Equis News & Events

The new Think & Grow Rich magazine (founder Jamie McIntyre) is available in newsagents across Australia NOW!  ..

Debt.  Is it the devil in disguise or a useful tool to help us increase our standard of living? ..

For many investors, this is a time when cash is guarded closely and they are hesitant in investing in anything other than a bottle of wine!  But for some investors, especially the rich, who have seen market turmoil before, aren’t afraid to buy in where other's fear to tread! ..

This interesting article suggests our 'living expenses' are set to rise by $200 a year, with a new survey suggesting Victoria will be hit "first and hardest" as a result of reliance on coal-fired electricity plants in the Latrobe Valley, which provides about 90 per cent of the state's electricity - there is a lot of negative publicity around the issue however there are still many who believe we are better off with a Carbon Tax.  What are your thoughts? ..

Home ownership - the great Australian Dream!

Now is a great time to think about ways to reduce your home loan and whilst many of us high personal debt, today’s household savings have reached 10.7% of disposable income – the most in 24 years - according to data by Mortgage Choice an Australian Mortgage Broker.  There are plenty of advantages to owning your home earlier but most people feel that small extra amounts don't create a real dint in their mortgage. ..

The answer is - probably YES. 



Hopefully your school issues an itemised account so that you can see what the lump sum is made up of (if they don’t, you might be able to request it).  There are many elements that have no impact on your tax, but there are two components to look for: ..

Do you have school age children? A few years ago, the government introduced the Education Tax Refund.  For the 2010-11 financial year, you can claim up to $397 for every child you have in primary school and $794 for every high school student. But this only applies if you qualify for Family Tax Benefit Part A (see this EQUIS news item) and you must keep receipts.  ..

A great tip EQUIS can give you at this time of year is:- On the 1st July, write down the balances of your debts, bank balances, share portfolios, managed investments and the mileage on your car!  Why you may well ask? 

Well, you will need all of these figures for the next tax year and it will save you a lot of time, not to mention money as some of this data will be tricky or even nearly impossible to find later on! ..

Do you electronically send Invoices? A great social media tip EQUIS heard about recently to potentially increase sales was to use any blank spaces on the invoices you send each month to further engage your customers.  ..