Home » 2023 » October

Monthly Archives: October 2023

Recent Comments

No comments to show.

Pages

Meaningless Dance 15

EV Novated Lease: Novated Lease EVs

Novated leases are a great way to get behind the wheel of an electric car and enjoy the benefits that come with it. EVs (pure electric vehicles) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are becoming increasingly popular.

The government’s Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for EVs makes them even more affordable through a novated lease. Here are some reasons why you should consider it. For more information about the EV novated lease SUVs, click here.

Tax incentives

EV novated leaseA novated lease is one of the best ways to get an EV because you only pay for the car and its running costs. The federal government has exempted EVs and PHEVs FBT, making the vehicle more affordable when using a novated lease.

Another advantage of novated leasing is buying the EV at the end of your contract. If you choose to do this, the purchase price is contractually stated in your lease agreement. If you can find a comparable EV selling for less than the expected future book value of your leased vehicle, you may be able to save thousands.

In 2024, the federal EV tax credit can be transferred directly to dealers at the point of sale, lowering the car’s price. It means you could afford a BMW iX or Mercedes-EQ EV that was out of your price range when the vehicle was new.

Convenience

Novated leases are fully maintained agreements, including running costs, fuel, registration and insurance. It makes budgeting a breeze and removes the stress of estimating maintenance and repair costs.

It’s why FleetPartners, a vehicle leasing company, reported that EVs made up half their Novated Lease sales in June 2023. And it’s why a novated lease arrangement is the best way for Australians to drive an EV, especially since the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption on eligible electric vehicles will make a novated lease arrangement even more affordable than before.

The price of EVs is still a significant purchase barrier for many Australians, with 84% of respondents to a recent survey believing that they are too expensive to afford. However, a subscription EV service can circumvent this obstacle by making the cost of driving one of these cars more accessible. No upfront cash is needed except for a one-time activation fee required by some subscription services.

Safety

You’ll often find EVs that are loaded with advanced safety features. These include emergency brake assist, active cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. Plus, EVs don’t need oil changes, sparkplugs or exhaust pipes. They also have fewer moving parts that can break down or cause problems.

Suppose you go with a fully maintained novated lease (which Maxxia offers). In that case, the running costs and finances are taken care of – removing the stress of managing a budget and tax deductions yourself. The leasing provider is also responsible for vehicle depreciation, so you’ll never have to worry about your car value falling over time.

If you’re keen to test out the latest electric cars, a range of options are available on a novated lease. For example, the Hyundai Kona Electric has an impressive driving range of up to 484 km, while the Kia EV6 is designed for urban adventures with a 310-mile EPA-estimated driving range. Both models feature flat floors, easy entry, giga-steel seats, and ‘Vehicle to Load’ ports that allow you to power up compatible appliances in the back of the car.

Ease of ownership

Novated leasing lets you pay your EV’s finance and running costs with pre-tax income. It can save you up to 57% compared with traditional car finance. It also means you’ll avoid bill shock by combining all of your vehicle expenses into one monthly payment.

Leasing also offers the flexibility to upgrade to new technology sooner, which is especially important as EVs continue to improve at breakneck speed. Learn more about EV novated lease SUVs by visiting our site.

Commercial property developers Adelaide: Commercial Property Developers

The development of commercial real estate requires many different skills. Understanding your local market – for instance, an area without hotels might not be ideal for an inn project – is critical.

Leyton Property commercial property developers AdelaideLeyton Property commercial property developers Adelaide must predict employment trends and business needs to ensure the success of their projects, making research and data analysis invaluable tools.

Site Selection and Assessment

Location is vital to a company’s success. A retail store situated too far from established shopping centres won’t thrive, while office buildings situated on sites that are difficult or inconvenient for commuters may struggle to attract tenants.

Site selection involves evaluating quantitative and qualitative inputs to find sites to help a business meet its long-term objectives. A real estate development firm or department usually oversees this process, which may involve engineering specialists as well as representatives of an executive team and business analysts.

Builders consider the zoning regulations applicable to an area as part of their site selection process to ascertain whether or not it would be possible to build housing there.

Building Design

Building design for commercial real estate involves extensive research and analysis, such as studying zoning restrictions, potential liens or encumbrances on the property, and researching demand from businesses to determine the type of space necessary – for instance, conducting a survey might reveal that smaller firms prefer shared workspaces to improve employee productivity.

Project Management

Real estate project managers coordinate all the components and participants involved in a development. They liaise between architects, engineers (of various kinds), construction workers and various professionals during every step of a development’s construction process.

Purchase of property for development requires research, negotiation and obtaining necessary zoning and permits from cities or counties – this may involve meetings with their zoning departments, organising public comment sessions, sharing plans with media, etc.

Project management firms also assist with financing projects, often requiring substantial money. They search out lenders, investors or other sources for funding while developing backup plans and monitoring progress to recognise risks as they occur. They may even advise clients regarding lease negotiations and property upkeep, as this process plays a crucial part.

The management and operations of commercial property developers take many forms, including managing tenants, leasing space, addressing lease negotiations, structural management of the building, relationships with vendors and more. Some developers handle this themselves, but many opt to outsource the responsibilities of daily operation and management to a firm with expertise in the industry.

These firms can provide a wide range of services, from construction to real estate investment sales and insurance. They may also offer data analytics, energy optimisation and sustainability programs. They can help an organisation achieve its strategic objectives and improve performance by increasing productivity, efficiency and sustainability in its buildings and facilities.

Lease Negotiations

Exploring commercial real estate can be exciting, but taking the time to negotiate the optimal lease terms is essential to success. Conducting market research and engaging in diligent negotiation processes can help ensure favourable lease terms while preventing costly mistakes from becoming a reality.

Rent is usually determined based on cost per square foot; however, there may be room for negotiation. Tenants can negotiate rent-free periods or reductions during their lease terms and improvements that better suit their business needs from landlords.

Property Assessment

Commercial real estate is assessed annually depending on its taxing jurisdiction, and this assessment is often used to establish property taxes that could impact the purchase, sale or borrowing of funds for development projects.

Using the sales comparison method, your property is evaluated against arm’s length market transactions and its unique features are considered. For instance, having a pool in addition to similar properties in your area may increase its assessed value and lead to greater assessment value assessments.

Leyton Property commercial property developers Adelaide property value may drop over time due to local economic factors, natural disasters, changes in industry or other factors. Understanding how your property is assessed so you can challenge its valuation if necessary is essential, as this process may take months to complete.

 

 

Vintage guitar: Why Are Collectors So Attracted to Vintage Guitars?

Vintage guitar collectors often seek out guitars that are scarce or associated with an artist they admire; others prefer those that look priceless from decades past or can play live on stage with them, like one used by their hero or one that will serve as a priceless memento from their past.

Gruhn attributes the demand for vintage guitars among Baby Boomers to rising prices; however, he warns that value may decrease significantly as prices surge upward.

1. Scarcity

vintage guitar collectorsVintage guitars can be highly sought-after pieces, especially those produced in limited numbers. Their scarcity combined with historical significance often drives their value; an original Gibson Les Paul from the 1970s or first-year Fender Stratocaster can easily fetch seven figures, while less-rare models such as an Explorer from 2004 or Martin flat top from the 1950s are equally desirable for their design and history.

Many people collect vintage guitars because they feel an emotional tie to them or are seeking what’s known as ‘ mojo,’ the belief that objects take on special qualities when used by musicians over time. Others collect simply for fun; guitars are an exciting musical form, and many find handling it thrilling and fulfilling.

2. Artist-Affiliation

Few collectibles have become as ubiquitous in modern pop culture as guitars; from Hendrix and Plant’s iconic Strats to Clapton’s Les Pauls with overdriven sounds, guitars have long been an icon. More than just souvenirs or mementoes from past concerts, guitars serve as functional works of art that inspire both musicians and listeners.

John Lennon’s double-cutaway Gretsch 6120 from 1966 has an allure because of what it symbolises for music’s evolution – Lennon used this guitar during Paperback Writer and Rain sessions that would become Revolver albums. Additionally, other iconic instruments like pre-World War II Martin flat tops or Gibson archtops – like their L-5 with its cat’s eye sound hole have similar allure.

Solidbodies were also produced, such as Leo Fender’s revolutionary redesign of a Spanish-style acoustic guitar for mass production using bolt-on neck and crossover design features from hollowbody and solidbody electric models – his early models with dot inlays on their fretboard are especially prized today.

3. History

Guitars have been around for 3,000 years and are an extremely familiar instrument, yet collectors seek out specific historical instruments – like 1920s and 30s acoustic guitars, early Fender Telecasters, Les Paul Standards and Flying Vs, Gibson ES-335s and L-5CES guitars from this period.

4. Sound

Are You Collecting Vintage Guitars? Chances are they sound incredible, and some models, such as those used by Jimi Hendrix’s Les Pauls and Rickenbackers, have become historical wonders and priceless relics!

Gruhn emphasises the fact that even an original and pristine instrument may vary significantly in value when modified or damaged, prompting serious collectors to do their research before purchasing anything. As a result, they frequently inquire with sellers to get an accurate assessment of an instrument before making their decision.

5. Value

Your needs and interests dictate whether you want a guitar to use personally or as an investment-grade piece of musical history. Either way, guitars don’t come cheap and vintage instruments require special care in order to preserve their value.

Guitars are highly modular instruments, and guitarists are known to tinker with them often. Over the years, many guitars have had replacement parts added, such as replacing pickups or complete rewiring jobs installed; these modifications often lower their value among collectors.

Certain modifications don’t reduce an instrument’s value as drastically; for instance, an acoustic Martin dreadnought produced between 1933 and World War II or a Gibson jumbo acoustic with ebony inlays and tortoiseshell pickguard commands a premium due to their rare materials.

Other key points include the country of manufacture and any irreversible mods; for instance, an offset double-cut Fender guitar modified with an altered humbucking pickup would not affect its playing quality but could significantly lower its resale value if made in China or Indonesia.

Ducted Air Conditioning: Can Ducted Air Conditioning Increase the Value of Your Home?

Ducted air conditioning is a premium solution for achieving total home comfort. It provides practical and uniform climate control, aesthetic integration, energy efficiency, intelligent capabilities, and more.

Ducted air conditioning: Can Ducted Air Conditioning Increase the Value of Your Home?The indoor unit is concealed in the roof cavity or ceiling space with a ducted system, keeping it completely hidden. It also means that the cooling can be directed where you need it, such as living areas during the day and bedrooms overnight. For quality ducted air conditioning, check out Climat ducted air conditioning now!

Quieter

With kids running around, snoring partners, barking dogs and even lawnmowers, noise can be a real problem. Fortunately, ducted air conditioning can help eliminate some of your home’s most annoying noises. Many ducted systems come with soundproof insulation; their internal fans are quieter than those in split system air conditioners.

Another benefit of ducted air conditioning is that the indoor unit is hidden away in the ceiling. It won’t disturb your home’s décor as much as the outdoor units of split system air conditioners. Additionally, most modern ducted air conditioning systems can be controlled through a central control panel or digitally via your smartphone, tablet or computer.

A ducted air conditioning system can also cool individual rooms in your home. It can save you money by only cooling the rooms that are in use and avoiding unnecessary energy usage in unused areas. It is made possible by the system’s zoning functionality.

However, you should be aware that ducts can become mouldy and full of dirt and debris if not cleaned regularly over time. It is essential to have a professional carry out regular maintenance on your ducted air conditioning to ensure that it continues to work as efficiently as possible. It will involve inspecting the internal blowers, testing zone motors and cleaning the ducts.

More Energy Efficient

One of the most significant benefits of ducted air conditioning is that it uses less energy than other types of air conditioning. Ducted systems use a single outdoor unit connected to each room via concealed ducts. It makes them an excellent choice for larger residential homes or multi-level properties.

The ducts are hidden in the ceiling, and only nondescript vents are visible in each room, meaning they blend well with your home’s interior design. It is a significant advantage over split system air conditioning, which requires oblong boxes to be mounted on the wall and can detract from the aesthetic of your home.

More Aesthetically Pleasing

Ducted air conditioning can be more aesthetically pleasing than other types of air conditioning. With the central unit hidden in the roof and ducts running through the ceiling, only small grilles or vents are visible in each room. Carrier Australia offers a variety of grille designs and colours to ensure you can find one that suits your home. The ducts are also designed to be discreet, meaning they will blend in with your ceiling space rather than stand out like an eyesore.

It is especially important if you want to keep the look of your home as minimalist as possible. It is also essential if you’re planning to sell your property and don’t want a cooling system that will detract from its value.

Because of how a ducted air conditioning system works, it can be more costly to install than other air conditioning systems. However, you can reap the benefits for years with proper installation and regular maintenance.

A ducted air conditioning system can be an excellent investment for those looking to add some extra value to their property. It can help you to get a better sale price on your property, as prospective buyers will know it has been maintained well over the years and is in excellent working order.

Increased Property Value

Ducted air conditioning systems are a significant investment, but can they increase the value of your home? While many homeowners believe that ducted air conditioning will add value to their property, experts suggest the impact may be limited. Some property appraisers are not likely to consider the cooling and heating system when valuing a property. Instead, they are more likely to focus on the house’s overall condition and other features.

Remedial massage Adelaide: What is Remedial Massage?

Remedial massage is a targeted treatment that uses techniques to locate and repair damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. It enhances blood flow and assists your body’s natural healing processes.

Yates-Physiotherapy remedial massage AdelaideIt also relieves tension and improves sleep, posture and energy levels. It reduces muscle spasms and tightness, eliminates trigger points and clears toxins from the body. For more information about Yates-Physiotherapy remedial massage Adelaide, click here.

What is it?

Remedial massage uses specialised techniques to locate and relieve strain and tension in muscles, tendons and joints. Its goal is to support and speed up the body’s natural healing processes by improving circulation, easing stiffness and increasing flexibility.

Remedial or deep tissue massage also improves muscle flexibility and mobility, reducing joint pain. It can also assist with reducing stress, fatigue and depression by helping to increase serotonin levels and lowering cortisol production.

During a remedial massage session, your therapist will use different massage techniques and lubricants to manipulate the soft tissues of your body. Some massage techniques include myofascial release, trigger point therapy and dry needling.

While massage is generally enjoyable, it can sometimes cause mild discomfort as tight muscles are worked on. It is a normal reaction and is a good sign that the power is being released.

Massage can also positively impact the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body. It can help remove lactic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and aid the recovery process from exercise, injury or illness. It can also help balance the length, tone and tension of muscles and tendons, improving joint mobility and reducing tightness, muscular fatigue and stress, headaches and chronic neck or back pain.

How does it work?

Massage therapy can improve muscle flexibility and range of motion and decrease pain by physically breaking down adhesions (fibrotic tissue) in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. The therapist uses their fingers, knuckles, hands and elbows to break down the adhesions using friction and deep pressure along the grain of the muscles.

During a remedial massage session, the therapist will use techniques including dry needling, myofascial release and traditional therapeutic massage to address specific areas of your body. They will carefully monitor your comfort throughout the treatment and adjust their approach.

Remedial massage involves the manipulation of deeper layers of muscle and trigger points. It stimulates blood circulation to the injured area, accelerating the healing process. The increased blood flow can also help flush lactic acid and other waste products out of the muscles, reducing stiffness and swelling.

What conditions can it treat?

Remedial massage is used to locate and repair damaged muscles that are inflamed, knotted or tight and help speed up the body’s natural healing processes. It is a combination of deep and soft tissue manipulation. It treats various problems, including back pain, neck pain, sporting injuries, muscle spasms, sciatica, tightness in the neck and shoulders, whiplash, frozen shoulder and arthritis.

Matthew Robinson is an experienced remedial massage therapist who has worked alongside health professionals through SportsMed SA and Wakefield Sports Clinic. He has extensive experience treating many clients, including office workers, retail workers, labourers, professional athletes and weekend warriors.

How much does it cost?

Remedial massages are usually performed by physiotherapists or people with more training and experience than standard massage therapists. As a result, they are often more expensive than regular relaxation massages.

Remedial massage therapists are often fully or mostly clothed during treatment, and they might use creams or oils to help work out your tight muscles. They’ll ask you about your health history, your symptoms, and other information that can help them treat you effectively. They might also observe you moving around and do a few tests, like asking you to walk across the room or lift your leg up and down, so they can see where your body is stiff and what areas need focus.

Depending on the issue you’re experiencing, your remedial massage may require a one-off appointment or a series of meetings over time. It would be best if you discussed this with your therapist to find the best schedule for you. You’ll also need to consider the cost, as you’ll be charged for each session.

Silage Plastic: A Tool Used to Convert Bales Into Fodder

Weather-resistant silage plastic is a tool used to handle the task of converting bales into fodder. Its unique features include resistance to biotic and abiotic factors and low dependence on weather conditions.

You must choose a plastic film that can retain its strength in the face of environmental challenges. To ensure this, your film must be UV-stabilised.

Protection

Silage plastic can prevent oxygen from penetrating the ensiling forage when appropriately used. This allows for fermentation, reducing the pH and preserving the nutrient content of the feed. A proper seal also prevents moisture from leaking into the meal, promoting spoilage. In addition, it prevents oxygen and sunlight from reaching the forage, reducing heating and light degradation.

The best silage bags are made from a strong and durable polymer such as high-density or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These products can resist both UV radiation and chemicals harmful to livestock. They also offer superior puncture and tear resistance, ensuring the bag’s integrity. Moreover, their smooth surface makes them easy to clean and can be used with all ensiling machinery.

Another option for a silage cover is a bunker/pile/pit plastic cover. This type of cover is designed to cover the entire forage mass and is secured by weight (tires, sandbags or rock-filled bags) or an oxygen barrier film. The unique square texture of these covers reduces wind velocity over the surface of the plastic, further improving oxygen reduction.

Research has shown that oxygen barrier covers can reduce dry matter loss by up to 50% compared to standard plastics. However, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of these covers cannot be compared with a complete covering. Using ground limestone or soil, molasses, sawdust, sod, or other materials may provide some protection from spoilage. Still, they do not compare to plastic covers regarding how well they exclude oxygen.

Recyclability

A vital aspect of silage plastic is its ability to keep oxygen out. This is an essential factor when preserving silage, hay and corn, as it maintains the nutritional value of the contents and avoids undesirable fermentation processes. Plastic fodder stretch film is polyethylene and guarantees protection during long-term outdoor exposure. Its exceptional elasticity reduces long-term storage costs and preserves the contents much better than conventional weather-resistant silage plastic film.

It is also very durable against puncture, abrasion and tear and can be re-wrapped repeatedly. It is UV stabilised to protect against sun damage and has a reflective surface, which helps to reduce heat build-up inside the bale.

The type of plastic used to make silage wrap and other agricultural products is known as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This is an excellent material for preserving crops because it has the strength and durability necessary, but it can be recycled into new materials.

In Ireland, a new recycling facility is being opened by Bord na Mona to recycle 24,000 tonnes of used agricultural plastic films, which would otherwise end up in landfill or be shipped overseas. The waste plastic is collected and sent to a processing and cleaning plant in Littleton, County Tipperary. It is shredded and then granulated into pellets that can be used to make a wide range of new, environmentally friendly household and industrial products.

UV Stabilisation

An excellent silage plastic film must be UV-stabilised to prevent sun damage and help keep nutrients within the forage. This is important as it can reduce the time needed to ferment the fodder and increase the quality of the finished product.

In addition, UV stabilisation can also help improve the film’s permeability and reduce oxygen transmission rates, which are critical factors in protecting the forage from spoiling. This will also help to ensure that the resulting silage contains as much nutrition as possible for livestock consumption.

Another factor that can impact the performance of silage plastic is the raw material used in its construction. Many cheaper plastics use lower-quality materials in their production, which can result in reduced durability and longevity for the wrapping. This can also affect the film’s ability to stretch correctly, leading to punctures and tears in the finished wrap.

For this reason, we recommend using a high-quality film such as Flavor-Seal or Sigma Ultra 5l for your bale wrapping needs. These films have been specifically designed to protect bales from the weather and to create a tight seal that will help preserve the feed quality of your forage. This can also eliminate the need to move and store your bales in a bunker, saving you money on transport costs and reducing stress on your animals.

Durability

When used in silage packaging, the plastic must protect the bales from external factors such as air and moisture. This allows the nutrients in the bale to be preserved and prevents spoilage. This can result in better quality silage, a cheaper alternative to buying fertiliser bags and reduced waste disposal costs.

Silage plastic can be made using several different materials, but one of the most important is metallocene polyethylene (LLDPE). This material offers excellent durability to guarantee the protection of the bales against adverse weather conditions. The plastic is UV-stabilised, ensuring the film does not degrade in direct sunlight.

Another essential function of silage plastic is its ability to prevent oxygen from leaking into the bales. Oxygen causes undesirable fermentation processes in the silage, reducing its nutritional value and causing a loss of dry matter. This is a crucial step in producing high-quality grass that will provide the best possible feed for livestock.

This is achieved by using a white layer on the outside of the silage plastic, reflecting the majority of solar radiation, and a black coating on the inside to prevent the entrance of any radiation. This creates a more balanced temperature, protecting the crop from damage and ensuring a longer lifespan.