Tall poppy syndrome, bringing people down, why do we do it?

Tonight I had some very interesting conversations with some really interesting people. There was a common theme that came up in conversation however.

The culture that we as Australians have in putting people down who are successful.

A great example that Brad Sugars gives is driving down the street in his fancy car in Australia and stopping at the lights, the guy in the car next to him will say something negative, while in other societies like America he would be congratulated and told well done for achieving success.

So Why Do we do it? Any thoughts?

Suffering from Financial Stress?

A Quick tip that was given to me by an interesting guy I met tonight. If you are feeling stressed about your finances right now, like your budget is tight, GIVE YOUR MONEY AWAY!!!

Yes thats right give a little, don't give it all away but just be a little generous and make a donation or buy someone something.

You may be suprised and find that it helps bring the true value of money into perspective. Money is just a tool that assists in facilitating life.

Interest rates have dropped in Australia dramatically over the past months, we are now at record lows. Many home owners seem to be keeping up their repayments at the same level to try pay off the principal faster, while this strategy has its merits what other strategies could they be using?

Here's a few quick tips some of the experts giving.

Wait a bit longer before fixing interest rates.

Despite the interest rate reduction in all home loan products, there is still a considerable gap between the variable and fixed rates on offer. Discounted variable interest rates of around 4.69% are available, compared with fixed of 5.19% for three years.

Look for a home loan that offers flexibility

However, once rates do bottom out – although this can be difficult to pick – you want to be able to switch to a low fixed rate, or perhaps split your loan into fixed and variable. Therefore, if you’re taking out a home loan now, make sure it provides the flexibility to switch in the future at a reasonable cost.

Take out an interest only loan but make principal and interest repayments

If there is some concern about job security or a reduction in future income (perhaps for one partner to stay home with a baby), taking out an interest only loan can provide some breathing space if required. However, while rates are low and you have full earning capacity, make principal and interest repayments plus more if possible to get ahead. The principal and additional repayments can be accessed as redraw in case of future need.

Consider mortgage protection insurance

This is the insurance that ensures that you, as the borrower, can continue to make your loan repayments should you become seriously ill and unable to work. A 38-year-old couple with monthly loan repayments of $1500 can each be covered for the full loan repayment at $50 per month. Maximise this unique opportunity to its full potential but make sure you have contingencies in place for when rates do rise again.

If you have any extra tips you'd like to share, please leave a comment or join our discussions in the forum.

Some of you have been emailing me about the Reviews section of this site. So I figured i'd answer you all in the open.

Q: Are these reviews unbiased?

A: Yes, the reviews are completely unbiased, I have read, listened and attended them all. In fact the amount current up with written reviews is not even a quater of the ones that I have read, listend and attended so expect more reviews on the way.

Q: Do you make money if I buy it through the purchase links on the review?

A: I am 100% transparent here, yes I do make a small percentage if you choose to purchase some of the products, mainly the books. Does me making money on your purchase change your price you pay no it doesn't but if you don't wish for me to take a commission you can lookup using the ISBN i provide at any of your favourite shops.

Q: Are there more on the way?

A: As i just answered above, the few that as of right now are reviewed on the site is only a drop in the ocean of reviews to come and thats just from me, we have reviews on the way from some others as well.

Please remember that if you have read, listened or attended one the reviewed products or seminars add your review help someone else decide if they should look to that product for the learning they require.

Also if you have a product you would like to recommend we review, please suggest it in the forums.