Australian Business News and Times

Business News ,Reports and Times of Australia

2012

Different Types Of Debt Relief

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Freedom from debt becomes an overriding concern for someone who is struggling to pay bills and loans of various kinds every month. When the income streams remain fixed but expenses mount forever the looming mountain of debt becomes even more insurmountable at times.

How to get Debt Relief

Deb relief for australia finance and getting out of debt

 

There are several methods by which this debt can be managed. Debt relief programs can come in many shapes and forms and depending on personal capacity and comfort levels, one can choose the right kind of method that will best suit the financial status and repayment capability of an individual. With personal judgment and recommendations and advice from trusted friends and experts, one can choose the right method or type of debt relief program.

Some people choose the right method simply by doing a bit of simple mathematical calculations. Others may weigh the risks and pros and cons of each method and then take the decision about which one they should adopt. Yet another method of choosing the right kind of debt relief would be to do intensive research on the same – using the internet, expert advice and perhaps even legal advice – and then deciding. All methods of debt relief start with making a thorough and complete assessment of one’s financial status. All income streams and all expenses need to be listed out.

Debt consolidation as a Relief

Debt consolidation is one method of debt relief which relies on the use of one single loan to repay all other debt. This consolidation loan can give the benefit of a lower interest rate to the borrower and also entail the repayment to one single source rather than paying and juggling the payments to many different sources. In turn, this method or type of debt relief can work with credit card balance transfers, secured and unsecured loans and home equity loans. Bankruptcy may sound like a drastic step but this too is a type of debt relief program.

With bankruptcy, one can file for either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy and become debt free and make it legally binding on creditors to accept the court’s ruling as well. Out of the two options, Chapter 7 has the lowest costs. However, this method is really the last recourse to debt relief management. Debt roll up is another type of debt relief program. This works best for people who have a steady and unthreatened source of income. If there is a good job that pays well and you are in no danger of losing the same then this type of debt relief can work the best.

Such a debt roll up also needs a great deal of personal discipline, for you will need to create and commit to a very organized method of repayment every month. Then there is credit counselling. With this method of debt relief, one can opt for a debt management program. The start point to this method of debt relief is to draw up a monthly budget. You can then repay a fixed percentage of credit card balances every month and do so regularly too. There are plenty of non- profit credit counselling companies that can help in this regard.

This article has been supplied  by paul for www.debtreliefnetwork.com

Gangnam Style _ The Korean horse dance that amused the world

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This Korean pop sensation PSY – Gangnam Style has become big enough to be in your face  and is now known worldwide as the current  hottest happening star not only on you tube but  also on your TV. He  is 34 year old PSY ( short form for Psycho) who is korean  and his wild and wacky  Horse riding dance  accompanied by a catchy tune  has catapulted him to  worldwide fame on You tube and now on TV Music charts as well.

Gangnam Style In Australia

open gangnam style from psy korea

Pic : www.digitalgrog.com.au

 

The song Gangnam style has raced past The current popular hit on you tube

“Gotye’s – somebody That i used to know “ ( 330 Million views) and can soon beat theNo 1 on the internet

“Justin Bieber You tube record of The song-  BABY”  with 784 million Views.

 

PSY Gangnam style has topped the charts in Australia and UK  and  has become popular on the music harts in 33 countries in spite of his song being in Korean

Australian Music Charts (Foreign Language songs)

There have been other foreign language songs earlier that has graced the Australian music charts like below

La Bamba  ( LOS LOBOS 1987)

SUKIYAKI (KYU SAKAMOTO 1963)

Macarena ( LOS DEL RIO 1996)

The Ketchup  ( LAS KETCHUP 2002)

 

Los del Rio - Macarena (Original Video) [HD]

Los Del Rio

The video has also gained attention in Various different media shows With Britney spears trying it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Chris gayle Gangnam style In world Twenty ten Cricket  and  Google top honcho “Eric Schmidt gangnam style and  BOLLYWOOD GANGNAM STYLE and you can also check  out a bunch of gangnam style parody songs over here

Links:

For details on Gotye’s upcoming tour dates go here http://www.gotye.com

Mobile Bill Shock to be mended by New Government laws

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been granted new Special powers by the Australian government to tackle mobile phone and internet providers on issues including bill-shock and confusing advertising.

no billshock for her

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said he was giving ACMA the ability to create service-provider rules

The communications regulator hopes this new consumer protection code will help reduce complaints about misleading mobile phone plans and "bill shock".

What this bill does ?

Ensures Telcos include more information on their advertisements, including the cost of a two-minute call and an SMS.

Mobile users will be given notifications about their spending when they reach 50 per cent of their limit and 85 per cent and 100 per cent of their limit,

Ban on misleading terms such as "cap" and "unlimited"
IT makes mobile plans easier to compare, reduce what is known as bill shock or unexpectedly high bills

A  forum on whirlpool truly  reflects the current Billshock that  aussie punters face with current telcos , with one whirlpool enthusiast waskilywabit saying

In short, i would just like to be able to read my bill and clearly understand:
1. what i have used
2. what each item cost me
3. where my cap stopped and extra charges started
4. having to pay one month in advance upon sign up, yet not being re-imbursed upon cancelation of contract.

ACMA not call use

A study Conducted by Roy Morgan Research with  2,400 consumers who were interviewed about their personal telecommunications services- found

47% indicated bill shock – an unexpectedly high bill – as one of the main reasons

16% nominated financial difficulties – such as poor budgeting and low income – as one of the main reasons and

14% nominated an unexpected event as one of the main reasons.

The inquiry on bill shock was sparked by a continued surge in complaints to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), which reached 210,000 last year

AUDIO: Listen to the story (The World Today)

Links:

Report on public inquiry into customer service and complaints-handling in the telecommunications industry

Latest detailed Roy Morgan NBN Business Report

Business Start Up – Caroline’s Skin Care

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Caroline’s Skincare is now a established skincare product in the market. Read how Caroline’s Cream Products was born  and launched into the market

How I started my business (Start up story)

Twelve years ago I developed eczema on my hands so severe that when my daughter was born I couldn’t bathe her without excruciating pain. Nothing I used worked so I decided to develop my own cream to help ease the symptoms.

Caroline Skincare australia Business start up

The cream began existence in my kitchen. I had aromatherapy experience so used that knowledge, along with a lot of research to create a healing moisturiser. After months of trial and error and many experimental batches, I found a workable formula that was filled with soothing, natural ingredients.

Business – Demand and Expansion

Not only had the cream improved my skin rapidly, the results it had with others in treating a variety of skin complaints such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis was incredible. Public demand led me to begin producing Caroline’s Cream in bigger numbers and founding my skincare company, Caroline’s Skincare Pty Ltd.

In 2003 my first batch of six bottles was taken by a local pharmacy. Now my cream is listed on the registrar of Therapeutic goods as a complementary medicine, I have two manufacturers and a distributor.

 

History of start up Caroline Skincare

 

Initially I had very few business skills as I’d left school at 15 and modelled for 20 years; I was computer illiterate – I didn’t even know how to turn a computer on! In fact I had no experience at all in running a business. But out of necessity I learned, especially as the business grew.

I also started with no working capital (I started with $5000 on a credit card and initially offered product on consignment for nearly six months) and it was at least six years before I drew earnings from the business. As demand increased it was necessary to continually pour the income back into it.

In 2006 I created an All Purpose Wash, which is based on the same formula as the cream.

In the past year my business has grown by 2000%. New outlets are coming on board daily, with my range now available in over 3000 outlets Australia wide, as well as being sent overseas to customers on a regular basis.

Guest post for Caroline Monet – Founder, Caroline’s Skin Care www.Carolineskincare.com

Bankwatch – Rate Cut Update

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2 October 2012  – At its meeting today, the RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA Board decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 per cent, effective 3 October 2012

rate cut australia

Treasurer Wayne Swan welcomed the RBA’s decision, saying "Australians deserve cost of living relief and today that’s what they got".

Change in rate cut – Oct 2012

Monetary policy decisions are expressed in terms of a target for the cash rate, which is the overnight money market interest rate.

Interest Rate Cuts History 2008–2012

Effective Date Change in cash rate
Percentage points		 New cash rate target
Per cent
3 Oct 2012 -0.25 3.25
5 Sep 2012 0.00 3.50
8 Aug 2012 0.00 3.50
4 Jul 2012 0.00 3.50
6 Jun 2012 -0.25 3.50
2 May 2012 -0.50 3.75
4 Apr 2012 0.00 4.25
7 Mar 2012 0.00 4.25
8 Feb 2012 0.00 4.25
7 Dec 2011 -0.25 4.25
2 Nov 2011 -0.25 4.50
5 Oct 2011 0.00 4.75
7 Sep 2011 0.00 4.75
3 Aug 2011 0.00 4.75
6 Jul 2011 0.00 4.75
8 Jun 2011 0.00 4.75
4 May 2011 0.00 4.75
6 Apr 2011 0.00 4.75
2 Mar 2011 0.00 4.75
2 Feb 2011 0.00 4.75
8 Dec 2010 0.00 4.75
3 Nov 2010 +0.25 4.75
6 Oct 2010 0.00 4.50
8 Sep 2010 0.00 4.50
4 Aug 2010 0.00 4.50
7 Jul 2010 0.00 4.50
2 Jun 2010 0.00 4.50
5 May 2010 +0.25 4.50
7 Apr 2010 +0.25 4.25
3 Mar 2010 +0.25 4.00
3 Feb 2010 0.00 3.75
2 Dec 2009 +0.25 3.75
4 Nov 2009 +0.25 3.50
7 Oct 2009 +0.25 3.25
2 Sep 2009 0.00 3.00
5 Aug 2009 0.00 3.00
8 Jul 2009 0.00 3.00
3 Jun 2009 0.00 3.00
6 May 2009 0.00 3.00
8 Apr 2009 -0.25 3.00
4 Mar 2009 0.00 3.25
4 Feb 2009 -1.00 3.25
3 Dec 2008 -1.00 4.25
5 Nov 2008 -0.75 5.25
8 Oct 2008 -1.00 6.00
3 Sep 2008 -0.25 7.00
6 Aug 2008 0.00 7.25
2 Jul 2008 0.00 7.25
4 Jun 2008 0.00 7.25
7 May 2008 0.00 7.25
2 Apr 2008 0.00 7.25
5 Mar 2008 +0.25 7.25
6 Feb 2008 +0.25 7.00
 
Glenn Stevens, RBA  Governor said The outlook for growth in the world economy has softened over recent months,Growth in China has also slowed, and uncertainty about near-term prospects is greater than it was some months ago.
 
He also said the terms of trade have declined by over 10 per cent since the peak last year and will probably decline further

Hungary Citizens can now claim social benefit with new social security agreement with Australia

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A new social security agreement  by  Australia and Hungary  will come into force from 1st October  2012 , which was signed  by Kevin Rudd and the Hungarian  Foreign Minister (Dr János Martonyi) on 7th June 2011  in Budapest.

Australia has a number of formal social security agreements with a variety of countries. These agreements may help you continue to get social security entitlements when you move between agreement countries.

International Social Security Agreements australia

What this Social Security Agreement Between Hungary and Australia  means ?

Like Social Security agreements with many other countries like UK  and Australia , this agreement with Hungary  will enable persons who lived in both countries to be able to claim a pension or benefit .

You can access the full document  of the agreement over here at FAHCSIA

Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, said the agreement gives people greater freedom to move between Australia and Hungary, knowing that their pension rights will be recognised and protected.

Download Documents

 

What is a social security agreement

A social security agreement co-ordinates the pension programs of two countries for people who have lived or worked in both countries. Social security agreements help people receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Australia has 27 international social security agreements. In some instances you may be able to receive pensions from both countries, with each agreement country paying a part pension to you (if you have lived in both countries).

10 Australian Social Security Agreements

Introduction

This part contains information on each of Australia’s social security agreements.

In this part

This part currently contains the following chapters:

10.1 General Principles of Agreements

10.2 Agreement with New Zealand 2002

10.3 Agreement with the United Kingdom

10.4 Agreement with Italy

10.5 Agreement with Canada

10.6 Agreement with Spain

10.7 Agreement with Malta

10.8 Agreement with the Netherlands

10.9 Agreement with Ireland

10.10 Agreement with Portugal

10.11 Agreement with Austria

10.12 Agreement with Cyprus

10.13 Agreement with Denmark

10.14 Agreement with Germany

10.15 Agreement with the United States of America

10.16 Agreement with Chile

10.17 Agreement with Croatia

10.18 Agreement with Slovenia

10.19 Agreement with Belgium

10.20 Agreement with Norway

10.21 Agreement with Switzerland

10.22 Agreement with Korea

10.23 Agreement with Greece

10.24 Agreement with Japan

10.25 Agreement with Finland

10.26 Agreement with Poland

10.27 Agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

10.28 Agreement with the Czech Republic

10.29 Agreement with the Slovak Republic

10.30 Agreement with Hungary

10.100 Glossary for Australian Social Security Agreements

_________________________________

Last reviewed: 7 June 2010

You can also find some more information the Australian human services website

How Pooch mobile got a jump start

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In 1985 when I was 16 I started a dog clipping and grooming service operating from my parent’s back yard.

I grew up in a self-employed family who shared my love of animals, especially dogs. With their support and guidance and a lot of determination, I went into business by myself. I was lucky to be doing something I loved and earning money from it.

Mobile Hydrobath For dogs

pooch mobile aus Chris Walking AJ 2 - 2012

My business grew rapidly with demand from further afield, so when I was 21 I expanded the service to include mobile hydro bathing, travelling to customer’s homes to wash and pamper the family dog.

I launched the business as a single mobile hydrobath in 1991 and once people saw the benefits to their dogs, success was instant. I created and launched the Aussie Pooch Mobile Pty Ltd in 1992 and was the first person to franchise a mobile dog washing business in the world.

After success in Australia, I realised a global need for my business so after more research, I launched as ‘The Pooch Mobile’ overseas. There are currently Pooch Mobile franchises in the UK, Malaysia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the USA, with a total of almost 200 operators worldwide.

Expanding into dog business

I am able to anticipate customer’s needs, which has helped me maintain success for 21 years, through recessions, ups and downs and other concerns that crop up in business.

Franchising with APM has a twofold Small business benefit. Franchisees are able to build a successful business while doing something they are passionate about and earn a great income. Franchising with Aussie Pooch sees you working for yourself but not by yourself.

I’ve expanded with demand. APM is actively involved in the community, has initiated fundraising ventures and developed our own line of dog care products and doggy treats.

This is essential to business considering the increasing number of people using at-home services, which is a trend that will continue. That means I will always be looking at keeping up with what my customer’s want. It also means I will need more franchisees to keep up with this demand.

This article is part of the “New small business start up  series” . Guest post  for www.AussiePoochMobile.com.au by Jane Keighley

Half yearly reporting

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Half yearly reporting for the big four banks from Australia NAB ANZ WESTPAC COMMBANK. May 2012

Link : Quarterly, Half-Yearly and Annual Reporting Requirements Checklist

Quarterly Reporting for Banks

– Due within 6 weeks of end of
quarter

Half-yearly – June and December
Due within 6 weeks of end of halfyear

Half-yearly Reporting

Due within 6 weeks of end of
balance date half-years

Annual  Reporting

Due within 3 months of balance
date

Data Centre Investment in Australia picks up

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With Australia becoming a significant hub  requiring IT services, the demand for  Local based Data Centres have increased.

Many local Businesses and government are more comfortable in  a local provider  who is under the Australian government laws,  handling their data traffic  and internet  services  rather  than a company  that is somewhere in the US,  with the data being able to be investigated  by the US authorities at their will.

data centre australia amazon hp fujitsu rackspace

Multi-million data centre to open in Sydney

Cloud hosting provider Rackspace is opening a multimillion-dollar data centre in Erskine Park in Sydney’s west. The company is said to fulfil existing high demand for onshore cloud computing services.

Demand is high for cloud computing and data centres from small businesses to corporate and financial institutions and government agencies.
US-based Rackspace has had a sales and technical support operation in Australia for 3½ years.

Rackspaces top clients

Lonely Planet

Pacific Brands

Tourism Queensland

Xero

Saasu.

 

AMAZON , HP, FUJITSU DATA CENTRES EXPAND IN AUSTRALIA

With the expansion of this data centre there will be some more jobs with the company expanding to a total of 50 employees within three years. Most big companies like Google and other Big US providers are subject to the US Patriot Act, whereby the US  government can access your stored records if they think it necessary, while any company operating under Australian soil will still have to disclose any information in compliance with  Australian law.

Amazon Web Services, the cloud computing arm of Amazon.com, recently announced an Edge location in Sydney australia for some of its data and online services. HP has opened a $200 million data centre in Western Sydney, while Fujitsu has done a  multimillion dollar upgrade to its Melbourne data centre.

What is s data centre ?

Fujitsu has done a $60 million investment on its data centre to provide its 2,000 Australian enterprise and government customers with increased access to secure hosting services

The get an idea of what a data centre really is , you can check out his pdf information file ( yeh bro) by fujitsu