Rate Detective Guides

The 6 most frequent mistakes that we see small business operators make are:

1. Trying to do everything.

   You cannot – nor should you even try – to do the bookwork, develop new products, create marketing plans, manage every staff member, deliver products, etc etc.

In my experience too many small business owners, and individuals alike, make financial decisions based on the tax implications of the transaction. STOP IT.

Paying tax is GOOD – it means that you are making money.

Accountants are accountants – right?

Wrong!

Accounting is one of the most diverse areas of business. Some of my friends are accountants with over 25 years experience – yet never prepare their own tax return!

I get asked all the time:

“What is the best legal structure to operate my business in/buy my investments in/ own my home in?”

The reality is that there is no “best”. Each has their own pros and cons and you need to sit down with someone who knows your affairs properly and decide on the best structure with them.

Have you ever thought what would happen to you if you became permanently and totally disabled? Would you be able to meet your financial and family commitments and maintain the quality of life you and your loved ones currently enjoy?

Term Life Insurance has become a popular form of life insurance because policy holders are covered for large benefits, in the case of death, relative to the premium that is paid.

Every year thousands upon thousands of people in Australia fall seriously ill or suffer a serious accident in the workplace, on the road or at home.

Buyers’ advocates or Buyers Agents offer a service to their clients, which enables these clients the ability to assess the real value and potential of Property acquisitions which in general would not be available to them as laymen. Different people have different reasons for enlisting the services of licensed Buyers Advocates; some of these are mentioned below.

So you’ve bought your home and settled in. Now what? The commitment to regular repayments is a permanent fixture of your budget, your disposable income is much lower, but you have the security and peace of mind in owning your own home.

For first homebuyers this process can be challenging and a little confusing. Help is at hand however, and with a little forethought and assistance from the professionals you’ll be settled into your new home enjoying that book or bottle of red, in no time!

It is smart to know what you are getting for your (or your bank’s) money! Keep the following points in mind before you put an offer to the vendor. We’ve also included a few to consider when working through the process of offer and acceptance.

With all the different options available to you in the 21st century to find your own home, it pays to put them to good use. To help you in your search, we outline the main ones to keep in mind.

Searching for Housing Online

When purchasing a home, choosing your lender is one of the key decisions you will make. This guide discusses the various lender options that are available, and outlines what YOU need to do to ensure that you receive the required funding for your purchase.

When choosing your loan, there are a number of various features which you need to get your head around. Additionally, there are some fundamental aspects relating to the nature of the loan itself which you need to be aware of. This guide should give you a good basis for deciding which type of loan to choose.

How important is the interest rate?

So, you’ve decided to buy your own home? Before you rush out and make an offer, pause and take note of these few points. It could save you time and money later!

These tips were originally presented by Regan from Rate Detective on the Sky News Channel show Your Money, Your Call.

For most people, buying an investment property is the largest investment they will ever make.

Refinancing your mortgage can bring you multiple financial benefits.

Buying at auction can be an exhilarating experience but to avoid disappointment and/or paying an inflated price it is best to undertake as much research as possible – of both the property you intend to purchase and the auction process itself.

How does an auction work?