PRECIOUS METALS AND GEMS

Australian history has largely been one of boom town mining encampments since the 1800s when copper, nickel, and gold were found in abundance on the continent. The geographic uniqueness of the region makes Australia a prime area for the long-term development of these raw materials. Australia is the second largest producer of gold in the world, following only China. Australia is also responsible for producing 95% of global opal supplies. This concentration level alone gives Australia a significant control of the opal market. Additionally, Australia is home to some of the richest diamond deposits after Russian and African inventories.

INDUSTRIAL RESOURCE MINING

Coal is the most used energy source in the world and Australia is the world’s largest exporter of coal. They rank fourth in global production, as much of the coal mined in Australia goes to neighbouring countries for industrial purposes as well as providing electricity for the emerging economies. Producers of coal often utilize the natural resource locally and rank lower in exportation. This distinction makes mining operations in Australia globally important. Australia is also a large producer of iron ore and uranium. Uranium deposits are of particular interest to all regions of the globe because of the association with nuclear power, including military applications. The nation is responsible for 10% of world supplies produced. Zinc production is likewise a large portion of world supplies at around 15%.

ENERGY RESOURCES

Liquid natural gas deposits have recently been found in Australia that lead to a prediction that Australia will be the world’s largest producer by 2020. This is significant because of the looming alternative fuel industry that views LNG as the most promising alternative to gasoline. It is also used for heat globally. Australia does rank in oil production, but it is not nearly as critical to GDP as the combinations of other minerals and resources in the region, ranking #28 globally.

SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

Australia’s main impact on the mining industry may be its top ranking in mining safety. Every country in the world refers to Australia for information and engineering technology when producing mined materials with the most effective safety record. Australia has led the way in research and implements a strict safety code that is followed diligently across the country’s numerous mining operations. Australian mining software development is also an excellent resource for global mining operations in terms of effective and efficient extraction methods. Mining technology has progressed immensely since the old days of underground and industry professionals have realized the production enhancement capacity of computerized mining.

Author Bio
Frank is one of the world’s leading economists and is especially knowledgeable in the mining sector. He is based in Australia and says that locally, mining jobs are currently experiencing a boom due to such a high international demand for Australia’s natural resources. Outside of work, Frank likes to spend time with his family and keep fit by doing triathlons.

If you have more than one super account (or have lost super) it may be worth rolling over your money into one super fund.

Keeping your super together into one fund could help you reduce your administration fees and manage your account more easily.

With the cost of living on the rise, every dollar you could save towards your retirement and super balance could help you live more comfortably in your 60s and beyond.

Your super fund can tell you what you need to do to authorise a transfer of funds to your super fund of choice.  Usually you need to complete a form and provide copies of identification documents.

Before you make a decision it’s worth remembering a few things:

• Seek independent financial advice if you’re not sure what to do.
• Check for exit fees before you transfer
• Other benefits – make sure you consider any insurance entitlements (death, illness or accident which leaves you unable to return to work) if you leave your other fund/s.
• Go to the Australian Taxation Office’s free ‘SuperSeeker’ service to locate lost or unclaimed super. You’ll need your tax file number ready and visit www.ato/super.

Using salary packaging to make additional superannuation contributions is another great way to top up your retirement savings.

You can salary package up to $25,000 each year (including your employer’s 9% contribution) without incurring any tax penalties.  People over 50 years of age (with a super balance less than $500,000) can package up to $50,000 in total.

Every dollar you salary package towards your superannuation reduces your taxable income and is only taxed at 15% rather than your regular income tax rate (as long as you stay within the set limits).

This article was written by Fiona Gundry, Sales & Relationship Manager RemServ. Australia’s leading salary packaging and novated lease providers, servicing more than 110,000 employees and growing.

Everyone loves his own home as it stands for their peace and shelter. But when you’re in debt, what are you supposed to do? Should you use your real estate property as a piggy bank? With the Australian credit card debt levels increasing gradually, most Aussies are wondering about the prospects of leveraging their home equity in order to repay their unsecured debts. The people staying in Australia can certainly tap their home equity and use it to repay their debts and this is one of the wisest options that they have at their disposal. Read on to know more on these kinds of loans.

What is home equity?

When you take out a home mortgage loan, you’re supposed to repay the loan in monthly installments of interest rate and principal amount. If your home value is $300,000 and the outstanding mortgage loan balance is $250,000, then your home equity is $50,000. Now if you tap your home equity, you can use the proceeds of the loan for repaying your unsecured debt or even for renovating your home.

Should you consolidate your unsecured debts within a home loan?

With the present debt situation in Australia, most debtors are thinking about ways in which they can repay their debt without hurting their credit score and paying a huge amount as interest rates. This is the reason why they’re resorting to the home equity loans in order to repay their existing debt. However they must make sure that they make timely payments on these debts as their home is used as collateral.

What are the benefits of taking out home equity loans in Australia?

When you take out home equity loans, you must be educated on the benefits of taking out one. The home equity loans are secured loans that can be taken out in order to either meet your high interest debt obligations or to renovate your house. Here are some benefits that you must take into account.

Interest rates: The interest rates on the loans will be much lower than that of the unsecured debt consolidation loans. Though they’re much higher than that of the first mortgage loans, yet you can benefit by taking out one. With lower interest rates, you can get soothing monthly payments in a particular month.

Longer repayment plan: The repayment plan for this loan would be much longer and thus you can repay the loans in affordable monthly payments. When you’re in credit card debt, the biggest trouble that they face is the outrageously high monthly payments. This can be beneficial for a high interest debtor.

Tax benefits: Secured loan debt is called a good form of debt and therefore the interest rates that you pay on such loans are tax-deductible. This is an added benefit as they can save their bucks in the long run.

Therefore, when you’re in debt in Australia and you don’t have any way out, tap the equity that you’ve accumulated on your real estate property. However, manage your personal finances simultaneously so that you can repay the home equity loan on time.

There are some real dos and don’ts which are basic business best practice and you’ll appreciate the value of your instinct to get things right with your investment as you examine these issues.

Property investment Don’ts

The “don’ts” are absolutely fundamental to good property investment. These are the things you should never do:

• Don’t simply accept property information on face value: It’s very common to get sales spiel instead of hard facts when looking at any property investment. You may be getting all the good news and none of the bad. You need to verify any information you receive about a property, preferably using a professional third party to source your info.

• Don’t believe property market hype:Talk is cheap, but mistakes can be expensive. If property market hype were true, every investor in the market would be an instant billionaire. The real billionaires in this market are themselves good analysts. They make the news, rather than just read it. Their principle is simple- Do your own research to find the best deals and best values.

• Don’t overcommit your finances: Any sort of over-commitment can cause serious financial stresses and undermine your returns. Manage your cashflow carefully and make sure you’re always in the black with some cash to spare. The most successful property investors know how to balance credit and asset values and come out in front every time.

Property investment Dos

The “do’s” are standard best practice principles to ensure you get top values and maintain best investment management practices at all times:

• Do make sure you have realistic property valuations before investing: This is a “safety first” approach that saves property investors a lot of money on a regular basis.  A good valuation can save you a lot of trouble.

• Do ensure that your financial operations are viable with every transaction: When you’re buying an investment property, you need to be 100% sure that you can manage your cashflow. A lot of investors are forced to sell because they simply can’t afford to hold on to properties to realize their full investment values.

• Do invest in the best quality properties available: Top quality investments bring the best ROI in both revenue and capital gains relative to outlay. If you buy a high quality investment property off the plan, you can assess costs accurately because all costs are disclosed upfront. There are no hidden “mysteries” which can devalue the investment, and you can be sure you’re acquiring a quality asset.

Always be fussy about any property investment and always look for the very best you can find. You’ll never regret it.

Being a home buyer doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to purchase a home for your primary residence. You can also buy properties for commercial purpose. Real estate investment in Australia is quite a lucrative business with latent amount of money associated with it. The investment opportunities available in Australia are quite sensational. It is a land mass that is almost the size of the United States of America but with a population of one tenth of it. The categories of real estate are varies too. There are multiple projects that are on the path of development and in the planning stages. These include family homes for home buyers, commercial establishments and rural or farm properties. Here are stating some reasons why Australia is a low-risk profitable option for investment in real estate.

1.Good returns with protection against inflation – If various investment sectors are compared over the past 20 years, then it has been observed that the investment in property provides returns that are higher as compared to many other asset classes and it also provides a hedge against inflation. Property in Australian has seen a consistent growth of average annual growth rate of 7% per year in the past 40 years. The Return on Investment (ROI) is quite phenomenal as the property value doubles every 7 to 10 years and gets compounded with the leverage that property offers.

2.Investment performance that is consistent – Australia has one of the most diverse economies in the world which is also advanced. The GDP growth of Australia is expected to continue at a steady pace of 2.5% to 3 % rendering the continent an excellent location for investment. It is anticipated that in the next decade, household sizes in Melbourne will fall from 2.6 to 2.25 persons. The population of Melbourne is facing an average growth of 1.1% per annum. The households in the city of Melbourne are forecasted to increase by an amount of 20,975 by the year 2021.

3.High leveraging ability – You get higher rates of return on your investment when there is leverage to your investment. In Australia, lenders provide up to a 100% on property which is more than on any other asset class. This is because most property in Australia is viewed as a low risk investment that has a capital growth which is promising. Since investment is something that is not out of reach for most people, it is easier to invest in real estate as only a minimum outlay is required in order to secure this asset.

The above factors coupled with strong demand factors being anticipated in future because of a rise in population and decreasing household size makes Australian property a worthy investment.

1.Take help of government health care rebate program: When you want to save money while getting your health insurance policy in Australia, you can get help from the government and the private health care rebate programs. You may be able to gain such rebates through your income tax returns, your funds and by contacting your local Medicare office. The rebates may vary from 30-40% and people above the age of 70 can be able to qualify for them.

2.Shop around and get multiple quotes: Another way in which you can settle on the best rates on your health insurance policy in Australia is by getting multiple quotes from multiple lenders. Unless you check the quotes of different lenders, you’ll never understand what you may have got from other lenders. Get at least 5-6 quotes and then choose the one with the best rate.

3.Read the fine print carefully: Before you choose a particular health insurance policy, you must read the fine print of the policy where all the risky terms and conditions are mentioned. If you forget to read the fine print, you can be subject to sudden and surprising changes by the insurer.

4.Agree on a higher deductible: You can choose to pay a higher deductible on your health insurance policy so that you can pay lower premiums. The deductible is the amount that you need to pay when you file a claim before the insurance company starts paying off the rest of the amount. However, make sure that the amount is within your budget.

Therefore, if you’re in the Australian market to get a health insurance policy, follow the points mentioned above in order to save your bucks on the policy. Always remember that you must stay informed about insurance policy and that it is not that the cheapest policy is always the best one.

Get lost on the world’s largest island, a place that offers all the amenities of home but is far enough away to experience an island paradise without paying an arm and a leg. Over 30,000 miles of beautiful beaches welcome tourists to the land of the koala bear, the kangaroo, and wildlife unlike anywhere else on earth.All you need to do to is save money and plan the perfect island escape is follow some basic steps in order to make it an unforgettable journey.

Packing for your trip- Make sure that you have your airline tickets and visas. Take three forms of id including your driver’s license, valid passport, and birth certificate. Order travelers checks. Keep receipts separate from checks. Carry a couple of credit cards but also carry cash in case there is an emergency and credit cards or checks do not work. Have your mail held until you return.

Predict the cost of your trip and carry a budget planner. Stay within your means and know the currency exchange rates. Pack your clothes according to the time of year and where you are traveling. Consider purchasing some of your essentials in the country so you will not have so much to carry. Keep all of your important documents, reservation numbers, contact information, medication, and other important items handy. Don’t forget to pack your camera, and remember your point and shoot camera will not always take great distant shots. You may need a good camera with a lens to take those breathtaking shots. Know what type of luggage you can take on the plane or cruise ship. Take travel maps. Don’t forget your cell phones and chargers.

Getting to Australia- There are many major airlines that offer flight packages to the great Outback; or take a cruise to one of the port cities! Perhaps, combine a cruise there with a flight home? If you choose that route, shop early for flight and cruise packages.

You’ll also need a visa; purchase these months in advance. Like entering any other country, you’ll have to abide by Customs regulations. Knowing what you can bring in and take out of the country should be pre-determined, including currency.

A travel insurance policy is a great precaution for the unexpected, whether weather or lost travel documents. Unlike in the United States, the north is more tropical with warm temperatures and the south is cold. Visit during the summer months from December through February. Winter months include June through August with snow in the southern mountain regions.

Australian Accommodations – Save money by staying in cheap hotelson the island or enjoy posh amenities at a first class hotel. From resorts to rustic camping, it’s easy to locate hotels across Australia that offer international name brand lodging for every budget. Rent a service apartment. Enjoy home-cooked meals at a bed and breakfast inn. Stay on an Aussie farm where you can learn to shear a sheep. Travel by horseback or even go fishing while watching an early morning sunrise.

Getting around Australia- From in the air; enjoy a view across the country with a number of domestic airlines from major city airports. Rental cars can be reserved at major airports, city locations, and resorts – research them all for the best pricing and deals. If you can get use to driving on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car, meander across desserts with endless sunsets.

Travel across the Victoria’s Great Ocean Road along the southeast coast. Bus fare is reasonable with comfortable amenities that make touring a great way to travel. For a quick scenic adventure, fan the rails on a journey across the country to major cities and popular tourist towns.

Great Destinations- Travel across the Great Ocean Road through national parks. Go whale watching. Hunt for shipwrecks. See old volcanoes and majestic waterfalls. Swim with the dolphins. Ride scenic roads along the Great Barrier Reef. Go skiing in the Australian Alps. Visit small mountain towns. Plan your trip to cities like Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and the Gold Coast. With eight great states and territories, enjoying mountain resorts and coastal cottages is made easy to help you discover why tourists come to the tropical paradise of Australia.

Assistance for your vacation- Aussie vacation specialists knows how to find the best deals for every budget. They know how to put together a package for the whole family and can help you create an itinerary, reserve hotels and car rentals, and assist you in planning any other part of your vacation. Check with the official tourism office to assist you with planning your vacation. They can answer any questions about every area from mountain escapes to coastal getaways.

With proper planning, you can enjoy a great vacation to Australia from the time you board your flight to the time you return, all the while adding precious memories to your scrapbook.

This guest post was written and provided by freelance writer and consultant Erica Gustafson who works with Expedia. She has planned many leisure and business trips to Australia and put this post together for your next island vacation.

Managing your debt and keeping loan repayments under control is crucial in tough economic times. While there are several routes you can take to manage your finances and keep debt under control – one of the most popular options people look at is making use of the equity in their home.  If you want to look at mortgage refinances as part of a strategy to bring your mortgage under control, then there are several important points to consider. You may chose to either refinance or drawdown the equity in your home to pay debts like credit cards, car loans or other loans.

How to handle mortgage debt: What the average person needs to know

When borrowers refinance their loan to access the equity or a better interest rate, the home is often re-valued to determine the amount of equity available in the property. This can then be part of the refinance package. Alternatively, the borrower may refinance in order to access lower interest rates; they may even look at shifting to a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate depending on their needs.  In doing this borrowers are able to either remain with their current lender, or move to another lender.

Is refinancing a good option for you?

Each individual should weigh up which of these options is most suitable for their particular financial needs and monetary situation. If opting to refinance a property, the borrower may be able to shift to a lender with a smaller interest rate, opt for a smaller monthly payment over a longer period of time, or even increase their borrowing capacity. The borrower may look at a fixed rate home loan, which as the name suggests is a loan that is provided at a higher rate. This may be slightly higher than the variable rate at the time, but if the rate goes up dramatically then there are significant benefits.  A variable interest rate home loan changes as the bank home loan rates change, and this may be a good option during periods of economic stability.

Using a broker or tackling debt yourself?

A mortgage broker is a good option if you want to organise your home loan refinance, helping both those with bad credit and borrowers with good credit who want access to a number of different lenders.

While it is possible to organise a loan for yourself, a broker can give you a more competitive selection of home loan options. It is not unusual that borrowers approach their bank first, but if you are looking for the best option for your house loan this is not automatically the ideal solution. Using a mortgage broker can in fact deliver much better results, as they are able to access better rates, improved terms and a wider range of choices for the borrower.

However, this fear is often unfounded. The current market is unique, in the fact that there are a substantial number of houses on the market, most of which are aggressively priced, and very few buyers. This equation may prove to be challenging for those looking to sell their homes, but it may very well equal a golden opportunity for those looking to purchase a new home.

Many lenders are putting the brakes on those individuals with less-than-stellar credit, and are reigning in those who want to purchase homes out of their means. However, for home buyers like you who have paid their dues, saved for a healthy down payment and have a pristine credit report, now may be the time to dive into home ownership.

With interest rates near historic lows and plenty of anxious home sellers on the market, finding a home and being approved for a mortgage may be in your immediate future.

First Home Buyers

First-time home buyers should look to: first, save for a substantial down payment; and second, become pre-qualified for a home loan.

The key to taking on a home loan if you are a first-time home buyer is to make sure your credit is clear, that you have been employed in the same line for work for at least a year, and that you have saved at least 20 percent down for your new home.

Fixed Interest Loans

Fixed interest loans are ideal for most home buyers, as they offer fixed interest rates – and fixed payments- over the life of the loan. Loans with fixed interest rates can be anywhere from 5 to 30 years, and they typically offer competitive interest rates.

Variable Interest Loans

Variable interest loans feature variable interest rates which are determined by a fixed index and change, according to the loan contract, at prefixed points throughout the life of the loan.

Loans with variable interest rates are ideal for homeowners looking for an initial, low payment, as many variable interest loans offer very low interest rates for the first few years of the loan. It is important, however, to be aware of the rate changes and how they will affect your monthly mortgage payment and your budget.

Others can be less careful about their debts and can end up burdened having over extended themselves with less important purchases when they didn’t have the money to pay for things. Credit cards in particular are one such problem area – with many people taking advantage of their credit cards because of the convenience. Charging purchases to a card is all too easy, simply sign a receipt and it’s done! If you aren’t using care you will you can quickly reach the limit of the credit cards and be in a tight spot when something that they really need can’t be purchased. This can then be compounded with the use of other cards or taking out loans.

If this sounds familiar and the bills keep coming in – you’ll quickly find you can’t afford to pay your bills anymore – leading to a poor credit standing. If you are in those circumstances, then the best thing to do is to find a way to quickly settle your bills and repay your debts. If you are having some trouble paying off your home or car loan, the best option for you would be to refinance your loan. There are loan companies that offer loan refinancing, whereby your current loan is replaced with a new loan that offers lower monthly payments. It may be possible to get out of a loan that has a high interest rate by applying for a loan refinancing program.

If you are caught up with bad debt from multiple loans and you can’t afford to meet all of your monthly payments, then you might consider applying for a debt consolidation. This means that all of your debts will be rolled into a single loan, so you’ll only receive a single monthly bill. You could choose a debt consolidation program that offers low monthly payments, but be aware that your payment terms will be longer with this kind of payment. Alternatively, you could choose a flexible payment term for your debt consolidation program. This means that you can decide to increase your payment when you have some extra cash, so that you can make some higher payments shorten the payment terms and get out of debt faster.

Getting good financial advice will also help you to determine the best way to settle and manage your debts. You may wish to simply take out a personal loan to pay off some of your debts; in which case make sure it has low interest rates. If you get this wrong, you may find yourself even worse off and facing deeper debts than you started with.  For this reason, good advice is essential before you make a firm decision.