So, in retrospect, in 2015, not a single person got the answer right to “Where do you see yourself in five years from now?” We’ve all had to make changes and adjustments to our lifestyle along the way and quite some drastic changes, and as I sit here now, nearing the end of May 2022, I raise an eyebrow at just how fast time has flown since that first lockdown.

I spoke with a client the other day who had not been back into the office since March 2020. They were very happy about this. Their new normal is just working from home. The thing they were most excited about was that, given their new normal, ‘home’ could be anywhere. So, they moved from Lower Hutt to Christchurch. Closer to Family. Better for my mental health, he said. This was also a plus as mid-late 2019, there was a marriage break up. No kids involved but messy – house sale, dividing up of assets, who gets the art, who gets the electronic gear, who gets the Dog.  

I admit that my hopes heading into 2021 were somewhat lesser than they had been for previous years. I’m usually all about dreaming big. I love resetting the bucket list and making grand and fantastic plans for the upcoming year. Recent years have seen a desire to do the ‘Great Walks’.  We had itchy feet, like much of the country, and pulled up the tent pegs and got set to ‘do something new in NZ’, like the TV ads were encouraging us to do. Take advantage of cheap rail tickets on the Tranz Alpine Network, no queues on the luge in Queenstown, go and wander over the sands at Oakura, go take a photo of ourselves on the Bluff sign and catch up with a mate in Invercargill (and see Burt’s bike of course). Plans to do Abel Tasman end of the year….provided no more Covid, or Monkey Pox or whatever else comes up….

Now here we are in 2022, I’ve just finished watching Ricky Gervais’ Supernature and I’m excited about some of the comedy acts, the big ones, international ones, coming to town (actually coming to Wellington). Sarah Millican, Jim Jefferies, and Tom Segura in early 2023. And some great NZ comedy talent too (all going to plan, of course..) If 2020 taught us anything, it’s to keep expectations in check. It’s the uncertainty of the year ahead that I find difficult, still. Easier this year than last but still difficult.  

So, I just truck on and plan and book stuff – but always tick the box to get the insurance - just in case a drummer dies or something like that, and I need a refund.  

When it comes to insurance against disaster (and not the few bucks that you pay extra in case you must cancel a gig (or they do), or there’s a lockdown, a plague or pandemic) there are types of cover for the more subtle, slow-burning disaster that can creep up unawares, stopping your life and bringing your dreams to a halt.

It is not the sudden stroke (there’s one every 9 minutes in NZ) or a heart attack (every 90 minutes, someone in NZ dies from cardiovascular disease) but something more abstruse that can affect you. Yes, YOU. The “Salt of the Earth, nothing can take me down, I’m fine, I don’t need any help” kind of Kiwi.  It’s your Mental Health.

Mental health awareness is more present and in our faces now, with more research coming to the fore and some big names talking about it. It certainly makes for sobering reading and watching to see the state of our mental health in NZ.

One of the key lessons for many in 2020 was realising the importance of our health and mental wellbeing. It’s always been important of course, but the last few years have really shone a light on it.

That mental scaffolding which we all have up to some extent, took a knock over the last few years. For many, the trauma of the last few years (and before that) is the ever-present demons’ that folks are working through.

There are a vast number of valuable resources available to you through your personal risk insurance providers that offer things like a mental health navigator and Best Doctors (Google it) which is a game changer when it comes to getting a second opinion on a diagnosis and treatment options for your mental health, and include interactive symptom checkers, health calculators, video libraries and more.

We’ve always known how important our health and mental wellbeing is, and now more than ever, there are options which don’t cost an arm to get cover.

There are 7 key times in your life to check your insurance. Getting some personal health insurance sorted now, or reviewing what’s in place to ensure it’s still relevant, is starting to sound like a good idea, as who knows what’s around the next corner.

By the way.. the dog went to Christchurch.    

Simon.

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About Simon  

Hi, I’m Simon a Financial Advisor here at Velocity Financial. I enjoy working with my clients to help demystify all the Mortgage, Insurance and KiwiSaver fine print, and help get them to where they want to be. I am dedicated, thorough and offer professional advice that works for you. I like to help people on their journey and be a trusted person to guide them through really important events in their lives such as the home buying process. I help my clients collaborate with valuers, builders, lawyers and real estate agents to ensure a seamless experience. That satisfaction of reaching the goal with the least amount of stress for my clients is hugely rewarding. I navigate unique scenarios and tailor lending solutions for individual circumstances to save money and time. As a proud father of two and avid supporter of all my children’s endeavours, I know just how precious that time is. On the weekends you’ll also find me mountain biking, surfing, or checking out NZ’s great walks.

Disclaimer: Simon O’Neill (FSP534466) is a Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial (FSP95466). No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. Please see Simon’s disclosure statement on our website.

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