Financial Planning & Business Coaching Advice Australia

27 January 2012 - The Yanks were really getting excited, hoping to hit a high above 12,810.54, which hasn’t been seen since May 2008, but after a good start, it ended down 22 points at 12,734.63. But it really is only a big deal for media types and traders — though I think we’re getting into testing waters for a market that is up over 20 per cent since October. For the record, the S&P 500... read more ›

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The Latest

News

Aussie shares end higher; S&P/ASX 200 up 0.45%

Australian shares closed higher today with the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.4 per cent. The S&P/ASX 200 gained 17.1 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 4288.4. The All Ords put on 19.4 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 4348.5. Among the major miners, BHP Billiton...read more >
Regional jobs data: the winners and losers

The Hunter region of NSW had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation over 2011 averaging 2.3 per cent while the Far North of Queensland had the highest jobless rate, averaging 8.8 per cent over the year. Solid demand for coal and related...read more >

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How can I prepare to pay for my grandson’s school fees?

I have a self-managed super fund, am in my early 50s and have recently seen my first grandchild born. I would like to help my kids as they are working hard and trying to pay off a house and the plan is for my grandson to go to a private school by...read more >
My 2012 expectations

Now that most of us are close to being back to work for 2012, I thought I would lay down my expectations — not my predictions — for the year. I thought it was the least I could do when I saw the Sydney Morning Herald’s headline:...read more >

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Bridging the generation gap: top 10 communication skills

Communication skills are some of the most integral skills needed to succeed in the workplace. For those in a leadership or management role, becoming an expert communicator is of the utmost importance in order to be able to motivate, retain and...read more >
A fortune cookie with a difference

Many small business ‘fast grower’ aspirants ultimately learn that when it comes to big ideas and dreams, you have to be philosophical about defeat. That’s just how the cookie crumbles. However, Dominic Carosa, founder of Dominet...read more >

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Switzer TV

David Bussau

From a humble hot dog stand to champion of microfinance in underdeveloped countries, David Bussau has seen it all and has the awards to prove it. We find out what makes this entrepreneur tick.

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Share Trading

Should my portfolio follow the index?

I keep hearing that an investor’s portfolio of stocks should at least be weighted to represent the weightings of stock in the index. What does this mean and why is it important? The index that market experts or advisers might be talking about is the S&P/ASX 200 index, which collates the top 200 companies in... read more >

Money tip #8 – share trading

Want your share portfolio to be less of a gamble, more of an investment? Here are five tips: 1....

Property Investment

Is the Gold Coast a golden opportunity?

I’ve noticed that real estate prices on the Gold Coast in Queensland are unbelievably low and I wonder if there is a buying opportunity there right now? Do you agree and how would I go about buying Gold Coast properties safely? I’d like to buy as a landlord and then one day retire to the Gold Coast or go there... read more >

Smart property plays for 2012

A devoted reader named Dianne asked for advice on buying two investment properties. Her interest...

Superannuation

Is $300,000 enough to start a SMSF?

I’m starting a self-managed super fund with about $300,000. Is this enough and do I need a financial adviser to start? Generally I tell our clients that you need about $200,000 to make a SMSF work, as long as you keep your costs down to about $3000. Obviously if your costs are such, you’d have a ‘fee’... read more >