2005 August

Nick Moustacas has written an article with some tips about what record you should be keeping to track capital gains on your assets: Capital Gains Tax Record Keeping Tips

Synopsis

While good record keeping practices are often very hard to find, record keeping in relation to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) must be one of the least thought about areas. This article gives some quick tips as to what records should be kept to prepare for tax time, even if the asset is unlikely to be sold until well into the future.

Simon Hampel has written an article explaining the technical details behind margin loans: How Margin Loans Work

Synopsis

Margin loans are a useful tool for gearing into share or managed fund investments. Fundamentally, they operate as a loan secured against a share or managed fund portfolio, where the lender is protected from falls in the security value by utilising a technique referred to as a margin call. This technical article investigates how margin loans work, at what point you might face a margin call, and gives you some tools for calculating what level of buffer you need to allow for in order to prevent a margin call.

Jacque Parker has written an article about due diligence in the real estate purchasing process: What is Due Diligence ?

Synopsis

Due diligence plays an essential role in the selection of the right investment property. This article examines the definition and reasoning behind due diligence with attention to the Why, Where, What and When of property investing, with more detail on the specific How? tasks that an investor should both undertake and be aware of, in their quest for residential property.

Jacque Parker has written an article about choosing a property manager: Selecting an Effective Residential Property Manager

Synopsis

The selection of an effective property manager for your investment property deserves time and research, in order to employ the best person for the job. This article examines the importance of the selection process and outlines appropriate questions to ask in an interview of prospective managers.

Nick Moustacas has written another article: Salary Packaging Rental Expenses

Synopsis

Investing in rental properties is a popular form of investment due to the potential for capital growth. Unfortunately most properties are held in joint names and this can reduce the tax benefit of the rental investment where one owner has a higher taxable income than the other owner. This article examines some of the possibilities for recouping some of the tax benefits by utilising salary packaging mechanisms.

Nigel Ward has written an article about asset protection, explaining why expensive asset protection “specialists” are not necessarily the right people to listen to: Don’t panic! The real story on asset protection

Synopsis

Asset protection is an important issue for investors. Unfortunately, numerous “Asset Protection Consultants” are now advertising their services by preying on the fear of being sued and losing the family home. Part one of this two-part article debunks the scaremongering tactics being used and the myth that litigation is increasing in Australia. Part two outlines some of the key issues for investors when considering their asset protection strategy.

Well, after many months of hard work, we are very proud to release InvestEd. The journey by no means ends here - there is still so much we want to do with the site. We hope you find your time here rewarding - in many ways, and we look forward to you becoming part of our community. Thanks.

Nick Moustacas wrote article showing why care should be taken with rental properties and LOCs. It is in the article section now: Interest Deductions on Rental Properties and Lines of Credit

Synopsis:

This case study illustrates the importance of separating your investment loans from your private funds.