by Jodie | Apr 30, 2013 | General
Do you like to have a punt?
I once declined placing a bet on the Melbourne Cup and was told I was absolutely, positively UnAustralian! I’ve never even played Two-Up on ANZAC Day… Just saying!
But then, gambling on anything has never been my thing. I feel I work way too hard to give it away. And I’m not sure I’m ever going to be the luckiest chick on the planet when the roll of a dice, randomly chosen numbers or the athletic ability of an animal I’ve chosen based on the pretty colour of jockey’s silk is the deciding factor.
Plenty I know tho, do like to have a punt on the races – whether the gee-gees or the dish lickers and regularly allocate part of their salary to this pastime. And most non-gamblers will even purchase a ticket or two when Lotto run their massive $20million+ draws!
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) state that gambling activity grew enormously during the nineties. ABS data revealed that expenditure on legalised gambling exceeded $11 billion back in 1998 and by 2010 this was over $17 billion!
So, it turns out, we all have ‘a thing,’ something that’s important to us, that we choose to ‘waste the ready’ on. I may be guilty of a shoe fetish or spending on a spot of jewellery, and although gambling is not ‘my thing,’ you may choose to allocate part of your earnings to looking forward to the big win and retiring in style – proving all the doomsayers wrong!
Like anything, it’s about keeping it all in perspective, staying on top of debt and never spending more than we earn. I have a quick chat about the issue on a recent trip to Las Vegas.
Find out more on my YouTube blog here: Does Gambling form part of your Financial Plan?
by Jodie | Apr 29, 2013 | Economy, Finances, General, US Economy
As most of us are aware, Michigan was severely hit by the Global Financial Crisis and that particular state of the US certainly was one of the hardest hit in the nation due to their strong reliance on the car industry.
We heard about the issues facing the automotive industry, which in turn led to an employment crisis in the area. Since the year 2000, employment declined by nearly half a million jobs or 10.5% with a 36.9% loss of manufacturing jobs, and a 50% loss of employment in vehicle manufacturing.
These stats, combined with personal credit debt, rising foreclosures by the banks and dropping consumer confidence impacted the broader community and things were incredibly grim.
Policy responses of temporary cash infusions, increased rebates and interest rate cuts have either helped relieve financial markets over time; or worsen and deepen the crisis, depending on your particular point of view.
However, on my recent visit in March 2013, I found although it was happening slowly, there was a cautious feeling of optimism emerging.
Some plants had reopened, or put to different uses, and staff had been rehired. Things appear on the surface at least, to be on the mend.
Here’s our Video Blog on YouTube: Financial update from Michigan, USA
by Jodie | Apr 29, 2013 | Advisers, Debt Management, Finances, General, Investments
We’ve all heard the stories: Lotto winners broke within a couple of years, professional athletes running out of money and filing for bankruptcy, and those with a windfall or inheritance wondering where it all went.
It’s stories like these that inspired Amanda Cassar to do a short video blog when recently staying at the Bellagio in Las Vegas to discuss the importance of a financial plan and having a professional help with managing your money.
See more here on our YouTube clip: Managing a Financial Windfall
