Why is it getting more difficult to get a home loan? It is becomming increasingly more difficult to obtain a home loan - why is this: The Federal Government is worried that the Australian property market is in a bubble, because home loan interest rates are low and credit is easy to obtain; The Government uses its banking regulatory body APRA to force banks to make it harder to get property loans in an attempt to cool the housing market. This article in The Australia...

Do you know what trauma insurance is? Recently we've been asking friends if they know what trauma insurance is.  The feedback is that they are really not sure what it covers you for. We all know someone who has been touched by cancer or a heart attack or MS - well if that person had trauma insurance then they could receive a lump sum payment.   This lump sum payment could be put towards: your medical expenses (not covered by private health or Medicare...

What do you know about bitcoin? Dean has a few tips to help you understand: Bitcoin is similar to a currency (cash) and is used to pay for goods and services, usually Internet purchases; The difference is bitcoin is not regulated by any government and therefore governments don't control the supply; There is massive speculation that bitcoin will replace cash for purchases (specifically on the Internet) and this is fuelling the price; Bitcoin ...

The End of Year Christmas Party - do you know if FBT is applicable and how to account for it? You may need to allow for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) when throwing that end of year Christmas Party and not just treat the cost as a business expense. Points to consider to determine if FBT is applicable:     Who is attending the Christmas party (e.g. clients; employees; suppliers; employee's partners);     Where is the party being held (e.g. at your...

Household Worker Insurance Do you employ workers in your home?  Most people are unaware that they have to insure casual workers, that complete work at their home, and that it costs very little to insure them.  A household worker could be: a Cleaner a Babysitter a Nanny a Gardener a Labourer or Tradeperson. This article provides some good examples of how a WorkCover Queensland insurance policy could save you thousands of dollars if the...