Haggling doesn’t come easy to many people. Negotiating over the price of goods and services simply isn’t that common in some countries. But are homebuyers missing out on thousands of dollars of savings because they balk at bargaining? The answer is yes, according to new research from finder.com.au. People can save $20,000 over the course of a mortgage by securing a discount of just 0.2 percentage points on the interest rate, yet less than half of respondents (43 per cent) hav

Investment properties are a popular long-term wealth strategy for Australians, delivering both a regular income stream and an asset that should appreciate in value over time. One-fifth of people in the country had at least one investment property in 2016 – up from 17 per cent the previous year, according to ING DIRECT figures. But if you’re looking to join the ranks of Australia’s growing army of investment property owners, you’ll need to educate yourself on what deductions a

There’s no better time than the present to expand your business. The past few months have seen business conditions rise well above the long-run average, according to NAB’s November 2017 monthly business report. Successfully growing your company is all about knowing when to take action. While factors such as improved conditions, increased confidence and better payment times are positive across the board, business owners in Australia should seize the opportunity to expand their

The Australian housing market hasn’t always been a friendly place for first time buyers. With property prices looking as if they may soften for the first time in over half a decade, 2018 could be the year to get a foot on the elusive property ladder. So, what can you do to secure your place on the property ladder this year? Get into the market ASAP You can spend years plotting your triumphant break into the buying scene at just the right moment, but nothing can beat just dig

Deductions for repairs, maintenance and improvements are areas the Australian Taxation Office pay particular attention to on annual tax returns. For this reason it is important that investors understand the difference. Repairs are considered work completed to fix damage or deterioration of a property, for example replacing part of a damaged fence. Maintenance is considered work completed to prevent deterioration to a property, for example oiling a deck. Any costs incurred to