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The biggest faux pas for self-funded retirees

<p>Whether you have been retired for some time or are still looking forward to the time you can step back, chances are there are important considerations you may have overlooked.</p> <p>From planning and pensions to family and housing, these are the biggest self-funded retirement mistakes I come across, and some insights into how to avoid repeating them:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Lack of a plan</strong></li> </ol> <p>Not having a retirement plan is perhaps the most basic faux pas, but often the most costly.</p> <p>A detailed plan should cover things like:</p> <ul> <li>When you AND your partner will retire </li> <li>Where you will live (you may want to downsize, relocate, seek assisted living)</li> <li>Anticipated living costs (living situation, health, lifestyle)</li> <li>How you will spend your time (hobbies, travel, volunteering, time with family)</li> <li>Strategies to maximise investments and superannuation</li> <li>Tax minimisation strategies</li> </ul> <p>Remember: failing to plan = planning to fail.</p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>Poor planning</strong></li> </ol> <p>Having a plan is the starting point, but it won’t get you far if it’s incomplete, not updated as circumstances change, or omits critical factors.</p> <p>For couples, not considering age differences is a big mistake. One partner retiring before the other can have big shifts on financial and tax dynamics and even the relationship itself. Then there is end-of-life care, particularly if the younger partner is still working.</p> <p>Not building in a safety buffer is another no-no. Too many retirees have been caught out by the high inflation of recent years, having calculated their anticipated income needs on much lower living costs.</p> <p>Balance short-term and long-term goals: being overly conservative early on can limit your financial situation down the track.</p> <p>And no plan is complete without contingencies for worst case scenarios – insurances, protections, back-up options.</p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong>Insecure housing </strong></li> </ol> <p>Government data has long shown major differences in quality of life for retirees who own their home versus those who don’t. </p> <p>Homelessness or insecure housing, the mercy of the rental market, and inability to customise your home as you age or if you need specialised support with disability or health issues are some of the challenges renters face.</p> <p>Furthermore, public estimates of how much the average Australian needs to retire typically assume home ownership – meaning rent is not part of that calculation. That’s a huge living cost you may not have factored into your retirement planning. </p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong>Unclaimed pensions</strong></li> </ol> <p>Contrary to popular belief, self-funded retirement and claiming a pension are not mutually exclusive. </p> <p>You may be eligible for a part-pension, calculated pro-rata according to the value of your assets and other income. Claiming a part-pension, no matter how small it may be, reduces how much income you need to draw down from super – making it last longer. </p> <p>Don’t fall into another common trap when applying – overestimating your assets. It’s easy to assume your non-monetary assets are worth more than what they really are, reducing how much pension you receive or negating your eligibility altogether.</p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong>Depleted Bank of Mum and Dad</strong></li> </ol> <p>With home ownership increasingly out of reach for younger adults, the Bank of Mum and Dad is often sought to bridge the gap. How you do so will impact your own situation.</p> <p>Giving more than you can afford can leave you overstretched. Missed loan repayments could see you fall behind on your own bills. Not putting agreements in writing can lead to disputes down the track. Having a loan guarantee called in could see you homeless.</p> <p>Be wise about decisions you make here and don’t let heartstrings cloud your judgement.</p> <ol start="6"> <li><strong>Suffering in silence</strong></li> </ol> <p>Elder abuse is a sad but significant problem. Given they have money in the bank, self-funded retirees are often the most vulnerable.</p> <p>Its effects can be far-reaching, impacting your mental and physical health, financial wellbeing, social interactions, and quality of life.</p> <p>Be aware of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/retirement-income/are-you-a-victim-of-elder-abuse-without-even-realising-it">the signs that something isn’t right</a>. If you recognise it happening to you – or someone you know – speak up and seek help. </p> <ol start="7"> <li><strong>Forgoing professional advice</strong></li> </ol> <p>How much of the above details did you already know? Chances are, not all of them. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.</p> <p>Money is a complicated business and you simply don’t know what you don’t know, which is why seeking independent, tailored advice from a professional is so important. </p> <p>A good financial advisor can help you identify new opportunities and manage risks you may not have considered, limit expenses and also work with your accountant to minimise your tax.</p> <p><strong><em>Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754.</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></strong></p>

Retirement Income

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“Where’s Andy Murray?” Famous family fires up over Wimbledon faux pas

<p>The family of Andy Murray are up in arms after the tennis champion was left out of a promotional artwork ahead of the annual Wimbledon competition. </p> <p>On Tuesday, the All England Club unveiled the promotional image to their social media accounts, which shows 15 past tennis champions, past and present, walking down the stairs of the main building at Wimbledon. </p> <p>At the forefront of the image are members of the “next generation of headline acts” Spaniard world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and Italian Jannik Sinner, surrounded by sporting legends such as Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and the Williams sisters Serena and Venus.</p> <p>Despite the image being filled with famous tennis faces, there is no image of Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, whose famous victory in July 2013 ended 77 years of waiting for a homegrown British male singles winner.</p> <p>Andy's family and fans reacted with outrage that Murray, who was officially knighted in May 2019, was left out of the composition.</p> <p>Murray’s uncle Niall Erskine tweeted, “Appalling at every level, all about the men in the forefront and your own British history-maker nowhere to be seen. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”</p> <p>Elder brother Jamie – who has won two Wimbledon mixed doubles titles – asked, “Where’s Andy Murray?”</p> <p>LA-based freelance illustrator Grant Gruenhaupt responded to the criticism by saying, “Worry not Jamie, there are more paintings on the way.”</p> <p>He added, “Back with Wimbledon on another fun series celebrating historic moments and players!"</p> <p>“This one featuring the greatest rivalries of the past and present as they make the historic walk through the clubhouse and onto Centre Court."</p> <p>“A lot of nuance in this one. Definitely one of the more challenging scenes I’ve had to tackle.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: All England Club / Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Frequent flyer discusses the biggest sins of travelling

<p dir="ltr">A frequent traveller has shared what she believes are the biggest sins of travelling. </p> <p dir="ltr">Posting a series of videos on TikTok, frequent flyer and travel influencer Tinx bluntly exposed the “worst things” people can do in airports and on planes. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 32-year-old regularly flies between London and New York to visit family, and understands that having to deal with the annoying behaviours of fellow passengers is not an easy task. </p> <p dir="ltr">Now Tinx, whose real name is Christina Najjar, has voiced her frustrations with her followers, revealing the “worst” behaviours that make for “awful travellers”, while urging anyone who is guilty of such sins to “take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror before you travel again.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While there are many things travellers can do that annoy their fellow holiday-goers, Tinx said being “unprepared” is the worst travel sin of all. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Let's begin with people that are unprepared at the front of the security line. It's a security line, you know what's coming, and yet there are still people who are fumbling around with their laptop like a child who forgot their homework.” </p> <p dir="ltr">"'Do I have to take off my jacket?’ Yes, spoiler alert, you always have to take off your jacket. Please keep the theatrical water chugging to the Uber,” she joked.</p> <p dir="ltr">Next up, Tinx trashed the “gate crowders” for their lack of awareness. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Next, let's discuss the gate crowders, they haven't even put up our flight on the little digital board and you're crowding around the gate like it's the stampede from The Lion King, grinding your foot into the ground like you're about to run with the bulls,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Aside from the fact that you're in group five, I got to tell you buddy, we're all going to the same place, we're all getting on the same plane.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Lastly, the influencer explained her anger at the other passengers who are “a**holes” when it comes to the overhead bins. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It always baffles me with the bins because it's very simple, just don't be an a**hole.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“Put your overstuffed away suitcase and your ugly little personal item in the seat in front of you,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Many of Tinx’s viewers agreed with her travel qualms, with the comments being flooded with additional faux pas that get under the skin of frequent flyers. </p> <p dir="ltr">One user said, “How about those who as soon as the plane is stopped and the seatbelt sign is off they rush to the front of the plane.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another commented, “What about the people that go back and forth in the aisle trying to choose a seat that suits their preference while other people are boarding?”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Tips

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“Keep doing you”: Kyrgios goes head to head with reporter

<p dir="ltr">After cinching a five-set win against Brandon Nakashima, Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios shut down a reporter’s attempts to stir up controversy.</p> <p dir="ltr">During his post-match press conference, one reporter targeted Kyrgios’ wardrobe choices - namely the red Jordans and matching cap he wore for his fourth round clash against Nakashima - but the athlete was having none of it.</p> <p dir="ltr">Referring to Wimbledon’s dress code rules - where players are required to wear almost entirely white while on the court - the reporter questioned why Kyrgios made such bold outfit choices in light of previous comments he made about controversy seeming to “materialise around” him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Because I do what I want,” Kyrgios said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So you’re above the rules?” the reporter hit back.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No. I’m not above the rules,” the 27-year-old answered.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So what is it? They don’t apply to you?” the reporter asked.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-fe3979cd-7fff-13af-fba8-d0214e7a0de9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I just like my Jordans.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Keep doing you then champion”: the way Kyrgios fails to get riled up by this line of questioning is a delight to watch <a href="https://t.co/M6u6T94Wu0">pic.twitter.com/M6u6T94Wu0</a></p> <p>— Gavin Coote (@GavinCoote) <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinCoote/status/1544100665282007041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Though Kyrgios wasn’t biting, the reporter kept trying to bait the athlete.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t want to ruin the surprise but the referee’s going to be speaking to you about (his uniform),” the reporter said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s OK. I’ll wear triple whites tomorrow,” Kyrgios said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But that’s fine then. No one else, in both draws, wear …” the reporter began, with Kyrgios interjecting: “But no one else - even after Wimbledon - no one else really walks with Jordans on the court.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When the moderator tried to interject, the reporter apologised, saying that Kyrgios “just moaned about the controversy that surrounds him”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I haven’t moaned. I love it.” Kyrgios said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So you just laugh it off then?” the reporter asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yeah, it’s just more attention for me. What’s that saying? Any publicity is good publicity right?” Kyrgios answered.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you say so,” the reporter said, to which Kyrgios replied, “Keep doing you then champion”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kyrgios has been the subject of plenty of controversy and criticism, but has said he’s okay with it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I just smile,” he said. “It’s so funny. Hilarious. I almost just wake up and read things, I just laugh.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And I never forget things. Whether it was three, four years ago, I have a massive chip on my shoulder. I sit here now in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon again, and I just know there’s so many people that are so upset.</p> <p dir="ltr">“None of you know me at all - people love just to have an opinion.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ce17fed0-7fff-2fd0-1bc4-566351598a66"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Michelle Pfeiffer shares all-too-relatable makeup faux pas

<p>Michelle Pfeiffer has shared a makeup mishap in a new Instagram selfie.</p> <p>The 62-year-old actress revealed that she had made a beauty faux pas. In a picture shared on Wednesday, she could be seen showing a wide-eyed expression with a black smudge under her nose.</p> <p>“EEK!!! Doing my makeup for an interview and picked up the wrong tissue,” she captioned.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHHh_JJSU4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHHh_JJSU4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">EEK!!! Doing my makeup for an interview and picked up the wrong tissue 🙄</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/michellepfeifferofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Michelle Pfeiffer</a> (@michellepfeifferofficial) on Jul 1, 2020 at 12:28pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The photo has received more than 85,000 likes.</p> <p>“Love your humor and beauty,” model Naomi Campbell commented on the post.</p> <p>“Lol - still a beauty!” wrote sister-in-law Rona Pfeiffer.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CB0rGKEpf1I/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CB0rGKEpf1I/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Just not feelin’ it 😒</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/michellepfeifferofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Michelle Pfeiffer</a> (@michellepfeifferofficial) on Jun 24, 2020 at 8:33am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The <em>Scarface </em>star has been sharing glimpses into her life amid the coronavirus pandemic on Instagram.</p> <p>Last week, the star posted a photo of herself in all-black activewear on a Pilates machine with a disgruntled expression. “Just not feelin’ it,” she wrote alongside the snap.</p> <p>In May, she posted a selfie with the caption: “Is it over yet?”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAF9QNdpnat/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAF9QNdpnat/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Is it over yet?</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/michellepfeifferofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Michelle Pfeiffer</a> (@michellepfeifferofficial) on May 12, 2020 at 8:36am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote>

Beauty & Style

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Meghan "embarrassed" Prince Harry by committing faux pas

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Meghan Markle "embarrassed" Prince Harry by announcing that she was pregnant on Princess Eugenie's wedding day in new claims in this fiery book.</p> <p>The Duchess of Sussex allegedly told the Royal Family that she was pregnant with the pair's first child at the wedding in October 2018, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11984341/meghan-markle-embarrassed-prince-harry-by-announcing-pregnancy/" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink"><em>The Sun</em></a><em>.</em></p> <p>The Duke of Sussex was reportedly left reeling when his wife announced the pregnancy at the wedding.</p> <p>In the new book <em>Royals at War</em>, authors Andy Tillett and Dylan Howard claimed that Eugenie and her mother Sarah Ferguson were "furious" at Meghan's decision.</p> <p>“Meghan put her foot in it when she decided that it would be the ideal moment to announce that she and Harry were expecting their first child,” the pair wrote.</p> <p>“This was a huge social gaffe, even if you were not a royal – stealing the limelight from Eugenie, who was furious, as was her mother, Sarah.”</p> <p>Royal insiders have previously denied this claim.</p> <p>According to <em>Bazaar.com</em>, The Sussex's told the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank before the wedding.</p> <p>However, the public announcement of Meghan's pregnancy on social media as Twitter users noticed that Sarah Ferguson posted a picture of Eugenie's wedding at the same time.</p> <p>The book also claims that Prince Harry is "secretly tortured" over his decision to leave the Royal Family, with his feelings made worse as his father, Prince Charles, tested positive for coronavirus.</p> <p>“On top of it all, he’s got cabin fever," an insider claimed.</p> <p>“It was far from an ideal situation. Harry’s gone from feeling excited about the move to feeling secretly tortured.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

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Duchess Camilla commits fashion faux pas in front of the Queen

<p>The Commonwealth Day service held on Monday was believed to have caused a stir amongst guests as they watched both the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall appear in seemingly matching outfits.</p> <p>The event marked the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth which saw Queen Elizabeth and her royal brood all together again – that is the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.</p> <p>Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, looked stunning in a deep purple velvet Bruce Oldfield coat, with a matching hat decorated with vibrant feathers.</p> <p>However, what stole the show was not her deep violet ensemble – it was the fact Queen Elizabeth looked eerily similar to her daughter-in-law in an almost identical outfit.</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth’s outfit was a slightly lighter shade of purple, by private dresser Angela Kelly. The getup came off as characteristically regal and as bright as the Duchess’ – choosing to accessorise with her Kent Amethyst brooch, which included a necklace and earrings once owned by Queen Victoria.</p> <p>The fashion faux pas made by Duchess Camilla was not overlooked by the public who took to social media to not critique the royal member for the blunder but commend her fashion choices.</p> <p>“Camilla wins my vote. Queen’s purple is lovely as well,” one user quipped.</p> <p>“Not sure it matters. I bet the colours appeared more dissimilar in person. Camilla's seemed a bit more navy to me, the Queen more purple. They both looked wonderful,” another wrote.</p> <p>One royal fan took to Twitter to question how the fashion faux pas could have happened.</p> <p>“So, the double purple day (Camilla and The Queen) leads me again to wonder how much communication/coordination happens between the royal ladies prior to a joint appearance,” the user wrote.</p> <p>“Do their stylists work independently or consult the stylist of the higher-ranking lady?”</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see the royal duo both in purple outfits at the same event.</p> <p>What do you think of the Duchess of Cornwall’s fashion faux pas? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Is it ever OK to wear white to a wedding?

<p>A woman has caused a bit of a stir online as she posed a question to an online mum’s group.</p> <p>Going against the grain, she wants to wear white to a wedding.</p> <p>The anonymous woman explained in further detail in her post, saying:  </p> <p>“I’ve just purchased this dress for a charity event I have to attend but I am hoping it will double up for an upcoming wedding.”</p> <p>She insists that the “bottom of the dress is like a taupe colour” and that she’s worried people will stare.</p> <p>“I don’t think the bride will mind but I’m more concerned about other guests’ opinions.”</p> <p>Many were quick to point out that you don’t wear white to a wedding.</p> <p>“Absolutely not. It’s lovely, but not for a wedding. Just don’t be that person,” one user pointed out.</p> <p>Another agreed, saying that they liked the dress.</p> <p>“It’s a gorgeous dress but being honest, I’d take issue with someone wearing that colour to my wedding.”</p> <p>One clever user also pointed out the position that the guest had put the bride in.</p> <p>“If you ask the bride, you’re putting her in a very difficult situation, especially if she knows you’ve already bought it.</p> <p>“I think it’s too close to cream/ivory to wear to a wedding and I’d have been annoyed if you wore it to mine.”</p> <p>It’s unclear what the anonymous poster intends to do, as they’ve since not commented on their post.</p> <p>Have you worn white to a wedding? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Family & Pets

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Six fashion faux pas that will age you

<p>Haute horrors, frock shocks or style missteps. We all know the fashion mistakes that make us scream “quelle horreur!” But what are the fashion faux pas that age you?</p> <p><strong>1. You're stuck in a style rut</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, style doesn’t come with a use-by date. Without the occasional refresh of clothes — and hair and make-up — you can end up looking older than you are. </p> <p>Stop relying on trusty old favourites and update them with more modern versions. Ditch the drab boxy old double-breasted jacket for a fab fitted slimline single-breasted version; leggings and easy-to-wear fleece for classic straight-leg jeans and a boyfriend shirt; square-toed pumps for kitten heels or slides; and a longline cardigan for a khaki army jacket or leather jacket.</p> <p><strong>2. You dress too young</strong></p> <p>Once you reach a certain age, there are some style choices you should leave behind because you'll look like you're trying too hard. Instead, make your outfits chicer and body appropriate.</p> <p>Aim for a classic chic look, and if you’re self-conscious of your arms or some other body part, perhaps swap sleeveless, low-cut mini dresses for a long-sleeved dress that sits just below the knee with heels – especially if you have great legs.</p> <p>Wear flattering fitted jeans – classic straight leg or boot leg styles in a dark denim – with a gorgeous silk blouse.</p> <p><strong>3. You've forgotten about fit</strong></p> <p>Fit is the key to everything! If you don’t care about the fit of your clothes, you run the risk of looking older.</p> <p>A clean, lean silhouette with modern sharp lines is timeless and ageless. Garments that skim the body, jackets that fit you in the shoulders or a pair of classic straight-leg pants or jeans will flatter your figure in a way that’s both stylish and youthful.</p> <p>Most important is the correct bra size. Pregnancy, fluctuating weight and menopause can change a woman's bust shape and size. When your bust drops, you can become short-waisted and find it difficult for clothes to fit properly. So, it’s important to get professionally fitted once a year to determine your correct bra size, one that keeps the fullest part of your bust exactly halfway between shoulder and waist.</p> <p><strong>4. You wear the wrong underwear</strong></p> <p>One of the worst is the VPL – visible panty line – and wearing coloured or patterned briefs under white or light-coloured pants.</p> <p>Look for smooth seamless styles that sit under your buttock cheeks.</p> <p>Or invest in shapewear and Spanx-type power panties or shorts (the new girdle) under dresses. And when it comes to white or light-coloured pants? Stick to nude or skin tone underwear.</p> <p><strong>5. You choose comfort over style</strong></p> <p>Active wear is a huge trend right now, but that doesn’t mean you can wear leggings, track pants or elasticised-waist pants and an oversized top everywhere.</p> <p>While the look is undeniably comfy, try to leave them for the gym or yoga studio.</p> <p>Instead, keep your silhouette narrow and wear tailored pants, classic straight leg jeans or cigarette-leg cropped pants that skim the body.</p> <p><strong>6. Your glasses are so last decade</strong></p> <p>The style and shape of your glasses is just as susceptible to fashion trends – and can age you. So, take a risk and try something you wouldn't normally wear.</p> <p>Swap out your old metal frames with those fiddly little nose pieces for a pair of funky plastic frames.</p> <p>But if you wear multi-focals, getting lenses updated every year (particularly if you have optical glasses AND sunglasses) can get expensive. So, opt for transition lenses instead or a pair of cheap 'n' cheerful readers from the chemist.</p> <p><em>Written by Anne-Maree Gale. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/wyza-life/six-fashion-faux-pas-that-will-age-you.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a></span>.</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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President Trump committed a royal faux pas during his visit with the Queen

<p>Following President Donald Trump’s visit with Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, royal fans are counting all the times he breached royal etiquette.</p> <p>Trump and First Lady Melania met with the Queen at Windsor for tea and to watch a military parade.</p> <p>A video on Twitter shows Trump walking ahead of Her Majesty as they walk through the grounds of Windsor Castle.</p> <p>The Queen appears to gesture Trump forward and then he paces a few steps forward before pausing, unsure of where she is.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Donald Trump inspects the Queen's Guards as they stand outside Windsor Castle <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpVisitUK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpVisitUK</a> <a href="https://t.co/bRNrNHaMFM">https://t.co/bRNrNHaMFM</a> <a href="https://t.co/NXfUqKht0m">pic.twitter.com/NXfUqKht0m</a></p> — ITV News (@itvnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/itvnews/status/1017807802398584832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>The interaction was considered a faux pas by the President of the United States as it is considered rude to turn your back to the Queen or walk in front of her, reported the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em style="font-weight: inherit;">BBC</em></strong></span></a>.</p> <p>After footage of his mistake surfaced online, Brits defended the 92-year-old monarch.</p> <p>"Did Donald Trump just WALK IN FRONT OF THE QUEEN?!?!?!" asked one Twitter user.</p> <p>"I detested how Trump dared walk in front of the Queen today," wrote another.</p> <p>For the 70 years Prince Philip and the Queen have been married, the Duke of Edinburgh has always walked a few steps behind her when they appear together in public.</p> <p>Even Prime Ministers are familiar with this protocol – leaving the weekly audience with the monarch by backing out of the room without turning around.</p> <p>Trump was also criticised for not bowing to the Queen upon his arrival.</p> <p>Critics also said the president was late getting to the castle, forcing the Queen to wait in the Quadrangle of the castle.</p> <p>However, others insisted that he was on time.</p> <p>"For all those asking, no, Trump did not keep the Queen waiting. He was due at 5 pm and the motorcade drove into the Quadrangle at 4.59pm," Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter noted.</p> <p>“Not a royalist but didn't like the way Trump was late for the Queen didn't bow &amp; walked in front of her. Shows how disrespectful to women he is if he is like that to the most famous woman in the world!," tweeted a user.</p> <p>Despite the many protests in England about Trump’s visit, the President said he was looking forward to meeting the monarch.</p> <p>"I really look forward to meeting [the Queen]. I think she represents her country so well," Trump said in an interview with <em style="font-weight: inherit;"><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Sun</strong></span></a>. </em></p> <p>“If you think of it, for so many years she has represented her country, she has really never made a mistake. You don’t see, like, anything embarrassing. She is just an incredible woman." </p>

News

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3 dating faux pas to avoid

<p><em><strong>Renee Slansky is an Australian TV Presenter, writer, dating and relationship coach and founder of Australia’s number 1 dating blog, <a href="http://thedatingdirectory.co/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Dating Directory</span></a>.</strong></em></p> <p>We all know that the first date can be a little daunting, there's always a certain amount of pressure and expectation, even if you're just meeting up for a coffee! Leaving a good first impression is usually at the forefront of our minds, but sometimes we can get carried away in the excitement, or perhaps let the nerves get the better of us and make a little (or large) blunder that could seal our fate and even cut all chances of a second date! So, how do we avoid such faux pas? </p> <p>Here are a few quick tips to get you on your way and to make sure things run smoothly from the beginning:</p> <p><strong>1. Plan ahead</strong></p> <p>It's important to actually have a game plan. It's no good just turning up to a restaurant to see if they have a spare seat or two.  Cover yourself by ringing and booking a few days in advance so that you are guaranteed a spot and don't have to stress (or look unorganised). Make sure you check the weather if you are planning on a date outdoors; picnics in the rain aren't nearly as romantic as one would like! Or, if you need to buy tickets for a movie or show then do so in advance, so that once again you aren't left with one seat or worse two seats several aisles apart! </p> <p><strong>2. Listen properly</strong></p> <p>This is pretty important as you don't want to be taking your vegetarian date to an all-you-can-eat steakhouse by mistake. Ask questions about what they like and what they prefer, then take a mental note of what they say so you can use it as a guideline on how to impress them. This goes for everything and not just food, chances are you've already been speaking a bit and have started to get to know each other, so try to remember sensitive topics and handle them gracefully... or avoid them altogether! If you really want to earn yourself a second date, then make them feel like they are a priority to you. The best way to do this is to listen and respond accordingly to what they have said. </p> <p><strong>3. Don't forget your manners</strong></p> <p>Good manners are a sure (and easy way) to impress someone. Turning up on time, not texting through dinner, opening doors etc. are all simple and obvious ways of being courteous. However, there might be a few other ones we can overlook such as waiting till your date's meal arrives before you start eating yours, checking to see if they got home safely, make sure they always have a drink even if you haven't finished yours and of course laughing at their jokes (within reason) and making them feel comfortable.  You don't want awkward silences to become the most memorable moments of the date! </p> <p>Of course nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, most of the time we can laugh them off and make a mental note for next time.</p> <p>Good luck out there! Happy dating!</p> <p><em>Written by Renee Slansky. First appeared on <a href="http://www.datehub.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Datehub.com.au</span></strong></a>. </em></p>

Relationships

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Faux paws pet owners make. Are you guilty?

<p>When we’ve done certain things for a long time, we tend to think it’s the right way. That’s not necessarily the case though: are you guilty of any of these common mistakes pet owners make?</p><p><strong>Letting your pooch walk you</strong></p><p>Dogs who are used to being the one who leads the walk is one of the leading causes for pet-related falls. Each year, the emergency room attends to owners who have been tripped, pushed or pulled by their dogs out on walks. A well-trained and obedient dog is less likely to take off mid-walk.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Not de-sexing your pet</strong></p><p>Despite the fact the RSPCA take in around 160,000 animal nationally from unplanned breeding, many people are still reluctant to spay or neuter their pets. De-sexing pets is the healthiest and best choice for them. It reduces aggressive behaviours in male animals that will be less likely to run away, mark their territory or attack other animals. It also lessens the risk of cancers in animals.&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/07/why-you-should-desex-your-pet/" target="_blank">Related link: Why you should de-sex your pet</a></span></strong></em></p><p><strong>Keeping the food bowl full</strong></p><p>Don’t keep re-filling the food bowl every time it looks low. Pets often eat more than they need and if food is constantly available, they’ll keep eating. With the rise of obesity in pets, it’s best to follow the suggestions on the food label or ask your vet.</p><p><strong>Not providing enough exercise</strong></p><p>Just like humans, pets need their daily exercise to stay healthy. For dogs, at least half-hour each day is recommended and playing with your cats will keep them sharp and nimble.</p><p><strong>Scolding pets for accidents</strong></p><p>If your furry friend has eaten food you’ve prepared for dinner or urinated on the floor, you may feel like scolding them like they’re a child but your pet won’t understand why you’re scolding them. They can’t understand it’s for actions done in the past so it’s better to praise them when they’ve done something right.</p><p><strong>Letting dogs eat anything</strong></p><p>Dogs may have a penchant for rifling through the trash for some leftovers but spoiled food is no healthier for your pet than it is for you. Food gone bad can cause food poisoning, irritation and vomiting.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Having no emergency plan</strong></p><p>For whatever reason an emergency forces you to evacuate your home, you need a plan for yourself as well as your pets. It’s a good idea to have thought out where they are going to stay (relatives, friends, pet-friendly shelters) so you know what to do in an emergency.</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/12/flea-prevention/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Natural ways to prevent fleas</span></a></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/11/how-to-help-your-pet-conquer-their-phobias/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to help your pet conquer their phobias</span></a></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/pets/2014/09/how-to-create-pet-friendly-spaces/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to create pet-friendly spaces</span></a></strong></em></p>

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