Tis a crazy world we all operate in now – that is for sure.

Slightly off topic but related to the discussion.

I was reading an online article earlier today which outlined some recent research into kids 'readiness for school'

To all parents of pre-school age kids, in particular, please read the article, and do something about helping your kids…[Read more]

Terry is right July 2013 sees the world of financial advisors changing.

Catalyst wrote:
  Funny I thought everyone would love to see a reno so when we did a big one last year I posted asking if anyone wanted to have a look while we were doing the reno to just message me. Didn't get anyone interested.

Then I noticed Nathan charging $299 to see his reno and got loads of takers. He's done it a few times now. Limit 20…[Read more]

This thread is a bit like having a hearing problem and only hearing half of the conversation.

Might as well delete it.

Further to Terry's comments.

While a 'likeable' factor is important when looking for service the over-riding factor should be their level of knowledge.

After all you want this person to help you invest wisely – not be your buddy.

Hi Ralph,

Missed your question – so apologies for that.

IMO truly independent advisors are much better than someone who works for major insurance firms and/or banks. I do recall seeing somewhere an analysis of whc owns what in the financial world and I found the level of interconnectedness 'intriguing'

IMO you are better off seeking someone who…[Read more]

Hi Brines,

Teh formula for calculating rental returns is

52 weeks X weekly rent divided by purchase price multiplied by 100 to give rent return in percentage terms

Eg rent of $400/week and property being purchased is $300K

Rent return is

52 X 400 = $20800 / 300000 = 0.069 X 100 = 6.9%

Some people allow for vacancies and prefer to use 50…[Read more]

Ring your local council and ask to speak to the relevant department. While you are on the phone speak to your insurance company and ask them the same question.

I would suggest you'll be looking at fitment of RCDs, exhaust fans, maybe some form of firewall depending upon where the burner is in relation to walls in the flat.

Hi Jingle,

You now move to a different issue and that relates to CGT.

If you live in the property first you can have a further 6 years of CG tax free status.

If you rent the property first then the CG tax free status only starts when you move into the property and remains in place while you live in it and can be extended a further 6 years when…[Read more]

HI Waz,

Don't know your personal situation. Nor do I know the land tax rates in NSW but ……………………………..

I don't think you should be making your decision solely based on possible land tax bills.

Trusts are primarily designed as a means of protecting assets. This should be your primary consideration and not teh size of the…

Hi Alice,

Some of those posts are very dated so you may wish to see if you can PM or email both people directly.

If I buy two belts w/o keys for my daughters will I get a discount?

Terryw wrote:

for family law matters celibacy

Geez Terry – I cannot see many clients lining up and paying fees for that piece of advice.

@Harry.

Like Catalyst – with the cash option you have mentioned nothing really changes in my opinion other than having a buffer of some form is important.

In general terms I would not be overly concerned with LMI costs. Having said that I am not fully conversant with your situation to make further comment.

What's the matter with paying fair market value?

Varies from state to state. Suggest you check out the relevant state government websites.

Seems to me you are over analysing things – your proposal makes no difference to your overall situation.

Total debt, total asset value and total income all remain the same.

A 'nothing' move in my opinion.

Most builders would have a 'fact sheet' style brochure/flyer which outlines what your contract price includes.

Just be aware on most occasions the level of fit out is only moderate. 

You will also need to look for site cost allowances, water connection, power connection, landscaping, taps, clothes lines and so on.

Floopdee wrote:
do they get a cut from finding you the property?

Yep

Hi Prudence,

Rather tan trying to wade your way through all of the books – first work out which strategy seems to make most sense to you.

I would suggest Steve's book/s from a cashflow perspective and Jan Somers books from a capital growth perspective.

After reading these you may then have a clearer idea about which strategy suits you and your…[Read more]