As our property markets move into the upswing phase of the property cycle there will be more and more positive news. You’ve probably noticed how the media has changed its message over the last year or so – no more stories about real estate Armageddon or forced mortgagee sales. Now there are stories about strong…
This statement contradicts just about every evolutionary instinct we possess. We tend to seek out safety and avoid risk whenever possible. A classic example has to be the instinct that (still) tells us we are safer staying with the group. If members of the herd stray, they are easier for predators to pick off. Staying…
Do you remember playing pretend when you were little? Maybe you were a superhero, a dinosaur or a princess. It’s normal when you’re little, and it’s usually harmless. Most children know the difference between pretending to be a superhero and jumping off the roof thinking they can fly. But adults often forget. For instance, we…
A while back my wife and I hired a financial planner. It was a big change to sit on the other side of the desk and see the process from the client’s perspective. I received some interesting reactions when I told people. The most common one was: Why does a Certified Financial Planner need to…
One of the biggest changes over the time I’ve been investing in property is the abundant availability of property research data. Today there’s a plethora of statistics offered about Australia’s property scene – median house prices by the year, the quarter, the month or day, median advertised rents, rental vacancy rates, auction clearance rates, days…
I’m going to assume for a minute that you’re one of the millions of people who have a recurrently frustrating relationship with spending. It probably starts with a commitment to sticking to your budget, and you do for a few days. Then, despite your resolve, you break down, pull out the credit card and do…
Taking control of your personal finances and getting rich is simple, but it’s not easy. And that’s not a play on words. It’s simple if you know how, but not easy because of our bad money habits. New York Times columnist, author, and financial planner Carl Richards regularly had his articles published on Property Update. I asked him…
We all have dreams for the future, and many of those dreams require money to make them come true. So today I discuss some ways to get smart about money and help you get on track with your financial goals. Whether you are just starting out on your way to financial freedom, or you’re stuck along…
A couple of years ago a guy made headlines because he was caught using a lowly flip phone. In a world of gold iPhones and palm-size phablets, it does seem a little odd that someone would still use such a low-tech device. But it was the identity of the person using the phone that got…
At a recent breakfast, a friend shared the process he and his wife use in place of traditional budgeting. It takes them less than 15 minutes a month, and after the first month, it’s already had a massive impact on the way they use money. Think of this as a little case study, one that…