Jen’s Note, April 2009
You will find your reports this month a little more cheerful than the last few months. Now the Aussie share market seems to be trying to stabilise at between 3200 and 3600 and this is a positive sign, as it is doing so in spite of the continuing poor news from overseas.
Retails sales are down and we do seem to be saving rather than spending money which may not be so good in the short term for the economy, but it is to the benefit of all in the longer term. We still have major issues that are not occupying the minds of our governments at either state or federal level, with drought or the now very concerning lack of water for capital cities.
In our view, instead of handing out money to taxpayers to stimulate the economy, the Government would be better to issue Commonwealth Infrastructure Bonds that we all could invest in to build better water supply and much improve transport infrastructure. This would provide jobs and a real long term benefit to the nation. But I guess we face as usual politicians who are focused on getting their pet projects passed and winning the next election which will be along sooner than we all realise.
The financial data that is coming forward suggests that although we certainly are in a severe downturn and things may get a good bit tougher over the next few months, there are signs of improvement. The tragic bushfires and floods will give some stimulus to the jobs area so it does seem to be true that “every cloud has a silver lining” although it has been jolly hard on those who have had their lives wrecked.
We have been going through our cupboards to see what is in good condition that we do not need to pass on to our favourite charity the Salvation Army. In doing this I remember just why our family has always supported the Sallies. My grandmother’s brother served in both the World Wars, and Uncle Jack would often tell us of the great work they did at the front and at departure points for troops.. He used to tell us of a Sally officer appearing out of the dust and smoke to offer “a cuppa and a smoke mate, and can I post your mail for you?”
It was the caring and practical assistance that my uncle found so helpful; he was an ambulance driver for the Army and saw all the good that was done. Later I was involved during the 1960s in bushfires and again was so impressed by the practicality of the Sallies. I guess we all have our pet charities and that is a great thing, times like these give us all a reminder that although we think that times are bad for us there are many who would count themselves very fortunate to be as well off as we are.
Budgeting is becoming a popular subject of discussion and we are always happy to help with fine turning budgets so there is still some fun money available. It is quite obvious that many people have discovered their local library. There are lots of items like CD’s and DVD’s as well as books and magazines that can be borrowed. Our library has internet access that people can use as well. So different from when you had to whisper and look very respectable to borrow 5 books at a time. I can take out 25 items at once. So it is worth a look especially if you have special interests like knitting and other crafts, you can save a lot by not buying books but borrowing.
It is apparent now that many folk are losing their jobs, and this is a very difficult thing to face especially if you have worked for the same firm for a long time. It is important to remember to go to Centrelink as soon as possible to check what benefits are available. Redundancy payments have special tax treatment and not getting good advice as soon as you lose a job can cost you very dearly. Moss Financial has been dealing with redundancy since 1985 so are well experienced in making sure that the funds are used to the clients best advantage so that they can receive Centrelink as soon as possible and that they understand just what their tax liability is . We are also happy to network amongst our contacts to try to assist with finding new employment for those who have lost jobs. The rules have changed regarding redundancy payments so what many people think are the options are not necessarily so.
We have noticed that some people interested in the Transition to Retirement Pensions. These are pensions where you take a pension from your super fund while still at work. This can be a good option for those who would like to take the opportunity to either work a shorter week or who would like to save into their super fund more than they are currently but still take home the pay they need to live on. There are some rules involved and some details need to be just so in setting these arrangements up. One is the wording of the document to the employer asking them to make the arrangement to salary sacrifice super payments. Failure to have the correct wording may cause the tax benefit to be disallowed.
We are always happy to help people get these details sorted as part of our ongoing service. We hope that you have had some rain at your place. We had a lovely downpour that has cheered us up enough to plant some winter veggies.
Well Easter is almost here and you will be pleased to know that Lina the canine receptionist has been looking after the Easter Bunny. She takes this responsibility very seriously as you can see. Minding the door is a big job as well, note the wagging tail.
Daylight saving has ended and we are pleased as Lina is not that keen on walking in the dark in the mornings. She wants to know what you humans do with all this daylight you save. She likes to go to bed early and the birds keep her awake, they are as bad as the possums pinching the quinces and banging around on the metal roof while they do so.
Home made soup time is near so we trust you all keep well.
Jen, Rose and Lina the Canine Receptionist