Hi Terry,

I'd heard the change in tax rates only applied to trust distributions but is it for income across the board?

Andrew

I personally like Margaret Thatcher's quote " There is no such thing as society.  There are individual men and women, and there are families."  < http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Margaret_Thatcher#Third_term_as_Prime_Minister >.

Although this is an extreme statement (and I personally wouldn't go that far) I think the underlying point she makes is valid.  When we start looking at some kind of dependence (including interdependence) as the building block of society freedom is a necessary casualty.  The starting point of dependence necessarily crowds out autonomy of the individual (and family unit) and invites tyranny from those whose judgement is used to regulate the levels of dependance that they see fit to impose.  A so called synthesis of the values of freedom and dependence (ie. interdependence) does not resolve this conflict.

While in practical terms freedom of this kind is a fiction I still think it's an important idealogical starting point for building the greatest freedoms possible into a society.  I would qualify it only by adding that personal autonomy should be limited, but only to the extent that it impinges on the autonomy of another.  

When creating laws and regulations, and even taxes for that matter, there is a fundamental difference between asking 'how can we protect the freedom of a person?' and 'how can we protect the (inter)dpendence of a person?'  I know what I'd prefer.

"What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?"

Hi Linda,

It might be worth getting a property manager or two through to give you some advice on how best to renovate to maximise your rental returns.  You may find you don't need to do as much as you think. 

People on here seem to recommend things like light fittings, flooring, paint, blinds.  Changing benchtops and handles instead of entire kitchens may work too.  There's plenty of experienced renovators on here that could give you a few pointers on what to look at.

Whatever you end up deciding to do I'd be pretty committed to getting several quotes.  Even if you want to use a one stop shop it might be worth having it quoted seperately as well just to make sure you are getting a fair price.  Whilst going through this process you may even find you have more strength than you think and be able to manage the renovation yourself.

Interestingly I haven't seen many recommendations for builders/tradies getting around on this site.  I have a plumber I have used a few times for odd jobs that I can pass on if you PM me.

Maybe you could also clarify if it is a unit or apartment?  It may help others give you some more specific advice about what to look at.

Andrew

Hi Amanda,

A user known as Euro73 has posted quite a lot about NRAS on these forums.  Do an advanced search on his username to see his posts.

Hope this helps,

Andrew

What I have done (about other topics) is looked up University websites and taken a look at the relevant subjects to see what reading materials are set for the course.  Sometimes there are weblinks.  It's a good place to start – especially the 1st year core subjects for an overview of the topic.  VCE text books might also be a good place to look depending on your background knowledge.and how readily you digest the uni material

There's quite a few threads on the site the deal with tax liens.  You'll find them if you search.  Try this one as an example https://www.propertyinvesting.com/forums/property-investing/overseas-deals/4334781
Andrew

And a lot more expensive.  And besides, even if you get a VCAT judgement in your favour council can still hold you up with their interpretations of the VCAT judgement. 

Councils need to be made accountable and I think two things need to happen.  1) Council should be given fixed service levels to meet (eg. 12 weeks for a standard development) after which time they receive some sort of monetary penalty.  and 2) VCAT should have the power to order monetary compensation to applicants who have had their TPP's erroneously rejected (ie. met all the planning guidlines but rejected due to 'character' or something equally flakey).

Only problem is it just ain't gonna happen.

Andrew

Hi Jamie,

There is already a book review list in heads up section https://www.propertyinvesting.com/forums/community/heads-up

Andrew

 It brings back memories.  I'm feeling your pain.