It’s time to celebrate!

Have you made plans for Australia Day? If you managed to get Friday off work, you’re in for a mighty long weekend!

FYI: Australia Day is on Thursday the 26th of January.

It’s the one day where you can get away with applying a yellow and green zinc combo to your face, wear more merchandise than clothing and feel immense amounts of patriotism when your friends spend the entire day in an inflatable pool.

To kick start your Australia Day spirit, I’ve collected 24 facts that will trigger a few patriotic butterflies in your stomach.

You know you’re Australian when…

1. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
2. You can translate: “Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas”.
3. You understand that “excuse me” can sound rude, while “scuse me” is always polite.
4. You still don’t get why the “Labor” in “Australian Labor Party” is not spelt with a “u”.
5. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionery known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
6. You know that thongs are not underwear and you wear them all year round , hot or cold, rain or shine.
7. You know what togs are and you wear them all year round, even when you’re not going for a swim.
8. You think “Woolloomooloo” is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
9. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs – just in case you’re trying to sneak in fruit.
10. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second.
11. You know what a goon bag is and you know it can double up as a pillow.
12. You pronounce Melbourne as “Mel-bin”.
13. Your right arm is darker than your left from driving in the sun.
14. You know everyone working at Whistler.
15. You went to Canberra to see the war memorial as a school excursion.
16. When it rains – it pours.
17. You remember 30c cones from McDonalds and used to buy them every day driving home from school.
18. You would never ever dream of drinking Fosters.
19. You see a cop car and flash your lights to warn others.
20. You sleep with Aeroguard on.
21. An eight-hour trip to go camping for the weekend isn’t out of the question or excessive.
22. Public holidays. Say no more.
23. You feel obliged to spread salty black stuff that looks like congealed motor oil on bread and actually grow to like it.
24. You say ‘no worries’ quite often, whether you realise it or not.

Australia Day Events – what’s on in your state?

QLD

Australia Day Festival

Time: 10am
What to expect: South Bank will come alive with colour, sound and movement as some of Queensland’s most talented performers and community groups entertain audiences throughout the day. Be there to enjoy live music, a vibrant stage program and creative, hands-on activities.
Venue: The Parklands, South Bank
Cost: Free
More info

AusSounds Concert

Time: 5pm – 7:30pm
What to expect: A live outdoor concert along the banks of the Brisbane River followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Venue: The Parklands, South Bank
Cost: Free
More info

Cazalys Cairns, Great Aussie Meat Pie Challenge

Time: 12pm – 5pm
What to expect: Aussie meat pie challenge with $1000 prize money, live bands, live broadcast with Baz & Pacey from SE FM, kids activities, jumping castle, face painting and flip the clown.
Venue: Cazalys, Cairns
Cost: Free
More info

NSW

Darling Harbour Australia Day Spectacular and Fireworks

Time: 7pm – 9pm
What to expect: Addresses from the NSW Premier and the Governor, boat parades, a Water Police rescue, a breathtaking symphony of light, sound, music and fireworks.
Venue: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
More info

Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water Concert

Time: 3pm – 9pm
What to expect: Pack a picnic, bring your mates and enjoy refreshments and a licensed bar from 3.00pm onwards. Winners of the Best Dressed Vessels competition will be announced during the event.
Venue: Pirrama Point Park and Johnstons Bay
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Big Breakfast at Dee Why

Time: 7am – 11am
What to expect: Big Breakfast including bacon/sausage and egg rolls, pancakes with maple syrup/lemon and sugar. Your local Manly thong throwing competition. Rides and activities (gold coin donation). Official ceremonies and flag raising 9am. Live music on stage. Kids’ activities.
Venue: Ted Jackson Reserve, Dee Why Beach
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Festa

Time: 11am – 4pm
What to expect: Kids carnival rides, pony rides, animal farm, face painting, BBQ, entertainment, meet & Greet ‘Blinky Bill’ and food stalls.
Venue: Club Marconi
Cost: Free
More info

ACT

Australia Celebrates Live

Time: 7pm – 10pm (25th of January)
What to expect: Australian Of The Year Awards announced, then at 8:00pm the Australia Celebrates Live Concert begins. This year’s lineup including Sneaky Sound System.
Venue: Federation Mall, Canberra
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Carillon Recital

Time: 12:30pm – 1:10pm
What to expect: Enjoy a musical celebration of Australia Day at the National Carillon. Bring a picnic and enjoy Australia Day on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
Venue: National Carillon
Cost: Free
More info

Chief Minister’s Regatta

Time: 2pm – 8pm
What to expect: This is one of the largest regattas held in Canberra with over 100 boats taking place
Venue: Canberra Yacht Club, Lake Burley Griffin
Cost: Free
More info

Off the Walls: Art from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Agencies 1967-2005

Time: 9am – 5pm
What to expect: This exhibition takes you into the world of indigenous art, and the politics and history of a time of great change.
Venue: National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula
Cost: Free
More info

VIC

7th Annual Havaianas Challenge

Time: 7am – 7pm
What to expect: Be a part of a sand-sational day of flip-flopping around in the water, lapping up the beautiful Australian sunshine. Last year’s champions in WA are ready to defend their title and fight for consecutive victory.
Venue: Torquay Beach and Australian beaches nationwide
Cost: $30 ($20 online)
More info

RACV Big Brekkie

Time: 8am – 10am
What to expect: Enjoy food from a diversity of cultures, while being entertained by acclaimed singer and songwriter Richard Franklin and the Charcoal Club.
Venue: Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne
Cost: free
More info

Australia Day Big Breakfast

Time: 9am
What to expect: The Laverton Community Choir will perform a selection of Australian songs. Councilor Bob Fairclough will present the local “Citizen of the year” awards including a special Junior Citizen award.
Venue: Laverton Point Cook
Cost: free
More info

Australia Day Eve Comedy Debate

Time: 8pm – 9pm
What to expect: Start off Australia Day celebrations with some madness and irreverence from Des Dowling, Heath Franklin, Hannah Gadsby, Hung Le, Aleisha McCormack and Terri Psiakis.
Venue: BMW Edge, Federation Square
Cost: free
More info

SA

Australia Day in the City

Time: 6pm – 10pm
What to expect: Fireworks, concert & parade.
Venue: Elder Park
Cost: Free
More info

Wombat Australia Day

Time: 2pm – 5pm
What to expect: Award winning book ‘Hairy Nose, Itchy Butt’ will be launched on the day and the City Jazzmen will be playing along with a charity BBQ from Rotary Edge.
Venue: Greenhill Galleries, Adelaide
Cost: Free
More info

Campbelltown Australia Day Celebrations

Time: 10am
What to expect: A free family fun day with food, face painting, children’s activities, sit back and enjoy the Campbelltown city band, also the presentation of Campbelltown’s citizen of the year and young citizen of the year.
Venue: Campbelltown Council Office Green
Cost: Free
More info

WA

Australia Day Lunch

Time: 12pm – 2:30pm
What to expect: Australia Post will announce its Legends Series of Stamps which will feature living legends from the four football codes – Rugby, Australian Rules, Rugby League and Soccer and His Excellency The Governor of Western Australia will make his inaugural Australia Day Address.
Venue: Government House Ballroom
Cost: $125 for a seat
More info

Fellowship of First Fleeters Swan River Chapter

Time: 11am
What to expect: Family Picnic to be held
Venue: Charles Paterson Park, Burswood
Cost: Free
More info

Freemantle’s Australia Day Celebrations

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: A free sausage sizzle and entertainment including Captain Cleanup, face painting, art markets and giant bubbles.
Venue: Freemantle Esplanade Reserve
Cost: Free
More info

Indian Ocean Sky Show

Time: 8pm – 10pm
What to expect: A skyshow extravaganza
Venue: Bathers Bay
Cost: Free
More info

TAS

Australia Day Breakfast on the Bellerive Boardwalk

Time: 8:30am – 12pm
What to expect: A delicious budget breakfast provided by the Lions Club of Clarence accompanied by great musical entertainment by reggae outfit, Trumps.
Venue: Bellerive Boardwalk
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Fiesta

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: An evening of live music, Australia Day Awards, new citizens, dance and family entertainment at the new Bluff Precinct.
Venue: Mersey Bluff, Devonport
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Picnic by the Leven

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: A family picnic at Anzac Park, Ulverstone, on the banks of the Leven River, incorporating the official ceremony followed by family activities and live entertainment.
Venue: Anzac Park, Ulverstone
Cost: Free
More info

NT

Pine Creek Australia Day Traditional

Time: 12pm – 5pm
What to expect: An afternoon of fun and games including flag raising, national anthem, sausage and lamb chop sizzle, kids games, Australiana Quiz and light family entertainment.
Venue: Miners Park, Main Tce
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day at Howard Springs Reserve

Time: 12pm – 4pm
What to expect: Free family day including Cricket, pie eating, boule, speed scrabble, corn hole – lots of prizes – free food and soft drink.
Venue: Howard Springs Reserve
Cost: Free
More info

OzFusion

Time: 4pm – 8pm
What to expect: An exciting blend of multicultural performances and activities in the cool of the Cypriot Club.
Venue: Cyprus Community Centre
Cost: Free
More info

Australia Day Fun Walk/Run at the Esplanade

Time: 7am – 12pm
What to expect: A healthy way to start the day with a 2km or 4.5km walk or run.
Venue: Esplanade, Darwin
Cost: Free
More info

Want to do your own thing? Activity ideas…

• Thong throwing
• Sack races
• Sao, lamington or meat pie eating competition
• Sausage sizzle
• Pavlova making competition
• Egg and spoon race

More ideas

Interested in Australian of the Year awards? Click here.

Don’t forget to tune into the Triple J Hottest 100!

The team at Cash Doctors send their best wishes…

Greg and Sean taking the sleigh for a test ride.

For opening hours and clearance times over the holiday period, click here.

A great start to the silly season.

The Cash Doctors Christmas party was a night to remember. We all had a ball. It started off with a game of celebrity heads followed by Sean and I going head to head in a few challenges organised by the staff. Like any good party, Santa even made a brief visit.

A big congratulations needs to go to the all the ‘Employee of The Year’ award winners – we ended up having 11 recipients because it was too hard to pick only 6.

The bar in customer service has certainly been raised.

Here are a few snaps from the night…

Michelle and Tash

Greg, Nicole & Johan

Johan & Kerri

Mel & Santa

Santa and Tim

Tim & Greg

May, Edda & Bec

Larissa, Luke & Sammi

Sean, Phil & Greg

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I’m in the bakery section of the supermarket. Shopping for Christmas food can be overwhelming. What do you need and what don’t you need? Out of what you do need, which brand is the best? Will your guests know if you buy the cheapest brand?

Method

Next, I sliced each cake into small, bite-sized pieces. While they were at varying levels of crumbliness, I found Brand X to be the most moist and hardest to work with.  Brand Y was tough to cut through but presented well.

Cake Specs

Results

Before long the cakes were exhausted. They put everything they had into peoples’ mouths and had nothing more to give. Who won the battle? In reverse order….

In 4th place we had Brand X: Coles Dark Fruit Cake. This little guy wasn’t well received. Many participants screwed their faces up in disgust and others simply couldn’t finish their mouthful. Poor guy.

In 3rd place was Ernest Adams’ Double Iced Christmas Cake. Unfortunately he didn’t present any unique strengths – the icing wasn’t as good as Brand W and the cake wasn’t as good as Brand Z.

Managing to pip Ernest at the line was Big Sister’s ‘Rich Fruit Cake’. She put in a good fight.

And the winner was…

Mr. Kipling! He took the cake for being the tastiest.

Score board:

Last night BRW held their annual Fast 100 cocktail party. Sean and I suited up and flew down to Melbourne. What a night.

BRW is a business magazine that publishes valuable news and commentary on the economy, investments and business. They publish a ‘Fast 100’ list every year comprised of the 100 fastest growing companies in Australia. Our position in the list was announced last night.

It was fun to rock up on the red carpet and celebrate nearly 6 years of hard work. We met a lot of cool people and drank some good champagne.

After a few speeches they announced the order of the list. We just wanted to come better than 100 (haha). We were announced as number 74 or the list.

Not bad.

The funny thing is, I feel like we’re just getting started. We’ve got some pretty exciting things rolling out in the next couple of years. Buckle up!

Here are some shots from around the office – with our new magazine.

So you’re in the market for a new car?  No matter what make or model you prefer there are some general rules that may increase the resale of the vehicle when you decide to move on. Although people tend to buy a car based on style and comfort preferences, it is worth remembering that cars are a depreciating asset and you should always look at maximising future resale value. Decisions such as model, optional accessories, transmission type and even basic choices such as colour and model, can impact the resale price later on.

Colour Choice

The main colours to avoid are white, beige and red.   Whilst these colours may be popular at the time of initial purchase, you should consider its implications on resale value. For example white is a common colour choice for corporate fleets, and as such there is an oversupply in the market 3-5 years later when a typical fleet is changed over.  Although you may save money initially by avoiding the additional charge for metallic paint/pearlescent paint, this is a cost you would normally be able to recoup upon resale by choosing a light metallic/pearlescent colour.  Similarly, beige generally has the least demand at resale and is probably the worst colour to choose.  Red is a good colour for sports cars but in most other vehicles it tends to get stuck in dealer stock as a result of the lack in demand.

Although black and darker colours have an acceptable resale value, they have the downside of a tendency to show scratches and dirt more prominently.  If you don’t have bushes in your driveway then it may not be too much of a concern but just beware of places such as the supermarket car parks where scratches seem to appear out of nowhere.

So what colour should you choose for your new car? Light colours often have the best resale value as scratches and damage are less pronounced and they generally have a wider appeal to the general car market.  They have the added benefit of improving occupational health and safety as they have a higher visibility on the road.

Which Model?

Within each make and model of vehicle there is a choice between the base model, mid range models and the top of the range models.  Depending on the size of the vehicle there are different guides.

For large vehicles it is best to avoid the base model and the top of the range model, as these do not hold their value as well as the mid range models.  Base models are common fleet vehicles and as such there is often a greater supply than demand which reduces its value.  One or two models above the base will generally give you an optimum resale value.

Small and medium vehicles should be viewed differently as these are always in demand for first time drivers and those concerned with increasing fuel prices, and generally these vehicles depreciate the least.   The base model or the one above tends to give the best resale result.

Manual or Automatic?

Unless you are purchasing a utility or sports vehicle it is best to get an automatic transmission. Although you will save money on the outset when buying manual transmission, when it comes to reselling the vehicle you will lose more than the original cost of automatic transmission due to lesser demand for manual transmission cars in the general market.

Accessories

When purchasing your car you will be offered a number of extra accessories, and many people believe that the cost of these accessories will be recouped at resale. Unfortunately most accessories, even major accessories such as leather interior, will generally depreciate 100% on resale.

Used car buyers generally compare the price before anything else and may not always look at the specifications to find out why your vehicle is more expensive.  Generally you should anticipate that accessories and on-road costs (eg. stamp duty and registration) will depreciate completely on resale.

Finally before you sign a vehicle order/contract for sale, you should investigate your available finance options. If you qualify for salary packaging or a novated lease, you may be able to finance your new vehicle with pre-tax income, thereby allowing you to achieve income tax savings from the purchase of your new car.

By Ryan O’Connor, Founder Saving Money Expert

Garage sales are a great way to make a bit of extra money.

What I didn’t realise is how many cool ideas you could implement to jazz it up. It may start off as a blank canvas, but with a little effort you’ll have a Mona Lisa on your hands in no time.

If you’re ready to make some easy money, get down to business and start putting together your garage sale business plan. Here’s mine…

1.0 The opportunity

To acquire products at no cost and sell them at a profit.

This is not only an environmentally friendly initiative (recycling all your possessions) but also an opportunity to have some fun!

1.1 Mission

Make a profit off my old belongings in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

1.2 Keys To Success

Visually appealing
Well promoted
Organised layout
Friendly environment
Effective sales strategy

2.0 Company overview

Give your garage sale a name. Use buzz words like ‘retro’, ‘antique’, ‘vintage’, ‘jewelery’ and ‘china’. Include your own name in the title too, then customers can put a name to a face when they arrive – it will make the stall more approachable.

Register your business as an ‘event’ on Facebook.

2.1 Start-up requirements

It’s good to set a date for your garage sale a month from when you start planning. Start collecting plastic bags (or ‘enviro’ bags) and newspapers leading up to your sale. You’ll need them for packaging. Below is a list of things to do in the lead up to your big day:

• Raid your house for things you want to sell – be brutal. Do this once a week.
• Ask your friends and family to fill a box of things to give you (provide them with a cardboard box to fill for a higher response rate).
• Source your equipment – tables to set up on, chairs to sit on, fanny pack (or money box).
• Clean all your items a few days before.

3.0 Products

Once you have your collection of goods to sell, categories them. A typical stall layout will be:

1. Clothes
2. Electrical
3. Entertainment
4. Decorations
5. Furniture
6. Miscellaneous

Make sure all your items are clean and clothes have been washed. Vintage and retro clothes are all the rage at the moment. If you’re in Brisbane this weekend, check out Undress Brisbane.

You also want to think about how you will label and package your items. An easy way to manage the prices is using a colour coded system explained in 6.1 Presentation Strategy.

4.0 Target Market

Identify your market. Are you selling old retro clothes? Have you got a collection of kids toys to get rid of? Is your old china collection up for sale? Figure out who your stall is best suited to – this will make your marketing efforts more effective.

You can also tailor your stall to suit the target market. For example, if you expect a lot of younger people, play some ‘young’ beats. If you expect a lot of mothers, set up a children’s play area.

5.0 Competitor Analysis

Your competitors are often your allies when it comes to garage sales. Rally up your neighbours. People are more likely to attend a garage sale if there are another two in that street.

To gain a competitive edge on your neighbours you can:

• Play music
• Have a sausage sizzle
• Create buzz by bringing along friends to help out
• Keep your prices low and clearly marked
• Make sure you have a power board hooked up to a power source so that your customers can test out any electrical appliances.
• Parking: If you have allowed room for parking and sign-posted it, people are more likely to park next to your stall.

Another way to get friends and family on board is to ask them to fill a box of things to sell – and take a commission of what’s sold. They may be more willing to trawl through the junk under their house if they can take a cut of the profit. You could offer them 20%-40% of the profits – depending on what you think is fair.

6.0 Marketing Strategy

When you set the date of your garage sale, start by listing it online. Check these out:

• What Garage Sale http://whatgaragesale.com.au/
• Garage Sales http://www.garagesales.com.au/
• eGarage Sales http://www.egaragesales.com.au/
• Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au

Your poster is the next project. Here’s a good example of one:

You can also download a basic template from here. [http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010104299.aspx#ai:TC006090382|]

Put your poster up 1 week out from your garage sale. The poster needs to clearly communicate what it is, when it is and where it is. Then you can add some of the ‘featured’ items that will be at your stall.

Be specific about the start and finish time. Bargain hunters are often up early so if you make it a morning thing it will create a sense of urgency.

Some locations to target:

• Your local shopping centre
• Corner shops in the nearby area
• High traffic areas on sign post
• Get some long pieces of wood and hammer them into grassy areas at busy intersections in your area.
• Put a sign in your front yard for any locals that might be keen to check out your sale.

Aim to put up 10 posters and keep them within 5-10km of your house.

Place an ad in the local paper – it’s usually free!

Print out 20 post card sized posters and do a letterbox drop in your street.

Create a Facebook event.

For a more authentic look, hand-write your sign. It will give it that second-hand look.

6.1 Presentation Strategy

A well presented garage sale is like a well presented cake, irresistible. Key presentation elements:

• Set up on tables (not the ground) – people don’t like to bend down.
• Make sure all clothes have their sizes marked.
• Provide a source of power to test out different appliances.
• Play music for a groovy atmosphere.
• Clearly mark each items using the colour coding system. You can purchase coloured stickers from Woolworths or Coles. Then simply come up with a price range for your items and price accordingly.

Packaging is an important part of the sale. Provide newspaper to wrap breakables and plastic bags for your customers to use. Set up a ‘packaging’ table and put some cheap, last-minute buys in a basket on the table. Even just some chocolates. They may grab one or two in an impulse buy.

Providing food and drink is a clever way to make a little extra money. A sausage and drink can go a long way.

Set any toys up in the children’s play area (marked with their price sticker) so that parents aren’t being nagged while browsing – and they might end up buying a toy.

6.2 Sales & Pricing Strategy

Here are the top 5 tips for selling at a garage sale:

1. Expect to haggle. Set your prices a tad higher than you expect to get to allow room for haggling.
2. Check out prices on Ebay to get an idea of what you can sell things for. Usually you can sell items at 25-35% of what they cost when new.
3. Make sure you have enough change – and the appropriate coins/notes.
4. Bundle smaller items together -
5. Don’t bad mouth any of your items. This one may seem obvious, but you may find yourself slip out with “oh I’ve never known what to do with that one” or “that one always seems to be in my way”.

7.0 Human Resource Plan

Get your friends on board! See if they can duck in for an hour or two and help out. Remember to feed them!

8.0 Financial Plan

Money rule #1: Keep the money on you.
Money rule #2: Keep a record of all your items and mark down what they sold for – this is important if you are taking commissions.
Money rule #3: Don’t go overboard with buying food and drink – depending on how well you market your garage sale you can expect between 10 and 30 people to come.
Money rule #4: Lock your house – you never know what people’s intentions are.

Good luck with your garage sale. I’ve heard of someone making over $1000 on a weekend!