My dad and his partner own a small Mitre10 store, they've noticed a real slowdown in the last 12- 18 months, however have picked up a bit in the last 2 months (possibly related to publicity from 'The Block').   They are keeping their head above water at the moment, but spending is definitely down. I've noticed a lot of empty shops at our local sho…[Read more]

I think the southern area has been pretty heavily hit by the GFC.   There have been quite a few job loses in the manufacturing industries in Lonsdale and people generally aren't spending money – not sure if it has since picked up, but was pretty bad there for a while (my dad owns a business in Christies Beach).  Perhaps its a good time to grab…[Read more]

Thanks for your responses. I really like the idea of the trust – Terryw, you've definitely given me something to think about!My son will be 18 in about 15 months, so it sounds like it might be easier to loan him the money then – and in the mean time get him into a regular savings pattern.Thanks everyone.