September 01, 2010
September will be an easy month for lodgements... more
Important Accounting Dates for September
01st September 2010
September will be an easy month for lodgements with just one date:
21 Sep 10
Activity
statements
August 2010 monthly activity statements: final date for lodgment and payment.
more
The Role of Finance - Glenn Stevens
01st September 2010
Recently, Governor Glenn Stevens delivered a speech titled The Role of Finance. It was delivered at a lecture
in commemoration of Australia’s great scholar, writer and economist Edward Owen Giblin Shann. The speech
was a brilliant overview of finance and its role in society form early origins to modern implication... more
5 Ways to Stay Motivated at Work
25th August 2010
We all have times when we don't feel motivated in our job. This can be a certain time of the day, a gap
between projects or an uninspiring series of tasks.
Although it's easy to blame your boss or manager, you
are predominantly responsible for keeping up your motivation. Different tactics... more
17th August 2010
On July 30th Australians joined the millions of other iPhone4 owners across the world. While there has been a
significant amount of controversy surrounding the release (mostly thanks to the antenna issue), Telstra
recorded the highest amount of pre-orders for this smartphone. The major carriers have also updated their
plans... more
11th August 2010
"What is a Residual?" is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Morris Finance. A
residual is a lump amount of your purchase that is deferred until the end of your contract. It reduces your
total repayment amount, therefore lowering repayments, and making the item more affordable.... more
RBA leaves rates at 4.5% for 3rd consecutive month.
03rd August 2010
For the third consecutive month, the Reserve Bank of Australia has left interest rates unchanged at 4.5%.
Although the announcement comes as a relief to consumers, it is not a surprise; economic data from the
previous quarter revealed that inflation rates were lower than expected. Treasurer Glenn Stevens stated
that... more
Important Accounting Dates for August
01st August 2010
Morris Finance would like to remind all our clients and readers of the important lodgement dates coming up
for the month of August. For more information, visit ato.gov.au.
11 Aug 10
Activity statements
Quarter
4 (April - June 2010) activity statements: final date for electronic lodgment and payment. Refer to Lodge your
activity... more
27th July 2010
Morris Finance has always placed community involvement high on the priority list. Even throughout the
turbulent times of our previous 2009-10 financial year, we managed to support a variety of great causes
locally and Australia wide.
Aside form the rewarding feeling of enhancing the community in which we live
and work,... more
20th July 2010
At the start of a new financial year, it’s important to assess your business and set a plan to move
forward. As you are creating your “new year’s resolutions”, it is important to take into
considerations recent policy changes and ATO’s objectives for the coming year.
Your Business
Objectives:
Dedicate time to... more
Success for MFL at the Geelong Centrelink Expo.
13th July 2010
Last Thursday, Nathan Murray, Melanie Tink and Jim Climpson headed to the Geelong Arena to represent Morris
Finance at the Centrelink Job Expo. Over 8,000 people attended the event which advertised over 1000 jobs. The
expo attracted government officials including MPs Simon Crean, Darren Cheeseman, Robert Myles and local
Mayor... more
Today: Morris Finance at the Expo
08th July 2010
Morris Finance representatives will be at the Centrelink Job Expo today. Over 10,000 people are expected to
attend the Geelong Arena, with over 1,000 jobs on display. Visit www.centrelink.gov.au for more info, or pay
us a visit at the show.
Say Hello to Melanie Tink & Jim Climpson at the MFL... more
07th July 2010
The RBA announced yesterday, after their monthly board meeting, that the cash rate will remain at 4.5%. This
is the second consecutive month that rates have not been lifted. more
Tax cuts put $$$ in your pocket
05th July 2010
July has started off with a bang, as we head into a new financial year, with a new prime minister. The recent
flurry of events has overshadowed the arrival of the latest tax cuts.
On July 1st, the third and final tax
cut from the Rudd Government came into effect. The... more
Important Accounting Dates for July
01st July 2010
It is the first month of the 2010/11 financial year. Make it your resolution to keep track of the important
lodgement dates and keep your business compliant. Morris Finance will post mothly dates that you need to be
aware of.
14 Jul 10
PAYG withholding
Payers must issue PAYG withholding payment summaries to... more
Revenue Forecast: How will your industry perform this year?
28th June 2010
We’re on the brink of a new financial year, and the statistics for Australia are looking pretty good.
Next year’s economic growth is anticipated to reach 3.7%, putting Australia ahead of most advanced
global economies.
The recently released IBISWorld statistics cast light on the industries that will
contribute to this growth.... more
Breaking News: Australia's New Prime Minister
24th June 2010
Julia Gillard is Australia's new leader.
Just before 10am today, after a whirlwind of political events,
Julia Gillard became the first female Prime Minister of Australia. Subsequently, Kevin Rudd became the first
Prime Minister to be deposed before the end of his first term.
Gillard was elected unopposed after
Kevin Rudd chose to... more
21st June 2010
View: iPad Features iPad Plans
iPad for Business
It has been a few weeks since the iPad hit Australian stores on May 28th. Now that
the line ups have died down, and delivery companies have had a chance to breathe, you can take... more
NEW! Morris Finance now offers Insurance.
15th June 2010
In a continued effort to increase convenience for our clients, Morris Finance will now offer insurance
options for new and existing clients. By bringing more services under one roof, we will achieve a faster, more
efficient application and settlement process for vehicles and equipment.
The following is a breakdown of
some... more
08th June 2010
The introduction of the Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT) has ignited a media war which has obscured the real
facts and motives behind the scheme.
Since the government is now in talks with mining industry heads to
review the new system, it shows that the miners have some legitimate concern.... more
End of Financial Year Tips & Checklist
02nd June 2010
Welcome to the last month of this financial year. We have gathered some useful information to help you and
your business take advantage of any available tax strategies and maximise efficiency during this time.
The
first, and most obvious, step is one that many businesses tend to overlook: Get your accounting... more
Important Accounting Dates for June
01st June 2010
Luckily, this month there is only one lodgment date to be aware of - leaving you plenty of time to get your
finances in order for the end of this financial year.
21 Jun 10
Activity statements
May 2010 monthly
activity statements: final date for lodgment and payment.
30 Jun 10
End of financial year.
For... more
RBA Keeps Interest Rates at 4.5%
01st June 2010
Finally, a pause.
The Reserve Bank of Australia announced they will not be raising interest rates
this month. The cash rate remains at 4.5%, but economists are speculating it will be back on the move
before we know it.
View the RBA Media Release. more
25th May 2010
Over 80% of Australians travel for work or business by car, with Sydney and Melbourne having the highest
commute times. To appeal to the commuter population’s need for comfort and convenience, car
manufacturers have developed new features and improved existing options. Features previously limited to
luxury cars are now... more
Federal Budget for You and Your Business
18th May 2010
Last week, Wayne Swan presented his third Federal Budget. There were no major surprises, since most benefits
affecting small businesses were disclosed during the Henry Tax Review. Overall, the budget was tame and
conservative as predicted, with the government clearly focused on one goal: to get Australia back into
surplus... more
Henry Tax Review Benefits Cashflow
11th May 2010
Treasury Secretary Ken Henry recommended that small businesses should be able to claim purchases of up to
$10,000 in full the year they are acquired. The government has taken this suggestion on board, but reduced the
purchase amount to $5000. If the plan is passed by the parliament, small businesses... more
04th May 2010
The Reserve Bank lifted interest rates today for the third consecutive month. The cash rate is now at 4.5%,
with Glenn Stevens stating that it is finally at “average levels.”
This means an additional $50
per month for Australians with a $300,000 25 year mortgage.
Rates are now higher than they... more
03rd May 2010
While most Australians were enjoying a sunny weekend, the government was behind closed doors in Canberra,
preparing a response to the Henry Tax Review. The policy was released on Sunday May 2nd, in what was rumored
to be the biggest tax-related event of this generation.
The GAIN:
The aging and low income... more
Important Accounting Dates for May
01st May 2010
Below are the accounting dates you need to be aware of for this month. For more information visit ATO.
12
May 2010
Activity statements
Quarter 3 (January - March 2010) activity statements: final date for
electronic lodgment and payment. Refer to Lodge your activity statements online for information on your
eligibility for this... more
Flight Ban Recap: Ailines lose $1.7 Billion
27th April 2010
Last Wednesday, flights over Europe resumed following 5 days of closed airspace over Europe due to the
eruption of an Icelandic volcano. This was the largest disruption in air space traffic since the terrorist
attacks in US on September 11, 2001.
Airlines are far from being in the clear, with tough... more
23rd April 2010
Morris Finance will be closed on Monday, April 26th 2010 for ANZAC Day.
We wish all our clients and their
families and happy and safe long weekend.
As a proudly Australian company, we are encouraging all our
staff, clients and their families to help celebrate the achievements of our nation... more
20th April 2010
The housing bubble worries have been brewing for some time now, especially after prices soared over 13% last
year. However, on March 29th RBA Governor Glenn Stevens brought those worries to the surface with his first
ever TV interview on the Sunrise Morning Show.
Stevens’ choice to emphasize his... more
Revised R&D Credit Benefits SMEs
13th April 2010
Here is the recent timeline of changes and amendments affecting the Research and Development Tax Credit
Scheme:
December 2009:
The government puts forth a first draft of proposed changes to the Research &
Development Tax Credit. This is followed by heavy criticism, mainly caused by the new definition of eligible
activities.
Old... more
06th April 2010
The Reserve Bank lifted interest rates to 4.25%, a 25 basis point increment since last month’s rise.
This marks the 5th cash rate increase since October 2009, with the average monthly mortgage bill going up
around $200.
The RBA cited similar reasons for their decision as in previous interest hikes:
... more
06th April 2010
The world of technology is bursting at the seams with its latest wonders. The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show
featured some of the coolest toys for today’s business professional. Here are the gadgets that
we’re keeping our eye on:
Asus Eee Keyboard PC:
As the name implies, this is a fully... more
Important Accounting Dates for April
01st April 2010
Here are the important accounting dates from the ATO to keep your business compliant throughout
April:
APRIL 2010
21 Apr 10
Activity statements
March 2010 monthly activity statements: final date
for lodgment and payment.
Quarter 3 (January - March 2010) activity statements containing a monthly GST
obligation: final date for lodgment and payment.
Quarter 3 (January... more
30th March 2010
It's that time of year again when the offices of MFL will be closed for public holidays.
Please be advised
the office will be closed on the below dates and will re-open for business on the 6th of April 2010.
Friday
2nd of April - Closed for Easter Friday
Saturday 3rd of April... more
29th March 2010
The various demographics of Australia reacted differently to the economic downturn. CBA’s new Economic
Vitality Report “Viewpoint” looked at spending trends over the past year.
Chief Economist Michael
Blyth commented that “contrary to many perceptions, the GFC had a divergent impact across different age
groups in terms of perception as well... more
Do you dread the Business Plan?
22nd March 2010
“Running or starting a business without a business plan is like walking through the dark without a
torch. You can probably go a long way using just your senses and relying on basic instincts. But operating in
such a manner leaves you wide open to the risk that something will... more
FWO Visits Clipsal 500 V8 Race
12th March 2010
Earlier this year, the Fairwork Ombudsman inspectors announced that they will conduct 50,000 workplace visits
throughout Australian businesses. This shocked and created some uneasiness with most SME’s.
However,
chief FWO officer Bill Loizedes was quick to respond ensuring that the visits “are meant to be
non-confrontational and they are educative." He... more
Commercialisation Grant Accepting Applications
09th March 2010
The government’s Commercialisation Australia grant is now accepting applications. Although economic
concerns may have overshadowed the scheme’s commencement in January, businesses are rapidly starting to
take notice of this opportunity now that 2010 is well underway.
The grant is filling the void of the
Commercial Ready program that was cancelled... more
02nd March 2010
A media release was issued at 2:30pm to announce that the Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the cash rate
by 25 basis points to make it 4%.
This change will be effective tomorrow, March 3rd 2010.
Several
factors contributed to the board’s judgment to increase rates:
... more
02nd March 2010
The Reserve Bank Board meeting will be held today at 2:30 pm AEST in Sydney. To raise or not to raise
interest rates is the question Australia will be waiting for.
Check back to the Morris Finance News section
for any updates and outcomes of the meeting. more
Important Accounting Dates for March
01st March 2010
As promised, Morris Finance will continue to post monthly accounting dates to help keep your business
compliant.
March 2010
21 Mar 10*
Activity Statements
February 2010 monthly activity statements:
final date for lodgment and payment.
31 Mar 10
Income tax
Income tax return and payment for
superannuation funds with total income in excess... more
15th February 2010
Many people underestimate the financial resources available for Australian businesses. There are state and
federal grants for all industry sectors; you just need to find them!
We have listed some that may peak your
interest, but you can do an easy search online using the government’s thorough Grant Finder
Tool.
Apprenticeships
The government... more
15th February 2010
The post-festive season is upon us, and it doesn’t come bearing gifts. During the three months
following Christmas, businesses often experience delayed payments and a strained cashflow, leading to 1095
insolvencies in March of last year.
Unfortunately, there is no single factor to blame. With summer
holidays, absences of key... more
08th February 2010
The Australian Tax office published a media release on December 22nd 2009 regarding Sham Mortgage
Arrangements. This may be especially relevant now during the financially tight post-Christmas months. Since
mortgage repayments are a significant financial burden, scams that promise to help pay them off faster can be
very attractive.
ATO advises... more
08th February 2010
Last week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released the seasonally adjusted data for 2009 car sales.
The figures show that sale of new cars rose by 3.3% with a total 89,741 vehicles sold. Toyota had the highest
sales last year, while the Holden Commodore remained the most popular car for... more
Interest Rates to Remain at 3.75 %
02nd February 2010
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates on hold at 3.75 percent today, delivering surprise
relief for cash-strapped homeowners.
The RBA had been widely expected to hike rates by 0.25 percent -
which would have piled an extra $60 on to the monthly mortgage repayment bill for variable... more
Important Accounting Dates for February
01st February 2010
As a convenience to our clients and site visitors, Morris Finance will be posting upcoming ATO Lodgement
Dates at the start of each month. Check back for updates on these and other important news.
February
2010
21 Feb 10*
Activity statements
January 2010 monthly activity statements: final date for lodgment
and payment.
28 Feb 10*
Superannuation
Superannuation... more
Morris Finance Cinquante Wins Sydney 38 Championship at Audi Victoria Week
27th January 2010
The skipper and crew of defending champion Cinquante went out on Corio Bay today determined to hang on to
their narrow points lead in the Morris Finance Sydney 38 One Design Series at Audi Victoria Week.
'We were
three points up on Another Challenge this morning and we needed to... more
25th January 2010
The new Morris Finance Holden Utes are out and about.
Don’t hesitate to approach them – they
won’t bite, or try to sell you anything!
They are branded vehicles used to promote our corporate
image up and down the eastern seaboard of Australia - most of our business is down... more
Morris Finance Signs on for 2010 Audi Victoria Week
22nd January 2010
Morris Finance Ltd has signed on as Class Sponsor and Event Partner for the 2010 Audi Victoria week. The
event commences in Geelong, Victoria at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club on the 23rd of January
2010.
Audi Victoria Week is Australia's largest sailing event, first being held in 1844 and officially... more
Making 'Cents' of Economic Data
15th January 2010
As promised, we are following up on the release of several economic indicators. Australian Industries Group,
the Bureau of Statistics and Census Australia released performance reports for manufacturing, trades and
services, and well as new building approval data and home sales figures.
Below is a brief summary of the
indicators:
(For more... more
07th January 2010
The holidays give us all a chance to rest and relax, and get a fresh start to the New Year. The government is
already running full steam with several big announcements and reports due to come out next week.
We’re giving you the heads up on these important dates, so... more
25th December 2009
The Management and Staff at Morris Finance would like to wish you and your family a Happy and Safe Christmas
Day.
We extend our best wishes to you for the Holiday Season, and the upcoming New Year.
Morris Finance
Ltd is excited about a bigger and brighter 2010, and we look forward... more
It's business as usual this festive season at MFL
21st December 2009
It's business as usual this Christmas / New Year at Morris Finance Ltd.
Morris Finance Ltd will be open
for business as usual on all days over the festive season apart from the normal public holidays.
If you
need a quote for new plant and equipment or you would like to make... more
MFL signs on as Event Sponsor for RGYC World Championships
15th December 2009
The recent visit by Tiger Woods is soon to be overshadowed by Australia’s own Vanessa Dudley. With a
sailing debut at the young age of 9, Vanessa has grown to conquer some impressive sailing
challenges:
• Skipped 18 ft Skiffs on the Grand Prix Circuit
• Sailed 94 ft catamarans across
the Atlantic
• Raced in... more
Mid Year Forecast: What it means to you.
11th December 2009
Last month, the Federal Government released its mid-year Economical and Fiscal Forecast with some changes in
comparison to the outlook earlier this year. Treasurer Wayne Swan commented that the economy is now predicted
to grow 1.5% in 2010 and 2.75% in 2011, as opposed to previous estimate of 0.5%.
Some predicted... more
Morris Finance Ltd Annual Dinner
02nd December 2009
The 2009 Morris Finance Ltd Annual Dinner has been deemed a success. Held at the Sheraton Geelong on the
28th of November the event was attended by 130 clients and associates.
The guests were kept entertained
throughout the night with Simon Madden acting as the MC - introducing, interviewing and getting a
laugh... more
Three Benefits of the Governments 50% Investment Allowance
30th November 2009
With one month left before the goverment's 50% depreciation grant runs out, you've probably already purchased
your vehicle or equipment, or have decided on what you will purchase.
If you're still unsure, the below
example may spark and idea as to how this tax break can help you and your business... more
Christmas Trading Hours Dec / Jan 2010
23rd November 2009
It's business as usual this Christmas / New Year.
Morris Finance Ltd will be open for business as usual on
all days over the festive season apart from the normal public holidays.
If you need a quote for new plant
and equipment or you would like to make an arrangement with our... more
Can Spending Now Lead to Saving?
18th November 2009
Tips that keep your best interest at heart.
The recent gloom of our economy is clearing with consumers and
businesses alike anxiously anticipating a fresh and bright economic climate to emerge in the coming months.
Morris Finance has derived some useful tactics to help our clients take advantage of this dynamic... more
02nd November 2009
You have searched around for some time looking for a piece of equipment or a motor vehicle for your business.
When you have finally found the perfect item, and arrange the finance, there is always some holdup. It
generally takes a week to get approval and then additional time to... more
Investing is a Serious Business!
02nd November 2009
Investing your hard earned funds is a serious business. If you build up funds for an investment through hard
work, or if you are lucky enough acquire funds through other means, the last thing you want is to loose them
in a shaky investment.
Firstly, following your investment you want... more
29th October 2009
By now most have heard about the Federal Government hand-outs to small business in the form of a 50% tax
deduction and depreciation allowance for new vehicles and equipment. What a lot of people don’t realize
is that this allowance ends on the 31st DECEMBER 2009!
If you intend to purchase... more
