Monthly Archives: May 2014

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Google Enter Home Security

May 30th, 2014

Google are entering the home security market, in an effort to broaden its presence beyond the virtual world and into the modern household. Having already acquired hardware security firm Nest Labs, Google has recently expressed an interest in cloud-based video monitoring service Dropcam. Web-connected household appliances are a growing market throughout the western world, and Google could be among the […]

Early Birds vs Night Owls

May 23rd, 2014

Everyone wants the best of both worlds, but some things are simply not compatible. Most people have a clear preference for late nights or early mornings, with an individual’s place on the day-night spectrum largely determined by their brain structure. While new research has found evidence of physical differences in the brains of early risers and night owls, academics are […]

The Rise of Brazil

May 19th, 2014

With the FIFA World Cup taking place this year, and the 2016 Olympics just around the corner, the nation of Brazil is front and centre on the global psyche. While these two sporting events are helping to focus international attention, they are indicative of much broader changes taking place with the South American giant. The rise of Brazil is both […]

Homeowners and the Budget

May 16th, 2014

Australian homeowners fared well in this year’s budget, with the housing sector not suffering direct hits like other parts of the economy. While Joe Hockey’s cost cutting measures will be fel t far and wide, the family home will not be included in pension means testing as feared and negative gearing stays intact for now. First-home buyers did suffer a […]

House Price Growth Slows

May 9th, 2014

A little heat has evaporated from the Australian housing market, with house price growth dropping nationwide in April results. While positive growth was still recorded in most capital cities, rates of growth were down substantially on previous months. With auction clearance rates and other key data also slowing in the first quarter of 2014, some analysts are forecasting peak market […]

Preparing Kids for Life

May 2nd, 2014

There is a lot parents can do to help their children become more responsible, both within the home and in the wider world. While the education system plays a big role, parents are in the best position to teach their kids the art of responsibility through household chores, financial education, and other routines that help develop good lifelong habits. There […]