Being a guarantor for a family members or close friend is not as simple as you think!

It is very easy to understand why when asked to go guarantor by a member of your family or a close friend (“the borrower”) who wants to buy a home, that you would be willing to go guarantor.

But there are risks that you should be aware of if the borrower is unable to meet loan payments because of unforeseen circumstances or relationship break downs, as these factors may impact on your own financial commitments or opportunities you may wish to take up in the future.

One of the most common types of guarantee security for home loans is a security guarantee which means that instead of giving the person you are going guarantor for money to put towards the deposit, you give the equity the use of that has accrued in your property.  The loan to the borrower is secured using both the property being purchased and your own property.

The purpose is often to reduce the amount being borrowed to less than 80% of the proposed purchase price so that the borrower can avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance.  This will assist the borrower greatly, but there are no direct financial rewards for you.  It is very important to realise there is a lot of responsibility attached to becoming a guarantor.  For example, if the borrower is unable to afford the repayments, you will be responsible for paying off the remaining amount of the loan, or have to sell the property you used as security to repay the debt.

If you as guarantor want to sell your property in the future you may not be able to rely on all the equity in your property to secure a new property as an amount equivalent to the amount secured under the existing property as the guaranteed amount would need to be secured against the new property.

If  you want to sell the property outright and for example go travelling (and not invest in a new property straight away) an amount equivalent to the amount secured under the existing property would probably have to be held in a term deposit for the term of the borrower’s debt, or until the borrower’s property is sold.

Other points to consider when going guarantor are:

• If the borrower defaults and you are required to make the repayments, but are not in a position to do so, it will affect your credit rating;
• Even if you are not making repayments on the borrower’s loan, when applying for credit, a financier will most likely include the maximum potentially guaranteed amount when considering your application, and this may affect your chances of obtaining the credit.

We very strongly recommend that you seek independent advice before becoming a guarantor.  There could be other options worth pursuing which may assist the borrower but reduce your responsibility or liability.

For more information, contact Lyn Colautti, Paralegal, (07) 5443 4866 or lcolautti@gwlaw.com.au

Does your website stack up ?

Do you know the legal requirements and responsibilities of running an online business?  Does your website comply with Australian legislation?

Below are the three most important legal aspects that you should be aware of.  Check to see how your website fares.

Do you have a Contact Form on your website?

If YES then you are collecting personal information eg. email address.  Your website needs a PRIVACY POLICY.

A Privacy Policy states how you will keep all personal information safe and secure and that you will not sell it without permission. Since almost all websites have contact forms, most websites should have a Privacy Policy. So that should be your first priority.

Having a Privacy Policy will also increase consumer confidence and trust in your operations.

Do you publish information or provide advice on your website?

If YES then people could rely incorrectly on your information or advice and your website needs a WEBSITE DISCLAIMER

You never know, the information you publish could be out of date; any advice you offer may be misused or misinterpreted by your visitors; and so on. Again, most websites are providing information, so you should probably have, at least, a general Website Disclaimer to protect yourself and your business.

Do you sell goods and/or services on your website?

If YES then your website should say you comply with Australian Consumer Law and provide refund, warranty and shipping information in TERMS & CONDITIONS

In addition you also need to include a statement that you comply with the Australian Consumer Law. Not all websites sell goods and services, so you might not need to post Terms and Conditions. But the ACCC is cracking down on e-commerce sites in Australia and starting to issue penalties to non-complying websites. So don’t get caught out if you sell goods and services online.

Note:  the above information is not intended to be, and should not be, interpreted as constituting legal advice.  

For more information on website compliance, click here.

Thank you to Jane Cluff from Felicity Jane for this blog.

 

Dr Grace Jones - Acupuncturist

My name is Dr. Grace Jones, I am a nationally registered acupuncturist and the owner and director of Acupuncture with Grace, an integrative acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice in Maroochydore and Buddina on the Sunshine Coast. I am incredibly passionate about helping people from all walks of life improve their health, through a combination of modern Western and traditional Eastern treatments tailored specifically to each individual patient. I am highly trained and passionate in the areas of women’s health, fertility & IVF support, pregnancy support, pain management, and stress/emotional support. My greatest love is in helping people to gain a sense of wellbeing they didn’t even realise was possible, and I look forward to helping as many people reach this as I can.

Phone: 0400871960
Email: grace@acupuncturewithgrace.com.au
Website: www.sunshinecoastacupunctureclinic.com.au

Kathy McKenzie - Fire Up Coaching

FIRE UP Coaching® leads the field when it comes to Leadership Training, Accredited Coach Training and coaching individuals to reach their potential. As a Registered Training Organisation (22458) we offer unique training programs both accredited and non-accredited to develop the individual potential that often lies latent in organisations. We can deliver full qualifications or customised programs of any length. We work with you to design the solution that will best fit with your strategy and budget.

Our flagship programs are our Diploma of Leadership Coaching and Mentoring (22233VIC) and Certificate IV in Business and Personal Coaching (10547NAT) both which align with the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies and are the most comprehensive and practical accredited coach training programs in Australia. FIREUP is also an ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Provider) with the International Coach Federation (ICF) training program.

Both our programs are unique in that we utilise a coaching conversation model called REACH which was originally developed by FIRE UP Coaching for Queensland Health but is now integral to all our coaching programs. The REACH Model has been acclaimed by many of our clients as superior to any of the previous models they were using. It is sophisticated enough to allow conversations of depth in any context, and has particularly been embraced by our health, education and emergency services organisations. We also utilise the power of whole brain thinking, positive psychology, neuroscience and strength based approaches to inspire our students and take them to new expanded levels of awareness.

T: 1300 347 387

www.fireup.com.au
Mobile 0409686772
Skype kathymckenzie

Anthea O'Sullivan-Kovacevic

Anthea is the owner of Signal Fox – Antenna, Internet & Mobile Phone and her company fixes 4G, WiFi and mobile phone signal problems. They’ve been installing and repairing TV antennas and WiFi systems across the Sunshine Coast for over 10 years and their technician has 22 years’ experience in the IT and Radio Frequency Engineering fields.

Anthea believes that everyone deserves to have strong and reliable signals all day, every day, in their homes and offices.

Signal Fox’s diversity of services range from repairing TV antennas, to boosting mobile phone signals in the home/office, to installing wireless internet systems for homes, large holiday resorts and everything in between! Not only do they have an incredible technician, but Signal Fox only use the best technology available right now to improve or boost the signal for your TV, mobile phone, 4G internet, WiFi, digital radio and networking.

With wireless and NBN internet technology rapidly advancing, Signal Fox can come in and make these new technologies work smoothly in your home or office. Their cutting edge equipment and experience makes these problems a thing of the past when you deal with Signal Fox.

If you’ve got radio frequency tech problems at home, in your office or in your investment/rental properties, be sure to connect with your SCBWN member Anthea; she can help you optimise your signals to work at their optimal capacity, which will make your life run smoother with effective technology.

SCBWN Special Offer: Anthea and her team at Signal Fox are offering FREE WiFi Health Checks for SCBWN members in their homes or offices located within a 40Km radius of Sippy Downs.

www.signalfox.com.au | 5414 9030 | admin@signalfox.com.au

Getting to know Anthea – Our famous five questions:

Q: Favourite place on the Sunshine Coast? A: Currimundi Lake

Q: Who inspires you and why? A: Sir Richard Branson. He loves being an entrepreneur that makes a difference in so many people’s lives

Q: What does success means to you? A: Success to me means having a good work/life balance, happy & healthy kids, a great marriage and happy, successful friends. I’ve succeeded!

Q: One wish? A: There’s enough food on this planet, for every single person on it. My wish is for Governments to take an active role in food being distributed more evenly.

Roelie Schrijnders-Schmidt

My name is Roelie Schrijnders-Schmidt and I am the owner and manager of FITIN20. A completely new concept of fitness for Queensland, but with well over 5000 studio's in Europe a proven extremely effective method to get fit, treat injuries/back aches and shape your body fast. We use German technology to help activate your muscles that you can't reach with a normal workout, this way you can fit up to 6 hours of weighted workout in just 20 minutes. Perfect for after work or during lunch breaks, and it will leave you with more time for work or leisure. We also have programs that effectively fight cellulite and injuries.

Besides managing Fit in 20, my husband and I are also owners of THOR Aerial Photography. We deploy drones to take pictures and video from the sky, but also incorporate ground footage for corporate promotional videos and wedding videos. I manage the client contacts and edit all the footage into creative clips.

I also work as a veterinarian in Caloundra. While life gets hectic with three (completely different) businesses and a young family, I enjoy the combination of developing three types of creative thinking: managerial for Fitin20, artistic for Thor Aerial and diagnostic as a veterinarian. As I am still growing in my position as managerial director, and I have learned that I love to get inspired and learn from other positive role models in business. I am excited to meet other women in business to network and socialize with.

Yogita Ridgley - Traveling With Me, Myself and I 

I educate and inspire woman of all ages to TRAVEL SOLO. My mission is to teach them how to, Travel Smart, Travel Safe and Travel Solo. My motivation behind this idea is not just for people who are young and single, it is also for those who are married, divorced or widower. Traveling help's you to keep learning, growing and challenging you to meet the Real, Authentic you. Solo Traveling is the best way to get out of your comfort zone.

Services I offer on my site www.travelingwithmemyselfandi.com

(1) Blogs with loads of ideas on how to Travel Safe Travel Smart Travel Solo.
(2) You can BOOK Hotels, Flights, Car Rentals, Guided tours, Cruises, Travel Insurances and Travel Guide Books.
(3) Personalised and Free itinerary to suit your travel style and your budget.

Email: me@travelingwithmemyselfandi.com

Note* if you book with me you are NOT going to pay more, it will cost the same if not cheaper then booking with Travel Agents

Provides opportunity to transform life and business

What do you get when you bring together an enthusiastic group of 20 budding business owners, nearly 20 high calibre guest speakers and acclaimed business mentors, more than 15 hot business topics and a coordinator to make it all happen over a 13 week period?

Why, it’s the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network ‘Reflections Business Mentoring Program’ of course!

Garland Waddington is enjoying being part of this year’s dynamic and interactive mentoring program through providing mentor support and also a guest presentation on business and commercial law.

Partner at Garland Waddington, Brendan Bathersby, said the program is an excellent opportunity for Mentees to be matched with popular, skilled and accomplished Mentors who are excited about supporting and challenging their Mentees.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such a well-coordinated program,” Mr Bathersby said.

“The Mentees are all very keen and enthusiastic. Many of the Mentors are recognised nationally with some being well-known internationally in the business world with most of the Guest Speakers being international presenters”

The program includes a schedule of hot topics including (but not limited to): understanding your purpose, both life planning and business planning; having the right people in your team; team health and wellness; power of positive mindset; taking your business from ‘home-based’ to a ‘global enterprise’; maximising sales; understanding the success formula; how to handle basic HR & IR issues; systems; growth; legal requirements and structures; time management and understanding your finances. The mentees are using each week a fantastic workbook “Transform Life & Business – 140 characters at a time” which covers many aspects of real life insights into life and business.

Mr Bathersby said that the Mentees are particularly dedicated to their own success and to the success of others.

“It’s humbling to be working with such a remarkable group of career-focussed people and budding business owners,” Mr Bathersby said. “Many of the Mentees have been in a particular career or business for a while but they are keen to diversify, start a new project or kick start their business in order to make their business even better.” The mentees have all expressed the significance that this program has had on their life and business from the opportunities and knowledge provided to them by the Mentors and Guest Speakers over 13 weekly sessions every Monday afternoon.

“The SCBWN are to be commended on the program and the opportunity it provides for its members. It truly is a program designed for successful businesses seeking to grow and take things to the next level or anyone wanting to improve upon their career development.”

Kristi & Melinda of Iron Fit Australia

With so many different styles of training on the market these days, it’s hard to choose where to go and who to join. Our mission is to eradicate the need to choose between the different styles such as X Fit, F45, Commercial, Power Lifting, Bootcamp, All female, CoEd and lots more. Where do you even begin?!

We got to ask the lovely ladies Kristi and Melinda, the directors and trainers, of Iron Fit Australia to answer some questions for us.

Why did you join the SCBWN?

Melinda and I met in 2012 at a gym in Brisbane and we’ve been inseparable since. It was always our dream to help other women and this was the foundation to which we designed Iron Fit Australia. Joining the SCBWN is another way for us to be able to expand our networking with other entrepreneurial women.

What has been happening in your business lately?

Our dream was to run a fitness facility where we could always be giving back to the local community. We have only been open 3 weeks and already we have been working on our first 12 week Charity Challenge, teaming up with the Beautiful You Program who help local women and their families dealing with cancer. We will be choosing a different local charity to support with every challenge we run at Iron Fit Australia. Our first challenge starts on the 1st of July 2017.

Who are you currently wanting to connect with?

We’d like to connect with as many different women from all walks of life. Melinda and I have been Personal Trainers for many years and we have worked with a lot of people. Every client comes to us with a different life story or challenge. We love listening to what people have been through and what their dreams are and helping them to overcome past events to ensure a better future towards their goals.

Do you have an offer for our members?

Absolutely, we would love to offer all SCWBN a 14 day no obligation trial with us. This entitles them to over 25 classes per week plus 2 Iron Kids classes for their children aged 5-13. Classes range of Ironfit, Metafit, Boxing, Yoga and more.

Who are you and what do you do?

Kristi – I am a 37 year old sole parent to a beautiful 7 year old daughter. What I do, is aim to help women achieve their best. I was picked on at school for being “fat/chubby” and I never saw my beauty, even though people pointed it out to me in later years. I since learnt this to be something called “Body Dysmorphic Disorder BDD ” and my aim is to help women, young and mature, to overcome this not only by physical training but by the mental and emotional willpower they gain from doing things they never imagined they could.

Melinda – I am a wife to a wonderful and supportive husband and a mum to our three beautiful daughters. My goal in life is to make our girls feel like they are capable of achieving  anything they want to be or set their minds on. To treat their bodies with respect by living a healthy active lifestyle with balance. It’s because of my girls that I became a personal trainer, I wanted to help other women to start believing in themselves to have positive body imagines and to achieve their goals whatever they may be.

Favourite place on the Sunshine Coast?

Kristi  – Oh so many, I love nothing more than a cabin the hinterland in winter with a log fire and spa and in the warmer months I love relaxing at Happy Valley with my daughter or finding new cafes for breakfast.

Melinda – My favourite place on the coast has to be the Beach ( of course) I love every single beach we have on this beautiful coastline but Currimundi is one of our Favourite family beaches to go.

Who inspires you and why?

Kristi – Besides my mum, who will help anyone at any time, I would have to say other sole parents out there, especially entrepreneurial sole parents. Raising a child as a sole parent is a tough gig! I’m so grateful I have my parents and my sister who help me out when ever I need but I know some sole parents don’t have that and I totally respect what they are doing for their kids. I want these parents to know that it’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok to put themselves first sometimes. Happy parents = happy children.

Melinda – I don’t have one person who inspires me more over another really. I feel that everyone we meet, who we choose to let be a part of our lives gives us something different, all the ladies I have trained over the years who have overcome adversity pushed through barriers achieved goals they thought were not possible Inspire me.

What does success mean to you?

Kristi – Success to me means being able to provide the best lifestyle for my daughter and I. For me that is creating a career that allows me to attend her concerts and school events and for me to have the balance of being able to not have to be chained to a desk 5 days a week. Success to me also means helping other women achieve their health and fitness goals and watching them grow from their achievements.

Melinda – Success to me is setting a goal and taking the steps to plan and achieve that goal.

One wish?

Kristi – Just one is hard, haha. I would definitely wish for our children and their children and so on to be able to live in a war free world, a world without fear. And also, for food manufacturing companies to think more about what they are putting into our foods, let’s get back to basics and stop the epidemic of not only obesity but disease through our food.

Melinda – My one wish would be for no child to go hungry

Center of Mind

Centre of the Mind is a Hypnotherapy and Counselling Service based at Mooloolah and Nambour. The sole therapist, Lesleigh Jerman is well qualified, holding a Diploma of Hypnotherapy, a Diploma of Hypnotic Coaching and NLP, a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing), a Master of Primary Health Care and a Certificate in Couple Therapy (Relationships Australia). She is just going through the process of becoming a JP(Qual) and volunteers as a Welfare Officer at the local community centre.

If you are wanting to make changes in your life, Centre of the Mind is the place to go. As a client, you will receive individualised and holistic care. Having had a long background in mental health nursing, Lesleigh is well versed in helping each person to reach their aspirations, by facilitating the creation of personal plans and the motivation to meet goals.

If that is not your style, then that’s fine. Lesleigh is there to connect and to listen with humility and to use techniques such as hypnotherapy, NLP,  CBT and many other tools to facilitate change. Lesleigh is available on 07 5494 7394.

Anyone making a first appointment who mentions this article, by the 31st of December, will be discounted $20 for that appointment, which is usually $150.

Inject Skin

•  skin needling

•  radio frequency skin rejuvenation

•  double chin treatments

•  anti-wrinkle injectables and dermal filler

•  premium chemical peels and facials

•  prescription strength and Doctor exclusive skin care

Welcome to Inject Skin, a Doctor owned and operated boutique cosmetic medical clinic located in Maroochydore. Focusing on results driven anti-aging treatments and offering only clinically proven solutions, including:

Featuring the only Candela Profound needling RF device on the Coast! This machine provides dramatic face lifting and tightening results with just one treatment. The perfect alternative to invasive surgical procedures.

Led by Sunshine Coast local, Dr David Ballantyne together with Cosmetic Nurse Alana and Clinic Manager Jacinta this small friendly team of skin professionals can help with all of your skin needs.

Dr Brenda Jamnik

Brenda’s experience encompasses working with leading national and international companies as well as government organisations to identify and achieve their future business needs.

She achieves this by facilitating, developing and implementing strategies to build and strengthen their human, systems and relationship capabilities and financial and intellectual capital through cultural and organisational change and relationship development.

The diversity of Brenda’s assignments range from providing advice and recommendations on community initiatives as member of advisory councils to the Ministers for Business and Women; assessing the reason for global fragmentation and providing recommendations to the United Nations and being invited to speak nationally and  internationally on Leadership and Leadership development.   Some of her recent clients include; Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast Destinations Limited, Sunshine Coast Airport, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Transport & Main Roads, and a multitude of construction projects including water treatment, roads and rail through to communication and tourism.

As well as holding both a Doctorate and Master’s Degrees in Business Leadership and being a Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, Brenda is a Nationally accredited Mediator. She is recognised in Stanford’s Who’s Who Registry of Executive Professionals and Entrepreneurs, was a Divisional Chairman of  the Australian Institute of Training and Development for 7 years and was the Deputy Chairman of The Events Centre, Caloundra for 6 years.

Vickie Magic is President of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network in her spare time.  Her day time gig is editor/owner and publisher of Matters Magazine, a quarterly publication on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Vickie see’s the Magazine as a vehicle for sharing her passion of educating people to be the best version of themselves possible in both business and life.

Vickie is proud of the accolades that she and the magazine have won over the last few years, including Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Micro Small Business of the Year in 2011,  Caloundra Chamber of Commerce ‘Outstanding Business Person of the Year’ also in 2011 and  Business Excellence ‘Small Business of the Year’ in 2013.

The Magazine is proud to be the go to magazine on the Coast for all things Business and Life, however Vickie shares that her major pride comes from the difference the magazine is making when it comes to the ‘Power of the Mind’. The magazine is jam packed with inspiration and motivation aimed at inspiring people to really step up and take their business and life to the next level.

Last year Vickie took on the biggest mind obstacle in her life to date, stating that this challenge CHANGED HER LIFE FOR THE BETTER FOREVER. Completing her first and in her words, definitely her last, 42 kilometre Marathon, Vickie shares that she is living proof that if you set your mind to something (anything) and you put the actions in place to make it happen, you really can achieve whatever your mind desires.

For the last four years Vickie has been facilitating Mindsight Retreats; these ‘women only’ retreats are about women, empowering women to support each other to design and  create the life of their dreams. Success is not success without fulfilment. Fulfilment is the only real success.

Vickie’s favourite saying is by Henry Ford - 'If you think you can, or you think you cannot, you are one hundred percent correct’.

Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network, Connecting & Inspiring Sunshine Coast Business Women. 

Becoming a member of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network is a valuable way to expand your knowledge, learn from the success of others, promote your business and create connections with others.