chrismatt » posts

Smartone IPTV App Not Working with Optus 5G Broadband

Recently installed the smartone IPTV app on Samsung TV and With optus 5g broadband, I keep getting connection timed out error. However, when I use hotspot to connect, I am able to use the app. I …

Content Insurance? Do We Need One? What to Choose? Who to Choose?

I took content insurance from an insurance provider last year, and am due for renewal now. I would like to revisit and fine tune it? The initial trigger was, one of my friends had issues with the …

Cash Back Vs Getting Rewards Discount at Work What Is The Difference?

My company has tied up with a discount coupon reward program, where we can buy woolies, coles, petrol and pretty much every major brand in Oz. Generally save anywhere from 2.5% on fuel to 7% at …

Car Servicing - Any Ideas to Save Money?

Recently got my 100K car servicing done at Mycar. The oil/filter change was $100 and the labour was $300. I am not sure if there is a better way to save some $ here? I am curious to hear, what …

Private Insurance Extras Usage - Unused 75%

I realised a pattern about my private insurance that I am not using 75% of the extras with Medibank. I approached and they are not willing to give me other options. Only option was to reduce by one …

Reduce Number of Extensions. Currently I Have 2 HDMIs, 4 USBC-A, 4 USBC- C

I own a MacBook equipped with two external adapters, each containing USB-C and USB-A ports, as well as HDMI connections for monitors, headsets, and other peripherals. The setup is quite cluttered, …

USD Payment Options When AUD Is Weak

I need to make payment in USD. Due to the weak AUD, the amount is going over the roof. Any idea, how to make it less painful? ' I have a few constraints. The payment is time bound that is by …

Any Suggestion for a Good Electric Shaver That Provides a Clean Cut

I searched the forums for discussion on this topic. interestingly, the search didn't yield good results. I am looking for a good electric shaver which can provide a clean shave. I have tried a …

Would Churning Credit Cards Impact Credit Rating?

I've noticed many offers for new credit card customers, such as 12 months of 0% interest payment. I'm considering taking advantage of these offers and switching to a different card once the …

Drone < $200 15 Minutes Flight Time

Hi everyone, I'm in the market for a drone and have a budget of around $200. I've been searching around and ordered two drones from Amazon, but unfortunately, neither of them worked as …

Kid Has Traumatic Experience with School Teacher What Action Can Be Taken?

My kid had traumatic experience with the school teacher. He yells and screams at the kids. I have reported to the school, and as expected, they have not taken any action. What else can I do? My kid …

Building and Pest Inspection before Buying a House Vs Paying Less to Skip It

Recently heard of a situation where the buyer was willing to accept a lesser price for a property by going unconditional (building best and also, financial). The question is more about building and …

Can Building Inspection Be Influenced by RE Agents?

Can building inspections while buying a house be influenced by the real estate agents? Can agents make the inspectors hide the structural damages? Is there a way to avoid this situation and maintain …

Smart TV 40" Suggestions for Budget of $300

I am looking at buying a second TV for the bedroom possibly 40 inch and budget $300. Searches around and found Ffalcon, Blaupunkt. But both have 2.2 ratings on product reviews. I am looking for a …

Why Is It Cheap to Fly to Thailand Compared to Other Asian Countries?

Was looking at flights to Bali, Thailand and other Asian countries. Astonishing to see flights to Phuket and other Thai cities are cheaper than Sydney in some airlines. I was curious to understand …

Painting Scratches on Car

Hello All There are scratches on the bonnet of my car. Mostly because a plastic clothes basket got dragged on the bonnet. Any suggestions on cheaper way to paint those scratches? Here are the …

Chair Mats for Carpet - Cheaper Options

I am thinking of buying Chair Mats for Carpets, and found they are expensive. At office works its $55. The cheapest is available at $30. I have 3 chairs, and it would cost me nearly $100. I …

Do You Have a Financial Planner? What Is The Cost Involved? Is There an Ongoing Cost?

Do you recommend having a financial planner? I am interested but unsure about the cost? I googled around, and how do you find a good one? What is the cost involved? Are they worth it?

Do You Rather Invest in Stocks or in Properties Now?

I have been having debate with a friend. He believes investing only stocks. He believes property market will crash or fluctuate, and will not give the same returns in the coming years. Where would …

Replacing Some of The Missing Vertical Blinds or Alternate Options?

As I am vacating the house, am going through the condition report and checklists. A few blinds are missing in one of the windows (like 2 or 3). They look like this: https://ibb.co/0VjgGNj. I …

How Do You Bring Change to Property Management/Real Estate Agency Business?

The last couple of my posts have been related to renting the house and dealing with rogue property managers. Each time I change my rental house, I need to deal with these property managers. The …

Vacate cleaning possible ways Real estate agents create trouble

I am vacating the rental house soon after living in this house for nearly 5 years. Two owners and 3 real estate agents have changed the hands since I moved. I am curious to hear what kind of …

Landlord Wants Us to Vacate but It Impacts School Zoning

Recently received notice from the rental agency that landlord would like to move into the house early next year, so was asking us to vacate. We are in the school zone, and starting with a new …

Installing CCTV Cameras around The House - Advice about Product, Installation Process

I live in a rental house, and would like to install CCTV cameras outside perimeter of the house. Appreciate any guidance on choosing the product, installation process, etc. I know that it should …

Any Suggestion about a Good Bluetooth Headset to take Calls While Working from Home?

Any Suggestion about a Good Bluetooth Headset to receive Calls While Working from Home? Most of the calls I get are from Microsoft teams or zoom apps, not on the phone. Appreciate any …

What Legal Options One Has if Someone Takes a Picture of Your Kid and Posts It Online without Your Consent?

Recently some kids were playing in a public park, a parent took the pictures of the kid, posted it in a public forum commenting about kids. In one of the pictures, my kid is seen. I am not …

Which One Is Economical? Using The Rechargeable Ni-Cd Batteries or Buying New Ones?

As the subject says, am curious if it is economical to buy rechargeable batteries, keep charging and re-using "or" just buy from costco or Aldi? Most of the battery uses are for clocks, …

Optimise Use of 3 Power-Boards Being Used with 14 Outlets

All I have 14 plugs being used with 3 power boards in my WFH setup. Being cold in Melbourne, I also use one of them with an electric heater fan. Because of the load, all of them keeps tripping. …

How Do I Get this Spare Part for Toyota Camry?

All I don't know how and where I lost this car part. Picture uploaded here for reference https://ibb.co/1rdvv3K I don't even know what it is called? It is the Rear left side passenger …

Any Suggestion if It Is Ok to Get Nissan Vehicle to Get Serviced at Toyota Service Centre?

I have a Nissan vehicle and need to get regular servicing and also possible inspection as it is making some noise. I don't have any Nissan service centre nearby but there is Toyota one. They …

Apple Airpod Alternatives Any Suggestions for iPhone

Hi All Any suggestions about the Apple Airpod alternatives for iPhone? I googled and saw good reviews: https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/xiaomi-mi-true-wireless-tws-ear... Is that a good choice?

Hard Drive Auto Backup to Cloud and Retrieval Service/Software Recommendation for My Mac

I am looking for a hard drive auto backup to cloud and retrieval software for my mac. Someone recommended Carbonite. Wanted to check with Ozbargainers about other alternatives and suggestions. I …

What Do You Do with The Packaging Boxes (Phone, Modem, Xbox, Applicances Box) ?

Over a period of time, as we buy appliances, we keep accumulating these cardboard boxes. I don't have a backyard or garage space to keep them. I am curious to know, how others manage them? I am …

Dual Monitor set up for two laptops Mac and Windows. Suggestions

I have a work laptop and a personal mac. Due to space constraints, I would like to create a dual monitor set up connecting both mac and windows. Switch between them as needed. I came across this …

Podcasting/Webcasting Good Microphone Suggestion

I was thinking of doing a podcasting/webcasting and came across this one: Samson Meteor USB Studio Condenser Microphone. Wanted to check if Ozbargainers have any other recommendations? I saw a …

MacBook Air Hard Disk Caddy

Recently I upgraded my MacBook Air with a new Hard disk of bigger size. I am now left with the old one and am not sure how to reuse the old one. I heard that there are caddies available but they are …

Insurance for The Phone against Theft, Screen Damage

Recently upgraded my phone. The service provider, even though they seem to offer insurance, somehow, they said they forgot. Now, I am with this new phone but I am worried about theft, screen damage …

Tenant Dented The Garage Door. How to Recover The Repair Charges?

The tenant has dented the garage door of the property. They have vacated and am trying to recover the repair charges. The property agency got the quote for the repair and it is a couple of thousands …

Saving on Car Insurance and Also Second Car Almost Sitting Idle

Hi Due to COVID, I am working from home and the second car is sitting idle. Any suggestions on reducing the insurance premium and also, should I keep the second car or sell it? I use it …

Private ID Caller Confirming My Number

Today got a call from a hidden caller id and he asked me if I have called his number. I have not called anyone and he wanted to confirm my number which he repeated. I didn't entertain as I …

Infringement driving at 65 at 60 zone

Have received an infringement notice for driving at 65 at a 60 zone. I know it has exceeded the speed limit. However, somewhere I remember someone saying that there is 10% tolerance. Is my …

Amazon US

Ordering Books from Amazon US

There are some books available only to be shipped to US address from Amazon.com and not available outside. Any suggestion on how to get it delivered to Oz?

Cost for Desexing Rabbit > $300?

I have two bunnies, a male and a female. I wanted to desex them. I called few vets around in Melbourne, and the price is upwards for $300 for each. Are there vets who are less expensive?

Reducing Electricity Bill by Identifying The Stand by and Always on applicances

Electric supplier sends insights every month and I see that "Stand by and always on" appliances are consuming too much electricity. How can I identify them? I have the following things …

Microsoft Office Student Edition to School Going Kids

Hi I would like to get MS office for the school going kids. Can I avail the student edition ? if I have to buy from JB or OW, do I need to show school id or something ? How does this work ? Please …

Airbnb

Airbnb Host Allegations - Legal Advice

Recently I stayed in an AirBNB and the host has left a public comment alleging that something is broken, etc. It is not true. I was thinking of taking legal action as she has put in the public …

QLD Borders Would Be Closed Wednesday Night

When they say QLD borders are closed, what would happen ? How long ? What would happen to people moving between interstate? Also, whoever enters after Wednesday needs to self quarantine for 14 …

House on Auction. Advice Needed to Protect The Family with Low Immunity Due to Corona Virus

Our owner has put the house on auction and we are tenanted in the property. We have a family member who has low immunity as well. We are worried that due to auction, all sorts of random people will …

Advice needed moving from Melbourne to Brisbane

I am planning to move 3 bed house from Melbourne to Brisbane. Any advice and experience of others who might have done this before ? What factors I need to keep in mind while moving ? Any advice on …

Car Battery Replacement Is RACV Cheaper or Other Places

My car battery is dead. I have RACV road side assist, and some one suggested it is cheaper to get a battery from Super Cheap auto and get RACV to fix rather than getting the RACV batteries which is …