It was one contemplative afternoon whilst Sean Ashby sat on Bondi Beach that he decided to put his redundancy payout to good use by becoming not just any Aussie bum, but THE Aussie bum. Every summer Sean and his co-founder Guy Holland would buy the traditional Aussie cossie, however in 2001 they discovered that Speedo was no longer making this swimwear.

What To Do If Redundancy Comes Your Way

Christine Khor is a director of Carrera Partners; a team of recruitment and human resource consultants specialising in sales and marketing disciplines. Carrera Partners have links with many of the best known companies and most sought-after candidates in the country.

The House that Ken built

Ken Sayer, CEO, tells his story of how he built one of Australia's fastest growing non bank lenders, and the lessons he learnt along the way.

Your Health Is Your Wealth. Achieving Work/Life Balance

Your health is your wealth and achieving that work/life balance is more important than you may think. It can not only impact on your performance at work and affect your relationships, but it can also influence your health and well being.

Juggling Credit Card Debt? Try Debt Consolidation

To overcome the fear of starting on your investment journey, getting an education from people who are investors themselves is the fastest way. Don't discuss your fears with non-investors - go to those "in the know". We all know that our friends and family mean well, but in your early days of investing, it can be beneficial to only share your plans with people who know and understand what you're trying to achieve.

Can't afford to buy your first home? Maybe you can!

The Australian government has laid out massive incentives hoping to make home ownership more attractive - and attainable - to first-time buyers, who were previously outpriced.

Retirement rethink

Did you know that if you wanted to retire on an annual income of $30,000 you will need approximately one million dollars* invested to generate that income?

QBE LMI predicts 23% price growth

Australia's capital cities will enjoy double digit house price growth over the coming three years, a new report by lenders' mortgage insurance firm QBE LMI has ...

Navigating the pre-purchase legal maze

As a first homebuyer, you're probably busy choosing a property and arranging a home loan, but how much time do you give to the legalities involved?

Future wealth

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."Could the same Chinese proverb be relevant to the way we teach our children about money?

Identity fraud: How exposed are you?

Were you aware that up to 75% of Australian households throw out enough personal information to put them at risk of identity fraud?

RBA says interest rates are 'normalising'

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens has defended last week's interest rate hike, saying the recovering economy stood to benefit from ...

Retail sales account

Retail sales account for around 23 percent of Australia's GDP and the sector is the biggest employer with about 15 percent of all jobs.

Inflation indicator drop

TD-MI's inflation indicator showed a 0.3% drop in consumer prices in October. This brought their annual inflation rate down to 1.2% from 1.3% previously.

Credit to the private sector fell 0.2%

Credit to the private sector fell 0.2% in September. It was contrary to expectations for a 0.2% gain and marked the first fall since December 2008.

Sales of new homes in Australia dropped

Sales of new homes in Australia dropped 4.5% in September after an 11.4% gain in August. Sales of detached house were down 4.3% while sales of apartments (which tend to be volatile) were down 6.5%.

Are you covered?

It has been a year of unexpected fires and floods. Victims and insurance companies alike report that many were either not insured at all or severely under insured. In light of these disasters, now is a very good time to reassess your insurance position.

Top 7 Tax Tips

A good tax accountant is worth their weight in gold. They are responsible for knowing all the deductions that you are entitled to - things that your annual Tax Pack may not list.

Would you like an investment property with that?

Since winter 2008 we have seen interest rates drop to levels not seen for over 40 years. This time last year, variable interest rates were published at 9.45%. On the average loan (see table below), this equates to a saving of around $1,000 per month. Yes, the average Australian household mortgage is now approximately $1,000 per month less than it was a year ago (for those on variable rates).

Falling interest rates! What does it really mean?

With falling interest rates and most economic forecasters tipping the cash rate to drop even further by mid year, it is clear that an opportunity, unlike any seen in recent years, exists for home owners and astute investors.

PARENTS: how to help your kids!

Parents now want to assist their children to achieve the great Australian dream of home ownership. It is reported that 8 in 10 parents are prepared to lend a hand by providing some form of financial support in an effort to help their children enter the property market.

Other things to consider if you're struggling with your mortgage repayments

On a $300,000 loan at 8.33% the repayments on a principal and interest loan are $2,381.41, and on an interest only loan they are $2,082.50 saving $300 per month. Remember that if you choose an interest only loan you will not be paying any principal off your home, so don't leave it too long before you sort out your budget and get back to paying off your principal as well.

Is prepaying your interest beneficial to you?

For investors choosing to pay the next financial year's interest in advance, some banks offer between a 10-20 basis point discount. In 2007 one of the major banks offered a 30 basis point discount on their standard fixed rate investment loan.

Psychological Barriers to Investing

If you are thinking of investing but too afraid to make the first move, read on as Margaret Lomas reveals practical strategies to reduce if not completely eradicate your fears of investing now.

The Conduct of Monetary Policy in Crisis and Recovery

With economic prospects improving, people's thoughts naturally turn to the question 'what next for monetary policy?'

Australia Ranked 2nd Global Financial Centre

The Finance Industry Council of Australia (FICA) welcomes the findings of the World Economic Forum's second annual Financial Development ...

Dollar loses reserve status to yen & euro

Ben Bernanke's dollar crisis went into a wider mode yesterday as the greenback was shockingly upstaged by the euro and yen, both of which can ...

Negative versus positive gearing - what makes more "cents"?

Even with an uncertain economy, rising unemployment and the possibility of interest rates rising, rental yields are still expected to continue to increase in most capital cities.

How long does it take for your property to double in value?

The current state of the global economy makes it difficult to predict where property prices would be in three months, let alone seven to 10 years into the future.

12 ways to bag a bargain

Your next property purchase could be a steal if you adopt the right approach and get ready to take a shot when it raises its head. Your Investment Property magazine looks at ways to sniff out a great buy.

7 selling tactics to get top price

Pamela Yardney, director of Metropole Property Investment Strategists' says vendors should leverage the character in their property to take advantage of the emotionally charged environment of auctions.

Tapping into your hidden wealth

Equity is a powerful ally, offering investors a golden opportunity to leverage profits from one property into a burgeoning real estate portfolio. But just how do you do it, and what are the risks involved?

When is the best time to fix?

Unfortunately there is no best time to gain any advantage in fixing your mortgage, or part of it. There is no evidence in the last five years to suggest a particular week is the one to target for the best deal.

Cash Rate

The RBA's minutes were released yesterday for the October 6 Board meeting. This was the meeting where the RBA raised interest rates by 25bp to take the cash rate to 3.25%.

Economic Imbalances

Australia's central bank felt keeping interest rates at very low levels could undermine the achievement of its inflation target over the medium term, leading to economic imbalances.

The Reserve Bank Assistant Governor

Philip Lowe said yesterday that it was appropriate to return to more normal monetary policy settings, given that uncertainty from the global financial crisis had eased. These comments echoed that of the Governor last week.

IMF warns Aussie banks about defaults

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has injected fuel into the debate over the timing of the peak of banks' bad debts by warning Australian banks could lose $33 billion due to household and corporate defaults.

Perth rental vacancy rate hits 14-year high

The vacancy rate for available rental properties in Perth has jumped to a 14-year high of 4.8%, preliminary data from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has shown

Cleared auction numbers on the rise

The total number of cleared real estate auctions has increased in all but one of Australia's capital cities, new figures from RP Data have revealed.

RBA says interest rates are 'normalising'

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens has defended last week's interest rate hike, saying the recovering economy stood to benefit from "a more normal" rate.

Kingsthorpe tops Queensland rent yield list

The Kingsthorpe district in Darling Downs has topped a Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) list of the areas giving the highest rental yield percentile in the state, with returns of 6%.

QBE LMI Predicts Price Growth

Australia's capital cities will enjoy double digit house price growth over the coming three years, a new report by lenders' mortgage insurance firm QBE LMI has claimed.

Sydney house values breach $600,000

The median value of Sydney house has breached the $600,000 mark for the first time property information specialists Residex has revealed.

First homebuyer freebies

First homebuyers rejoiced in October when Kevin Rudd announced that the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) would double to $14,000 for established homes - and treble to $21,000 for brand new properties.

Which property?

You've qualified for tens of thousands of dollars in incentives from the boosted First Home Owner Grant. Now, the question is: where should you spend it? Kit Kadlec reports

Navigating the pre-purchase legal maze

As a first homebuyer, you're probably busy choosing a property and arranging a home loan, but how much time do you give to the legalities involved?

Old vs New: Which is a better buy?

As a first homebuyer, are you better off going for a cheaper, older property or a home that's more expensive but brand-new? John Maher of Property Strategies Australia crunches the numbers

The Cheapest Innercity Units on the Map

If your goal is to crack the inner-city unit market but don't know where to start, read on - as Genavieve Zoeller unveils the most affordable examples near the CBD

How to buy your first home in 5 months!

Buyers take note: you only have five months left to take advantage of the government's First Home Owner Grant boost.

Shared Equity Loans explained.

As distinct from a typical loan product, under a shared equity loan the lender assists with the purchase of a home through the provision of a loan and/or "capital". As the name implies, the major difference between a shared equity loan and a traditional loan is that the borrower forgoes part of the capital gain upon sale of the property or clearance of the debt.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and First Home Owner Boost (FHOB)

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme is a once off grant of $7,000 to first home buyers. The scheme was introduced on 1 July 2000 with no end date yet identified. The grant is not means-tested and is also not restricted by the purchase price or construction cost of the home.

Escape the rent rut

My husband and I pay a large amount in rent each week, which we see as dead money. We both have well paid jobs and we are sure we could pay off a home. Our biggest problem is that whilst we are paying rent, we can't seem to save a deposit. We have enough saved for all the costs associated with buying a home but the deposit just seems to be out of reach.

2008

Buying a Brand New Home

In addition to the extra cash, Johnson says there's plenty of room for growth with the new homes built in some of the mid-toouter suburbs....

The advantages of using mortgage brokers over banks

Well the banks would offer their best available product, however they won't tell you if another bank has an even better product or deal for you. The role of a mortgage broker is to research the best loan for you (against other products available on the market) and recommend this to you based on your individual financial situation.

Using the equity in your home for investment purposes

Getting ahead financially is becoming further and further out of reach for many Australians. However many are now tapping into their "pot of gold" - the equity in their home - allowing them to invest for the future and forge ahead financially.

Spring clean your body, mind and finances

In winter we spend most of our time indoors and often this leads to a build-up of clutter. A cluttered desk, wardrobe or room is usually an indicator of a cluttered mind as well. We hold onto material possessions that we no longer need and this creates trapped energy in our lives as well as in our homes.

7 reasons to call your mortgage broker this summer

With so many changes in today's world of finance, the clear message is "DON'T PANIC!" Seek advice from a trusted source. Here are some reasons to call us over the next few months. Remember we're on your side.

Don't think first home, think first investment property

If the current state of the housing market in Australia makes you feel like you will never be able to afford your own home and you could be destined to rent for the rest of your life, there is good news for those who are prepared to change their thinking. Instead of thinking "first home", think "first investment". Why not keep renting a place in which to live and buy an investment property instead?

Depreciation on Investment Properties

If you own an investment property then the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will usually allow you to claim a tax deduction for depreciation.

Being self-employed should not force you to pay higher interest rates

If you said yes to one or more of these questions, then you need to call us. You should not be prevented from receiving the benefits of competitively priced finance.

Big Drop in Fixed Rate Loans

Prior to the recent ratc rise, brokers were expected to begin to notice a dip in the number ofborrowers taking out fixed ratc home loans, according to the latest Australian Finance Group (AFG) Mortgage Index figures. ll1c index revealed that sales offixed rate loans through its member brokers in]uly fell to the lowest level in nearly two years - a statistic AFG puts down to confident borrowers.

Cautious Approach to Relationship Debt Needed

Brokers should tread very carefully when looking at setting up credIt faCIllttcs that revolve around personal relationships. ll1is follows credit checking agency Veda Advantage warning "lovebirds" to be cautious before rushing into financial entanglements such as shared bills, or loan or credit arrangements.

2007

Finance Broker Association of Australia report 2007

THE FBAA in NSW (and all states) continues to grow strongly, and I would like to thank everyone for their support of initiatives taken in NSW this year.

Investing and Property Development

When Luke Sheales decided to demolish a run-down house in Bentley and replace it with two luxury units, he never thought a couple of trees on a neighbouring property would cause so much trouble

Big Lender Arrives in Town

ONE of Australia's largest non-bank lenders, Mortgage House, opened its latest branch in Liverpool last week. The office will be headed by principal Rod Gallagher, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the branch as a trained accountant, real estate investor and experienced business man.

Call the Loan Stars at Mortgage House

Providing their own competitive products as well as an extensive list of panel funders, Mortgage House Northern Rivers have loans covering residential, investment, commercial and business.

7 Important Financial Steps to Purchasing Your Next Home

Whilst there are many things that you will need to do physically to your home to maximise its selling price, it is important to understand all of the financial impacts during the sale of your existing home and the purchase of a new home. Even though the selling process may differ from State to State, sellers should consider the following suggestions before listing their home with an agent

Buying your first home

Buying your first home can be one of the most exciting yet challenging purchases you'll ever make, but it's definitely worth the effort.

Did you know that property investors need not wait for their tax return?

A common investment strategy is to finance the purchase of residential property using debt which can be in the form of a mortgage over the property. Generally, interest expenses incurred in connection with the mortgage will be deductible for income tax purposes by the investor. Where interest and other related expenses (such as rates, repairs and insurance) exceed the rental income from the investment property, the investment is commonly referred to as "negatively geared" because tax deductible expenses exceed rental income.

Finance For Motor Vehicles

In addition, if you purchase a new motor vehicle through a business you are able to claim the GST in your BAS statement. Under each finance method you are generally able to finance 100% of the motor vehicle purchase price, but you must consider that each of these finance methods have their own pro's and con's.

2006

Chop Up Those Credit Cards

Take out the `ouch' factor If the rate rise is sending shivers down your spine, says ADAM BENNETT relax, it's not so bad if you're prepared to cut down on credit cards

Tips to save money to cut your mortgage

Buy in bulk whenever you can. Organise a shopping group with friends to shop at the Growers" Market for fruit and vegetables. Economy sized products are usually cheaper per kilo.

Free yourself from debt

Are your debts controlling you and winning lotto seems to be the only solution? Still trying to get over Christmas or the impulsive holiday on your credit card? And let's not forget the car loan, personal loan or hire purchase.

Investing in changing times

With property markets currently soft and so many negative issues canvassed daily in the press, we could be forgiven for thinking that the market's equilibrium has in some way been affected - that property markets in future will perform differently, that things are less predictable and that past price growth patterns cannot be repeated.

A Mortgage for Life?

While the 40 year home loan is new to the market in Australia, it is generally common place overseas with borrowers attracted to its lower monthly repayments. Financial services research group. Cannex recently reported that 40 year mortgages WERE NOT UNCOMMON IN THE United States and the United Kingdom.

2005

Melbourne Storm find sponsor in Mortgage Hous

THE Storm's deal with major sponsor Adecco is about to run out, but Melbourne won't have to wait around for long for anew one to fill the breach.

Q & A - REVERSE MORTGAGES EXPLAINED

My parents are retired and receiving the pension. They have lived in the same house for 37 years and as you can imagine the value has increased considerably. Like a lot of people in their age bracket they are asset rich, but cash poor. They do not want to sell to access some of this case, but they can see no other option. I've heard in the press about reverse mortgages. How do these work?

Struggling to get started?

My daughter wants to purchase her first home. She can afford the repayments but is struggling to save a deposit whilst she is paying rent.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO HOME OWNERSHIP

Many of today's aspiring homeowners are justifiably feeling frustrated and disillusioned. Often their borrowing capacity and debt serviceability are nowhere near the properties they aspire to own - creating either unacceptable compromise in selection or complete inability to enter the mark

SOLUTIONS FOR SELF EMPLOYED BORROWERS

Being self employed has many benefits, but when it comes to borrowing money for a home it can prove to be a difficult process.

2004

HOW PROPERTY INVESTORS' TIMES HAVE CHANGED

Wouldn't it be great to start out as an investor with a clean slate - the knowledge of how to go about it and an adequate timeframe to deliver our desired financial outcomes.

INVESTOR CASE STUDY

We bought our first property about seven years ago and, like most people, went to our local bank. A year and a half later we had two investment properties and we were on our way.

PROPERTY INVESTMENT - IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME?

Politicians, the Reserve Bank, various interest groups and the media all having their input into the current property debate. But beneath all the emotive headlines, the property market is behaving fairly much as it always has - in a predictably cyclic fashion. Property has long been the trusted investment vehicle for Australians - for good reason. They key is in understanding both the long and short term fluctuations and investing accordingly.