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Home improvement is a major decision that you have to make whether you just want to have a new look, expand or your house had been recently damaged. It is a long term plan that would need enough financial resources and allocated budget. Here are some planning and cost saving tips :

Green. Fresh, restful, rejuvenating. Like being out in nature, green can revive the spirit. The shade is important; blue-greens are calming and yellow-greens are more stimulating.

Blue. Tranquil, homey, comforting. Unrelieved doses of pure blue seem cold and formal, but reddish blues or greenish blues are more inviting. Think Wedgwood, periwinkle, or turquoise.

Purple. Creative, sophisticated, surprising. Paler shades like lavender are meditative, and darker ones like eggplant are artistic. This color was once reserved for royalty, giving rise to the term “royal purple.”

Red. Bold, vigorous, exciting. Bright shades might be too stimulating, but dark shades seem elegant and classic. Pale pink is comforting and promotes feelings of well-being.

Orange. Energetic, friendly, appetizing. Pure orange may seem jarring, but terra cotta, pumpkin, and apricot are warm colors that inspire relaxation. This is a good color for rooms where people gather.

Neutrals. Peaceful, reasoned, quiet. These soothing shades offer relief from brighter colors, separating them enough to keep their stronger energy in check. Light neutrals are harmonious and expansive, while darker ones are dramatic.

If budget permits, hire a professional Interior Designer can submit fresh designs to choose from. If on a tight budget, start researching from the internet and look for good designs, ask some ideas from your friends that had gone through home improvements.  Do not change plans from time to time, it will  lead to extra expenses, and a wasted time and effort.

Hiring a contractor. If you enjoy and has an experience in do-it-yourself works, minor home improvements such as painting and carpentry works can be done to cut labor cost. But if it is a major project, you will need the expertise of a professional, hiring a contractor is not that easy and can be tricky at times. Personal recommendations from friends or from neighborhood is a good choice since they already experienced how to deal with the contractor and the quality of the work is already tested.

Call and pre-qualify three contractors and request for a formal bid proposal with the same specifications and plans. Check if the contractor is licensed, insured for workers compensation, damage and personal liability. Ask atleast three customer references for background verification. Most customers would be glad to share experiences with their contractor if they feel good about their new house. Be wary about contractors who will submit for the obvious low bid, tricks and inexperience can be the loopholes in the bid that would put quality at risk. Ask if the contractor will be managing other projects other than yours, and if the contractor will be on the site to supervise the job or will only designate a foreman.

When you have made a selection, check all the details of the contract including the agreed timetable of the project.

Canvass for Materials and Estimate Cost. Do not just rely on your contractor’s estimate. Take time to visit several home improvement centers to check for materials and fixtures cost.

Explore ways to achieve great looking results with moderately priced materials.  Know the many options available. Knowing the world of possibilities gives you the possibility to choose less expensive materials or fixtures without comprising results.

Buying a house is not easy at all, because in addition to problems regarding the costs of the house itself there are also many other variables that you need to take into consideration, like the location of the house. Since when you buy a house you usually think that you will be living there for a long time, it is very important to choose the city, town, village or simply quarter that you like. If you are planning to buy a house in the north of Italy, a house in Cerea, Arcole or other cities and villages in the province of Verona might be good for you.

The city of Verona is known all over the world above all for the Arena, a historical monument that still hosts important shown and concerts, first of all the Opera Festival, and because it is in this beautiful city that was set one of the best-known and most appreciated tragedies in history, Romeo and Juliet, which most of us have read or seen at the theatre and that still echoes in the city thanks to Juliet’s balcony, one of the favourite destinations of lovers and tourists in general. But the province of Verona, like many other provinces of the region Veneto, is also rich in smaller but beautiful villages and towns, where you can buy cheaper houses and apartments than in bigger cities. If you wish to live in a nice place, but you would like to spare, the better choice that you might do is buying a house in San Bonifacio, Cerea, or other towns like that. In this way you would have many advantages from the point of view of costs (but also of peace and silence, if you do not like bigger cities), and at the same time you would have the chance to enjoy places that are not very famous but which would deserve to be discovered. Moreover, you would be not far away from Verona, Mantua and many other beautiful cities.

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An evidence of this is given by Cerea, a village of about 16,000 inhabitants in the province of Verona. In the middle of a plain, Cerea is not far away from the cities of Rovigo and Mantua. The ideal location for those who work outside the region Veneto, in the province of Mantua. A position that could be defined as strategic, since Cerea is only a few kilometres away from the bigger centres that you might have to travel to for an excursion with family and friends or for work. Cerea has the advantages of a small village and gives its inhabitants the possibility to go to the cities nearby quickly. San Bonifacio is an interesting village, too: 26 kilometres away from Verona, San Bonifacio is certainly a nice place to visit and to live in, thanks to the monuments and interesting historical sites that make it very picturesque, but also for its wine tradition.

The list of interesting cities in this area might be much longer, but the idea is always the same: if you want to buy a house in a nice Italian town, not far away from bigger cities but less busy than them, a village in the province of Verona might be what you are looking for.

If you have a large garden in front of your house, then you could decide to have a cottage garden in the large space that you have.

Cottage garden in large areas looks very enchanting. You should remember cottage garden reflects your creativity.

You can’t expect to maintain a cottage garden if you have a very casual approach towards cottage gardening.

Plan a cottage garden, if you are ready to give time to nurture it.

You do not need to be a creative genius to plan a cottage garden. You should have presence of mind, to make the best possible use of your time, space and your creativity. Make best use of recycled products that lie as a waste in your house.

To plan a cottage garden, is both fun and hobby. If you infuse thought into your plans, your cottage garden could be a source of inspiration for others as well.

The most significant part of cottage garden is the path that you have inside the cottage garden. If your garden is spread out, then you probably need to visit nook and corner of a garden to water your plants, or plant a new seedling.

It’s important then to have a brick laden path all round the garden, which in fact will have two purposes. Firstly, it would protect your cottage garden from crawling storm water; secondly, you can reach all the plants that lie in the corner of your cottage garden.

The second path should be a brick laden straight vertical path to the other end of your garden, which beautifies your cottage garden.

The path inside your cottage garden should be flanked by vegetables on both ends. It would then be easier for you to pluck vegetables when require.

You need to grow green grass in the vacant areas. Avoid concrete lawns, and use the spaces to grow fruits and flowers.

Use arches to support climbing plants if you have any. Keep in mind that arches are an important part of cottage gardens. Never have an arch on the entrance, rather arrange it on the garden itself. The arch would serve two purposes. Firstly, you could relax under it on summer. And secondly, you could watch your climbers grow above you.

You should use wooden materials to make arches. Polish a bit to add beauty to your cottage garden.

What plants would you grow on your cottage garden?

Grow fruits in the mid section of your cottage garden, and vegetables by the brick laden pavement.

Climbing flowers would provide aroma to the surrounding.

Have enough space in your garden. Don’t suffocate your plants, even plants need breathing space; therefore grow plants at a considerable distance.

You could have trees as well, if you want. Bushes on the surroundings of your garden will add dimension to your cottage garden.

Finally, devote little time of yours to make your cottage garden, a beautiful place to look at.

Small House + Small Business Can = Successful DayCare Business!

Are you a stay-at-home mom thinking of starting a day care business? Think your house is too small? Think you’ll have even less space if you do day care?

Think again!

You can earn money without having tons of extra equipment in your home, and  have added adventures with your own kids, IF you think about day care for school age children!

Babies are cute as can be, but require cribs, high chairs, diapers, diaper changing stations, bottles, and a zillion other things. They need naps, lots of individualized attention and plenty of time.

Of course, our older children need attention too, but if you have limited space, enjoy doing things and going places with children, and, perhaps, built-in companionship for your own children, think about “day care” limited to a few school age children.

Parents need a safe and loving place for their children before the school bus comes and after it drops them off. They need a place for their child on school holidays, half-days, snow days, teacher days and summer.

You can offer all of that to a few children who will benefit from being in a home atmosphere with other children they either know already or will get to know.

Of course, check with your city or county to ensure that you are in compliance with any and all requirements to do any type of day care.

Also check with your home insurance carrier about an inexpensive day care rider on your homeowner’s policy. If you plan to do any driving with the children, check in with your car insurance carrier as well, and (goes without saying) ALWAYS have the children buckle up.

Instructions

Once all is in place, start looking for your first customer! Put the word out to friends, neighbors, your local school. Be specific about what you want to do: before and after school only? Will you do school holidays? Spring and winter vacation? Summer?

Decide upon your hours. How early can a child come? By what time must children be picked up? Will you charge extra if pick up is late? (You should!)

To figure your fee, check local newspapers, local bulletin boards, ask your friends and neighbors what they pay for such care, etc. Fees differ greatly by region.
NOTE WELL: Be as flexible as you want to be, but somehow incorporate payment even when the child does not come. That is the ONLY way to ensure some income you can count on, AND discourage parents from deciding at the last moment that they’ll pick up or drop off themselves. Be fair to them, but be fair to yourself!

Parents will appreciate most anything you do for and with their children that doesn’t involve TV. Young school age children love to be outside. Local playgrounds, whether at the school or in county parks are great places to take them for free-form play or to play group games.

Reach back in memory and teach them the games you used to play! Many of the games may be new to this age group and they’ll love them. “Swing the Statue”, “Red Light”, “Simon Says”, “The Wolf”, jump rope, hopscotch, are great fun.

When it’s rainy, consider the library. If you’re lucky, there may be an age appropriate activity. If not, on the way there, talk to the children about looking at books for a certain amount of time, reminding them of the need to be quiet and respectful of others using the library.
Simple crafts that can be finished in time to present to a parent at pick-up are also great for such days.

Homework: Most parents will appreciate your giving the children time, and even a little help with simple homework assignments. By ensuring some fun time and snacks first, you’ll probably find that the children like working together on their different assignments. Set a timer so they’ll know homework will only last for a short while.

Let’s talk snacks! It really is not expensive to offer ones that are healthy and appealing. If any children have special dietary needs, have the parents provide them.
HINT: At the onset, be kind but firm regarding food requests, and do have a “rule” that food and drinks be eaten at the table. You’ll quickly discover certain things that everybody likes – serve those. This is a super opportunity to help children learn to be

good guests rather than smaller versions of those adults we all know who require “special feeding” to be happy. I have fond memories of a charming young man who announced that his apples needed to be peeled and his bread crusts removed. I told him I couldn’t do that at my house…end of story and he ate every apple with peel and every piece of bread with crust that I ever offered him. No fuss – no argument…just “fact.”

If you live near a subway or bus, think about small adventures when you have the children with you for a whole day. Even if you end up only riding, or just take a little walk from the stop where you get off, they will love it. If you are near a park or city, bring bread crumbs for feeding to birds or ducks.
Plan a picnic (this can be just the lunch you’d be fixing anyhow, but packed up in picnic style). Kids are great as they love anything a little different, especially if YOU make it a big deal and fun!

Tips & Warnings

Help the children put things away, whether they be activity items, snack remains or school books, pens, etc. just before parents’ arrival time. Parents will appreciate being able to leave quickly and you’ll not be left with a big clean-up once everyone is gone.
In the summer, and during holiday weeks, be on the look-out for free community activities. Free movies, music or holiday-themed events aren’t difficult to find and offer something new and different to do with children.
If you live within walking distance of an elementary school, use this to your advantage.
As stated in introduction, be sure you are in compliance with any local or state ordinances for day care.
Check with your home owners and car insurance for inexpensive riders that will protect you.
When going out with your small group, always review the importance of staying together. Holding hands is essential!

Resources

How to Offer Day CareServices

Home-Based Business Day Care Provider

Photo Credit

www.totallytogetherjournal.com/wp-content/upl..

Financial Planning to afford your child’s Private School Fees

Being a parent and affording school fees isn’t always easy. A survery conducted in Australia in 2006 found that 55% of parents heavily underestimate the costs of educating their children. Over the past decade, the number of children attending private schools in Australia has risen by more than 25% – and with this is the increased cost of education. On average, the cost to privately educate a child through primary and secondary school is around 5,000 – that’s per child! – and the cost continues to rise. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that between 1982 and 2003, the cost of education increased on average by 7.3% per year (compared with an average increase in inflation of 4.4%). Based on the current Consumer Price Index (CPI), secondary education figures, a child born today will cost almost ,000 to send to a private school for Year 12 alone! To afford these expensive school fees you need to start thinking now about financial planning to help you.

Financial Planning for School Fees

You should think of the task of affording school fees just like any other investment. It’s a matter of balancing risk and return, and thinking about the time frame which you have to work with. When it comes to affording to educate your children you have to save for it, or make it through investing and wealth creation. The most powerful is a combination of both of these methods.

1. Saving for School Fees This strategy is all about finding the most efficient form of savings possible. This could mean a savings account, regular savings into a more aggressive investment, paying down your mortgage, or even reducing your credit card debts. It’s about financial discipline and efficiency. As an example, say you had a personal loan at 14% interest. For every dollat that you pay off this loan, not only are you 14% better off, but unlike the interest that you would be earning from a term deposit, you don’t have to pay tax on this.

Tips for saving for your child’s school tuition:

Know your financial position. Do a budget and a financial position analysis. Understanding where you’re at financially can help you take affirmative action to get your savings on track. Use our free Budget Calculator and Financial Position Calculator to see just how your finances stack up.
Effective savings strategy. Choose the right savings strategy for you and make sure that where your savings goes maximises your benefit as far as possible and within your comfort levels.
Efficient savings. When you’ve set up your savings strategy, make sure you’re efficient and save as best as you can.

2. Weath Creation to Afford School FeesMany people are tempted to jump straight into the wealth creation side before becoming experts in the savings but be warned, in the same way as a building needs strong foundations, your financial future requires you to have perfected the effective and efficient use of what you’ve got before making the transition to generating greater returns from these foundations. The options and possibilities are almost infinite when it comes to investing and generating returns for welath creation. For this reason, it’s important to understand what your capacity is both in a monetary sense as well as an emotional sense. Growth assets such as Australian and International shares and property may be the first port of call as these types of investments tend to generate the highest long-term investment returns. If you start early and have a longer time-frame to work with, you probably have the time to ride out the normal volatility waves which are common to these types of investments. If you don’t have the luxury of a lot of time to invest, you may have to be more cautious in your wealth creation strategy. One idea is to establish a savings plan through a flexible mortgage. This way parents can pay off the home loan as fast as possible and re-borrow funds at the beginning of each school year.

Tips to wealth creation for school fees

Investment time horizon or time frame. As with all investing, time is your biggest ally. Start thinking about your investment strategy as early as possible – preferably when your child is born.
Be aware of your investment risk personality. We’re all different. Some of us are comfortable taking bigger risks than others. This is also true when it comes to investing. Make sure you choose an investment strategy that you’re comfortable with. It has to pass the “sleep at night” test.

Saving and investing for your child’s education is something that needs and deserves careful thought and planning for success. A Financial Spectrum financial planner can help you identify the right strategy for your circumstances. Book now for your free first meeting with a financial planner in the Sydney CBD or give us a call on 1300 886 018.

Would you consider using sites and tools like Facebook, Twitter, Plaxo, and LinkedIn if you knew that by doing so you would be generate new business for your real estate efforts each and every month?

I hope you answered yes so let’s begin on how to create your social network for your real estate business.
 
Start with a Purpose
 
The very first step that is required in building a social network is to set a goal for what you hope to get out of it. That might be 6 transactions a year, 1 transaction a month, or 2 transactions a month. The purpose of setting a goal is so that you know what you are working for and that you are going to create a network that you want to be a part of and that you are able to provide value to.
 
It is all about who you know
 
Social networking is truly about who you know just like it is when you are networking with people in the real world. The concept is no different when you are moving your network on the Internet. Start with a list of the people that you know and reach out to them to find out what social networking site that they are already on.
 
A great way to do this is using the phone (yes e-mail is faster but the phone allows a personal touch). A script to use is the following:
 
“Hi [name of person you are calling] I wanted to call and see how things were doing and I wanted to ask you a question. Are you currently using any social networking websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Plaxo?”
 
The answers that you collect will allow you to start with the site that is most popular among your current network. That is not to say that you can’t just start one but this is a great chance to get back in touch with people and to find out what tool they are using.
 
Provide Value to Your Network
 
The mistake that many real estate agents, and many others, make when they begin social networking is that they only want to use it to promote themselves and their business. They don’t want to take the time to contribute to their network. The #1 rule in networking is always to provide value first prior to asking for something in return.
 
As a real estate agent you have many different items of value that you can provide. It might be market updates or sales stats. Whatever you choose to provide make sure that it is something that people want and need to know.
 
Providing value is always the key in building a successful network and focusing on it will help you build a solid network that will help you for years to come.

Joseph Bridges is one of the coaches and founders of the Online Real Estate Success Program. The Online Real Estate Success systems empower real estate agents to market thei

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A property developer upgrades the value of a property. He makes some kind of improvements to the property and increases the value. An individual can be a property developer, but in most of the cases, partnership, limited liability company or corporation. Cheloor property developers is a limited company with extensive property development experience.

The real factor is that property development business is risky. But of curse, property development projects will generally be profitable if the commitment of cash is kept to a minimum and the project can quickly start generating a positive cash flow sufficient to cover debt service. There are some added costs of property developers themselves called hard costs . There are some other cost too to be borne by the property developers, such as the fees of various and micsellaneous consultants necessary to get the work done properly. This cost is known as soft costs.

In Thrissur, nobody needs an introduction to the House of Cheloor. The business family, with a background dating back to more than 200 years and more than a century old business house especially in property development. Thanks to Mr.Ravi Cheloor who changed the focus of the family into business from the traditional roots in agriculture. Mr. Ravi Cheloor accelerated the velocity of this transition by founding Ramdas Movie House.

After the completion of Devaki Auditorium at Guruvayur, as of the part of business diversification, Cheloor business house has stepped into property development and film distribution. Cheloor Property Development Projects Limited is the Company behind a number of successful housing projects in Guruvayur, Thrissur and Ernakulam. Dr. Ramdas Cheloor, son of Mr. Ravi Cheloor is now upholds the visions and responsibilities of his father with untiring zeal.Dr.Ramdas is well experienced and widely travelled person with firm grip on Western values and Indian traditions India’s economy grows and the information technology, and IT enabled services evolves and manufacturing industries expand, property development is emerging with a high velocity. Cheloor Property Development Projects Limited acquire raw land and redevelop the property to construct building projects and they mainly concentrate on apartment construction.

Real estate marketing is about reaching your target audience in a unique and creative fashion.

Marketing in real estate tends to be bland and boring. Here are a few ways you can spice up your business, distinguish yourself from the competition, and strengthen your core clientele.

1. Client & Cocktails

This is one of my most favorite marketing strategies.

What’s better than expressing your appreciation towards your clients for their business? Expressing your appreciation with your clients over cocktails and appetizers at your favorite local restaurant!

The concept goes like this: Pick out your favorite local restaurant. Reserve the executive dinning room or even the lounge area. Invite all your clients, their friends and family, and your prospects for a bit to eat and some drinks as a sign of appreciation for their present and future business.

Get creative and raffle prizes and have games or possibly give out gift certificates for restaurants, home appliances, or even movie tickets.

Introduce your clientele to each other and create conversation. Since the common association is YOU and homes, naturally the conversations start there.

The greatest part is that many of your clients are more than happy to give you all the praise in the world because you helped them into their dream home. Not only does that reinforce your image as “their” real estate agent, but if any of your prospects come your probability of conversion just sky rocketed!

2. Jazzy Real Estate Flyers

One of the most simplest solutions towards distinguish yourself amongst your competition is to have high quality advertising.

It is a proven that buyers respond highly to colorful and attractive ads. If that is the case why are your listing flyer ads printed in black and white? Moreover, what is going on with the bland standard Microsoft templates you are using?

Do yourself a favor spend the extra 10 cents per copy for color! 10 cents per page goes a long way and is a drop in the bucket when it comes to your budgeted marketing expense for your listing. You do have a set marketing budget don’t you?

Add some color and take some time to create an attractive looking flyer ad for your property. You do not have to hire a graphic designer. Just download real estate flyer templates on the web and design them yourself!

Remember, flyers are the first impression you get one each property you list. Using black and white, boring, and low quality real estate flyers is an equally perceived valued on your listing and you as a real estate agent. Real estate flyers do help sell your properties. Be proud of them. And if your flyer box goes empty fast… take that as a sure sign there is interest in your listing and their might be a neighbor thinking of a possible sale soon.

3. Open House Exhibit

Have fun with Open House! Try being a bit different and a bit creative.

Depending on your target market, try holding Open House “EVENTS.” Possibly collaborate with a local artist for an Open House Art Show. Or have a themed Hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting one evening. You can possibly partner with a local restaurant to help promote their restaurant and your listing.

The goal here is to package the open house process differently than your real estate counterparts. This will create excitement with the neighbors that they will not forget.

4. The Neighborhood Garage Sale

This is a fun project to do around spring time.

Many homeowners have cluttered garages and typically hold garage sales independently. Try organizing a neighborhood garage sale. Promote the garage sale in the local papers, throughout your database, and tape signs throughout the city. Make sure to add:

“This Neighborhood Open House, Brought To You By [ YOUR NAME]“

Use and/or modify your signage and flags to point passer bys in the right direction.

This will help create a bond with your prospects and give you common conversation starter.

5. Community Roundtable

During times of debate, organizing a community discussion at the local community center, park, or home is very effective.

Take for example our current events due to the mortgage fallout. Quite possibly there are homeowners that concerned about the future of their properties and the options they have to safeguard their investments.

You can pool together your broker, a mortgage expert, banker, and a CPA or Financial expert to openly discuss what is going on with the housing market and how it effects the neighborhood. The neighborhoods can ask questions and spark discussion.

The beauty of this strategy is that you brought organized this discussion and have strengthened your brand and image within your neighborhood market.

6. Party On The Block

An excuse to party? Not quite. However, this is a fun way to meet new contacts and socialize with the neighborhood.

Best if held around summer and strategically placed around common events. A few ideal themes can include: 4th Of July, End Of School Year, Back To School, Memorial Day, Spring Fling, and Summer Solstice to give you an idea.

Help the community organize. Use your business-to-business connections to provide fool drinks or sponsorship. Donate resources for party favors or a giant inflatable bounce castle.

Get creative and reach out to your clientele. Going that extra step separates you from the competition.

Many of these ideas cost little to do, but yield exponential dividends to your business.

I hope these insights help to inspire you and recharge your real estate business.

What is fee for service financial planning?

Fee for service financial planning is where a client pays their financial adviser a fixed fee for the services and advice they provide.  Much like you would pay your mechanic to service your car.

Currently in Australia there are two main ways that financial planners are paid Commissions and Fee for Service:

Commissions – this is the most common form of remuneration for financial planners in Australia.  It is where product providers or financial institutions pay financial advisers a commission when their client invests or purchases their product or investment.  There are generally two types of commission that are paid:
- Upfront commissions which is a larger lump sum amount paid to the financial adviser when the product or investment is first set up.  This lump sum amount varies depending upon the arrangement with the provider but is generally around 4%
- Trail commissions which is a smaller ongoing commission which is paid to the financial planner usually on a monthly basis for the life of the investment or as long as the client retains the product or advises the provider that they have transferred to another financial planner.  The average trail commission is around 0.8% per year.
Fee for Service – this is a less common form of remuneration for financial advisers where instead of receiving payment from the product provider, the client pays their financial planner directly for their time and advice.  Often there will be a set fee either based on an hourly rate and/or packaged based where you can choose to pay for particular services such as a full Statement of Advice or setting up of a Self Managed Super Fund.
Which financial planning payment style is better?  Commission vs fee for service?

There has been a lot of debate in the media about which style of remuneration provides is better for clients.  The overwhelming majority of financial advisers in Australia are still commission based but our opinion is that fee for service financial planning is much better for clients as it lessens the risk of a conflict of interest.  When a financial adviser is paid by a product provider we believe that they are inclined to work for the commission rather than work for the client.  This can result in clients being “sold” into products which may not necessarily be the 100% best option for their needs.  Say your financial planner has 2 options of where to recommend you invest.  One is better for your needs than the other, but the lesser alternative happens to pay the adviser a larger commission.  You can see where the conflict for commission based financial planners arises.

In addition is the problem where most financial advisers in Australia don’t offer advice in areas such as budgeting, savings, and tax structuring as because they aren’t placing their client into a product they don’t get paid.  Many people need this grassroots financial advice from a professional and aren’t getting it for this reason.

At Financial Spectrum, we believe that fee for service financial planning is the way forward.  We know that we are in the minority of financial planners in Australia but we believe that this payment structure offers the best service to our clients and enables us to give advice to our clients in all areas of financial advice.  At the end of the day, it is our clients who pay us for our service and advice, and it is our client that we are working for.

Celebrated around the world for their beauty, beaches, and history the romantic islands of Zanzibar are under the influence of arabs especially one of the most attractive in Stone Town one of the island biggest attractions. Stone Town is the old city and cultural center of Zanzibar, which rose to prominence in the 17th century.  the haunting history of stone town is enough to make you shiver, the old slave castle and market are reminders of what the island was most famous for. David Livingstone used Stone Town as his base for preparing for his final expedition in 1866. Stone town is characterized by meandering alleys and noisy bazaars and is one of the few intact historical Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. Stone Town consists of approximately 2,500 buildings all made of coral stone, lime and clay, including 45 mosques, 2 christian churches and 4 hindu halls. Since Stone Town was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, several buildings have been renovated and restored by the duly appointed Stone Town conservation authority.

Stone Town is jam-packed with historical architecture and a rich ethnic culture and in the towns narrow streets, every sight, every glance conjures up the romantic pasthowever, for most visitors Zanzibar is about the sea, the corals, and the dolphins. While visiting the islands you should schedule for the fascinating walk through Stone Town that is rewarding. The contrast in Zanzibar between the main town area, Stone Town and the tourist venues on the islands are startling. As you walk through the town, please remember that stone town is very much a real community, where real people live and work. Narrow alleyways, intricately carved doors and ornate balconies is what makes Stone Town a popular destination in Zanzibar. You will lose your bearings here for sure, but getting lost in Stone Town is normal, fun and harmless. Key attractions in stone town include the old dispensary, Livingstone’s house, the peace memorial museum, the palace museum, the Arab fort and the house of wonders (which translates from its local name, Beit el Jaib). Beyond Stone Town clad in spice gardens are silver sandy beaches bejeweled by superb resorts.

The port area of Stone Town has one or two good wreck dives. I would suggest maybe two day dives in and around stone town and then move to the beaches and islands for the more exciting diving experiences.