JohnHopkins

After you’ve found a house or apartment to move into, it’s important you put together a plan to ensure your move is as smooth as possible. Here, we will outline some handy hints which should assist you with your move. more >

I’m often asked by clients how negative gearing works and whether the widely used process would be beneficial for their wealth creation or retirement strategy. Depending on your individual circumstances, negative gearing can be a reasonable tax deduction for various investment classes. more >

2011 saw some significant events happening around the world. Floods were unfortunately prevalent; not only in Australia, but around world. Japan experienced a devastating display from Mother Nature with an earthquake which shook the nation, whilst our friends over the Tasman fought with natural disasters of their own. A volcanic eruption in Iceland brought our aviation network to its knees, whilst Australia battled with convincing its citizens that putting a price on carbon would be for our benefit, not our detriment. We witnessed the US reach dizzy new heights of borrowing after reaching their debt ceiling and the European debt crisis is still creating a deal of anxiety around the world. more >

If the unthinkable was to happen in a property you were renting, and some or all of your belongings were damaged or stolen, how much do you think it would cost for you to replace them? Whatever figure you think it might be, the true figure is often much more than you think. When you think about all your white goods, clothes, music, computers, jewellery etc….it all adds up. That’s why it’s so important you have adequate insurance as a renter. Here, we will explain the different circumstances and obligations for landlords and tenants, as determined by the Residential Tenancies Act. more >

For most individuals, having any investment which is safe and provides a high level of return is obviously ideal. However, what constitutes as safe, and the time over which returns on investments are calculated, differs for everyone. more >

Ensuring your Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is appropriately administrated is essential, not only for the success of your fund, but also to avoid possible tax implications or penalties from the Australia Tax Office (ATO). more >

When it comes to paying for utilities in a rented property, it’s important both the landlord and tenant have a clear understanding as to who pays for what. Here, we will explain the different circumstances and obligations for landlords and tenants, as determined by the Residential Tenancies Act. more >

For any tenancy agreement to be successful, communication between all parties is the key. This includes a clear understanding between the tenant, the landlord and the property manager. Having a property manager who is across all information, whether trivial or major, will ensure the tenant maintains a safe and harmonious living arrangement and the landlord can enjoy peace of mind for their investment. more >

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has warned they will be targeting the cash economy over the next few years. Over the last few years, the ATO have implemented a system of small business benchmarks which they utilise to establish whether businesses are correctly reporting all their income and to ensure they are not claiming on illegitimate or excessive expenses. more >

“The job of an economist is to make a weather forecaster look good” Neville Norman, Melbourne University’s Professor of Economics, made the above statement over twenty years ago whilst introducing himself and his profession at a conference at the The Hilton with Bob Ansett and myself. more >