Spring is sprung, the grass has rizz… Spring heralds the start of a new housing season, and those ready to make a move will find it to be a buyers’ market.   “Sustainable Australia” – What’s your view? The record population growth and a ‘Big Australia’ have ended up as a political football. What’s it all about, and what does it mean for you?   Steady as she goes Unchanged interest rates offer stability and flexibility to investors.   You can invest in property while others are busy saving The deposit for your second property might be lying beneath your feet!   Australian jobs rebound as economy heats up Over 30,000 full time jobs were created in March 2010 as the economy goes from strength to strength, increasing the demand for workers particularly in sectors linked to the resources boom.   Tips on the investor mindset We’ve all read the amazing success stories of investors like Warren Buffett and Donald Trump. Part of their cult-like following is the knack they have to reach us through their sayings...   Chinese New Year – The Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year is here. It’s the longest and most important festival in the Chinese calendar, and which this year arrives on February 14.   Time is the key to everything Whether it’s your career, your financial future, your fitness levels, your relaxation, or your relationships, “TIME” is the concept that lies at the heart of everything you do and everything you achieve.   Have you harnessed the power of positive thinking? There is consensus that there is a direct relationship between the thoughts we choose to hold in our minds, and the resulting outcomes in our lives.   Act now for all your happy new years A future that includes financial freedom and independence does not happen by chance.   Massive bank rip-off gains momentum Fresh from announcing a combined $13.69 billion in profits, 3 of the 4 big banks have jacked up their rates by more than the 0.25 per cent announced by the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday last week.   The investment clock is always ticking Where are we in the investment cycle right now, on the clock face that never stands still?   How do we get a start in investment property if we don’t already own a property? Many of our readers already own a home of their own and can use it as equity to buy an investment property. If you are not so fortunate, here’s what you can do to get going.   Are you being held captive to fear? Halloween is a good time to expand on fear. What is it about fear that makes us so scared, and so frightened to act?   The Big Four Take Control The Big Four banks have taken control of Australian home loans. What can you do to flex your muscles and get the best possible deal?   “Investment property? I’ll ask my accountant.” While accountants can play an invaluable role in the investment property chain, when it comes to specific investment property strategies, you may be better served consulting a turn-key specialist in the field, like McCarthy Group   Warren Buffett – A lighthouse investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett is one of the most astute investors ever. By 2008 he had amassed $62 billion in wealth to become the world’s richest person, and is gradually giving most of it away to charities.   The Kiwi fruit – treasure in the backyard Today’s massive Kiwi fruit export industry is an example of the huge value that can exist in your own backyard.   Understanding fear Fear is a natural emotional response to a perceived risk or threat. While its role is to protect us, fear can be unhelpful in preventing us from benefiting from experiences and opportunities.   Are you in control of your destiny? “Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”   Let’s accept the setback, and invest to recover lost ground Australian households have lost $602 million* since the Global Financial Crisis began. We need to dust ourselves off, get back on the horse, and invest positively to make up lost ground.   Are you too busy earning a living to make any money? AuIf you’re too busy earning a living and too time-poor to invest, you’ll end up asset-poor as a result. Guaranteed. You need a change of priorities to put your wealth creation first.   Aussies are 36% poorer after GFC Australian households have lost 36% of their financial wealth since the economic crisis began. It will take years to get back...   The beauty of owning your own home – and retiring mortgage free A fully-paid off home of your own is the most valuable asset you can have when you enter retirement. However, reaching this goal needs planning and a disciplined strategy. Bad news sells papers – positive news builds confidence Sometimes it feels like reporters and politicians are falling over each other in an attempt to present the gloomiest picture possible.   In closing The core difference between those who take the plunge and invest, and those who don’t.