Nick Roberts takes a look at debt (bad and good), credit, interest rates, mortgages, early repayments, Kiwisaver and more, to come up with a clear, easy and rather insightful summary, throwing in for good measure a few useful tips to help you get your finances in order.
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I'm always surprised by the number of people I meet who don't claim tax rebates for school fees, donations or child care. If you haven't claimed in the past you can go back 4 years. There could be a lot of money owed to you by IRD. Get in touch for help if you're not sure whether you should or how you should go about it.

- Client Profile -
SOUL CYCLE REPAIRS

Gavin Brock's workshop is the sort of place that makes you want to hang around. The brightly coloured walls are impeccably clean, the displays catch the eye without being overwhelming, a large screen plays biking videos on a background of well-chosen music… And there's an espresso machine to boot. No wonder his customers like to drop by even when they don't have anything to fix. For someone who's so busy (he'd just spent the week-end working in his shop) Gavin looks completely relaxed.
Looking at the bike in the centre of his workshop, he frowns slightly and explains that he's got to make parts that don't fit together… fit together.
"There will be a way, he smiles. The owner is flying to an Aussie race tomorrow and he can't go without a bike in working order."
With over 17 years of expertise and a resourceful mind like his, there isn't much in a bike that Gavin can't fix.
Yet when he decided to start working for himself, he didn't have much in the bank.
"I had my passion for the sport, my knowledge, experience and an unshakable belief that I was doing the right thing," he says.
"Nick was recommended to me by a family member. He started by helping me on a completely free basis, taking care of the incorporation of my limited company and providing valuable advice. Nowadays I know I can always call him with a question, even though he only charges me for my year-end accounts. That kind of help is precious to any start-up."
Gavin's shop isn't full of bikes for sale. He'll find the best bike (and probably the best price) for his customers, but he's not interested in competing with the big-brand retailers.
"I think it's all about finding your niche and being the best at what you do," he explains.
"Most of my business comes from word-to-mouth. I've seen my revenues grow steadily in the last two years without having to do much about it… apart from a good job, obviously," he chuckles.
A+BAC is proud to support another great success story.

2012 seems to be bringing a wind of change into the business world. The recession might not be over yet but more and more businesses are making the decision to switch to an attitude of growth rather than remain static for another year. Except for the rare few who still have reserves left, the cost of growth has to be financed... But from where? The NZ financing landscape has changed dramatically. Nigel Watkin, expert financer, shares his insight into the new world of business funding.
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- Video Article -
GETTING FREE BUSINESS ADVICE

How to get business advice for free from Nick Roberts on Vimeo.