Author: Sam Allcock

Saving for a down payment isn’t the only thing that many young Australians must do in order to purchase a home. The unseen barrier that prevents them from moving forward is student loan debt, which lowers their borrowing capacity and makes lenders reluctant to grant mortgages. This burden may now be lessened by new regulations that permit banks to ignore HECS-HELP debt in certain mortgage applications. Will this, however, truly benefit first-time purchasers? How HECS Debt Affects Mortgage Approvals FactorImpact on Home Loan ApplicationTotal HECS DebtDoesn’t matter as much as how long it takes to repayAnnual RepaymentsDirectly lowers borrowing capacityBank…

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction was a significant tax break that taxpayers in high-tax states relied on for years to lower their federal tax burden. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), however, altered the regulations by capping SALT deductions at $10,000. Legal disputes, political discussions, and economic worries have been raised by this cap, which is scheduled to expire in 2025 unless Congress takes action. Some claim it unfairly penalizes citizens of states like California, New York, and New Jersey, while others contend it stops the wealthy from receiving disproportionate tax breaks. Key Facts About the…

House Bill 2081 (HB 2081), which would exempt tipped income from state taxes, is causing a stir among Arizona lawmakers. The bill, which is being sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford), has sparked a heated discussion about equitable wages, financial assistance, and the possible effects on state revenue. Advocates contend that tips ought to be regarded as gifts rather than taxable income, enabling service providers to retain a larger portion of their earnings. However, critics point to a projected $31 million annual revenue loss for the state and express concern about loopholes that could allow high-income professionals to avoid paying…

Financial circles are buzzing with speculation following LPI Capital Berhad’s decision to sell its minority stake in Public Bank Berhad. In addition to being a legal necessity, the sale, which is estimated to be worth RM940 million ($200M), offers investors the chance to profit from a potentially large special dividend. This deal comes after Public Bank purchased a 44.15% share in LPI Capital from the late founder Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow’s estate. Regulations mandate that LPI sell its remaining 1.1% stake in Public Bank within a year since it is now regarded as a subsidiary of the bank. Key…

Mike Glover is one of the most respected names in the survival training industry. His business, FieldCraft Survival, has grown to be a reliable source for tactical training, independence, and emergency preparedness. However, Glover’s involvement in a significant legal dispute in May 2024 rocked the survivalist community. Glover was arrested on May 1, 2024, in Provo, Utah, and is charged with a number of offenses, including unlawful detention, property destruction, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and aggravated assault, a second-degree felony. His disciples were shocked because they were used to his lessons on discipline and resiliency. Mike…

Founded in 1989, Venus Remedies Ltd. is a pharmaceutical pioneer that has established a strong reputation in the injectable drug market. With operations in more than 70 nations and a focus on antibiotics, oncology, and critical care, the company has established itself as a major force in the innovation of global healthcare. Investors, however, are keeping a close eye on the company as its share price fluctuates due to market forces. Will Venus Remedies keep growing faster than the industry, or will it run into problems that could affect its long-term course? Venus Remedies Stock Performance Overview A snapshot of…

In an effort to change the state’s financial structure, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has set his sights on doing away with property taxes. His plan is presented as a daring way to alleviate homeowners’ financial burdens, given that property tax revenues have increased by 40% in just four years. However, since property taxes bring in $50 billion for local governments each year, this change poses a significant obstacle. These monies support essential services, law enforcement, and schools, which raises questions about possible funding shortages. How Florida will replace this revenue without increasing other taxes is still the key question. Dissecting…

Sydney Fish Market (SFM), a bustling harborside venue that attracts foodies, merchants, and tourists, has been a culinary icon for decades. However, beneath the displays of fresh seafood and lively energy, the organization is facing serious financial difficulties. According to reports, SFM might not have the money to continue operating after the new location opens, despite the $836 million taxpayer-funded redevelopment being a transformative project. Due to concerns about the market’s capacity to cover maintenance, cleaning, and insurance, auditors have declined to approve company accounts. With $8 million in losses anticipated in 2023–2024, the financial crisis may reshape this historic…

Artificial intelligence is changing businesses, redefining how we interact with technology, and reshaping industries. It is no longer just a sci-fi fantasy. BrainChip Holdings Limited (ASX: BRN) is one of the businesses striving to spearhead this revolution, and its innovative neuromorphic computing technology has drawn interest from investors. The AkidaTM processor from BrainChip promises low-power, extremely efficient AI processing, especially for edge computing applications. It is designed to resemble the human brain. Although the stock has generated excitement due to this innovation, recent market performance indicates a mixture of skepticism and optimism. Does BrainChip’s 42.31% 2025 year-to-date (YTD) share price…

Any functioning government is built on taxes, which provide the necessary funds for social programs, infrastructure, and public services. However, what does the question “What tax can one apply to the state?” actually mean? Despite its cryptic sound, this phrase describes the various forms of taxes that, depending on state tax laws, both individuals and businesses may file, claim, or pay to the government. The applicable taxes vary by state and include corporate levies, sales taxes, and property and income taxes. For financial planning and compliance, it is essential to comprehend the taxes that are available to both individuals and…