116th Edition December 2013
Christmas Edition
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
"Santa's present to YOU"
100% Finance with no deposit
Good afternoon fellow members,
Well, here we are coming in on the home run from my “Tour of Duty” leading into Christmas, better start looking for presents now before it is too late!!!
What a great Christmas present for Mackay members from The FIRM as we have just launched the best finance package to “MEMBERS ONLY”
I have just returned back from Mackay catching up with all the members and their kids who needed support from us to get into their first new home in Mackay. Most of them had little to no deposit as they are all caught up in the spiraling increases of the rental cycle with the prices of homes just keeping out of their reach of affordability.
How many years have we heard these comments?
Now we finally have a solution!!!
The frenzy continues as all the kids celebrate Christmas in Mackay madly looking at home designs, colour schemes and choosing their very first block of land in Mackay … YES NEW HOMES!!!
One of our senior members decided to now sell the family home and buy beachside acreage next door to his daughter’s new acreage so he can be close and babysit his grandchildren and go fishing at the same time.
This is our Christmas present to you, want to know more just email me back for more details.
On behalf of all our dynamic team at The FIRM we wish each and every one of you a beautiful Christmas and a safe happy holiday.
We all thank you for your ongoing support over the years and look forward to continue our strong relationship for the years ahead.
Your comments, thoughts and contributions of constructive ideas throughout the year have been very important to us to constantly improve our standard of excellence, we are honoured that that you are part of our ever growing team of 9,499 members.
Wishing you, your family and friends a wonderful Christmas, with love, laughter, and a prosperous year ahead for 2014.
Have a great Christmas holiday and we will chat soon!
Stay HEALTHY, WEALTHY and WISE until next time!!!
115th Edition November 2013
The Perfect Storm
Good morning everyone,
Well, another week has flown by with only a few weeks before Christmas. I hope you were not affected by the Storm activity as we were.
We were at Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Event with Jayden over the weekend which completely destroyed everything and everyone in its path including Boards, Tents, Cars and People. I have seen plenty of hail in my time, but never to the stage where people had to go to the hospital for half a dozen stitches to the head, it was actually felt like a horror scene out of the movies. Our Lexus 4WD also got hammered, literally, however we were lucky as cars around us all had the windows and sunroof’s smashed. Scary stuff!!!
Interest Rates on HOLD
Good evening Everyone,
Trust you all were well behaved and made plenty of money during the Melbourne Cup… HIC-CUP …#@!%*&!.
Today’s meeting with RBA Board has left the official cash rate unchanged at 2.5%. Glenn Stevens attributes the following economic factors to today’s decision. Global Growth running bit below average with the Australian growth is also a bit below the average with reasonable prospects to pick up next year.
Are your Bank Loans Competitive?
There is plenty of competition in the market place now with lenders offering plenty of incentives. So, what do you do to compare the market?
Check out the “comparison rate” that are advertised. By law, comparison rates have to be advertised, so if you can’t find what you are looking for then don’t be afraid to ask and be prepared to make a move especially if you are paying more than 5% over 30 yrs.
This may cost you a little valuable time and a few hundred dollars doing your research however your savings could be tens of thousands of dollars. If you are concerned about your loan being competitive, feel free to call us for a FREE over the phone assessment.
The FIRM Constructions launches 1st project in Melbourne CBD
CASH FLOW POSITIVE - from $300K to $325K
Good evening fellow members,
Finally, after all these years (a decade +) we are proud to announce our very first development for The FIRM Constructions.
After collating all our survey’s from the past years that you and your tenants completed gave us the incite to design the perfect investment property which we are launching prior to Christmas.
We know it ticks all the boxes!!!
- Reliable Cash positive cash flow - Rental returns
- Location – Capital growth potential Melbourne CBD
- Affordable NEW House and Land
- Full Turn Key property
- Fixed Price Build Contract
- HIA Builders Insurance
- Rental appeal – The FIRM Management
- Members of the Green Building Council Australia
- Low Maintenance
- Massive Depreciation schedule - Higher TAX deductions
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
OUTDOOR FINISH
Stone: Superb stone finish with all the advantages of natural stone is unmatchable.
Aluminum Composite Panel: For ease of maintenance.
External Paint finish: – 30 year life-time guarantee.
Solid Wooden Doors: – External and Internal energy efficiency
INDOOR FINISH
Double Glaze Windows: - Thermal qualities and sound insulation
Stone Bench Tops – Increase Depreciation schedule
Stainless Steel Appliances – including range Hood
Double Stainless Steel sink – ADDED BONUS
Kitchen Cupboards: Soft door close to kitchen draws and doors
Kitchen Cupboards: High gloss two pack finish kitchen cupboards
Timber Bamboo Floors: for durability which out lasts hardwood floors
Feature Walls – Adding to the Luxury
And MORE…
AS an ADDED BONUS THIS WEEKEND ONLY our pre -Christmas present to all The FIRM Members
Solar Powered Gas booster HOT water System if you email me your Expression Interest this weekend
Well, There you have it!!!! …
First in… Best dressed… Let our team of Financial Planners and Financial Strategists run some figures for you to see how affordable it is for you.
Very interested to hear your comments … Have a great weekend!
Chat soon!
Stay HEALTHY, WEALTHY and WISE until next time!!!
114th Edition October 2013
"The SPECIAL WEDDING EVENT 12 months later"
Good afternoon fellow members,
Just had to share this with everyone, even after 12 months have passed, they are still talking about the “SPECIAL WEDDING EVENT” What a very special day it was as I reminisce my special moment walking Natasha down the isle of this massive Cathedral called St. John’s Cathedral in Brisbane.
We are so proud of both Natasha and our new son in law Tim as they now have celebrated their very first Wedding anniversary together as both Annette and I celebrate our milestone of 38 years. Oh the memories, as it only feels like yesterday, how time flies.
Business Excellence Awards winner is …..
Colleen and Ross Trease won Business of the Year
Congratulations to Ross and Colleen Trease who won the prestigious Business Excellence Award “Business of the Year” who have been members of The FIRM for over a decade. Hundreds of people representing businesses across Ballina Shire attended the black tie event. Ross and Colleen run Ballina Brake and Exhaust and Clutch were honoured to take out the top gong. They have been finalists at the Business awards three times before saying they were very happy to be the winners.
Colleen said to me this afternoon that they also celebrated the night before as they also paid off the mortgage on their home and half off the investments so they had plenty to celebrate.Well done guys you do us all very proud of your wonderful achievements.
For more details go to -http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/brakes-outfit-in-huge-break/2057172/
If you have anything that you wish to share with our members please drop me a line as we would love to hear from you.Have a wonderful week ahead!
So, again stay tuned for another exciting episode in the life of The FIRM.Stay HEALTHY, WEALTHY and WISE until next time!!!
Good afternoon fellow members,
The Gold Coast is known for some of its unique events, apart from its many tourist attractions and the myriads of activities. Every year, the city welcomes thousands of guests to take part in the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and enjoy watching the live action of the racing track on the 25th to 27th October 2013.
The Armor All Gold Coast 600 is one of the most favourite motor sport events of the entire nation, and every year, the city welcomes visitors from all across the country to enjoy this amazing V8 supercar race. So, I guess you will know where I will be next weekend … trackside!!!
Plenty of action over the past few weeks so here is an update according to Michael Matusik –
Australia’s population grew by 397,400 last year to reach 23 million.
Queensland’s population is growing by 93,000 people each year, similar to NSW. Western Australia is seeing an 83,000 annual increase, yet VIC remains a star lifting its population by 102,000 new people over the past 12 months.
There were 163,000 new homes approved across Australia this year, which is 17,000 more than last year.
Most new starts are still detached housing (95,000) verses 67,000 attached dwellings. But apartment starts are up 20%on last year, whilst detached housing rose just 6%
A similar trend can be found in Queensland, with 30,000 new homes underway this year, against 27,000 during 2012. Interestingly, new detached homes are down 1,000 or 5% in Queensland whilst new apartment construction is up 50% -12,000 approvals in the 12 months to August 2013.
The FIRM's NEWSLETTER
114th Edition October 2013
Good afternoon fellow members,
The Gold Coast is known for some of its unique events, apart from its many tourist attractions and the myriads of activities. Every year, the city welcomes thousands of guests to take part in the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and enjoy watching the live action of the racing track on the 25th to 27th October 2013.
The Armor All Gold Coast 600 is one of the most favourite motor sport events of the entire nation, and every year, the city welcomes visitors from all across the country to enjoy this amazing V8 supercar race. So, I guess you will know where I will be next weekend … trackside!!!
Plenty of action over the past few weeks so here is an update according to Michael Matusik –
Australia’s population grew by 397,400 last year to reach 23 million.
Queensland’s population is growing by 93,000 people each year, similar to NSW. Western Australia is seeing an 83,000 annual increase, yet VIC remains a star lifting its population by 102,000 new people over the past 12 months.
There were 163,000 new homes approved across Australia this year, which is 17,000 more than last year.
Most new starts are still detached housing (95,000) verses 67,000 attached dwellings. But apartment starts are up 20%on last year, whilst detached housing rose just 6%
A similar trend can be found in Queensland, with 30,000 new homes underway this year, against 27,000 during 2012. Interestingly, new detached homes are down 1,000 or 5% in Queensland whilst new apartment construction is up 50% -12,000 approvals in the 12 months to August 2013.
The FIRM's NEWSLETTER
114th Edition October 2013
Good afternoon fellow members,
The Gold Coast is known for some of its unique events, apart from its many tourist attractions and the myriads of activities. Every year, the city welcomes thousands of guests to take part in the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and enjoy watching the live action of the racing track on the 25th to 27th October 2013.
The Armor All Gold Coast 600 is one of the most favourite motor sport events of the entire nation, and every year, the city welcomes visitors from all across the country to enjoy this amazing V8 supercar race. So, I guess you will know where I will be next weekend … trackside!!!
Plenty of action over the past few weeks so here is an update according to Michael Matusik –
Australia’s population grew by 397,400 last year to reach 23 million.
Queensland’s population is growing by 93,000 people each year, similar to NSW. Western Australia is seeing an 83,000 annual increase, yet VIC remains a star lifting its population by 102,000 new people over the past 12 months.
There were 163,000 new homes approved across Australia this year, which is 17,000 more than last year.
Most new starts are still detached housing (95,000) verses 67,000 attached dwellings. But apartment starts are up 20%on last year, whilst detached housing rose just 6%
A similar trend can be found in Queensland, with 30,000 new homes underway this year, against 27,000 during 2012. Interestingly, new detached homes are down 1,000 or 5% in Queensland whilst new apartment construction is up 50% -12,000 approvals in the 12 months to August 2013.
Our GOLD COAST WEEK END EXPO’s have been very positive and BOOKED OUT to existing members doing their Financial Tune-ups. This has left many new members unable to attend so please be patient as we organize the team to meet with you in your home during the week.
So, again stay tuned for another exciting episode in the life of The FIRM.
Stay HEALTHY, WEALTHY and WISE until next time!!!
The FIRM's NEWSLETTER
113th Edition September 2013
Good morning fellow members,
Sorry to have disappointed those who could not attend last weekend’s EXPO, as we were completely BOOKED OUT.
There was a little confusion over the change of Venue to the Arundel Hills Country Club where new members had to reschedule, which has now added more pressure onto the weekend of the 21st and 22nd September.
Remember, this EXPO has been initiated by The FIRM specifically for The FIRM members and friends ONLY. You will be meeting with our team of professional experts on a 1 on 1 basis, looking at improving your financial position. They will also explain new Government legislation updates, Super Funds and improved banking techniques that may benefit you for the future.
Last weekend many existing members found new ways to control their Super.
Did you know that Self Managed Super funds are the fastest growing sector within the Australian superannuation industry?
A SMSF gives you total control of your Super, your financial future and your Pot of Gold for retirement.
Prepare yourself for a SMSF and join 500,000 Australians who have already taken back control of their Super.
At the EXPO the Financial Planner will explain to you –
· What is SMSF?
· How does SMSF work?
· What are the benefits of SMSF?
· How much are the Fees involved?
· How we make running a SMSF easier for you?
Limited seats available for the 21st and 22nd September, so please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment!!!
If you or your friends and relatives wish to attend this FREE EXPO, designed for you, then email me back ASAP.
BOOKED OUT
Good morning fellow members,
Sorry to disappoint those who could not attend this weekend’s EXPO, as we are completely BOOKED OUT.
Due to member’s demand we have had to change the venue from
The VIBE HOTEL in Surfers Paradise now to the ARUNDEL HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
This is the only rare time for you to have the opportunity to sit 1 on 1 with our team members for professional advice all under one roof and it’s FREE.
Limited seats available for the 21st and 22nd September, so please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment!!!
Good morning fellow members,
As you are all aware we have been touring around Australia for the past 18 months calling in to see many of you in your homes, however it is almost impossible to catch up with everyone, especially now we are 9,358 members, so recently we trialed a unique service, something that we know you will enjoy.
Our team of experts and professionals who have looked after you for many years, have all agreed to attend a weekend EXPO, on Saturday 8th September 2013 and also the weekend of the 21st September 2013.
Our team includes –
· Financial Strategists
· Financial Planners
· Accountants
· Rental Agents
· Conveyancing Lawyers
And of course I will be there as well J
Why you should attend?
This will be the best time for you to re look at you Financial structures with a “Wealth Check” to make sure you are taking every advantage of all the opportunities that you haven’t explored in the past. Especially now with the reduced interest rates and Government incentives.
· Members – both beginners and experienced
· Learn improved investment and wealth creation strategies
· Get expert financial and Money Management advice
· Members preparing for or concerned about retirement
· Discover exclusive property opportunities
· Anyone wanting more knowledge and advice
Why Friends & Relatives should attend?
If you know anyone who you think could benefit from meeting with our team at the EXPO’s who need help in reducing their mortgage faster and pay less tax then please let me know as they will need to book ahead. The Team will be developing personal strategies and financial structures to suit their specific circumstances.
· Learn how to make, save, manage and invest your money
· Saving your way to mortgage Freedom faster
· Discover more personal and business solutions to investing and finance
· Education about property and share investing
· Empowerment through education – Shares, property, finance, business
If you or your friends and relatives wish to attend this FREE EXPO, designed for you, then email me back ASAP.
Have a great Father’s Day weekend!!!
Good afternoon fellow members,
Isn’t that a great feeling that you are leaving DEBT behind, especially now!
The recent reduction in the official cash rate comes at a time when the housing market has begun showing signs of responding to the low debt servicing environment. So, with an election on the way, which normally subdues market activity, what is the likely effect of this latest cut?
Since the housing market reached the lowest point in May last year, Australia has seen dwelling values rise by 6.5%based on RP Data – Rismark combined capital city index. That equates to a gross profit (Equity) of around $30,000 for an average home owner although figures of up to $46,000 have been reported in the media.
The transactions are up by almost 18% compared by the same time last year, which highlights that homeowners particularly investors and up-graders, are moving off the sidelines and into active buying mode.
For members with the average discounted variable mortgage now approaching the 5% mark you are likely to find more and more new investment properties with a cash flow positive or neutral cash flow yield. Remember we all seem to be focused on the rental yield and the high growth areas for long term growth however take advantage of these great rates while they last.
Our Professional Advisors are available NOW!!!
So, stay tuned until next time!!!
Keep Healthy WEALTHY and Wise!!!
Have a great weekend!
112th Edition August 2013
Tour of Duty continues MACKAY
"Mines on the Move"
Good morning fellow members,
Spent the last couple weeks up in beautiful Mackay after a climate change from Sydney, what a contrast in temperatures! I was fortunate to stay beachside in a little place called Dolphin Heads just out of town. I mean to say I was literally on the beach overlooking the Bay of Islands. Tough job but someone has to do it!!!
I must say I was quiet shocked to see plenty of movement of heavy equipment being transported out of town from areas of Moranbah and Dysart. They all seem to be relocating to other areas, one of which is the newest “HOTSPOT” in the Hunter Valley Region. More about this later.
Rescue your retirement before it is too late!!!
It was lovely to meet with new clients who were all excited to either start or expand their property port-folio for the future, either inside or outside Superannuation. Seems to be the trend lately to set up a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) due to the vulnerability of the big Super Funds. On that note we have plenty of brand new properties designed for the SMSF which you may wish to consider before the next swipe of reductions.
How old do you feel!!!
Met with a lovely couple in Mackay with a lovely home which they recently bought. As you all know the process, I was completing details for the Assessment Application to forward to our Financial Strategists. One of the questions was, “Do you have any toys, boats, bikes, cars, bars of gold etc..” and the husband mentioned that he had a VINTAGE CAR. When I asked him what sort of car was it as I was visualising a T Model Ford with the running boards etc... I was quite shocked when he said that he had a Valiant Charger 265 hemi in MINT CONDITION in a Bubble bag.
GULP!!! Now I really did start feeling old as it only felt like yesterday when I brought my brand NEW CHARGER for $3,500. This car of his was in absolute brand new condition and when given the opportunity to sit in her all the memories flashed back… URGH!!!!
If you are ever near Nebo, (2hrs west Mackay) you have to visit Nebo Junction for their famous Junction Burger. Big enough that you find it difficult to jump over. Those boys out there in the Mines and Cane fields have big appetites.
Here is something for Clive Palmer to consider as he duplicates the TITANIC. A perfect accurate model in true scale in one of our new members lounge room. The detail on her was unbelievable. More unbelievable was the owner of the model TITANIC was also a ship builder from Malaysia.
Well, this wraps up another edition so stand by for some very exciting new developments soon to be published in HOT PROPERTY in a new Mining Region which I am keeping under wraps.
DO NOT FORGET THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS TO ENTER FOR THE $10,000 CASH GIVEAWAY SO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN BEFORE THE END JULY.
111th Edition July 2013
John and Annette Ibbitson in Katoomba
Good morning fellow members,
Annette, Jayden and I had a great time catching up with everyone in Sydney and Newcastle last couple weeks. One of our highlights that we experienced at the Katoomba Festival, where the temperature reached a sweltering -1 degree was that Jayden experienced sleet for the first time.
We also visited the St.Judes Church, Randwick where we celebrated our 38th Year Wedding anniversary.
MacMahon's Manor
As most of you know Mac Mahon’s Manor was our Entertainment complex that we owned and operated back in the 1970’s and 80’s in my first half of my life. The Hurstville City council have now converted our building into a Museum. They contacted us recently to announce that they wish to establish a special event running for a period of 3 months next year based on the history of the building since the 1920’s. This will be like a ‘time warp’ for all of us as the interviews continue with all my team. I will announce the event when published, so stay tuned.
110th Edition
"Guess who turned 60"
John & Annette Ibbitson
Good morning fellow members,
You are most probably wondering who the good looking guy with the beard is in the picture … YEAP that’s me!!! Just experimenting for the past 6 months to see if I like it or not ... What do you think???
Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and amazing comments. It was only 10 years ago when most of you came to our home to celebrate the 3 day party. “NOW THAT WAS A PARTY”. Bit difficult now when we have grown to 9,252 members … Need a bigger home & boat … Hint Hint!!!
Also this month we celebrate 13 years since The FIRM was established, another milestone!!!
I continue my “Tour of Duty” this time we will be in Sydney/Newcastle for 10 days from the 20th June so if you wish to catch up just give me a call.
Now to more compelling NEWS!
Interest rates:
As you are aware the Reserve Bank Board announced it was leaving the cash rate unchanged at 2.75% and experts have predicted they will hold through to Christmas.
Give women the chance to Retire Right:
Earlier this year there was controversy about Superannuation. Unfortunately is was about taxing the wealthy and missed a much bigger issue in Superannuation, the disadvantage to women. The problem wasn’t so much in gender bias as structural inadequacy. If you want to read more just drop me an email.
You could WIN $10,000 CASH:
Entries close on WEDNESDAY 31st July 2013 so don’t delay in getting your Assessment Applications completed and sent back.
This competition commences at 9am AEDT on Friday 1 March 2013 and closes at 5pm AEST on Wednesday 31 July 2013. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPS/12/10307; Permit No ACT TP 12/04674; VIC Permit No: 12/3176; SA Licence No: T12/2421. Please contact the office if you would like a copy of the terms and conditions of this competition.
Currawong Gardens Norman Park Rockhampton “SOLD OUT”
Now you can see for yourselves that the Bowen Basin continues to accelerate in equity especially when you read the latest headlines below.
Remember it was only 2 years ago when we bought in Gladstone for $350K and now already $500K+ with massive rental returns. The equity that we all made in Gladstone has already allowed most of us to buy again in Rockhampton. Remember our target market is always around $350K to $450K but they are getting very rare to find, hence why they are snapped up very quickly. So stay tuned for the next release and move quicker to avoid disappointment.
Congratulations to all those members who have added this superb development to their port-folio.
109th Special EDITION
See details below
Good evening fellow members,
What a beautiful day here in our neck of the woods, hopefully your day is as equally nice, I didn’t see you at the March.
I am resting up for the remainder of the week as I was rushed by ambulance to John Flynn Hospital with a suspected minor stroke which scared the ‘heebby jebbies’ out of me. I have had some tests and scans and booked in Sunday for a MRI. Good news is they discovered I have a brain after all… Ha-ha!!! Lucky we have a public holiday today so means I can rest up.
Tour of Duty continues as I am coming back to Wagga Wagga in May for coffee and Tim Tams and looking forward to see all of you. So, expect a call.
4th overall place for Australian Titles
For those members who know our young 14 year old son Jayden, he performed exceptional for his first Australian Titles last week with the Kurrawa SLSC, his efforts were outstanding even though he was pipped at the post. The Club has again stamped its authority as one of the dominant surf life saving clubs in Australia after achieving 13 Gold, 5 Silver, 5 Bronze and overall 4th place. Ky Hurst proved his is the greatest surf swimmer in the history of surf lifesaving winning his 9th open surf race championship in a thrilling sprint finish.
108th EDITION
Why ... Whyalla!!!
Driving down the Main Street of Whyalla
Good morning fellow members,
Do you want to WIN $10,000 read this Newsletter to find out how???
Just returned from South Australia, more importantly targeting the township of Whyalla ... Why Whyalla you ask!!! … Well, I had to see for myself what was all the fuss about for the newest HOT SPOT in Australia which took a solid month to evaluate.
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you everyone in Whyalla that I met, your generosity in hospitality was outstanding and made me feel very comfortable, thank you!
Homecorp organized for us to meet with the Mayor of Whyalla, Jim Pollock, a few Councilors, developers, business people, architects and the Mining corporations. Had a very interesting discussions with Allan Kane, Arafura Rare Earths who also is President of the Chamber of Commerce who enlightened me with some very useful information. Some of my research was also gathered from the locals over a couple beers at the local Pub, these guys had no objections to telling me the unadulterated truth of the past, current and future for the town of Whyalla … Ha-ha!!!
My research exposed many positive thoughts which can really be summed up with the following comments –
· The Pilbara Region, Western Australia where we invested heavily 6 years ago for $350K now worth $1.1ml with the added bonus of $2,000 per week rent. That TRAIN has LEFT the STATION
· The Bowen Basin, Queensland where we invested 4 and 5 years ago for $280K now worth $500K with the added bonus of now $600 per week rent. This TRAIN is LEAVING the STATION however if we are quick and run down the platform we will catch the last carriage and ride the wave of growth as we still have limited stock available for $350K+. Great for older members who are limited to a 10 year turnaround or the young entrepreneur keen to build a fast port-folio.
· The Gulf, South Australia, where it is a very good entry level for the younger members who have the most important valuable commodity TIME. This TRAIN is about to arrive into the STATION and feels and looks better than the Pilbara Region of Karratha 6 years ago.
I will be providing more and more information to you over the next few weeks so stay tuned.
There are not many land releases in regional South Australia the size and quality of Ocean Eyre. Fewer still have all the benefits of a well-established, seaside community like Whyalla.
When complete, Ocean Eyre will comprise approximately 1500 allotments, ranging in size from 375m2 to over 800m2. An hour's drive away is the majestic Flinders Ranges, with all its natural beauty, stunning hiking trails and fantastic camping spots.
Economic Prospects
Over the period of increased activity related to OneSteel and other mining and resource processing activities, Whyalla has registered five consecutive years of population growth, I was told recently that Whyalla achieved 13.8% growth for the past 12 months reversing a 27 year downward trend. It has also experienced strong development activity in the range of $50 million per annum compared with $10-$15 million per annum prior to the boom.
Whyalla has enjoyed an economic boom over the past five years. The success of OneSteel’s ore exports and the South Australian minerals exploration boom have been major contributing factors. Both have provided significant work to Whyalla's engineering services industries in metal fabrication, machining, electrical, belting, instrumentation, scaffolding, transport, logistics and others.
You could WIN $10,000 Cash
Complete the attached Assessment Application for your “Financial Tune up”
meet with our Financial Strategist to see if you qualify to enter.
Good Luck with your entry!
This competition commences at 9am AEDT on Friday 1 March 2013 and closes at 5pm AEST on Wednesday 31 July 2013. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPS/12/10307; Permit No ACT TP 12/04674; VIC Permit No: 12/3176; SA Licence No: T12/2421. Please contact the office if you would like a copy of the terms and conditions of this competition.
Trust you have a wonderful week ahead as all the kids return back to school.As always stay tuned for the latest News and Reviews as it happens.
Keep Healthy WEALTHY and Wise!!!Chat soon!
107th EDITION
Good afternoon fellow members,
Here we all are, struggling to gear up in to work mode then we have another celebration holiday … This is torture!!! …Ha-ha!!
This is the only day of the year MALES RULE SUPREME where we get all the praises, turning the snags and prawns on the Barbie, that takes plenty of skill juggling a cold beer in one hand and tongs in the other whilst our beautiful wives are slaving away in the kitchen doing all the preparation of salads for the big day. Guests arrive on time going to their appropriate corners, Men around the BBQ talking real talk and our girls gossiping over who knows what in the kitchen. Lunch is served, our moment of truth, everyone praises the Chef with honour, but it gets better … Once everyone has left, naturally we, the mere male are so exhausted from the heat off the Barbie, our consumption rate for liquid refreshments have been limitless, its hot work over the Barbie, we have to rest our weary bones with a Nana Nap. Miraculous timing when we regain consciousness to find all the cleaning done and dusted including the BBQ. That is the perfect AUSTRALIA DAY celebration.
For those members who know our young son Jayden now 14 yrs old, he is doing exceptionally well representing Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club last weekend’s Ocean 38 where he made the finals.
We are planning a big year this year with all of The FIRM’s business plan coming together after all these years, so stay tuned for the next exciting episode. This is the year of the WATER SNAKE so all babies born in 1953 this is our year of business. http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Snake.htm
Today’s HEADLINES
Australia’s resources revolution is only getting started, and it feeds into property markets around the Nation:
TERRY RYDER
One reason many economists and journalists prematurely pronounced the death of the resources boom last year was the alleged ‘slowdown in China.
The definition of ‘slow growth’ in China is 2 to 3 times the growth of anywhere else. Such was the case in 2012 when the world trembled because of China’s economic growth was below 8%.
But the latest figures from China’s National Bureau of Statistics depict on the economy that should never been mentioned in the same sentence as ‘slow’.
The economic growth rate in December Quarter rose from 7.4% to 7.9%. That is about 140% higher than our growth rate – and Australia ranks highly on a global scale. Now look at today’s headlines – CONGRATULATIONS to all those members last year who could also see the vision of investing in these mining areas … Well Done!!!
Oh!!! … Do I hear a groan from those who are still thinking about it, as I said to you earlier last year …
“JUMP ON BOARD AS THIS TRAIN IS LEAVING THE STATION”
Green Acres 1965 Lincoln Convertible FOR SALE
As most of you remember I regrettably lost my younger brother Gary in 2012. One of his dying wishes were to have his favorite collectable car used for our daughter Natasha’s wedding last year. You saw the photo’s. Now it is time to find a good home for all his collectable Lincoln’s. So if you know anyone who may benefit from his immaculate collection please contact me for more details.
FOR SALE
The 1978 Lincoln Mark V Diamond Jubilee has only 6,191 genuine miles.
I look forward to continue this year to deliver the latest news and reviews as it happens in the world of The FIRM.
Thank you to everyone for your Get Well messages, it is lovely to know I have many wonderful and close friends supporting me.
Enjoy the Australia Day weekend and we will chat soon!
Good afternoon fellow members,
Slight hangovers or overtired from all the excitement of last night as we cautiously move through the rest of the day trying to remember that New Year resolution … Must have something to do with age as the years seem to overtake us so fast now, or is it just me!!!
Here we are at the very first day of 2013 and a perfect time to reflect on the lessons of the past 12 months. January 1, 2011 maybe a distant memory however the Newspapers on that day reveals we ended the year on a sombre (NOT Sober) note … Ha-ha!!
The housing market was in the doldrums and the Australian share-market had fallen 15%, wiping $233 billion off the value of our investments. Even devoted investment fans were wondering if the gloom would ever end.
The pessimists had a field day. If you wanted to worry about something you had a multitude of choices – the end of the mining boom, the looming slow down of China, the collapse of commodity prices or the problems with Europe.
Fortunately 2012 was the Year of the Golden Dragon, which the Chinese believe bring incredible good fortune, perfect time to have a baby, and could be a great year for investments.
As it occurs only once every 60 years you are lucky if you see two in a lifetime. The last year of the Golden Dragon was in 1952 (the year before I was born L) The year Lang Hancock discovered the largest Iron Ore deposits in the world, and the Japanese stock market doubled in value.
And 60 yrs on it pulled off its magic again – 2012 has been as good as it gets for investors. Almost every stock and bond market in the world showed good gains. According to Noel Whittaker Sunday Mail In Australia every major Asset Class was up in both nominal terms and after adjustment for inflation. Even better every major asset class increased by more than it expected average long-term real return. According to Ashley Owen, of Philo Capital Advisers, this has only happened in three other years since Federation.
But while all the action was going on there were other investors who didn’t do so well.
There were the nervous ones who keep their bulk of their money in cash while they awaited a “definite signal” that the recovery was on the way. They have already missed out on the above average returns last year has produced.
That’s all history now, the question is, where to from here. As always the pessimist’s have plenty to worry about with the ‘new’ expression “Fiscal cliff” being bandied around.
However there is much to be optimistic about as we move into 2013.
In Europe and the USA there is high unemployment, which means companies are able to make good productivity gains, and the fall in commodity and energy prices mean manufacturing enjoys cheaper costs.
In Australia, interest rates are on the way down, and expected to stay that way for at least the next year, so happy wise shopping for investments.
I look forward to continue this year to deliver the latest news and reviews as it happens in the world of The FIRM.
I am resting up now for a complete overhaul, grease and oil change under strict Doctor’s orders as she puts me through more tests.
My Stress test and high blood pressure sent out alarm bells and was rushed into John Flynn Hospital for an Angiogram and possible Stent. The Heart specialist gave me the all clear… PHEW!!! Now preparing for more tests to look forward to over the next few weeks ... OUCH!!!
Have a great week and we will chat soon!
