Investors Moving Money To Greener Pastures

A few months ago the Federal Government announced that it would be introducing a guarantee on all deposits held in Australian banks, building societies and credit unions. For those who have their money invested in various bank deposit products, this was welcome news and went a long way to easing some of the uncertainty brought on by the global financial crisis.

However, there are a large number of consumers who have their funds in alternative investment options, such as mortgage funds and cash management trusts (CMTs) for example.

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Owning a franchise may be hard work, but there are considerable benefits to being part of an established, successful business

At a glance, it seems that our community is working harder and longer than ever. As the national economy is slowing and unemployment is predicted to rise accordingly, it seems only natural that workers put their noses to the grindstone in an attempt to move up the ladder, or even just to make ends meet.

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Tough Times Hurt More Than Just the Bottom Line

In the current harsh economic climate the one thing on everyone’s mind, both business owners and individuals, is money. Cash flow, debt repayments and investment losses to name just a few, along with “how we are going to dig ourselves out of this financial rut that we are stuck in?”

And yes, whilst money is most definitely the main concern here, a recent statement by Dr Simon Moss from Monash University highlights the fact that we must try to not let our financial worries impact on other areas of the business.

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Are you eligible to report your GST only once a year?

Not every business has to report GST monthly or quarterly. Eligible clients are able to lodge their GST report once a year. For your information, the key points are as follows.

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Super Co-contributions - maximse your super fund and secure your financial future

With recent events across the globe emphasising the volatility of the international financial market it is perhaps some timely advice that consumers make a move to not just focus on the immediate effects of the current downturn. It is important that, in times such as these, that we continue to also look to the future in an attempt to make personal financial decisions that will have a long-lasting impact and can potentially secure our financial future.

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A Tax Refund to Aid the Education Revolution

Following through with the yet another scheme that was announced in the 2008-09 Federal Budget, the Rudd Government has recently introduced to Parliament legislation that will see the enactment of the Education Tax Refund.

As set out in the budget, the Education Tax Refund will see the current Government invest $4.4 billion over the next four years to fund the all-important continuing education of the next generation of Australians.

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Employers’ Responsibility to Register Apprenticeships

With the apparent skilled labour shortage in the Australian workforce at the moment more small business owners are becoming aware of the benefits of taking on an apprentice.

Taking one or perhaps a number of apprentices into a business is mutually beneficial for all involved parties. The business is provided with a fresh canvas to train and educate into a valuable business asset, and the employee is provided with a unique opportunity to learn skills and techniques that can be applied in both the current position and through the rest of their working life.

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Does Your Deposit Have Insurance Protection?

In light of the current economic crisis in the US and particularly the downfall of renowned financial institution, Lehman Brothers, it is understandable that depositors are somewhat concerned about the safety of their money.

There is a common misconception that some institutions here on Australian shores are safer than others. For example, the four big banks are safer that credit unions or building societies. This is not necessarily the case.

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Simple Tips To Keep Your Business ‘Green-Friendly’

As global warming and environmental awareness continues to be a much discussed topic, it is possible that we have become completely desensitized to this pressing issue and have simply written it off as ‘too hard’ or ‘not something that we can do anything about’.

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First Home Saver Accounts are here

The Labor Government has recently passed legislation which will see the introduction of First Home Saver Accounts, as promised by Prime Minister Rudd in his election campaign. By providing a combination of lower taxes and Government contribution, the new accounts are intended to offer a simple, tax effective solution to help first home buyers kick start saving for their first home. These new accounts will be available to potential Australian first home buyers from financial institutions, including banks and some super funds, as of 1 October 2008.

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