Whether you’re on your third failed marriage or you simply never got around to tying the knot, you may find your 50s a romantic rut. Too old for Tinder, too young to forget about dating. All your mates happily (and boringly) hitched.All hope is not lost, however. We live in a modern world. Anything is possible. You just have to pitch yourself to the right agency. As one man recently revealed to Refinery 29 on Medium, you can have a lot of fun trying. But, as he also pointed out, it’s a lot more challenging than you’d think – especially when the perception is that the one with the money has all the power – which, he claims, is not always the case.New York based founder and CEO of a global software company, the man, who chose to remain anonymous, told Refinery 29 journalist Jessica Chou even though his net worth was north of $50 million, it’s been hard to get into conventional dating since his divorce 3.5 years ago, because he travels a lot.

“I’m 50 years old but I probably look 38. I have the mentality of someone in their 20s because I just love to have fun. I jump out of planes, you know? I’m just one of those guys.”

He also couldn’t get into conventional dating because: “My schedule just prohibited it. When I dated conventionally, it always followed the same pattern: Meet a girl, get to know them, they like the vibe. Then I start my crazy travel schedule and there’s an awful lot of stress and texting. When are you coming back? Where are you?”“So I thought okay, what if I financially support someone and when I’m here, I have the company of someone I enjoy. It seemed like the perfect solution,” he told Refinery 29.Another attraction, he says, was he “thought it was the only way to meet women who have not been tainted by life,” explaining, “I just found that as women and men age, they get more tainted by their experiences. They create within themselves a negative bias as a standard operating procedure.”

“I went on many dates with women in their 40s, and what I found consistent between all of them was they were immediately looking to find out how I was going to hurt them, even from date one.”

So he decided to try and date younger women, recounting his experiences – and struggles – with three of them to Refinery 29. Here’s his experience with each one.

The Upfront One

“The first woman was the upfront woman,” Anonymous Daddy told Refinery 29. “I met her for a drink and she was very open about the fact that as long as there was some chemistry, she would meet with me and sleep with me for money. Unfortunately, that’s not really who I am. I need more of an emotional connection with someone, even though it might sound weird in that environment.”

The Girl Next Door

“The next woman was someone I would call a ‘girl next door.’ She probably shouldn’t be on the website, and she wants an emotional connection, but she needs financial assistance. So I dated her for four to five months,” Anonymous Daddy said. “After two months she said, I don’t want money anymore, I just really enjoy getting to know you. It really told me she wasn’t looking for a long-term monetary benefit, and that you can have a real chemistry-laden relationship with someone.”Great, right? Wrong. Or at least – it didn’t last. Why? Over the next two months, the age difference was slammed in our face. I remember I went out to brunch with her and her friends, and someone was whispering, you know, ‘Whose dad is that?’ It didn’t really impact me, but I saw the look on her face. When we talked about it later, she said she wasn’t necessarily prepared for that. So we decided to remain friends.”

The Mercenary

“The third woman I call the ‘mercenary,’ and she was the most dangerous person I think I ever met,” Anonymous Daddy said. “She scared the shit out of me. She would say anything to make you think she loved you. She lied about not having a boyfriend, not living with him, got all the money, gifts, trips, and plane tickets, and when her boyfriend finally threw her out, she came crawling to me.”

“She ended up moving in with me for a while, and then I got set her up in an apartment. Once, I got really ill, and I told her what was going on, and I said, hey, look we need to have a real relationship, or this isn’t going to work. And to this day, I haven’t heard back.”

The man then added, “I spent $200,000 while dating on the site, and about 90 percent of that was on the third woman. I bought her a lot of jewellery. I’d buy her a ring, she would lose the ring or say it got stolen, and I’d buy her another ring to replace the ring. Then her rent, it was $3,500, $3,600 (£2,700-£2,800), plus a security deposit. I know. It was sort of like, hey dude, what are you doing?”

Sugar Daddy FAQ

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This story originally appeared on Stockhead. 

Oil prices are trading well below $US40 ($61.92) per barrel thanks to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the trade war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

How long these conditions will last is anyone’s guess, with Saudi Arabia preparing to flood the market after Russia refused to acknowledge OPEC’s suggestion the nations cut oil production to address declining demand, while Russia has US shallow oil in its sights.

Should either party back down and an agreement be reached on a production cut, then a floor price could be placed on oil.

But until that happens, having oil priced below $US40 per barrel will undoubtedly place pressure on producers.

Stockhead’s resident resources expert Peter Strachan noted it also meant that no new oil would be developed because it would be too expensive to produce.

“The existing infrastructure of oil, if nothing is drilled, will fall away by 5 million barrels of oil per day every year,” he explained.

Strachan also warned that momentum could work against companies as they often had contracts with their drilling contractors that could stretch out for several months.

“The last time in 2014-15 when the price fell, BHP had just bought into the Eagle Ford shale and had to make the call to pay about $220m to cancel drilling contracts rather than pay several billion to carry out drilling,” he explained.

Australian impact

So just how will low oil prices impact on Australian companies?

S&P Global Ratings believes that Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) is able to weather the storm in the 2020 financial year as almost all of its price exposure is fixed at about $US68 per barrel.

However, should oil prices continue to remain depressed into the next financial year, the company’s financials would weaken due to reduced distributions from its stake in Australia Pacific LNG.

Mid-cap stalwart Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) has always been a low-cost producer and in last month’s half-year results presentation, it noted that its field operating costs were $9.10 per barrel of oil equivalent in the first half of the 2019-20 financial year.

At the small end of the market, Whitebark Energy (ASX:WBE) has come out swinging, saying it has stabilised production from its Wizard Lake oil field in Canada at about 600 barrels per day and an attractive direct operating cost of just C$7.50 ($8.40) per barrel.

Managing director David Messina says that because the company only gets to sell a barrel of oil once, it will maintain production at a level that reflects a balance between pricing and good oil field practice.

Whitebark has also identified potential to further reduce operating costs by acquiring certain equipment rather than renting it.

Bass Oil (ASX:BAS) reported that its field operating costs in January averaged about $US20 per barrel, while Senex Energy (ASX:SXY) estimated it had a free cashflow breakeven Brent oil price of less than $US30 per barrel.

However, Strachan warned that companies operating in the US light tight oil (LTO) space ran the risk of going bankrupt, just as they did in 2015.

“Debt to many of these companies has come with interest rates of 15 per cent and will not be serviced by current cash flow, even after hedging that will run through the P&L over 12 to 24 months,” he noted.

“New owners of those LTO assets will be able to keep the taps open above $US25/bbl as production declines rapidly, but will not be able to fund field development.”

Strachan also believes that the coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas producers will struggle to make money at $US4.80 per gigajoule when their costs are high.

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Forget going to the pub gentlemen, we have done the work and found the best bottle shops Sydney has to offer, with the most impressive, authentic pickings to quench your tastebuds. ‘Boring’ is not in our vocabulary and we have tracked down the prestigious and planet-friendly as well as the weird and the wonderful.

Sydney CBD

Best Cellars

91 Crown Street, East Sydney, 2010

Best Cellars has a hard-earned reputation as one of Sydney’s leading independent bottle shops for fine wine. Popular amongst corporate professionals, this bottle shop prides itself on its personalised service with free delivery within the Sydney metropolitan area – so the entrepreneurial moguls can have merlot delivered straight to his desk. With a selection of rare and collectable wines at highly competitive prices, it’s understandable why this is the business hotshot’s bottle shop of choice.

The Bottle Shop

1 Palings Lane, Sydney, 2000

Part of the Merivale empire, Franck Moreau, the master sommelier, has curated a collection of easily accessible quality wines, from everyday tipples to rare vintage finds. The best thing about this bottle shop is that it stocks the selections that can be found in the Merivale venues, and the staff will be more than happy to help you find the drinks that you have enjoyed there. Now you can enjoy your favourite Saturday-afternoon-at-the-Pav drink from the comfort of your living room sofa!

Bel & Brio Cellar

T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, 2000

This wine-lovers paradise of a bottle shop rolls all the glory of a wine bar, cellar door and event space into one, with an impressive selection of over 3,500 wines sourced from celebrated and new wineries in Italy, France and Australia. Catering to a diverse range of tastes, legendary wine expert Jon Osbeiston has curated a selection of the best and finest quality wines from all corners of the world. One for date night or a special occasion, head down to Bel & Brio for one of their regular wine tastings, specialized forums with winemakers, or a pre-arranged wine tasting dinner.

Kent Street Cellars

1/168 Kent St, Sydney, 2000

Searching for that perfect gift with a unique, personalised twist? Look no further than Kent Street Cellars in the heart of Sydney CBD. In addition to your standard Australian and International wines, spirits and beers, this boutique bottle shop is dedicated to showcasing the quirky and unusual. Broaden your palate with a Japanese whisky tasting set or opt for a bottle of Cipriani Bellini that comes with a free gift of a coffee machine, it’s up to you! Free delivery to all CBD locations.

Red Bottle

343 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Infuse your dinner party or corporate drinks with the characterful flavours of Asia after taking a trip to Red Bottle Pitt Street. Stocking a wide range of wine and spirits, this Sydney CBD bottle shop is best known for its range of Korean products, imported beers and a great selection of sake. With a whole world of wine out there, maybe it’s time to switch up your usual bottle of pinot for something slightly more adventurous?

Eastern Suburbs

Kemenys Food & Liquor Store

137/147 Bondi Rd, Bondi, 2026

The Instagram-able beachside vibes of Bondi tend to drive up the prices of bottle shops in the area, but Kemeny’s Food & Liquor Store will give your bank balance a refreshing break. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for one of the secret label bottles and pay a fraction of the price for top-quality wine. A ten-time winner of Australia’s Liquor Store Of The Year, you know you’ll be getting some boozy bang for your buck.

Dan Murphy’s Double Bay

1 Kiaora Rd, Double Bay, 2028

Don’t be fooled by the chain store branding, this is a truly amazing bottle shop with a fabulous selection of spirits. In particular, the whisky range showcases selections from America, Japan, France, Ireland, Tennessee and more. Lowest Liquor Price Guarantee ensures that you’re getting the best deal around and the option to taste certain spirits means you can try before you buy, helping you to find that perfectly balanced blend.

Native Drops Bondi

19-23 O’Brien St, Bondi Beach, 2026

Streuth almighty! You don’t get much more Aussie than this! Native Drops is an artisanal cellar set against the backdrop of Sydney’s most iconic beach suburb, stocking exclusively local, small-batch, Australian natural wines, craft beers and spirits. Designed for the new generation of liquor-drinkers, Native Drops overhauls the image of the standard bottle shop, injecting it with innovative style and excitement. For the full experience, re-shape your perception of Australian wine with a Master Class Tasting Session!

Bellevue Hill Bottle Shop

100A Bellevue Rd, Bellevue Hill, 2023

The expert sommeliers at Bellevue Hill Bottle Shop do all the research so you don’t have to! Every week the team test over 100 wines to select the very best to display on their shelves. Head on down for one of their weekly tastings or free events, including ‘Champagne Heaven’, ‘Big Red Heaven’ and ‘Rose Heaven’, a chance to try the creme de la creme of delicious wine culture.

Camperdown Cellars

120-128 Macpherson St, Bronte, 2024

An icon of Sydney wine culture, Camperdown cellars have been providing locals with fine wines and exceptional service since 1947. Not just for wine drinkers, fans of craft beer flock to the Bronte store for exclusive pickings, as Camperdown is one of the city’s specialist craft beer outlets. On the shelves, you can find a range of quirky and unusual craft gems including fresh batch Aussie IPA exclusive to Camperdown.

Inner West

Glebe Liquor

375 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, 2037

A gateway into Sydney’s mesmerizing history with original 1932 signage, this bottle shop operates with a unique motive; to act as a middle ground bridging the gap between the accessibility of cheap chain stores and the expertise of high-end boutiques. Whilst offering expertise without pretentiousness, stock selection is focused around agriculture – owners Louise and Tim Smith stock only the varieties that have been having a good year, refusing to compromise quality in the name of quantity.

P&V Merchants

64 Enmore Rd, Newtown, 2042

What else would you expect from the hip alleyways of Newtown than a community-focused liquor merchant with recycled timber shelves and an emphasis on sustainable alcohol? Not your average bottle shop, P&V hold fundraisers for local charities and educational tasting events where you can sample some organic and biodynamically farmed wine. Why not be an eco-warrior this weekend and pick up one of their takeaway cocktails in a returnable bottle? Go on, do it for the Earth.

Vintage Cellars

240/242 King St, Newtown, 2042

If you can’t find the perfect champagne for your wedding reception, the full-bodied red for the Friday night dinner party or the delicate rosé for your alfresco Sunday lunch at Vintage Cellars, you won’t find it anywhere! The masters of customer service with a plethora of fine wine knowledge, the team at this Newtown bottle shop are the definition of expertise. The sparkling wine varieties include products from Champagne, South Eastern Australia, Yarra Valley and Tasmania.

Camperdown Cellars

140-144 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown NSW, 2050

All hail the ale! We may have mentioned Camperdown Cellars’ Bronte post, but for the absolute best selection of booze, you can’t pass up their flagship Parramatta store. A long-time hit with fans of craft beer due to the eclectic selection of over 650 craft and international pickings, Camperdown Cellars’ Paramatta store stocks brews you won’t find anywhere else. Not to mention, if you realise you’ve missed the cheese off the shopping list, there is an excellent range of groceries at the back of the store to compliment your wine selection.

Union Wine Cellars

a03/120 Terry St, Rozelle, 2039

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Turquoise waters glisten, palm trees sway, mojitos go undrunk. You? You’re hunched over a laptop, at home in your boxers. Though this isn’t a pretty picture, it’s smart: considering the havoc COVID 19 has wreaked, postponing your trip is sensible. However, financially, depending on when you booked your jaunt, you may take a monetary hit for doing so.

That’s how it seems, anyway, from Airbnb’s recent announcement regarding extenuating circumstances. Though it initially sounds promising (“we are now offering Guests full refunds and Hosts no charge cancellations for reservations booked on or before 14th March with a check-in date of 14th April or earlier”), when you dig into the details, you see a large number of travellers will (as it stands) miss out on this ‘get out of jail free’ card.

 

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“Airbnb will refund all service fees.”

However, the host’s cancellation policy will apply as usual to reservations made after 14 March 2020, and to existing reservations made on or before 14 March 2020 with check-in dates after 14 April 2020. In other words, if you have an upcoming trip in the back end of April, in May, or any time beyond that, you are – unless we see further changes to Airbnb’s policy – at your host’s mercy as to whether or not you get a refund.

“Existing reservations for stays and Airbnb Experiences with a check-in date after 14 April 2020 will not be covered under our extenuating circumstances policy except where the guest or host has contracted COVID-19. The host’s cancellation policy will apply as usual.”

“Please remember to carefully review the listing’s cancellation policy set by the host when booking and consider choosing an option that provides flexibility,” Airbnb adds, as a warning to anyone currently making a booking. They then left some further advice for those looking to recoup some cash, explaining how the whole “extenuating circumstances” gig goes.

“If your reservation is covered, it will be marked as such on the reservation details page (found in Trips if you’re a traveller, or in your hosting dashboard if you’re a host). If you cancel a reservation marked as eligible, guests will receive a full refund, and there will be no impact to hosts’ Superhost status. You don’t need to contact us in this case,” reads Airbnb’s extenuating circumstances page, last updated on Saturday the 14th of March (at the time of writing).

“For travellers, if your reservation is not covered, your host’s cancellation policy will apply as usual. You can reach out to your host to discuss cancellation and refunds.”

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Qantas and Jetstar customers can now cancel flights and receive a travel credit refund. Available both for domestic and international flights, the offer is available until 31 March 2020 for travel up to 31 May 2020, for customers with existing bookings and those making new ones.

Qantas and Jetstar have made this change to give their Australian and international customers greater flexibility following travel restrictions being implemented around the world due to the evolving Coronavirus situation.

These changes apply to all domestic and international flights for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar (including Jetstar domestic services in New Zealand and Jetstar Asia’s flights between Darwin and Singapore).

Focussing on existing bookings for a second, Qantas yesterday announced in a press release, “Customers with existing bookings on any domestic or international flight until 31 May 2020, who no longer wish to travel, can cancel their flight and retain the value of the booking as a travel credit voucher. This needs to be processed by 31 March 2020.”

“Travel credit vouchers can be used for travel on any domestic or international flights. Qantas and Jetstar will waive the change fee once customers are ready to rebook.”

For Qantas customers, travel credit can be redeemed for travel for up to 12 months from the original booking. Jetstar customers, however, will have six months fo redeem their travel vouchers (in one booking), for up to 12 months from the original booking.

“Qantas Frequent Flyers who have booked classic redemption flights on Qantas, Jetstar and all partner airlines, and no longer wish to travel, will have change fees waived.”

As for new bookings, to provide customers with greater flexibility and confidence, customers who “make a new domestic or international booking and later decide they no longer wish to travel,” Qantas says, “can cancel their flight and retain the value of the booking as a Qantas travel credit or Jetstar travel voucher.”

“This applies to bookings made from 10 March 2020 until 31 March 2020 for travel before 31 May 2020. This policy supersedes the previous policy to waive change fees announced on 10 March.”

Qantas also advises customers not to call its contact centres (“due to high demand, we are experiencing long call wait times”). Instead, to access this offer, Qantas customers should visit ‘Manage Booking’ on Qantas.com, select ‘Cancel’ and then ‘Voucher’.

From 9am today Monday 16 March 2020, Jetstar customers should go to ‘Manage My Booking’ on Jetstar.com, with Qantas urging “please do not call the Jetstar contact centre before that time should you need further assistance”).

However, if flights were booked through a travel agency or third-party website (eg. Webjet, Booking.com), customers will need to contact them directly to make changes to their booking.

Of these changes, Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully has said: “Following the introduction of increased travel restrictions from governments around the world, Qantas and Jetstar are introducing greater flexibility for customers booked on all domestic and international flights.”

“Travel restrictions are being introduced by governments to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, not because of the risk of contracting the virus on a flight.”

“Medical experts, including Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and the World Health Organisation, continue to advise that it continues to be safe to fly and the risk of contracting the Coronavirus on an aircraft remains low,” she added.

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