Hello,

With the new financial year upon us, is it time to reconsider our futures?

If we really understood that we are in total control of our own financial affairs, would that encourage us to educate ourselves and take a little more action?

Theres been a lot said about Australias game against Germany in the World Cup. Many have said that our tactics both in selections and on the field were negative - which is completely out of character for an Australian team.

What was important is how we reacted to that first game. The team learnt a lot - they took on board the feedback from their efforts - and the following games were fantastic.

In our own lives..... if we really understood that there was absolutely no chance of failure and that every outcome (good or bad) is really just feedback, would we be more likely to change our attitudes? Would we be more likely to take some action to improve our lives and that of our families?

Weve become so conditioned to staying safe (a bit like the Germany Game) that often if something seems hard or theres a chance we wont initially succeed, we dont even try.

Well, lets change our thinking!

Forget failure completely because it doesnt exist (its just feedback after all!) And all of a sudden, taking some action to improve our situation doesnt seem so scary. With this approach we might just be more likely to give ourselves a chance of winning and learning... maybe something worth considering?

We start this issue by looking at the movement of 'next-time buyers into the property market (see first article), as an increasing number of home owners look to upgrade their existing homes or buy an investment property.

In article 2 we focus on successful strategies for property investment - Buying an Investment Property - as well as how to use property to build a nest egg for retirement - 'Retirement Nest Egg (article 4).

Also featured in this issue, some handy facts and tips to help you prepare your end of year tax return and of course, maximise your tax savings! ('Many Happy Tax Returns - article 3).

I recently attended the ACT Nurses and Midwives Annual awards Evening. Nurses do an amazing job making a difference on a personal level with the patients they care for. Unfortunately, theyre terribly underpaid for the skills they possess and the valuable job they do. Congratulations to all the winners... with a special mention to the recipient of the 'Enrolled Nurse Excellence Award - Mrs Loretta OReilly.

Til Next Time

Michael