When cash earns nothing, how do you make sense of money anymore? Why are we faced with this question? A financial planner view…
When cash earns nothing
by Michael O'Hara •
Pidgin Economics
A look at world economics, from the point of view of an investor. The aim of this area is to interpret the continuous barrage of data, sales pitches and propoganda and bring it into a form that is actually useful to investors.
Underemployment – is it the future?
by Michael O'Hara •
Underemployment is a big feature of the current global employment picture. Although more people are finding work, it would appear that a lot have given up any chance of finding work. So I thought it would be a good idea to tackle some of the issues that are raised by having a large slice of…
Interest Rates can be tricky
by Michael O'Hara •
Interest rates and monetary decision making processes are complex things. Sometimes you’ve just got to close your eyes and hope it all pans out the way you want it to…
Australia – austerity or growth?
by Michael O'Hara •
How do we tackle economic problems and foster economic growth? Australia – austerity or growth? It’s a global question! There are usually a range of options to tackle any economic problem or condition, ranging from increasing government spending to reducing taxes to printing money or even starting a war to divert the attention of a…
Federal Budget Shenanigans
by Michael O'Hara •
Like a circus sideshow, the May budget has found its way back into our backyards. Yes folks, it’s time for more Federal Budget Shenanigans in Australia! As a financial planner, i find the announcements and discussion surrounding Federal Budgets highly amusing, as nearly every possible form of financial fudging is on display. Rather than discuss…
Is this really the biggest scam in the history of mankind?
by Michael O'Hara •
“Scam” is an evoactive word. It conjures up images of this or that injustice, criminal or immoral act. Looking at scams can help us clarify the ethics of what is right and what is wrong, especially when we are talking about money. So here’s a look at a video that i was sent recently, in which the…
The RBA pondering on China’s housing
by Michael O'Hara •
Governor Glenn Stevens provides some balance
by Michael O'Hara •
Regular readers would be aware of my penchant for rubbishing the political (leaders?) folk who vie for our votes, and who decide on how legislation and laws that govern our lives are drafted. It’s maybe a tad disrespectful of me, and more than a little unfair to those individuals who strive to do their best, and…
Another Budget, another yawn…
by Michael O'Hara •
The good news is that the budget is going into surplus. Small yay! for prudent financial management and responsible government. Big “what the?” for the usual smokes and mirrors that seem to appear any time a Treasurer releases a budget update. So far this morning, i’ve received many, many, many pages of insight, research, analysis…
Good news – Australia’s inflation is down! Or is it up?
by Michael O'Hara •
Here’s a little thought… The RBA announces inflation outcomes. If quarterly inflation falls, and the annual rate falls, is inflation higher? As Simon in our office has today pointed out, it depends on who you read, and what they are trying to say. BBC News suggests inflation is easing, so i guess it’s lower. The…
