tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:13:14 +0000We are an independently owned Australian organisation specialising in providing financial solutions for every purpose.http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)Blogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2170095247110490439Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:13:00 +00002009-11-30T21:13:14.501-08:00 RBA Raises Official Cash Rate At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.75 per cent, effective 2 December 2009.Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBAThe global economy has resumed growth. With economic http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/11/interest-rate-bulletin-december-2009.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2375562874015290712Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:48:00 +00002009-11-15T18:48:57.448-08:00 Buying property is becoming cheaper than renting in many suburbs across Australia, according to research by property pricing specialist RP Data. It was found that in 94 metropolitan and regional suburbs, the monthly cost of rental outstrips the monthly mortgage repayment on both houses and units. Read More >>http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/11/cheaper-to-buy-or-rent.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-3951686724367118610Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:22:00 +00002009-11-12T20:22:53.872-08:00 If ever there was a popular time to go into debt, Christmas is the choice of many. According to a Reserve Bank report, Australians have more than $1.9 trillion in outstanding debt, 61 per cent of which is made up of consumer debt. The festive season may well blow-out this already inflated figure unless we fast reign-in our http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/11/clear-of-christmas-debt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2230976841653731696Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:11:00 +00002009-11-11T18:11:05.096-08:00 You have been thinking about buying a property for some time, but you cannot bring yourself to take the first step. Although you know the benefits it will bring, you keep putting your decision off because you are afraid of the risks involved. Read More >>http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/11/seize-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-386423951219324709Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:52:00 +00002009-11-10T13:52:10.978-08:00 Many of us spend a fortune on gifts at Christmas but ignore one of the most simple and effective ways to renew the true spirit of the festive season - to give without expecting anything in return. Find out what you can do and give a little this festive season. Read More >> http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/11/gift-of-giving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-4433139835801220919Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:56:00 +00002009-11-02T20:56:15.895-08:00 RBA Raises Official Cash Rate At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.5 per cent, effective 4 November 2009.Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBAThe global economy has resumed growth. With economic policy settings likely to remain expansionary for some time, the recovery is http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/11/interest-rate-bulletin-november-2009.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-1060056917722456746Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:26:00 +00002009-10-05T21:26:18.205-07:00 RBA Raises Official Cash Rate At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent, effective 7 October 2009.Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBAThe global economy is resuming growth. With economic policy settings likely to remain expansionary for some time, the recovery will http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/10/finance-group-interest-rate-bulletin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-3733463150155436030Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:36:00 +00002009-09-08T21:36:08.700-07:00 No one likes to miss a bargain so be quick to take advantage of the First Home Buyers Boost before time runs out. The first of next month (1 October 2009) will see a significant reduction in the boost, down from $21,000 to $14,000 for the purchase of a new home and down from $14,000 to $10,500 for the purchase of an existing home. Read More >> http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/09/first-home-buyers-deadline.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-3793978283877885133Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:35:00 +00002009-09-08T21:35:09.047-07:00 Under your bed, in a bank account or on your home loan, it's always handy to have a stash of cash for that rainy day.A cash buffer gives you the security of having money on hand if your personal finances take a turn for the worse. A hike in interest rates, job change, car troubles or even health issues can leave you strapped for funds if you don't have savings to fall back on. Read More >> http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/09/rainy-day-savings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-8637929413509919699Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:34:00 +00002009-09-08T21:34:04.304-07:00 Australia's economic health has been given the all-clear with news that we've missed a recession, housing prices are on the up, the Aussie dollar is gaining strength and consumer confidence is edging upward. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has upgraded its economic forecast and now expects stronger growth this year and next, making Australia the only OECD country to grow in 2009. All this http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/09/confidence-is-back.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-6019290522659389403Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:32:00 +00002009-09-08T21:37:33.152-07:00 Service and reliability are never words you are likely to find associated with a bank, but to a mortgage broker these are the attributes that make us tick and are an essential part of the way we do business. We're not just talking here about 'service with a smile', but the kind of good old-fashioned service that you might havehttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/09/service-counts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-6732529984942743948Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:22:00 +00002009-09-01T05:22:31.176-07:00 RBA Leaves Official Cash Rate Unchanged At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.0 per cent.Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBAWith considerable economic policy stimulus in train around the world, the global economy is resuming growth. Growth in China has been very http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/09/interest-rate-bulletin-september-2009.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-6868588156498011414Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:07:00 +00002009-08-04T01:07:16.384-07:00 At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.0 per cent.Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBA With considerable economic stimulus in train around the world, the global economy is stabilising after an earlier sharp contraction in demand. Downside risks to the global outlook have diminished, though theyhttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/08/rba-leaves-official-cash-rate-unchanged.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2093620026203206361Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:49:00 +00002009-07-18T02:49:41.118-07:00 Responsible Lending Laws When you take out a home loan you want the peace of mind to know you are dealing with a broker who has demonstrated knowledge, experience and integrity.It's with this in mind that the federal government has introduced the National Consumer Credit Protection Bill 2009, which puts in http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/07/finance-group-july-2009-newsletter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-7600052062101532199Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +00002009-07-07T13:24:28.982-07:00At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.0 per cent.Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor Monetary Policy RBAThe global economy is stabilising, after a sharp contraction in demand during the December and March quarters. Downside risks to the outlook have diminished, with conditions in global financial markets improving this year and action to strengthen balancehttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/07/rba-leaves-official-cash-rate-unchanged.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-685303196250180912Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:15:00 +00002009-06-25T19:16:47.942-07:00When prices go up and your profitability is under pressure, the last thing you want is to pay for insurance. When your businesses are booming and the reserves are full of money, the insurance company demands are relatively light. But when the storm clouds come rolling across an already darkened sky and there is nothing more than small coin in the registers means the insurance-man comes http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/strategies-to-manage-costs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2945486366247268250Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:12:00 +00002009-06-25T19:15:09.344-07:00As in many situations in business, the government regulates. It does so in theory to provide for better outcomes for those less able to control their situations. Workers compensation falls under the control of WorkCover. In the case of medium sized businesses, WorkCover require that any injuries are properly managed by appropriately qualified persons. This goes beyond just trying to look after http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/return-to-work-co-ordinators.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-1951450901108254842Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:05:00 +00002009-06-25T19:10:53.594-07:00Recessionary times normally ‘surprise’ most business people. It is almost like the recession sneaks up on them and creates the surprise. Very few businesses in the world have themselves financially and strategically set for a recession before it arrives.There are then five common mistakes made by business people when they implement the consequent change in strategy and adjustments to the businesshttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/thrive-not-survive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2052207155455587678Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:01:00 +00002009-06-25T19:04:34.932-07:00In our daily life of emails, sms and blackberries, we often forget the power of a personal connection. When was the last time you made a handwritten note for a client or prospect, and shared a personal thought? It shows you made a personal effort to address something, however insignificant, and demonstrates that you (and your business) cares.Same goes for your competitors... if they were http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/personal-touch.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-1260214666577207479Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:57:00 +00002009-06-25T19:00:41.040-07:00During Times of Financial UncertaintyThe current global financial crisis has resulted in businesses experiencing considerable downturns in production levels and reduced revenue. Accordingly, many employers are considering standing down their employees – or shortening the working week - to reduce costs but retain staff. The current legislation (and the new Fair Work Act) allows employers to stand http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/standing-down-employees.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-4956843403106547801Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:50:00 +00002009-06-25T18:56:49.562-07:00Retirement and the age 65 go together like hand and glove. It is the one number most Australians could quote with certainty about our superannuation and pension system. The age 65 has been enshrined in the way we define and plan our working lives. So changing it - albeit slowly and over six years - is a big deal.The 2009-10 Federal Budget has been developed against a backdrop of the worst http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/budget-winds-back-clock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-3876725894596628877Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:53:00 +00002009-06-12T19:08:11.015-07:00Robert Gottliebsen, Eureka ReportThe fast approaching end of the financial year provides the ideal time to review finances and maximise some of the opportunities on offer. more > email.http://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/six-week-money-makeover.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-3418853937854618516Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:51:00 +00002009-06-12T19:09:32.302-07:00Ron Woods, Eureka ReportHousing finance data shows that housing numbers are improving, suggesting a wider economic recovery is under way. more > emailhttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/housings-stronger-story.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-4918802785751259569Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:50:00 +00002009-06-12T19:10:47.451-07:00Monique Wakelin, Eureka ReportWhile the numerous house price statistics released in recent weeks can provide some insight into market trends, a study of other factors and information provides the real story. more > emailhttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/look-to-propertys-long-term-figures.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8763354047410940539.post-2003381610383736780Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:24:00 +00002009-06-12T19:11:36.529-07:00Smartline Feature ArticleThousands of first home buyers have entered the market in the past few months – but ensuring long-term affordability is an important consideration for all buyers. more > emailhttp://thefinancegroup.blogspot.com/2009/06/first-home-buyers-is-now-right-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (David Bodnar)0