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April 2009

50% of Seniors worse off, says Sentinel research 

Over 50% of Seniors say they are worse off financially than 12 months ago, with 52% stating financial security is their biggest retirement concern.

Leading home equity release company Sentinel, together with 50+ community website http://www.grownups.co.nz/, conducted the second of their annual Financial Wellbeing Questionnaires recently, and the results showed a marked change in response from the previous year. 

"55% of all respondents said their financial situation had deteriorated in the past 12 months, with 18% saying they are now significantly worse off," says Sentinel Marketing Director Linda Taylor.   "This has increased markedly from 40% of respondents 12 months ago."  

Only 16% of respondents said they had seen any improvement in their finances, compared with 39% during the 2008 survey.

While superannuation has remained static, many Seniors supplement their income with investments and bank deposits - returns from which have fallen significantly over the past year.  

"Falling interest rates are generally viewed positively, however if you need the interest from your investments to meet your expenses, this can be a worrying time," says Mrs Taylor.  "Our research showed that the main retirement concern has changed over the past year - last year more people were concerned about their health; this year, financial security is the main worry."

However Seniors are still reluctant to ask family for help.  "Less than 5% of respondents would go to their family," says Mrs Taylor.  "This is consistent with our 2008 results, with most respondents choosing to release the equity from their home; either through selling and downsizing, or using a product such as an equity release loan."

The Office of Senior Citizens has today launched a voluntary Code of Practice for providers of home equity release loans.   We are delighted to support the Code, and would be happy to provide a copy on request.  Please contact the Sentinel team on 0800 488 740 or at enquire@sentinel.net.nz.  Alternatively you can download a copy of the Code here.

November 2007

Sentinel Garden wins once more at Ellerslie

The Sentinel Independence Garden was awarded a bronze award by the judges at this year's show, to add to last year's silver medal.  Designed to highlight the different ways you can remain independent in your garden, the display features raised beds, flowers and easy care planting

For those of you coming along to the Ellerslie International Flower Show this year from 14 - 18 November, come along to the garden and enjoy a glass of lemonade with us.

May 2007

David Russell, Consumer Advocate, joins Sentinel Board.

Sentinel are please to advise that David Russell, long time consumer advocate and recent Chief Executive of the Consumers' Institute, has joined the Sentinel Board of Directors.  "We see this as a tremendous vote of confidence for Sentinel," says Mr Boyd Klap, Chairman of Sentinel, "and we look forward to working with David."  For full details of Mr Russell's appointment please see the release under Press Releases.

Sentinel becomes RSA Poppy Partner:

Sentinel are delighted to formalise their long-standing relationship with the RNZRSA by becoming a Gold Poppy Partner.  Poppy Partnership signals to the RSA membership that Sentinel are the approved supplier of equity release services to veterans, and we look forward to continuing to help many more veterans secure their financial independence through a Sentinel Lifetime Loan.   Members can speak either directly with Sentinel or to their local Public Trust office about the Sentinel Lifetime Loan, and whether this is a suitable option for them.

April 2007

Share your Reason to Smile, with the GrownUps photo competition.

Sentinel are pleased to support the GrownUps photo competition, running from 16 April through to May 18.  Categories include 'A Reason to Smile' open category, Scenery, portrait and memories.

To find our more, please visit the GrownUps site at http://www.grownups.co.nz/

January 2007

Sentinel forms relationship with 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ'

Sentinel are delighted to sponsor the monthly newsletter from the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ.  The Trust provides support for Grandparents who, for many reasons, find themselves raising their grandchildren at a time when thought their childraising days were behind them.

Should you wish to find out more about the trust please visit their website at http://www.grg.org.nz/ or contact them on 09 480 6530.

November 2006

Gazebo raises $7,600 for the RSA Welfare Fund

The Trade Me auction of the Victorian Gazebo at the Sentinel Heritage Garden has raised over $7,000 for the RSA Welfare Fund.  The gazebo by Cameo Gazebos was the centrepiece of the Sentinel Heritage Garden at the Ellerslie International Flower Show, held in Auckland recently.

We are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile cause as the RSA, while providing pleasure to so many visitors at the show.

Ranfurly Veterans recently enjoyed afternoon tea in the gazebo, at the Ellerslie International Flower Show.

Sentinel Heritage Garden wins Silver at Ellerslie

We are proud to announce that the Sentinel Heritage Garden, designed by Sandra Arnet to pay tribute to the RSA as it celebrates its 90th anniversary, has been awarded a prestigious silver medal at the Ellerslie International Flower Show.

Showcasing many beautiful roses such as Sentimental, Lest We Forget, and Loving Memory, the centrepiece of the garden is a Victorian Gazebo from Cameo Gazebos in Hamilton.