Wealth Creation

Many have dreams of owning a successful business. For some, the dreams have come true with varying degrees of success. Others have tried to set up a business and failed. Company, insolvency and commercial law specialist David Brown highlights the need for a professional advisor.

Hi Janne, our daughter and son-in-law have just had their first child - Edward. We are so excited! We would like to help them out in some way as they will only have one income for a while now. They have enough to live on but we would like to help them to provide financially for themselves and Edward for the future. Do you have any ideas?

We talk about business planning and being on the right path, but sometimes we get caught up in the dream and don't stop to consider whether the dream is actually becoming a nightmare. Jeff Banks cautions small business operators.

Hi Janne, we have retired and our son has just been diagnosed with a serious illness. We don't think he will be able to work again. He has a family and a mortgage and our daughter-in-law has just had their third child, so is at home. What advice can you give?

Dear Janne, I have just received an inheritance and am concerned about losing the age pension. Can you help me? Regards Simon, Narrabeen NSW.

Hi Janne, I enjoy reading your articles every month. I have heard mixed reports about the value of the ‘transition to retirement’ strategy. Some people tell me it is a waste of time, and others swear by it. Please clarify for me when it is appropriate and if there are any disadvantages. Thanks Janne.

An interest only loan is almost always a better way to finance property, even for an owner occupied dwelling, says property investment advisor and educator Richard Sheppard.

Hi Janne, I am in my fifties and am wondering whether I still need income protection insurance. My house is paid off and I am now working mainly to set myself up for retirement. What do you think? Regards, Liz, Bayview

Businesses that are not 'online' are at risk of falling behind their competitors says digital agency principal, Ryan Fitton.

Those thinking of throwing the regular secure weekly wage away in favour of a life in small business need to be very prepared for what lies ahead, says Jeff Banks.

Business advisors are often confronted with business owners who failed to plan for uncertainty and, when it hit, had not fall-back position other than to increase borrowoing. Andrew Blunden reports.

I really enjoy your articles each month. I am currently looking after my own investments and don't know whether I should have advice from a financial planner, and if so, what value a planner could add. I look at managed fund returns and they do not seem to be any better than what I am getting myself. I would be interested in your views.

Do you remember when you last had a roll of film developed? For most people, it would be quite a few years ago. Brad Howarth reports on the need to be ready to embrace technological change.

Have you recently come into money? Maybe you have sold your business, received a large inheritance or perhaps you have just set up a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF)? You're probably wondering about your investment strategy. Simon Bylsma reports.

As more businesses come into this social media (and internet-enabled) world, it is important to avoid being lost in the crowd. Bill Adams explains why a video presentation can be of great benefit.

I have recently had a number of health problems and have been unable to work for over a year. A number of people have suggested that I claim on my total and permanent disability policy. I don't really want to, as I am hoping to get better. What do you suggest?

A career change may be exciting or daunting - it depends largely on the reason for the change. Whatever the case, there are some financial matters to think about, says Janne Ashton.

Hi Janne, I am currently looking at buying a house and would like advice on whether to use a fixed rate or variable rate for my mortgage, or some of each. Please let me know what you think.

There are a lot of press articles relating to the current share market volatility, and this creates fear among investors. The traditional method of avoiding downward volatility is to invest in ‘safer’ investments. So what is the best advice in this situation?

With the European debt crisis making daily headlines and the share market having fallen since the high in April last year, the question about whether or not to invest in shares is fresh in people's minds. Simon Bylsma reports.

I was discussing superannuation with friends and some suggested that a self managed super fund would be a good idea, as they said it is cheaper. Is that true? Kind regards, Joseph.

Becoming a small to medium business owner can be a very brave and personal decision to make. Andrew Toumazis and Terry Giannakopoulos report.

Many people insure their house, cars and boats but fewer people insure themselves, reports Gail Fitzpatrick.

We have seen so many great Australian inventions vanish overseas. What makes 'not-invented-here' products more attractive than Australian designed and built? Keith Ralfs reports.