I've been a client of K Partners Accountants & Financial Consultants for about 18 months.
The services they offer include:
Accounting & Tax
Mortgage Broking
Risk Insurance
Financial Consultants
It would be understandable to gloss over this list of services and think they are just another accounting firm so what do they do that's different. Early last year we were not in a good place financially mostly due to mortgage stress. K Partners restructured our all our loans and this significantly reduced the amount we were having to pay out each month on our mortage repayments. This took a lot of pressure off us and we paid off our house in record time. Our super was also performing poorly and thanks to K Partners we made a gain on our super this year for the first time in years. They are highly knowledgeable about investing money and invest according to your tolerance of risk. They don't just park your money and take your fees they proactively manager you investments using up to date and informed methods and market knowledge. I'm very choosy about who I let near my money but I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Approximate cost: $varies

We have been coming here to buy mowers and other gardening equipment for a couple of years. Their prices seem to compare well with other mower retailers in the area. What we really appreciate is their extensive knowledge of the equipment they sell and they also do an excellent job with servicing and repairs. Every time we go there we notice how busy they are and lots of professional gardeners go there as well. They are really helpful and pleasant to deal with.

Approximate cost: $varies

I'm very technology challenged and when it comes to buying and using mobile phones I need someone to patiently explain things to me in simple language - and quite often I need to go and get help or go over instructions several times until I "get it." The main mobile phone shops do not meet my needs in the help department. Thank goodness I discovered Mountain Communications about 6 years ago. Bless them- to me they are the angels of the retail mobile phone world, well certainly in the outer Eastern neck of the woods anyway. Other people have also cottoned on because they are very busy and if you go in on Saturday morning be prepared for the possibility a long wait. I haven't found absolutely everyone tip top in the shop but my two favourites have been there are long time and really know their stuff. You will know who the best ones are by the thorough way they answer all your questions and you will leave the shop knowing what you need to know.

Approximate cost: $varies

A hidden gem just off Lewis Road Wantirna South. They have a large range of delicious dried fruit and nuts that are well priced - cheaper than the supermarket and far better quality. The products are always fresh and they stock some unusual products like dried Inca berries. At the back of the shop, there are some samples for customers to try, so yummy.
It's a great place to stock up for baking needs especially with Christmas coming up. They have a good selection of raw and roasted nuts, seeds and tasty snacks and nibbles. Their hours may not suit 9 to 5 ers as they close at 4.30 but they are open Saturday mornings. I've always found the service to be pleasant and helpful too.

Approximate cost: $varies

Your Share have been featured on Today Tonight a few times. They Refund a portion of the fees and commissions that consumers pay to purchase financial such as mortgages and insurances. They act like a broker on products such as home loans, home and car insurance, health insurance, life and income insurance etc. I've just begun contacting them when my insurance is due to get a quote. So far, I've found them to be prompt and helpful. Unfortunately the policies they have come back with so far have not been worth me making a switch. The policy was cheaper but the cover was inferior. However I'm still going to contact them each time a policy is due for renewal because things change and eventually the right policy could be available. I looked at one of my existing policies and the broker fee is $100.00. Commision fees on several policies could end up being worth a $100 or more refund. To my knowledge they don't charge fees but I imagine they make something out of the commission refund.

I didn't really like Aldi when they first arrived in Australia so I didn't go for several years. But Aldi have really evolved. Most of their products are good. I really like their cheese, olive oil and chocolate. I've tried a few things that I thought were inferior compared with Coles/Woollies but mostly their products stack up well. I'm not keen on their fruit and veg though - they aren't good quality or very fresh. Their prices are really good much cheaper than the major competitors and would really help a family budget. It would be great to be able to buy everything I needed there. Parking is always easy and the isles are nice and wide.

I've been a customer here for many years. I live far away but I am happy to make the trip for the high level of service they provide. They are extremely busy but that's a testimony to their excellent service. I don't know how their prices compare but they have never tried to rip me off by selling me products or services that I don't need like other tyre retailers have attempted to do. I trust these guys they are honest and know their stuff.

Approximate cost: $varies

I've been going to this pharmacy for about two years now. I mostly buy items that are non prescription and often need advice. I've consistently found that the pharmasist is very helpful with advice and answering my questions and the staff are also really helpful and very nice. I haven't experienced this level of help and courtesy off the mountain.

Approximate cost: $varies

I bought a diary from this newsagency. I wouldn't say they have an exceptional range of diaries but better than other newsagencies I've recently been to and the prices are comparible if not cheaper than the large stationery suppliers. What really impressed me was the friendly service I was given starting with being given helpful and cheerful directions to find the diaries. When I was buying the diary I was shown a feature of the diary I hadn't noticed. I mean maybe I'm easily pleased but the amount of times I receive pleasant and helpful service is really not that often. If I had a Newsagency business I would employ that nice young man like a shot. I've been in this newsagency a few times. I don't recall seeing the person who served me today before but I've always found the staff pleasant.

Approximate cost: $varies

The Groovy Fruit Shop - just dig that 70's name,
is a hidden gem in the Belgrave South shopping area in the Dandenong Ranges. The fruit and vegetables are fresh and good quality. From what I've seen so far the prices are as good if not better than in a supermarket. I recently paid a third of the price per kg for zucchinis compared with the supermarkets. I bought some two weeks prior so it wasn't just a special of the day. The shop also stocks a fairly good range of perishable and non perishable deli items such as dips, pasta and olives.

Approximate cost: $varies