We’re unpacking a fundamental concept that impacts every mortgage holder, saver, and investor out there — the cash rate.

The Reserve Bank of Australia, or as we say the RBA, uses the cash rate as a tool to implement monetary policy. The RBA Board meets to decide whether to change the cash rate target, that put very simply is the level they want the cash rate to sit at.

We dust off the pages of on The Clever Investors dictionary to break it down in simple terms, explain how it works, and why it matters to you as a property investor.

What happens when the cash rate goes down? and will borrowing money always become cheaper or expensive? 

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with your friends who are keen to grow their property portfolio! And as always, if you have questions or want us to cover a specific topic, reach out to us — we love hearing from you.

While most kids were busy kicking footballs, Stuart Wright was already diving into the world of real estate.

Right after high school, he secured a job in property sales in his hometown of Sydney.

Fast forward to today, at just 23 years old, Stuart owns two investment properties and has an incredible journey to share.

His story proves that investing in property is within reach, even for young people.

Often depicted in movies as the pinnacle of the financial world and constantly popping up in our weekly news broadcasts, Wall Street is a symbol of financial power and influence, but what exactly is it?

Wall Street is more than just a street in Lower Manhattan, New York. It's the beating heart of the American financial system. This bustling epicentre is home to some of the world's largest financial institutions, including banks, stock exchanges and investment firms.

The New York Stock Exchange's history traces back to the signing of the Buttonwood Agreement by twenty-four New York City stockbrokers and merchants on May 17, 1792, under a Buttonwood tree located outside 68 Wall Street.

This agreement organized securities trading in New York City and marked the beginning of the New York Stock Exchange.

At its core, Wall Street serves as the centre of the stock market in the United States. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ*, two of the most prominent stock exchanges globally are based here. These exchanges provide a platform for buying and selling shares of publicly traded companies.

The connection of global financial markets means that what happens on Wall Street doesn't stay confined to its physical location. News of a major economic event or a shift in investor confidence on Wall Street can and will quickly travel worldwide, affecting markets in Asia, Europe and elsewhere for the positive and the negative. This link underscores the significance pull Wall Street in shaping the broader global financial landscape.

Owun

The Allure of Buying an Old House for Investment

I think we all understand that investing in real estate has always been an attractive option for those looking to secure their financial future. While many investors focus on buying new properties, there is a certain romantic charm and allure to buying an old house.

Old houses often possess a unique character and history that can be appealing to both buyers and tenants. However, it is important to be aware of the hidden costs and disadvantages that come with buying an old house for investment.

A thorough financial analysis will help you determine if the investment is financially viable and aligns with your investment goals.

Come with me as we will explore the potentially massive downsides of purchasing an old house and provide tips for mitigating these disadvantages.

You might fool yourself into thinking you are buying the house cheaper but.....

With interest rates settling down, now is a great time to get onto the property ladder.

Of course we still see property prices climbing and the average dwelling prices in all our major cities not dropping backward for some, buying with a significant other – be it a spouse, partner, family member or friend – may be the only successful way onto the property ladder.

Purchasing a property with someone else, like a life partner, spouse, family member or friend, has been a popular and viable way for many Australians to enter the property market.

Purchasing with someone else often makes property ownership more affordable. It can be a strategy that enables potential buyers to pool their money for a deposit and utilise their borrowing power to get a loan. As co-owners can split the cost of the property and all the associated expenses, so that repayments are noticeably less than what you’d pay if you were buying solo.

Whether you're buying with your partner or someone else, owning property is a big deal. With the right setup, it can be a rewarding and profitable experience. Over time, you might even make a tidy profit that you can use to buy your next property.

This weeks show looks over the main things to be considered before jumping in head first.

Imagine a time long ago when people needed money urgently and had to give up something valuable as collateral.

This practice marked the beginnings of pawnbroking, a service that has evolved over centuries to become what we see today.

Let's take a journey through history to understand how pawnbrokers have transformed into the modern services they are now.

Pawnbroking has ancient roots, dating back well over three thousand years. In early civilizations, people faced times when they needed immediate cash but didn't want to permanently part with their cherished belongings. So, they turned to pawnbrokers. These brokers lent money in exchange for items like jewellery, farming tools and even weapons. The borrower could later reclaim their belongings by repaying the loan along with a bit of extra money as interest.

My late grandparents and my mother were part of the world of pawnbroking in London, England from the 1940’s into the 1970’s.

They understood the value of lending a helping hand during times of need.

In their small pawnshop, near Tower Bridge in South East London, they provided an important lifeline to people who required immediate funds but didn't want to part with their cherished belongings forever. This concept, rooted in mutual support, echoes the origins of pawnbroking throughout history.

As societies evolved, so did pawnbroking. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, pawnbroking established itself as a formal trade. It was a way for people from all walks of life to secure quick loans without selling their belongings permanently. These pawnshops became important community institutions, providing financial assistance and acting as social safety nets.

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to pawnbroking. As economies grew and urban centres developed, the demand for quick loans increased. Pawnbrokers adapted by setting up shops in busy city areas, making their services more accessible to a larger population.

In recent times, pawnbroking has become more regulated and structured. Governments have introduced laws to protect both borrowers and lenders, ensuring fair practices.

Modern pawnshops offer a range of services beyond just loans. They buy items outright from people who wish to sell them and they also sell pre-owned items to customers. This modernization has turned pawnshops into versatile financial and retail establishments.

The traditional pawnbrokers' symbol is three golden balls suspended from a bar. Pawnbroking has evolved from ancient practices of mutual assistance to regulated and modernized financial and retail services.

Today's pawnbrokers still provide a valuable option for those seeking quick loans, selling items, or making purchases. While the times have changed, the core function of helping individuals during financial difficulties remains at the heart of the pawnbroking industry.

I think that far to many individuals hesitate to invest for various reasons this weeks let's break down these concerns in to 6 simple parts.

Understanding these reasons and learning to take some actionable steps to overcome them is crucial for anyone looking to achieve their financial goals. Whether it's dispelling myths about time constraints, gaining financial knowledge or addressing fears, everyone can take small, practical steps towards a more secure financial future.

Remember that becoming an investor is for anyone willing to learn and make some consistent efforts.

Imagine the world of finance as a zoo, where two mighty creatures, the bull and the bear, reign supreme on Wall Street.

The terms actually come from the way these animals attack their opponents. A bull thrusts its horns up into the air (a bull market goes up), while a bear swipes its paws downward (a bear market goes down). So, the names make sense when you think about how the market behaves during these times.

The bullish bull:

This majestic creature represents a market on the rise, where optimism and confidence run wild. Picture in your mind this bull charging ahead with strength and vigour, much like the market when prices are climbing and investors are feeling pretty darn optimistic.

Take a peek into the bear's den:

Bears might look all fluffy and cuddly, but in the financial world they represent the opposite of the optimistic bull. A Bear market is when things take a bit of a nosedive. The bear lumbers along, swiping its paw downward, symbolizing falling stock prices and a general feeling of pessimism in the market.

Predicting when a Bull or Bear market will show up is a bit like trying to exactly predict the weather for every single day in this financial jungle. It's tricky!

In the wild these animals don't follow a set schedule. They're unpredictable, who knows what’s going through their minds. Bull and bear markets are the same, they can come and go, sometimes lasting for months or even years. And guess what? Sometimes they hibernate, taking a long break before popping back up again.

There are signs and indicators such as economic data, corporate earnings, or geopolitical events that the all-to-many experts look at, but even they can't forecast with absolute certainty. It's all part of the wild and (at times) wonderful world of finance.

In urban development, the symbiotic relationship between public transport and property values emerges as a central player.

As cities grow denser and the demand for efficient mobility escalates, the impact of public transport on real estate prices has become a topic of burgeoning significance.

Come with us as we take a deep dive into the multi-dimensional benefits of public transport for property values, considering factors that influence this impact while exploring the value of convenience, accessibility, types of public transport and the quality of the transit experience.

Although the connection between public transport and property value is generally positive, it's not an absolute rule. Related elements, including transit quality and localised market dynamics can reshape this relationship. Amid the evolving urban landscapes, comprehending the intricate ties between public transport and property values remains imperative for planners, developers and us investors.

Owun

Knowledge is Power

Ever wonder why despite warnings and cautionary tales, people still fall for financial scams?

Imagine a world where everyone is honest and trustworthy. While that's a nice thought, the reality is that financial scams have been around for centuries, and they still manage to trap unsuspecting victims.

Let's delve into the history of con artists and explore how modern technology has given a new boost to their schemes, followed by three essential tips to steer clear of their traps.

Con artists, also known as fraudsters or scammers, have been around since…forever. They're the smooth talkers who promise you riches or quick fixes, only to disappear with your hard-earned money. The history books are filled with tales of tricksters pulling off elaborate schemes that prey on people's vulnerabilities.

3 Tips to avoid financial scams and steer clear of the traps:

Stay Informed: Knowledge is your shield. Educate yourself about common scams, their tactics, and warning signs. Research before making any financial decisions and trust your instincts.

Verify and Double-Check: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verify information from multiple sources, especially when it comes to investments, offers, or unknown contacts.

Guard Personal Information: Scammers often rely on personal details to build trust or create a fake identity. Never share sensitive information like bank details, passwords or tax file numbers with anyone you don't know or trust.

In the past, these swindlers operated in person, using charming words and disguises to win people's trust. They sold imaginary lands, fake miracle cures and bogus investment opportunities. They played on emotions, greed and sometimes desperation to convince victims to part with their money.

Fast-forward to today, and modern technology has opened up new avenues for scammers to work their magic.

In a world filled with digital advancements and sophisticated scams, staying cautious and informed is your best defence. By understanding the history of con artists, their psychological tactics and the convenience modern technology provides, you can hopefully outsmart scammers and safeguard your finances.

With knowledge and a bit of healthy scepticism, you can navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.