Opacodex

Remember that post where my sister and her husband have been living the life in their new home? I sort of got jealous. I keep fantasizing about living in my own fully-furnished home and I have come to a conclusion.

That conclusion being I’m buying myself a new home. Thing is I am going to need cheap home loans for me to be able to buy my own dream home. For a first time home loans buyer, this sounds really complicated and I’ve been picking at my brains for quite a while now. Unfortunately, all those pickings haven’t done me much good.

On the other hand, I’ve done some badly-needed research about the best ways to get cheap home loans. Thank heavens for the wonders of the internet. I’ve come across Home Loans Ltd.

They have a section for first home buyers and I felt a wave of relief hit me when I started reading it. Apparently, there’s this grant called First Home Owners Grant. In a nutshell, this grant will offset GST effects on ownership of the home. Of course, this goes without saying that there are eligibility issues to be had. I also found out that Home Loans Ltd. will even apply for the FHOG in my behalf if I include FHOG application to my loan application. Now, assuming that I am qualified for the FHOG, I can use grant money for home purchases. How neat is that, right?

Browsing through their site, I’ve come across various terminologies used in the home loans industry. I should remember these things when I finally decide to get cheap home loans for my dream home.

Furthermore, I also learned a few things that will come in handy for first time home buyers like me.

First time home buyers loans have restrictions. What may be good for others may not necessarily be perfect for you. Ask for details before deciding to get this kind of loan.

On the bright side though, first time home buyer loans can be beneficial to the right candidate. It will give financial assistance through various ways. Sometimes, you can get low cost for your down payments. If you’re lucky, you might end up without paying down payments at all. On other times, a home loan can help subsidise interest costs. They can also defer payments. Obviously, there are several ways to using a home loan. Of course, this also goes without saying that you should look into the details before deciding on which direction to go.

Basically, buying your first home is a great responsibility. Do your research before you take the plunge. Make sure you get all the details right before settling with a home loans provider. Take your time studying each company you’d like to apply for cheap home loans. Make sure that they are running a legitimate business. Checking on their background won’t hurt you either. Eventually, you’ll find someone who can really help you with your needs.

During the past month, I have been very busy finishing off my college loans. I have been paying them for years, and I have to admit that I am really having a hard time. The economy is tough, and even though I got a couple of jobs, they are not enough. My salaries from these jobs are hard to budget since I still have to pay the rent, bills and allocate a part for my food and other expenses. I was struggling to the point that I considered myself broke and bankrupt.

I realized that I cannot do it alone. I need someone to help me paying my loans. I thought of my parents—maybe they could help me with my financial situation. But then I realized that it’s going to be quite embarrassing since I am old enough to work and I don’t want to ask for a portion of their retirement money. They have worked hard for that so I want them to enjoy that fully.

A friend told me that I should just file for bankruptcy, to help me “escape” all the loans I have. He said that when I tell that I am already bankrupt, I might be given consideration on my loan payments. I thought it was a good idea and option to have and something that would be easy to do. However, when I researched about it, I found out that filing for bankruptcy is not as easy as I thought it would be, and it is also not the best option I can take to help me with my college loans. Filing bankruptcy will not make me rid all my loans since substantial hardship is difficult to prove.

Then I read about debt consolidation and how it can possibly help me with my debt problem. It is the best alternative to bankruptcy, so I thought that I should try it out. I tried looking for companies that offer debt consolidation and then I found Debt Assist. They are very helpful and gave me sound advice on what can I do to finish off and pay all my college loans. By talking to them, it made me realize that there are many different ways that I can do without sorting into filing bankruptcy. There are lots of consolidation plans to choose from, depending on your preference and your budget as well.

I am really thankful that I took time to research the best things I could to do give solution to my college loans problems. I am also glad that I have found Debt Assist and that they were able to assist me well, discuss to me the things I could do and made me realize that debt consolidation is the best way to pay off my loans than going bankrupt.

It’s been a few months since i told you guys about my sister’s wedding. Well her big day has been and gone, and i must say it was a resounding success. A huge thanks to the team at Borrowed & Blue Productions for creating these fantastic wedding videos. I know my sister will will cherish them forever!

My sister, the one who recently got hitched, and her husband are living the life! They have relocated to some Point Cook Real Estate called Wyndham Harbour and I just had to call on them. Honestly, I was sort of expecting to have some difficulties getting to their place, but I was so wrong! I think it only took me 30 minutes to get to to them from CBD. Not bad, right? You can just imagine my surprise when I finally got to dear sis’ new home.

Man! Never have I been so speechless in my entire loquacious life! The view was simply breathtaking. The houses from the outside were awesome. The interiors were even better! The people are friendly. Oh and there were hotties in there! They better hide when I finally save up for the Waterfront Apartments ! Whoopee!  Oops, sorry. Getting carried away again. I told you I was talkative, didn’t I?

Anyway, please forgive me, but I really need to gush about my sister’s place. So here goes.

I poked around the house, with my brother-in-law’s permission of course, and discovered several interesting bits. First thing that comes to mind is how sustainable their place is. I learned they use recycled water for the gardens. I also saw solar PV systems in the area. My personal favourite is that I heard the site does extensive planting of some shrubs and trees. Did I mention I have a green thumb? Anyway, going back to my new-found love of Wyndham Harbour…

I have noticed that the place is brimming with really nice people. I asked around and discovered that Stages 1 and 2 of the site have already sold out. Can you imagine? Even more so, the 3^rd stage it seems only has a few lots left. That information got me worried. I mean I was hoping I could get into Wyndham Harbour. I mentioned this to the dear old lady, who was gracious enough to spare a couple of minutes talking to a lunatic (that’s me, by the way), and she mentioned that the Waterfront Apartments would be opening soon. I actually hugged dear old lady when I heard that! She must really think I’m a crazy guy that time. Lol.

Anyway, I did some research and found photos of the artist’s impression of Waterfront Apartments. I don’t know about you, but I like it better than my sister’s place. The Waterfront Apartments has this sleek, chic, and really modern feel to it! Just perfect for my personality. I also discovered it’s going to get a lot of natural light, so that’s another point for me. I am sort of studying photography so natural light’s going to help me with my “studies.”

Now, I just have to contact some Point Cook Real Estate personnel and find out how much the Waterfront Apartments are selling for. I seriously pray the heavens above will be on my side!

I was having an Iron Man and Fast & Furious DVD marathon last night when something hit me… Vin Diesel and Tony Stark, otherwise known as Robert Downey, Jr., are such hunks; That and the fact that these action movies are not complete without explosions going off.  But then I realized, what happens if these explosions take place in real life—for instance, in the workplace? That got my adrenaline rushing and realised that my better half’s brother works for the mining industry. You see where I’m getting at? Mine explosions and other accidents have happened over the years. Who can say it won’t happen again, right?

Fortunately, Dave (the mining industry expert) visited me and his sibling earlier today. I asked him all the questions that were running through my mind the moment he walked in. “Dave, how secure are you with your company’s mine safety, I ask. Dave puts on a baffled face at my seemingly very random question and replies, “Very. Haven’t you heard of Coal Services?”

I learned loads from that conversation. Apparently, there are several companies who specialise in mine safety; one of which is Coal Services Pty Limited. It turns out this company is the leader where innovative Virtual Reality (VR) Training System is considered. Yep, you read that right. This highly advanced technology trains mining staff to respond to various hazardous situations encountered during mining accidents. The best thing about this is that these trainings are done in perfectly controlled and safe environments. Hence, puttting the trainees at no risk and yet arming them with the proper know-hows during mining mishaps. How cool is that, right?

I got so intrigued I even visited this company’s website. Any topic relating to mining is usually such a bloody bore for me (don’t tell that to Dave), but man, this VR thingummyjig is working me up. They seem to be a no-nonsense organisation, which they should be, given how important their role is in their industry. Anyway, I didn’t know there were various virtual reality training modules. They have the following: Rib and Roof Stability, Truck Pre-Shift Inspection, Isolation, Outburst, Unaided Self Escape Module , Industry related modules, Spontaneous Combustion Module, and the Deputy’s Module. Phew! That’s a lot of modules! Not complaining though, mine safety is the priority here. Wouldn’t you agree?

I’d go for these virtual reality training modules for a couple of reasons IF I were part of the mining industry. Aside from the risk-free and informative feature, the clincher is that it obviously does a great deal in saving lives.

Now I wonder if someone offers a similar service for lawyers. Better research on that!

Hooroo!

Well guys, the road to legal qualification hasn’t been easy. Four years in law school, check. Two years as a law clerk, check. One year studying to pass the bar, check. And now, finally after another year looking for a job in the legal industry, CHECK! That’s right, your favorite part time blogger is now a real deal lawer, all thanks to the wonderful legal recruitment consultants from BPLR.

I only wish I’d spoken with these guys sooner. But you know me, i thought I could land my dream job all by myself. After all I did graudat with honours, what law firm in their righth mind wouldn’t hire me right? Well dear readers, unfortunately I was wrong. The market is just too competitive at the moment, and a few years experience in the legal sector goes a long way.

I’ve already recommended BPLR to pretty much everyone I know. Even if you’re planning on working overseas they have the connections to help out. A buddy of mine is talking to them about legal recruitment Hong Kong as we speak!

Hi guys, sorry it’s been so long between posts but, as many of you are already aware, I’ve been spending much of my free time lately trying to secure a mortgage, and let me tell you, it’s haaaaard work! Especially if your credit rating isn’t exactly sparkling clean… So, after months and months of getting absolutely nowhere, my sister (recently married and looking for a home loan for herself) told me to get in contact with a mortgage broker. Now, I don’t know about you, but all my life I’ve just assumed that mortgage brokers were paid by the client (i.e. the borrower i.e. me i.e broke), but guess what… the client dosn’t pay them a cent. As it happens mortgage brokers are paid by the money lenders, be it a bank, credit union, or (in my case) a bad credit lender. I mean, when you think about it this makes perfect sense. After all it’s the lenders who are making big money out of this deal, so why shouldn’t they be the one’s to pay the broker? Anyway when I found out how this process works I got on the phone to a broker straight away, and two weeks later he managed to find me a lender who’s willing to grant me a home loan despite my past financial mishaps =) If you guys want to employ the services of a mortgage broker yourself, check out this handy government website

IT Consulting, is so far, the best decision I did in my so-called business life. See, I have engaged in this small bookstore business that I have started for almost a year now. It was my choice of business because a). I love reading (yes, yes I am a self-confessed geek), b). the smell of new books makes me want to sing and dance and appreciate the beauty of life even more, c). being a bookworm runs in the blood (I would like to invite you to our family library).

To keep up to date with all the titles, the authors and other data one of my buddies encouraged me to finally switch from a digital database instead of manually listing all the stuff down, like what I was previously doing. I thought of giving it a try because it would save more time, effort and cost for me.

I searched online and found an IT consulting company called Oriium, a prominent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Consultancy.  They provide various services to SME and larger enterprises, that varies from network services, backup and recovery services, storage and virtualisation, outsourcing and infrastructure, project services, risk management and software development.

I thought of giving this IT consulting a go because I was convinced that Oriium will be a great help for my business. So we had a meeting and it did not last as long as I expected, probably because I enjoyed the whole talk. It was not boring at all! I had a blast talking to them. I also felt ecstatic because I have realized all the potentials and possibilities that surround my business.

I have been using their Software Development Services since then to data store of all the book stocks I have, and I must say… so far, so good! They have been catering to my needs very well. I have also noticed that I have saved more time and effort by using their service.

IT consulting is never a bad thing after all. Try it. It may also make an impact to your life.

Well guys, the big day is almost here! For those of you who follow my blog regularly (HELLO! Hello! hello..) you’ll have already read about my big sister’s upcoming wedding. What you may not know however is the drama that has been surrounding the occasion lately! You see, my sister is unfortunate in that she suffers from a disease known as alopecia, which basically means she is unable to grow hair, and wears a wig so that no-one notices. As you can imagine, being a female this is not something that is easily dismissed, but after 25 years she’s pretty used to it.

That was of course until a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the company who were hired to create her wedding wig (sounds funny I know) have pulled out at the last minute claiming that they were unable to manufacture the headpiece according to her specifications. This wouldn’t have been a huge problem if they had maintained this from the start. However up until a week ago they had said that it wouldn’t be a problem. Well, you can imagine my sister’s reaction, two weeks out from the most important day of her life and she doesn’t have a wig!

Fortunately, the fantastic people at Chiquel have come to the rescue, and have requested an express order for a magnificent wig to be sent all the way from America. Thank you so much Chiquel, not only have you saved my sister’s wedding, but you’ve saved me from having to listen to her complain anymore!!

I feel like celebrating! My financial situation is indeed picking up. Not only that, I am going to have a lovely niece. So in order to celebrate, we rounded up the gang and formed a band. Well, not really. I mean, I’ve got talented fingers, but I use them hands for something else. You see, I’ve got the greenest thumbs anyone can ever have. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to work on guitar frets. So there, the band I was talking about was for the Guitar Hero rhythm game released by Red Octane.

What I love most about Guitar Hero is that you can customise your characters. I am all for personalising stuff. It can take me hours before I get satisfied with the designs. What can I say? I am talented and creative. (And no, I am no megalomaniac. I am just telling the truth. LOL.) The “band mates” kept throwing pillows and what nots at me so we could get on with the game.

Anyway, the guitar feels great. It doesn’t feel cheap. (Yeah, this game was bought during one of my retail therapy sessions.) The songs included in the game are just fabulous! The first time I played this, I felt like such a klutz. I usually couldn’t get the timing right and failed oh so horribly. I actually wanted the earth to swallow me whole. Moreover, my Guitar Hero performance was so horrific that I bet even the earth wouldn’t even bother.

However, I believe that practice makes perfect. So I spent countless sleepless nights fiddling with the guitar-shaped controllers. Eventually, the hard work paid off. On the other hand, the difficult mode is still too hot to handle even for my (admittedly) megalomaniac self.

Guitar Hero seems to be a simple enough game, but it is way too addictive. Well, at least for me. So if you and your mates just want to jam, go and grab yourselves these lovely babies. It’s definitely worth every quid.