Welcome to the second issue of The Handy Hippo Newsletter!

In this edition, you can find everything you need to know about:

Happy Reading


http://www.debtbusters.co.za/how.php

The economy is going down, prices are going up and we’re stuck right in the middle. 
These days, it’s really easy to fall into the debt trap.  Here are some tips to point out the pitfalls and get you in the clear again!

Know your debt!

If you are to win the war on debt, you must, as legendary Chinese general Sun Tzu once said, “Understand the enemy”.  Debt comes in 2 basic varieties:

Avoidable debt

This form of debt can sneak up on you completely undetected if you’re a bit gung ho with your credit card or take on large purchases like a new car when you don’t really need one.  Pay attention to your spending and you’ll escape the icy clutches of avoidable debt.  However, if it’s already too late, please read our Don’t Panic! section or visit www.hippo.co.za/debt_management.asp

Unavoidable debt

Retrenchment or hefty medical expenses can bring this form of debt crashing down like a ton of bricks.  Finding a new job these days isn’t easy – and having to pay a fortune for an emergency operation is extremely stressful.  Although easier said than done…
 
Don’t Panic!

Nobody likes making sacrifices, but stick to these steps and soon enough you’ll be free!

  • Resist the urge to swipe that plastic.  Lock your credit card away if necessary.
  • Do without DSTV, magazine subscriptions, gym memberships etc until you’re back on track.
  • Set a budget – and stick to it!
  • Don’t buy anything new!  Besides food, of course, but make sure it’s from a supermarket – it will save you money.
  • Search for deals to reduce the costs of your cell phone bill, internet bill, insurance, home loan etc.  Start by visiting www.hippo.co.za.
  • When you have some money to spare, use a portion of it to pay off your debt.  Get rid of that debt ASAP!
 
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http://www.thetimes.co.za/Business/BusinessTimes/Article1.aspx?id=837754

Paying too much for medical aid scheme extras that you don’t use?  Sticking with plans that no longer provide the cover your need?  It’s time to shop around.


As your circumstances and needs change, so should your medical aid.  Here are some handy tips for finding the scheme that best suits your needs – and your pocket:

  • Get quotes from at least 3 different schemes to compare features and costs.
  • If you don’t use perks like gym membership or movie ticket discounts, go for a cheaper scheme and put the money you would have spent into a savings account.
  • Choose a medical aid plan that is relevant to your needs. If you are young and healthy, a hospital plan might be sufficient enough for you.
  • You shouldn’t spend more than 10% of your salary on medical aid.  Consider joining a network medical aid scheme — you are only allowed to use doctors and hospitals linked to the network so it costs a lot less.  You’ll still get emergency cover if, for example, you have a car crash.
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http://www.blurtit.com/q525443.html

Applying for a visacan be an annoying process that takes all the fun out of your holiday.  But, there are some dream destinations that still don’t require South Africans to have a visa.  Just pack your bags and go already!

  • In the mood for something exotic?  How about Mauritius or the Seychelles?
  • Why not roam the dunes in Namibia?
  • If you’re up for sea, sand, good food and cheap accommodation, then Mozambique is your port of call.
  • You can travel through most of Africa without a VISA!
  • Looking for something further ashore?  Why not hit the Rio Carnival in Brazil or do the tango in Argentina?
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The Hippo doesn’t just find you the best cover at the best price – shop with us and you’ll save too! Simply visit http://shop.hippo.co.za/ and find exactly what you’re looking for – and at a bargain price too!

 
 
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http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/hippo.asp

A less-than-a-year old hippo has adopted a male tortoise, about a century old, and the tortoise seems to be very happy with being a ‘mother’.
 ‘After it was swept away and lost its mother, the hippo was traumatised. Fortunately, it landed on the tortoise and established a strong bond. They swim, eat and sleep together,’ ecologist Paul Kahumbu said.
“The hippo follows the tortoise exactly the way it followed its mother. If somebody approaches the tortoise, the hippo becomes aggressive, as if protecting its biological mother,” Kahumbu added.
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