Month: October 2020

Categories
Finance

What’s best for a small business to outsource?

Small businesses have a limited budget and can’t always afford to have full-time employees on their payroll to handle different tasks. This doesn’t mean you need to handle all essential business tasks on your own. Small business owners should focus most of their energy on business tasks and processes that require their particular skill and attention.

They can delegate ordinary business processes to a third party through outsourcing. You can maintain a lean organisation, stay within your operations budget and still get work done.

What can you outsource?

Different businesses have different requirements so it’s important to study your business processes, understand your budget and look at your employees’ skills and abilities before you determine what you should and shouldn’t outsource. Mentioned below is a list of services you can easily outsource. You can study the pros and cons of every option and make your decision.

HR outsourcing

When you have employees, you need to manage their needs and requirement though a Human Resource system. The HR department of a company maintains employee records, keeps track of their insurance cover, performance reports, leaves and absences, complaints and requests and other such information. All of these records need to be properly managed and maintained.

HR is also responsible for employee development and helps organise training. If your employees don’t have proper support from HR, they might not be inclined to remain in your company and seek employment elsewhere.

As a business owner you need to provide this support system and you can do it by outsourcing the task to an external HR company. They will handle all aspects of HR support and development, so your employees will be satisfied and perform well.

Payroll outsourcing

Business owners often underestimate how complex payroll management can be. It goes beyond keeping a record of employee payments and salaries. You need to keep track of their working hours, record leaves, bonuses and make sure all the employee information is up-to-date. Mistakes can lead to penalties, fines and sanctions, so it’s important to keep a good payroll record and ensure all the information in it is accurate.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to hire a professional bookkeeper and use a software program to manage the data. If you outsource payroll, you don’t need to worry about the details involved. You can trust the outsourcing professionals to keep all the information up-to-date and ensure there are no mistakes in the records

IT outsourcing

Modern businesses, especially small businesses, rely heavily on their IT systems. They use IT to get work done, store information, manage business processes, handle marketing and provide customer support. Unfortunately, IT systems aren’t infallible and can develop problems like viruses, data loss, software glitches, hardware issues, etc. Big companies have IT departments that can handle these problems and provide essential maintenance.

Smaller businesses can get the same security by outsourcing IT support and maintenance. IT support companies have expert technicians on their staff that can handle all kinds of computer and IT problems. They offer both remote and on-site maintenance and repairs.

IT support and maintenance companies also provide additional services like cloud system, processing power from their server, hosting services, etc. You don’t need to invest in data banks and servers to store your information; you can simply purchase one of the many cloud plans offered by IT support companies

Small business bookkeeping

All businesses need to keep track of their expenses and income through bookkeeping and accountancy. If you don’t keep track of your financial information, your business will suffer and eventually fail. You also need to maintain accurate financial data in order to file your taxes with the government at the year end. If you make mistakes and don’t pay as much tax as you’re supposed to, you’ll face penalties, fines and may even lose your business license.

Unfortunately, bookkeeping isn’t easy, even for small businesses. You need to keep track of all expenses, look at your cash flow, maintain a record of your income, determine what expenses are tax deductable and perform other related tasks. While accounting software can help you maintain the records, it’s not easy to consolidate all the information at the end of the financial year.

How to hire an accountant that meets your business requirements? A well-trained and experienced accountant can help you consolidate information, determine your tax burden, look for tax deductable expenses and provide other financial advice. This can be easily outsourced as well.

Contact local bookkeepers

Legal process outsourcing

Businesses need to handle a number of legal processes like registering trademarks for their brand, developing terms and conditions, creating contracts for customers, employees and business associates, etc. You need advice from a legal professional with experience in the industry to ensure there are no mistakes. Errors in legal process management can lead to law suits and other legal difficulties, so it’s a good idea to hire a company to keep track of all legal aspects of your business.

There are a number of third-party companies with excellent legal experts and lawyers on their team. They can advise you on all aspects of your business and ensure you stay on the right side of the law.

Business process outsourcing

A business is a complex machine with several moving parts. All of these parts must function well and without interruption for the business to move forward. Every business has a number of background processes like customer service, sales, marketing, internal maintenance and repair, etc. A business owner must keep track of these processes and ensure that they’re on track.

Thankfully, you can outsource a large number of these processes as well. For example, you can hire a company to clean and maintain your commercial property instead of creating a permanent cleanup crew.

Wrap up

Outsourcing is easy and affordable, so all you need to do is find a reliable service provider to handle all your processes. Outsourcing allows your business to grow at a reasonable pace and minimises the initial investment. You can direct your resources to areas of your business that truly need it.

Categories
Finance

How the tax on dividends is calculated

What is an investment?

An investment is an asset that is purchased with the intention of making a profit in the future. The asset can be stocks, a piece of property, or something such as precious metals or coins. You can wait to receive payment when the asset is sold, or you can gain a profit from it along the way. Some examples of these types of assets include rent from property, dividends from shares, and interest from a bank account. The ATO treats different kinds of assets differently, and you can soon see your profits dwindling when tax time comes around if you are not careful.

What investment income must you declare?

  • Interest: When you open a savings account or other interest-bearing account at a bank, you will receive a certain percentage of additional money from the bank. This is typically a certain percentage based on the amount of the account.
  • Dividends: The shareholder of companies receives dividends. They are taken from profits and usually paid on a semi-annual basis.
  • Rent: Rent is money that someone pays you for living on your property. It is in the form of a regular monthly income.
  • Managed investment funds: A managed investment is an asset, such as a trust, that someone else manages for you. Some of them are set up to pay regular sums of money. Some different types of trusts include cash management, money market, mortgage, unit, or managed fund.
  • Capital gains: Capital gains are realised when you sell an asset, such as when you sell your home or a stock. A capital gain is a profit that you earn from the sale.

Dividends:

Dividends are one of the most misunderstood assets of many people. Let’s start from the beginning.

When a company needs money for something such as an expansion, new equipment, or to increase capacity, they have several different tools to use to obtain what they need. They can go to a lending institution and get it through traditional means, apply for grants, or try to find a private investor.

Another method that they have is to offer shares of their company up to the public. The public can buy shares with the hopes of making a profit in the future when they sell them. In this case, the public acts as the lender. Some stocks pay dividends, which can provide regular income for as long as you hold the stock. Here is a bit more about what a dividend is and how it works.

How do they work?

When a company makes a profit, they can choose to keep some or all of it. They can also choose to make owning shares in their company more enticing by sharing some of the windfalls with their shareholders. These funds are typically distributed to shareholders in July and December.

How are they paid?

The most common form of dividend payment is in the form of cash. This means that for tax purposes, they are taxes as a cash payment. This can have significant tax repercussions. Sometimes, the dividends can be paid through a trust or share club. Also, you can arrange to have the dividends reinvested instead of being sent to you. All of these options have different tax consequences.

Why are dividends so important when declaring investment income?

If you are a shareholder, when the company makes a dividend distribution, it counts as income for the shareholder. It must be reported as such on taxes. It is always wise to keep your dividend statements because you will need them when you file your taxes.

How are dividends taxed between residents and non-residents of Australia?

How dividends work depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident. A non-resident of Australia can own stock in an Australian company. Residents and non-residents are taxed differently and have different tax burdens when it comes to dividends.

If you are a non-resident and became a resident later in the year, you might not have had the proper withholding taken out. In this case, you need to report the dividends on your tax form. If you are a non-resident, you cannot use a tax offset for franked dividends. However, you can use it to offset other Australian income. You will have to pay a withholding tax on unfranked dividends. You do not have to pay tax on unfranked dividends because it is considered conduit foreign income.

If you are an Australian resident, you will pay taxes based on an imputation system. This system dictates how the taxes paid on company profits should be allocated. It determines whether the tax burden belongs to the company, the shareholder, or a portion to each. This system is to make sure that a double tax is not paid on the same profits by two different entities.

A tax accountant can help you to maximise your profits from investments / Source: ASR Partners

What is the difference between franked and unfranked dividends?

When a company makes a profit, they must pay a certain amount of tax on it, typically around 30% for most companies. When an individual shareholder receives income via dividends, they pay a tax on share profit. Without the franking system, double tax jeopardy can occur where both the company and the individual pay taxes on the same profits.

When shares are franked, it means that the company has paid the taxes on the shares held by the individual. If the individual receives franked dividends, they receive a credit for tax on shares that they own. The difference between franked shares and unfranked shares is who is responsible for the tax burden on the profits.

Franked dividend:

To receive a franked dividend, you must purchase franked shares. These are shares that are already marked as having the taxes paid on them. Dividends can be fully franked or partially franked. A fully franked dividend means that the shareholder will receive a full tax credit for the shared. A partially franked dividend means that the tax burden is shared between the company and the shareholder. The franked dividend tax rate depends on which tax bracket you fall into based on your total income. If your tax rate is below the corporate tax rate of 30%, the ATO will refund the difference to you.

Unfranked dividend:

Unfranked dividends are just like regular stocks or investment instruments. You will have to pay the full amount of tax on any dividends or other taxes that you earn from them. They count as income and will increase your overall revenue, which could bump you up into a different tax bracket.

What are franking credits?

Franking credits refer to the offset that you receive when your tax bracket is less than what the company paid for the credits. For instance, if you own 1,000 shares of a company and the company makes $5 per share in profit. They will have to pay 30% on those shares, which is $1.75 per share. This leaves $3.50 that they can keep or distribute to shareholders as dividends. The shareholder would then receive a 30% imputation credit. This means that for 1,000 shares, the shareholder gets $2,500 in taxable income. Of this, $1,170 is dividend income, and $750 is franking credit.

How to hire a tax accountant

As you can see, the topic of dividends can become complicated when it is tax time. Hiring a good tax accountant can help you wade through the regulations and keep the amount to which you are entitled. Here are a few tips for hiring a tax accountant.

How to create an accurate estimate

You can help your tax accountant by taking a few simple steps. These steps will help your professional make sure that you get the proper franking credit for your stocks.

  • Keep your dividend statements and other income records in a safe place.
  • Make your accountant aware of any changes that have occurred, such as residency.
  • Keep your receipts for any buying or selling transactions.

Licencing and qualifications

To practice in Australia, a tax accountant must meet at least the following minimum requirements.

  • Complete a Bachelor’s in some form of accounting.
  • Pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) program.
  • Be a member of a qualifying trade organisation.

How to save money hiring a tax accountant

Everyone likes to save money at tax time. Here are a few tips to help you save on accounting fees and the taxes owed.

  • Save every receipt and write down what it is.
  • Keep your files organised so that your accountant does not miss anything.
  • Ask about fees before you agree to an accountant’s services.
Categories
Finance

Tax on rental income

The tax on rental income would typically be categorised as accessible, but you’re entitled to claim tax deductions for the different expenses associated with having people rent out the property. The amount you have to pay in taxes depends on how much money you earn, which means you may need to set aside 20 to 49 per cent of your earnings for taxes. What you owe also depends on the amount of tax that is deducted from your other sources of income. This makes it necessary to obtain help from a tax agent to ensure the calculations are accurate and you’re informed of the laws.

Short-term rental hosts must pay Schedule C or self-employment tax, which includes social security and Medicare tax. You can also expect to pay local and state occupancy taxes on your rental income. You have the option of paying PAYG instalments if your income is inconsistent or you want more convenience. It means you won’t have to worry about getting a big tax bill at the end of the year.

What deductions can Airbnb hosts claim?

Maintenance

The money you spend to maintain the property or perform repairs is eligible as a tax deduction, which makes it necessary to keep thorough records and recipes. You can write off the cost of repairing a leak or replacing the new roof to maintain a desirable, safe, and functional setting.

Utilities, fees and insurances

The money you spend on water, power, and sewage are all tax deductions to report. The homeowner’s insurance or private mortgage insurance (PMI) you pay each month is also eligible. The fee you pay to Airbnb or other websites can also be included in your tax dedication and should consist of the dates of your payments. You can also report fees you paid to collect the rent.

Marketing and promotion

Whether you pay for Facebook or Instagram, the money you spend to promote your Airbnb and attract more renters is considered to be deductible.

Financial and asset-related issues

You can also deduct any items stolen from the property or if the furniture was damaged when you had people renting out the property.

Personal costs of managing the property

You may have personal expenses associated with managing your Airbnb, which includes upgrading the furniture or paying for cleaning services.

Council rates

Keep thorough records of your council rates, which is known to fluctuate each year and can be written off.

Claiming deductions:

How do you claim them?

You can claim your Airbnb tax deductions by obtaining the help of a tax preparer and by itemizing the tax deductions. You’ll need to prepare a Schedule C attachment, which is considered to be a separate calculation from your net profit. Avoid deducting anything that you do not have proof of paying.

How much can you claim?

You can only claim the number of days or weeks you rented out the Airbnb, which may be four weeks or 50 weeks, depending on how much business you received. You can only claim what’s related to running the Airbnb and can’t claim anything associated with your personal use of the home.

Airbnb & capital gains tax (CGT)

Pros

  • You can obtain a lower Airbnb and capital gains tax rate when you sell the property.
  • Defer capital gains tax when selling one property and buying another.

Cons

  • It doesn’t apply to your inventory.
  • It doesn’t apply to corporate income.

Airbnb & goods and services tax (GST)

Many people may assume they need to be aware of GST on residential rent if they use their property as an Airbnb. GST doesn’t apply to residential rentals, which means it’s up to you to add the amount to your rental property when reporting it to the government. You aren’t liable for GST on rent for the rates you charge and the money you collect. This also means you also can’t claim any Airbnb GST credits for any associated costs.

Byron Bay – a popular location for Airbnbs / Source: Shuterstock

Tips for Airbnb hosts:

Keep all of your receipts

Keep every paper receipt and digitally scan everything, so you have evidence of your expenses if the IRS contacts you in the future.

Obtain tax advice

It can be easy to owe different types of taxes for your Airbnb. This makes it necessary to talk to an expert to avoid missing anything. A qualified tax professional will be able to take a close look at your earnings and determine how much you owe.

Depreciate your property

Many people also forget to consider the depreciation of their property and any money they spend to upgrade the kitchen or remodel the bathroom.

Record your bookings

You need to track all of your bookings and also vacancy dates throughout the year so you can report how many times someone uses the property. This will ensure your reported earnings and the taxes you owe are accurate. Tracking how often the property was rented can allow you to communicate your deductions for the Airbnb taxes.

How to hire a tax accountant

Read online reviews

Consider looking at a review of former customers online to determine how respected a tax accountant is before you use their services. Look for someone with a high rating without many complaints to ensure you hire someone reliable and experienced.

How to create an accurate estimate

Determine your different sources of income

Consider the number of places you earn an income. The more income you earn in different areas, the more time it’ll take to prepare your taxes, which will mean you can expect to pay more for tax preparer services.

Licencing and qualifications

You’ll end up paying more for tax accountants with more credentials and experience because they’ve spent the time and money to become educated and credentialed. If you hire someone reputable and with experience, it can allow you to save more money. Furthermore, it will ensure they’re aware of all of your Airbnb tax benefits.

Categories
Real estate & moving

10 moving office tips for employees

Moving office takes time, luckily, it is a burden that everyone in the company shares equally. With the right planning, organisation and coordination, a lot can be achieved with as little effort invested as possible. The work must carry on at the new workplace location, so having everyone exhausted by the move may result in turnover you don’t need. Therefore, everyone must play their part in this process. Here is our office moving checklist for employees.

1. Tell all your clients

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that this move isn’t just affecting you. For instance, what happens in a situation where an important client decides to visit you, unannounced, at your old location, only to find you absent. In this case, they might get the impression that they are not important enough to get a timely notification of your company’s relocation. To avoid this, contact your clients in advance and let them know you’re moving office, including the new office address, change of operating hours and telephone number (if any).

2. Make an announcement

When a company relocates, there are so many things to do. Most importantly, your workforce needs to make an important choice whether they will relocate with your business or quit. In a situation where the move is across the country, it isn’t that odd to assume that some staff may decide to leave, yet this is something that needs to be discussed in time.  It is vital that the employee responsible for spreading this announcement (most commonly someone from HR) does this to give employees enough time to work their notice period and recruit for new staff. This usually means weeks or even months in advance.

Source: Balanced Business Accounting

3. Hire office movers

As for the move itself, contacting professional office movers in advance to avoid the hustle. The office manager is recommended to have the full list of the items, including computers, furniture and storage, that are transported to a target location. It may be more cost effective to purchase new office furniture and equipment at the new location than to pay for the relocation of goods from your existing office. You can either sell these items or donate them to a charitable organisation. It is recommended to get an itemised quote from the office movers to work out what is the best course of action for you.

4. Get the packaging material

Simply contacting office movers isn’t enough, it is also your job to secure all the materials that you’re going to take to your target location. For this, you need to get a sufficient amount of boxes, duct tape, labels and other important items. It is important that you are as organised as possible during this process.  It is common for many items to get misplaced and mishandled during the move as people don’t know the importance of the contents of the box. For this reason alone, some companies purchase, borrow or rent out a label printer.

5. Prepare the new destination

Apart from worrying about your current office, you must also adequately prepare your new destination for your arrival. So, if one of those destinations is Sydney, for example – the next sensible move would be to hire a Sydney removalists who satisfy your company’s standards. With the removal services on your side, you can prepare the office for your inevitable arrival. Aside from this, the office in question might require some additional work especially if you have complicated computer or server setups, which is why you might also want to inquire about local contractors.

6. Official address change

The issue about relocation bears some legal complications, as well. Your company is probably registered at your current location so this will have to be changed. Next, you also want to cancel all subscriptions you have at your current location or just redirect them to the next one.

7. Situational company name change

In the same manner, you might be also compelled to change the name of the company. Imagine a scenario where your company name has the name of your city or region as the part of the phrase. Furthermore, your entire marketing might suffer from it, yet the consequences you will experience at the target destination if you fail to do so are even greater. Sometimes, it might be a good idea to organise a great brainstorming session amongst the team and try to figure out how to deal with this situation as painlessly as possible.

8. Think about the insurance

Another thing you should take into consideration is the one of insurance of your equipment, office and company in general. Sure, this is something that is already handled at your current location but you need to ask yourself one thing: “Does the insurance on our computer equipment and furniture cover any damage made during the office move”. Pointing this out to some of your supervisors might earn you some extra credit with them, as well as save your company a small fortune in repairs and re-purchases. It might also be worth your while to inquire about things like plumber and handyman insurance types, for your future headquarters.

9. Organise the packing

In one of the previous sections we mentioned the issue of acquiring the right packing materials and while this helps you immensely in the process of packing, there is still a lot you have to do. In order to ensure nothing is accidentally misplaced or mishandled, a manager might want to hire people responsible for packing. Each of the people responsible might have their own area, which includes certain items or types of items. With the right organisation, everything becomes considerably easier.

10. Try to alleviate the tension

Finally, the process of moving office is always a difficult one, especially since some of your partners, employees and clients may abandon you for good. Therefore, it is a job of every responsible team member to try and alleviate the tension around the office as best as they can.

FAQs

What to do with office equipment that you don’t need at your new office?

When moving offices it isn’t uncommon to have extra furniture that doesn’t quite fit into the new office. Depending on your financial and logistical position, you may want to try one of the following avenues:

  • Sell your unwanted office furniture online or in the classifieds
  • Donate it all to a local charity or another business starting up
  • Store it. This might be helpful if you’re looking to expand in the near future, however, the cost for storage may quickly outweigh the benefits.

How to safely move computers and electrical equipment?

Quite possibly the most important aspect of any move is ensuring the computers and computer networks are transported safely. Computers will need specialist moving equipment to ensure they do not receive any damage en route to the new office. Taking special care to preplan the move and how cords and accessories will travel will decrease your downtime at the other end.

Here are a few things to consider when moving your computers:

  • Wrap them well using special padded wrapping.
  • Consider how the computers will be moved. Specific computer moving trollies can make the process safer by reducing vibrations from the road during moving.
  • Is your equipment insured while in transit? Check with your insurance company and make any adjustments to your policy if needed.

Wrap up

By following this office move checklist, your moving office experience will become as simple and efficient as possible. Sure, there are always some unforeseen difficulties you might encounter along the road, but as you progress through each of the above steps, you will feel the weight on your back getting lighter and lighter.

Categories
Walls & flooring

The carpet cleaning secrets the professionals don’t want you to know

Despite the preponderance of other attractive flooring solutions that make our living spaces look and feel good, we are still in love with the good old rug. Carpets bring warmth and softness to our living spaces, and depending on the choice; they can even add a touch of luxury.

However, it is not all smooth-sailing when it comes to carpet installations. The downside with carpets is that they will trap dirt and dust pretty fast. Carpets can also be precursors for foul odour in your interior spaces. Suppose you fail to take timely carpet maintenance. In that case, they can form breeding grounds for bacteria, mould and various other microscopic allergens that can transform an otherwise well-maintained home into an unhealthy environment for the occupants. 

Regular carpet cleaning helps you prevent all of this while keeping your carpet in tip-top shape. Central to this is proper carpet cleaning. Buying cleaning products or hiring a professional cleaner might be easy. Still, the hard part is doing the cleaning right and using a carpet cleaning method that will work for you and help keep your carpet clean, fresh and in the best shape over its lifetime. Carpet Cleaner Cairns explains the top carpet cleaning secrets that the professionals don’t want you to know.

Brown carpet being vacuumed by person in blue jeans and white sneakers.
A dirty carpet being vacuumed / Source: Clean House Melbourne

Frequent vacuuming is your carpet’s best friend

Vacuuming is probably the most underrated carpet cleaning and maintenance technique. Doing it frequently keeps your carpet clean for a longer duration of time which saves you the cost of having to call on a professional carpet cleaner regularly. Some dirt serves as ‘magnets’ for more dirt so the less on your carpets, the better for your overall carpet cleaning regimen. A good culprit is an oily dirt which will attract more dirt on your carpets and spread rather quickly. 

Vacuuming should not just be focused on the carpet. It is also advisable to vacuum areas adjacent to the mat, including the entrances and high-traffic areas. Your feet will pick the dirt from these areas and transfer it to the soft fabrics of the carpet that readily hold onto the dirt. Ensure you clean the edges of the room as well as beneath your furniture as these areas can hide lots of dirt and dust that eventually find their way onto your carpets. 

It is also advisable to master the right vacuuming technique that will maximize every cleaning action. Vacuuming your rooms and carpets is a cumbersome chore, so you better do it right whenever you master the energy and will to do it. You will have tremendous success when you vacuum with slow passes than doing it fast. Slow passes are especially crucial in the high-traffic areas that accumulate lots of dust and dirt.

You can manage most of the small stains yourself

Your professional carpet cleaner won’t tell you this, but you can handle most of the small or spot carpet stains yourself. You have to ensure that you do it promptly and with the right cleaning materials and techniques. Some of the ‘must-have’ cleaning materials that are essential to the optimal cleaning and maintenance of your carpets include the following: 

  • Club soda: Best for handling wine and beer spillages
  • White vinegar: You can mix vinegar with water for juice and soda stains
  • Dishwashing liquid: Ordinary dishwashing liquid can work on several stains when mixed with warm water to form a friendly cleaning solution.
  • Wet wipes: Wet wipes are hyper-efficient in quickly blotting out spot stains on the carpets. 

Always blot and never rub your stains 

Rubbing and scrubbing stains immediately is a sure-fire way of ensuring that it not only spreads over a large surface area but also embeds itself more in-depth into the carpet fibres. Rubbing adds permanence to the stain. The best spot stain treatment merely is blotting it out. 

When a stain spills on your carpet, start by blotting out gradually using an absorbent paper towel, sponge or napkin. Do this many times, gently applying pressure in each blotting action. It takes as much stain as possible out of the carpet rather than pushing it deep into the carpet fibres. When blotting out the stain, start from its outer edges and gradually make your way to the centre.

A dirty grey carpet gets vacuumed.
The results of a freshly cleaned carpet / Source: PestX

Treat all stains immediately

Your professional carpet cleaner probably won’t tell you this. Still, you have a perfect shot at eliminating carpet stains when you treat them immediately. Granted, you can’t always be there when the spillage or staining happens. Still, when it happens on your watch, it is recommended to treat the stain immediately. This allows you to get the stain out before it percolates deep into the carpet’s fibres. Unless you are familiar with professional carpet cleaning techniques and materials, avoid using powerful detergents or chemicals. If the stain is stubborn, you can promptly contact a professional carpet cleaning service. You can try using vinegar, club soda wet wipes, hydrogen peroxide or the simple dishwashing liquid depending on the type of stain to clean out the stain immediately. 

Contact local carpet cleaning experts

Hydrogen peroxide can remove your blood stains

Bloodstains on carpets aren’t as common as wine, beer, juice, dirt or food stains. If you cut yourself and blood spread or spatters on your carpets, you can remove these unsightly stains with hydrogen peroxide. If the bloodstain is still fresh, you can try removing it by blotting it out with an absorbent paper towel or napkins. If the blood has dried out, try loosening it using water and a mild detergent. Using a butter knife, you can gently scrape off the dried blood stains off the carpet fibres. After scraping them off, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clear off the rest of the blood residues. Hydrogen peroxide will fizz and then foam when it comes into contact with the bloodstains, eliminating the stain in the process.

Use area rugs in high traffic areas

The high traffic areas on your carpets will suffer a higher degree of wear and dirt than the low traffic areas. Because they take in a lot of dirt, they are also generally harder to clean. They will accumulate a lot of dirt from the high foot traffic that will necessitate a higher cleaning frequency. One way of preserving your carpet is by using area rugs in the place where your carpet is particularly taking a good beating. These can include the following:

  • The spot where your kitchen meets your living room
  • The hallways
  • The spot where your bathroom meets the joint area or the hallway
  • Backyard doors

The best way to relieve pressure off the high-traffic areas is by using area rugs. Beyond the functional aspect of protecting your carpets, these rugs can also be a decorative item. You can choose different styles, shapes and patterns to add some style and charm to your house interiors.These are some of the best carpet cleaning secrets that your professional carpet cleaner won’t tell you about. However, it would be best if you mainly used these for small localized stains. An experienced and well-trained carpet cleaner better use powerful carpet cleaning detergents, chemicals and equipment.

Categories
Finance

Car allowance tax guide

Saving money at tax time is something that everyone wants to do. If you have work-related car expenses, then you might be able to deduct work-related car expenses under certain circumstances. Let’s explore when and how you can deduct your vehicle expenses at tax time.

Here are a few examples of times when you might be able to deduct your car expense when using it for business.

  • Hauling tools and equipment used for your job.
  • Pick-up and delivery of items for your employer.
  • Travelling between two different places of employment.
  • Your work begins at home and involves various sites.
  • Travel for meetings, conferences, and other work-related events.
  • Travel to your workplace, but only under certain circumstances.

How do I track & claim my car-related expenses?

The Australian government allows two different methods for claiming the car allowance tax deduction. When claiming car expenses, you can use either method. Here is a break down of how they work.

Cents per kilometre method

Using this method, you can deduct a set rate for each kilometre that you travel for business-related activities. If you use this method, you must demonstrate that you used the kilometres claimed for work. A simple logbook that includes the miles travelled is sufficient. Let’s take a look at an example.

Jim is a manager for the construction industry. He uses his personal car to deliver and drop off supplies to a remote worksite that is 7km away. The round trip is 14 km to and from the home office. He does this once a week, every week of the year except for two weeks of vacation. The current allowable rate is $0.68/kilometre.

  • 14km per week X 50 weeks = 700 kilometres that can be claimed
  • 700 allowable kilometres X $0.68 = $47.60 that can be deducted

Pros

  • Easy to calculate using a simple formula.
  • Computed using a standard rate set by the government.
  • Suitable for people who use their car less than the maximum allowable kilometres.
  • Record keeping is simple for this method.

Cons

  • Limited to 5,000 kilometres per vehicle per year.
  • Cannot claim separate vehicle expenses.

Logbook method

This method requires more record keeping of motor vehicle expenses. Still, if you use your personal vehicle for work frequently, it can add up to a more significant deduction. Let’s see an example.

Now, let’s say Jim uses his own vehicle for 1,000 km during the 12 week period when he tracked vehicle mileage in his logbook. Let’s also say that Jim kept records of fuel, repairs, service, insurance, and took depreciation on his new vehicle. The current deduction rate using the logbook method is 85%.

  • 1,000 km X 0.85 = $85
  • $8,430 of vehicle expenses X 0.85 = $7,165.50
  • $7,165.50 + $85 = $7,250.50 deductible expenses

Pros

  • Only have to keep a motor vehicle logbook for 12 consecutive weeks.
  • You only need to complete the logbook once every five years.
  • More detailed record keeping.
  • Can deduct expenses such as registration, fuel, service, insurance, etc.
  • Based on a percentage of all costs.
  • An excellent choice for those who exceed the 5,000 km limit for the cents per km method.

Cons

  • You must own the car.
  • Must record all business and all personal trips.
  • Must keep all receipt for related expenses.
  • More restrictions apply to this deduction method.

What car-related costs can’t I claim on my taxes?

Both vehicle expense deduction methods have different rules that apply to when you can and cannot take the deduction. Here are a few examples that might apply to your circumstances.

  • Travelling from home to your regular place of employment.
  • Car expenses that are reimbursed or are included as part of a salary package.
  • Picking up something for your employer on your way to your regular work location.
  • Fuel when using the cents per km method.
  • An employee is driving your personal car for work.
  • You are working overtime, and public transportation is not available.
  • You have to drive back to work for after-hours calls.

What about owned or leased cars?

You can deduct expenses from a car that you own, lease, or is under a lease-to-own agreement. This can be claimed using either the logbook or cents per km method. In some cases, you might be able to claim the car tax deduction for vehicles, such as motorcycles, passenger vans, or trucks fitted to haul equipment.

How to hire a tax accountant

Sometimes, deciding how the rules for the car tax deduction apply to you can be tricky. Hiring a tax accountant can help you take the maximum allowable deduction for your circumstances and help you to avoid any penalties for claiming something that is not allowed. Here are a few tips for hiring a tax accountant.

How to create an accurate estimate

To claim your tax deduction and get the proper credit for your circumstances, you need to do a few things to help your tax professional:

  • Keep all vehicle-related receipts.
  • Print out all electronic receipts.
  • Place all of your receipts in a file.
  • Keep your logbook with you at all times.
  • Place your logbook in a place where you will see it.

Licencing & qualifications

Hiring a tax professional is an important decision. You must choose carefully because utilising the wrong one can land you in trouble. Here are some of the requirements needed to become a tax accountant.

  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
  • Must participate in the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) program or be a member of the Institute of Public Accountants or Chartered Accountants Australia.
  • Be sure to ask how long they have been a tax accountant and their experience with similar tax circumstances.

Contact local tax accountants

How to save money hiring a tax accountant

Tax accountants use different methods of charging for services. Some charge a flat fee, while others work on a percentage basis. Here are a few tips for saving money when hiring a tax professional.

  • Ask what they charge and how they charge upfront.
  • Save your receipts, or you cannot deduct all of your eligible expenses.
  • Keep your records in the proper order to save your preparer time.

FAQs

Can you claim fuel on tax?

Claiming fuel on tax is only allowed if you choose the logbook tax method. A matching receipt must accompany a fuel claim, and you must keep a travel logbook for tax purposes. You can only claim a portion of your fuel expense that was used for work purposes. You cannot claim this deduction if you use the cents per km tax deduction method.

Categories
Design & technology

How to plan your web design

There is seemingly no end to web design businesses in the market. They price themselves from as low as $199, and all the way up to $25,000. Sometimes there is little difference between what you get as an end result.

After 10+ years running my web design business I have learnt that there is a way of doing things which will ensure the highest chance of success for your website build.

The biggest mistake people make when buying a website is looking for web design right off the bat. Then a web designer will ask them to pull together their content, some images and make them a website without really knowing their business or their clients.

Planning your website build will help save time and money in the long run / Source: MG Datacomm

There are 5 clear steps to building a quality website, if followed step by step you should end up with an awesome website and great results.  These are website planning, content creation, web design, web development and hosting.  In this article we will focus on planning your website and follow up with a little more about the other areas.

Web design planning

When you open a new business you would rarely do so without a business plan. Any real investor will not release funding until they have seen a strong business plan. This should be the case for your website as well. Why would you invest time, energy and money into building a website without planning its future and how it will benefit your business?

When you plan your website in advance you get to choose who it will appeal to and therefore the calibre of your future sales leads.  You also get the chance to plan your search engine ranking, content direction, the user experience and the way they think about your industry – their worldview.

Search engine ranking

I have rarely met a business owner who doesn’t want to ensure their website is benefiting from regular search engine traffic. Some people even pay Google thousands per month for this honour. By researching your keywords and planning each page to be compatible with those search terms you will give yourself the best chance of that happening. Planning the next 12 months of your blogging efforts is also wise, ensure you base each blog article on a search term which you want to be seen on as well.

Content direction

Your written content is of huge importance, people actually will read your website. If it’s boring or not what they were looking for, you will lose them in the first 10 seconds.

When writing your content you need guidelines planned. The guidelines should give an idea of the goal of your article, how it will help your reader and what you want the reader to do after reading it. If you have someone write your content for you professionally, that person should be able to ensure they shape the content in a way that compels your reader to want to spend money with your business. That’s called ‘converting content’.

User experience

When planning your website it’s important to think about what the visitor will experience on your site, how the site will encourage them to move between pages and the overall subconscious emotional response you want to trigger. Ensure that you plan the site so there is not too many clicks between landing on the site and converting as a customer. The more clicking a visitor has to do the more likely they are to get annoyed and look elsewhere for their information. Likewise on forms, the more fields a user must fill in – the more chance there is of abandonment.

Website images

In the planning of your website you need to ensure you select the images which will be used in the web design phase. Ensure they are high quality and represent your business well. Ensure you choose images with people who are similar demographic to your potential clients. Don’t forget to use images with people smiling! You can also get some wonderful images from Stock Photo sites. These can really make a difference and save you a fortune on photography.

Check out sites like Pexels, iStock, Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. They are often a real help to Web Design.

Website framework

The most common web design framework in the industry today is WordPress. Once you get used to it you will find it is not too hard to use and has a lot of added bonus features which can be installed as plugins from within the CMS.

When selecting a WordPress theme, make sure you don’t just buy the first theme you find.  Many of the cheap themes are sourced from hobby web developers who want to make extra money while they study. They may look great but they often let you down in the code department. This leaves you open to future malfunction not to mention security holes allowing some hackers to penetrate your website. I like to stick with premium theme clubs for my web design. I use Yootheme for many of my projects due to their clean code and great layouts. Yootheme does have the ability to build your site with a site builder, however I avoid complications by just using Widgetkit and raw wordpress.

Contact local web designers

Planned web design

There have been many sites I have planned or re-planned in the past. Here are a few of those which were planned for success and succeeded as a result.

I have a client who owns a web hosting company which specialises in looking after businesses who have large server needs. His business Website is Amaze.com.au.  I was commissioned to re-plan their website. It was built by a large agency who had done nothing about planning the SEO or implementing onsite SEO. 

I planned the site over the course of 1 month. I created a development version of the website to work on so as not to cause any issues with the live site. The plan was then implemented onto the website page by page until I was finished. Once the site was put live, it saw great results within just a few days of launching!

One of my longest held clients is Occupational Safety Solutions, who sells SWMS Templates through their online store. We planned the search engine success for this site as well as the visual user experience. This client had huge benefits from our web design planning and went on to grow their business. 

Wrap up

I sincerely hope this article helps you realise the benefits in web design planning and what it will do for your future web design project. If you have any questions feel free to contact myself or one of my team for some great answers!

Categories
Legal

Conveyancer vs solicitor: What’s the difference?

The Australian government deliberately developed PEXA so that electronic settlements do not take place until the solicitors representing property buyers have filed their details with the (OSR) Office of State Revenue online system.

Electronic conveyancing defined

Electronic conveyancing is a national system that permits for an automatic completion of a property sale or purchase by uploading the entire documentation, and electronic funds transfer into the PEXA system.

Clients cannot automatically log in to the E-conveyancing system to obtain details of their particular conveyancing transaction progress. The Property Exchange of Australia (PEXA) developed the system to streamline and monitor all conveyancing transactions.

eConveyancing minimises the manual paperwork and processes associated with property transactions by allowing the legal parties to carry out the settlement online. The system enables clients to file documents and financial agreements electronically. eConveyancing reduces the risk of delays and errors giving customers greater successful, prompt settlements.

Source: Conveyancing.com.au VIC

The regulatory structure in conveyancing

Electronic conveyancing legislation was amended in the 2015 Property Amendment Bill of the (SA) Real Property Act 1886. The revised act and the launch of E-Conveyancing in South Australia commenced on 4 July 2016.

ARNECC, the Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council, is an organisation involved with the Registrars from all Australian States, developed the national regulatory law for electronic conveyancing.

Two sets of rules made include:

  • The (MPR) Model Participation Rules govern the connection linking the (ELNO) electronic lodgment network operator and participants, such as solicitors.
  • The (MOR) Model Operating Requirements manage the connection between ELNO and the land title registry.

The activities and tasks of lawyers opting to use e-conveyancing work under the ECNL and the MPR, governance.  In South Australia, version 4 of the MPR and MOR already began operations in the SA Registrar-General office and commenced on 27 May 2017.

Once adopted by a particular authority, the MPR and the MOR essentially become the Operating Requirements and the Participation Rules, respectively.

What are the advantages of eConveyancing over hiring a lawyer?

If all the parties involved in a property transaction have subscribed to PEXA then e-conveyancing process involving stamp duty payment, lodgement of settlement records, transfer documents and funds takes place electronically.

This happens if all participating parties in the transaction agree. This e-process could potentially save you about $200 in transaction fees alone. The major setback faced by clients today is the few PEXA subscribers.

However, more companies have slowly begun migrating to the automated system. The advantages experienced by e-conveyancing include:

  • Decreased transaction costs – Solicitors and conveyancers will no longer have to pay extra fees passed on to their clients. This will bring a significant reduction in overall transaction costs.
  • Easier use – Excessive paperwork no longer applies for lodgment at different Forms will no longer need physical lodging at venues. All documents require digital signatures.
  • Regular updates – Clients receive conveyance-processing updates in real time through text messages or email.
  • Electronic transfers – This is from the solicitors provide printed e-receipts for all the transfers drawn in the settlement process.
  • Quick transactions – You can buy or sell your home faster than in a paper agreement.

Costs involved

With the new conveyancing system, one of the main concerns faced by the stakeholders was the time involved in the preparation of documents. This process alone cost clients huge transaction fees and expenses involved in real estate contracts.

It is crucial that you know all these costs and budget for them accordingly. It is disastrous if you do not plan for all possible property transaction expenditure.

Costs and operating expenses arise in different areas of the business deal. Some may not seem obvious or expected. Typically, you should set aside some cash when buying property for the following costs:

  • Any loan charges payable for obtaining a mortgage
  • Registration fees (Payable at the Lands Titles Office)
  • Stamp duty
  • Search costs
  • Property rates and taxes
  • Minor extra costs and conveyancing fees
  • Costs of moving

You may incur additional costs involved in your particular transactions. Ask your conveyance official for details of the entire purchase before proceeding into the contractual detail.

Individual conveyancing, is it possible?

Unless you have a thorough understanding of conveyancing and precisely know what to do; you can enter into a property transaction without representation. However, here is the downside of self-representation; you cannot expect any technical support from the other party.

If you make any errors, the settlement may delay until you fix it, or worse still, have the other party terminate the entire contract. If you considering representing yourself in the conveyancing deal, carefully examine the list of tasks and tick those that you can handle individually.

Interestingly, not all property agents carry out conveyancing on their own when performing personal transactions. Conveyancing is a professional skill. To be safe, it is best to engage an expert for a smooth, faster transfer of property.

Contact local conveyancing experts

Do you require a solicitor?

Registered conveyancers provide expert skills involving conveyancing work. You may not need to hire an attorney for your property deals. Some conveyancers have complete certified solicitors education. The majority of practicing lawyers have the primary, tertiary education in conveyancing.

In fact, local law firms employ registered professional conveyancers to carry out their conveyancing jobs. A conveyance expert must provide proof of Membership of the AIC as an assurance of professionalism.

Conveyancers or solicitors, who’s cheaper?

When these two professional services collide, both conveyancers and solicitors provide consultant, expert advice and charge for their services accordingly. Frequently, the fees charged reflect the bulk of the contract.

This is common whether you either procure the services of a registered solicitor or hire a conveyancer. The real distinction is that conveyancers provide expertise in this particular field whereas lawyers handle several areas of the law.

As with nearly all business costs, you will end up paying for the services required. Therefore, a professional conveyancer charges slightly higher fees for their swift expert assistance. A registered and certified conveyancer provides peace of mind, knowing all your transactions will go through smoothly.

Categories
Ceremony

Wedding readings for every bride and groom

The written word has a way of evoking intense feelings and setting the right mood. Many people consider a ceremony incomplete without a wedding reading. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to choose the right text to read. Many couples spend hours scouring different websites and reading different books to find the perfect passage.

This list contains a few recommendations for wedding readings. You can browse the options listed here and decide if any of them fit your requirements. You can then read the entire chapter or poem the passage originates from to get a sense of the context and pick the part of the passage that suits you best.

Your choice of wedding reading can help set the tone and mood of the ceremony / Source: Francine O’Brien Marriage Celebrant

Modern wedding readings

Modern wedding readings usually don’t have any religious connotations and the quotes are taken from contemporary novels and other such sources. These quotes can be just as meaningful and important as those taken from religious texts. Here are some options for you to consider:

1. The Notebook

The Notebook is one of the most romantic novels in contemporary literature. There are several lines and scenes in this book that would work well for a wedding reading. The book was written by Nicolas Sparks and was turned into a movie recently.

The movie has become Valentine’s Day ritual for many couples. The most popular quote is, “I’m nothing special; just a common man…”. This quote is simple yet meaningful and highlights the importance of loving your partner with all your heart and soul.

2. The Bridge Across Forever

What could be more uplifting and suitable for a modern wedding reading than a novel based on a true love story? The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach was published in 1984 and was on the New York Times Best Seller List for a long time. It’s considered a timeless classic and is a great read even if you don’t want to quote it at your wedding ceremony.

The most popular quote from this book is, “A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks.” The paragraph that follows this line is very popular in modern readings and will set a wonderful mood.

3. The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho isn’t a romance novel but don’t let classifications stop you from finding passages to read at your wedding. This book was published in 1988 and is a story of a young boy’s quest to find treasure. It’s the author’s most well-known book and has been translated from the original Portuguese into 69 languages.

One of the most romantic and relevant passages in this book follows this quote, “When he looked into her eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke — the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love.” Quotes from this book would be an excellent addition to your wedding.

4. The Princess Bride

This fantasy romance novel is fun to read, and quotes from this book are an excellent addition to any wedding. The Princess Bride was first published in 1973 by William Goldman and combines comedy with romance, fantasy, and adventure. Quotes from this novel can add a lighthearted feel to your wedding.

One of the best quotes to read from this book is, “Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches…” This passage is bound to make everyone smile or laugh but it also showcases the depth of love and what people are willing to do for their loved ones.

5. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

This is another novel that was adapted and turned into a movie. It’s a historical romance novel set during a time of war, which lends some seriousness and gravity to the story.

The relationship between Antonio Corelli and Pelagia is interesting and intense with lines such as, “Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision.” The entire passage explores the deeper and more practical aspect of love.  Love is not always about romance, flowers, and adventure. It’s also about growth and learning to become a single unit.

6. Wild Awake

Wild Awake is a story about a teenager’s journey during a summer without her parents. It’s a contemporary young adult novel that teaches several lessons and contains many quotes you can read at your wedding.

One of the most popular passages to read from this novel is, “People are like cities: we all have alleys and gardens and secret rooftops and places where daisies sprout between the sidewalk cracks, but most of the time, all we let each other see is a postcard glimpse of a skyline or a polished square…” This and the lines that follow are perfect for wedding readings as they contain wisdom and explain how people relate to one another.

Wedding readings from classical literature

Classical literature is full of quotes and passages that will work well with all types of modern weddings.  In fact, you’ll find some of the most romantic and meaningful quotes on weddings, relationships, and romance in classic literature. Here are some of the most popular novels to read and source quotes from:

Classical literature can be a great source of wedding readings inspiration / Source: Tie the Knot Celebrant

1. Les Misérables

Victor Hugo’s eloquent work is a popular source of quotes and inspiration for brides and grooms. Les Misérables is a potent book with powerful stories. The book takes a deeper look at the nature of love and relationships and should be on everyone’s reading list.

This quote is just one of the many you could pick from, “The future belongs to hearts even more than it does to minds. Love is the only thing that can occupy and fill eternity. In the infinite, the inexhaustible is requisite.” You can find something unique that suits your relationship in this book.

2. Adam Bede

This was the first novel published under the pseudonym George Eliot in 1859. The story is set in the late 1790s and is told from George’s perspective.

While the story itself is a grim reading, there are some memorable quotes you can include in your wedding such as, “What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life…” This line and the passage that follows is a perfect match for a wedding filled with joy.

3. Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is a classic romance novel that almost everyone has read at some point in their life. The Bronte sisters were known for their gritty and realistic tales, which were a marked contrast to the relatively light-hearted works of Jane Austen.

Jane Eyre has several inspiring quotes such as this example, “I have for the first time found what I can truly love — I have found you. You are my sympathy — my better self — my good angel — I am bound to you with a strong attachment.”

4. Letters to a Young Poet 

This book contains a series of ten letters written by the Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke to a 19-year old officer cadet Franz Xaver Kappus. The poems are wonderful reads, offering much wisdom.

Quotes like, “For one human being to love another human being: that is perhaps the most difficult task that has been entrusted to us, the ultimate task, the final test and proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation,” are perfectly suited for weddings.

5. A Farewell to Arms 

This novel was written by Ernest Hemingway in 1929 and is set during the First World War. It tells the story of Frederic Henry, a Lieutenant in the Italian army’s ambulance corps and his love affair with Catherine Barkley. There are several themes to explore in this novel and many quotes that can give you a unique look at wartime romance.

But one quote captures the magic of the wedding day and marriage perfectly, “That night, there was a feeling that we had come home, feeling no longer alone, waking in the night to find the other one there, and not gone away; all other things were unreal.”

6. Mark Twain’s Letters 

Mark Twain is one of the most well-known and recognised authors in classical literature. His books are filled to the brim with quotes and comments that can apply to any social situation and circumstance. However, what he wrote in his letters is equally interesting.

This quote from a compilation of his letters is perfect for any wedding reading, “This will be the mightiest day in the history of our lives, the holiest, & the most generous toward us both — for it makes of two fractional lives a whole.”

Funny readings for weddings

Some people don’t want a serious and solemn atmosphere at their wedding. They want the event to be full of joy, laughter, and humour. What better way to achieve this result than to add some funny quotes and readings to the event?

Some couples prefer a joyful, lighter mood during the marriage ceremony / Source: Dianne Sherrington Townsville Celebrant

1. Albert Einstein

Einstein was a genius but he didn’t have much to say about love. What he did say can add a very light-hearted touch to a wedding.

“Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems like a minute. That’s relativity.” Who hasn’t experienced this in their life? This reading will make everyone at your wedding smile.

2. Dr. Seuss

The Dr. Seuss series is well-known for imparting pearls of wisdom in a playful manner. When you read these tales as an adult, you notice subtleties and lessons that weren’t clear to you as a child.

Readings from these stories are always a charming addition to any wedding. For example, you can read, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” and the entire page that follows injects playful meaning to the ceremony. This quote describes a new journey with new challenges, which is exactly what a marriage is.

Contact local celebrants

Wedding poems

If you want a traditional wedding and wish to incorporate a softer and more romantic element to it, you can read a poem. Unlike quotes, poems are inherently romantic and have a beautiful rhythm. There are many romantic poems you can choose; but the ones mentioned below are the most popular.

1. Sonnet 116

William Shakespeare was a masterful playwright and his words still have the ability to move people. Shakespeare’s sonnets are in a league of their own and convey deep meaning about love and relationships.

Sonnet 116 is popular because it’s true. It’s the best possible description of what love and marriage should be, “Let me not to the marriage of true minds, admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds or bends with the remover to remove: o no; it is an ever-fixed mark…” Whether you have a traditional wedding or a modern one, Sonnet 116 will never be out of place.

2. Hope is a thing with feathers

Emily Dickenson captures the hope and happiness that a marriage can bring with this poem.

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all…” This poem captures brides and grooms feel on their wedding day.

Wrap up

The right reading will set the mood for your wedding. Readings can move people to tears of happiness or bring some light-hearted relief. Let these examples inspire you to find a reading that suits your wedding.

Categories
Lighting & electrical

How to use your switchboard

What is a switchboard?

A switchboard is an electric power board that holds individual switches to control different power needed to certain areas of your home. 

What does a switchboard do?

Often referred to as a power box or a meter box, this board takes the entire load of the incoming electrical feed and separates it into switches rated for a specific amount of voltage. For example, a refrigerator needs more power than a table lamp plugged into an outlet. Voltages are measured by what the switch is for, then set up accordingly.

You can also find the main switch inside a meter box in addition to the switches on the switchboard. This single switch is to shut down all power from the entire board. 

What should I do if my lights or power points aren’t working?

If there is an overload on one of your switches, that particular switch will automatically flip off. For instance, a living room with nothing but outlets and overhead lighting may not be prepared to accept an electric area heater. When used, it may tell the switch that it is not wired for that much power. Go to your switch box and check if all the switches are on. Chances are, there will be one that has flipped off. Instead, use another breaker that has a higher voltage setting or check with a licensed electrician for advice on increasing power.

Labelling a switch board can make using it a lot easier / Source: Got U Wired

What should I do if all the electricity has gone off in my house?

In the case of all lights in the house turning off, several things could be the cause. Check your neighbour’s homes for any sign of lights. If their lights are out as well, there is probably a broader issue that is out of your control. If your neighbours have lights, check your main switchboard for signs that the main power switch has switched off. Switch it back on and make a note to check with your switchboard electrician to find the cause. 

Safety tips for your switchboard

High voltage is nothing to play around with. Unless you are a licensed electrician, keep your DIY skills to turning the switches on and off. These switches are made for the average homeowner to use in case of a power surge or overload. Learning how to use a switchboard is easy as long as you don’t try and remove the switches. Only trained professionals are able to determine what is tied to a switch and how to approach a problem.

There are times when a switchboard will wear out or need repair. A few of these signs include:

  • Lights begin to flicker
  • Circuit breakers are always tripping
  • Circuit box contains old ceramic fuses
  • Switchboard feels warm when circuit is tripped

Never attempt to remove a switch to uncover a problem

Only a licensed switchboard electrician has the tools and knowledge to understand the problem. Voltage can be deadly to the inexperienced homeowner.

Avoid sparks or fire

Sparks or fire signal an emergency, and you should contact a licensed electrician immediately. Follow his instructions and wait for his arrival.

Label all switches

Labelling is a simple idea, but many homeowners do not follow. You can save a lot of time and frustration in knowing which switches control different parts of your home.

Check your circuit breakers

Circuit breakers play a crucial role in safeguarding electrical systems and preventing potential hazards. In Australia, RCBOs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection) are commonly used for enhanced safety. These devices combine the functions of both a residual current device (RCD) and a circuit breaker, providing protection against electrical shocks and overcurrent situations. When installing RCBOs, it’s important to follow the appropriate wiring diagram, such as the one provided by Clipsal, to ensure correct and safe installation in accordance with Australian electrical standards.

Contact local electricians

What to look for when hiring an electrician

Licensing

A qualified electrician will have completed trade school and spent four years as an apprentice. However, there is an exception to completing an apprenticeship. It can be challenging to find a master electrician to study under. It is possible to take the required courses that range from 6 to 18 months and pass a final exam. While being able to obtain a license, it can be challenging to find employment with a company without the on-hand experience of an apprenticeship. 

Insurance

Your electrician should be able to provide a copy of their insurance for mishaps that could occur. 

Experience 

Experience is the key to understanding different areas of electricity. If your candidate has not completed an apprenticeship program, ask for references of past clients or seasoned electricians that can vouch for their work.

Quotes

Get three quotes from licensed electricians and compare the costs. Electricians in Australia average around $45 per hour for their services. The cost can vary according to region, experience and specialty.