http://www.askjosiekay.com Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:11:38 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Sick of lack lustre returns?   Think you could do a better job investing your hard earned superannuation savings than the professionals?   If you would like to control where your money is invested, a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) could be the answer.   A word of warning though - you might be biting off more than ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/money-tip/buy-investment-property-super-fund/ I have  just come across this wonderful Government benefit whereby some patients may be able to receive dental services under Medicare. Basically, if you have a chronic disease, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes or some other major illness, you may be able to claim up to $4250 over a two year period ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/money-tip/medicare-chronic-disease-dental-program-eligible/ Not happy with your bank, credit union or building society, but overwhelmed by the thought of canceling and re-activating all those direct debits?  The Government introduced new rules from November 2008 which should make it easier (in theory anyway).  Following is a link to http://www.fido.gov.au/fido/fido.nsf/byheadline/Switching%20bank%20accounts?opendocument#2 which provides a step by step process. For people ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/money-tip/beat-the-banks/fire-bank-money-tip-boring-stuff/ A big thank you to Mick for this one. Mick travels a lot and has shared this fantastic tip to save money on Damage Waiver Excess Insurance that car hire companies entice you to pay.    You know the drill.  You front up to pick up the keys and sort out the paperwork and ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/money-tip/save/save-big-dollars-hire-car-excess-insurance-money-tip-boring-stuff/ The Government's announcement that they would temporarily double the First Home Owner's Grant from $7,000 to $14,000 if you purchase an existing home and triple it to $21,000 if you purchase a brand new home was welcomed by the housing industry.   They certainly need a boost at the moment. I remember the days ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/your-finances/investment-properties/home-owners-grant-grab-leave-money-tip-bs/ Q I have a financial planner who charged $7700 for an initial investment of around $30000. This gave me a credit until $100000. Every time I do additional investing (capital +or margin loan) they charge 5.5% of that extra investment amount (after $50000 it becoms 3.5%). Also the index ... http://www.askjosiekay.com//financial-planners-%e2%80%93-do-you-need-one/financial-planner-overcharging/ Margin loans are simply an investment loan that is secured against the assets you are purchasing, such as shares and managed funds.   You don't need to sign over your house and that is why so many people like them.    However, investors can get into trouble if their investment falls below a certain level, known as the loan ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/your-finances/sensible-investing/margin-lending/ Q.  Can you send me a list of all in financial institution covered by the government guarrentee of savings? Josie's answer: I think this is an easy one to answer.   The following documents were published by the Government in October 2008.  Remember, things are changing by the day.    If in doubt, ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/your-finances/financial-woes/send-list-institutions-covered-guarantee/ It is a tough world out there.   How do you find a financial planner that you can trust?   First and foremost, we are not demigods (although I think I have met some that believe they are half human, half God). It is not the first time you have heard me say that finance professionals cannot predict ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/money-tip/financial-planner-watch/money-tip-boring-stuff-financial-planners-caught-storm/ Q.   Approx 2 years ago I took out a margin loan agreement offer by a financial adviser. I borrowed $140,000, plus $70,000 of borrowed money as security. Back in June as share prices fell I have was asked to top up approx $30,000 to maintain LVR. I was able to to ... http://www.askjosiekay.com/your-finances/sensible-investing/margin-loan-top-investment/