will maker also helps friends and family negotiate the minefield of terms and conditions that the majority of us accept with a tick of a box.

For example, some sites like Amazon do not provide any information on how to close the account of deceased users. iTunes is another grey area. No substantial law exists to say whether you really own the content forever, or just while you are alive.

These considerations are even more important for residents of Australia. While the right of publicity ceases when you die as a resident of most countries, no laws currently exist in Australia to grant a Will’s executor automatic access to someone’s social media accounts.

Storing your digital identity

In addition to Digital Wills, a popular alternative is to store important documents and passwords in an online vault. Businesses including SecureSafe and Legacy Lockbox offer secure online storage of passwords and documents. Password management accounts can also be set-up using software such as Norton Identity Safe while Google recently introduced a new program called Inactive Account Manager, which enables you to choose how you wish your Google data to be managed.

Perhaps these alternatives will be enough for the likes of Ms Hilton and Ms Spears to steer away from a trip to the liquid nitrogen tanks.

If you haven’t given this much thought, we recommend you put something in place soon.

 

 

Don’t know where to start?

For more help and strategies on taking care of your financial plans, speak to your adviser at SFP. Or if you don’t have an adviser yet let us arrange an appointment, contact us on 02 9328 0876.

 

This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information.