#efficient capital

[efficientcapitalsolutions06]

Buying Residential Property with SMSF: What Australian Investors Should Know

If you're looking to grow your retirement savings while stepping into the property market, using your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to purchase residential property can be a smart strategy. However, it comes with its own rules, responsibilities, and risks. At Efficient Capital, we’re here to guide you through the essentials of buying residential property with your SMSF.

✅ What is an SMSF?

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private super fund that you manage yourself. Unlike industry or retail super funds, SMSFs give you full control over where and how your retirement savings are invested — including property.

🏠 Can You Buy Residential Property with an SMSF?

Yes, your SMSF can buy residential property — but under strict conditions. The property must be purchased solely for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to fund members. This is regulated by the Sole Purpose Test under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.

📝 Rules and Conditions for SMSF Property Purchase

Here are the key rules for using your SMSF to buy residential property:

The property must be solely for investment purposes. You, your relatives, or any related party cannot live in or rent the property — even at market rates.

It must be purchased at arm’s length. The SMSF must deal with the seller on a commercial basis, meaning the property must be bought and sold at market value.

Borrowing must be done under a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). If your SMSF doesn't have enough funds to buy the property outright, it can borrow money using an LRBA. However, only the property purchased under this arrangement can be used as security.

No renovations funded by borrowed money. The property can be maintained but not improved using borrowed funds.

💡 Pros of Buying Property with an SMSF

Diversification: Adds a tangible asset class to your retirement portfolio.

Capital Growth: Potential for strong long-term capital gains.

Tax Benefits: Rental income is taxed at only 15% and capital gains are taxed at 10% after 12 months.

⚠️ Risks and Considerations

Compliance Complexity: SMSFs are heavily regulated. Any breaches could result in penalties or disqualification.

Liquidity Issues: Property is an illiquid asset and may impact your fund’s ability to pay member benefits.

High Entry Costs: Legal, setup, and ongoing management costs can be significant.

Limited Lending Options: Fewer lenders offer SMSF loans and the terms are often stricter.

Is SMSF Property Investment Right for You?

Using your SMSF to invest in residential property is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. It requires careful planning, compliance, and professional advice. It can be an effective long-term wealth-building tool — but only when aligned with your broader retirement goals and financial situation.

 Talk to the Experts at Efficient Capital

Thinking of buying a residential property through your SMSF? Our experienced team at Efficient Capital can help you:

Assess your SMSF’s borrowing capacity

Navigate compliance and setup requirements

Connect with SMSF-compliant lenders

Plan your strategy for long-term financial success

📞 Contact us today to find out how to make your SMSF work harder — and smarter — for your future.

[dispatchesfromtheclasswar]

"Markets are not perfect, but they are the most efficient and fair mechanism for resource allocation." 

[hetal124-blog]

Sydney Home Loan Essentials: A Complete Guide to Securing Property Financing

In the sprawling metropolis of Sydney, Australia, owning a home is a shared aspiration. However, navigating the complex world of home loans in Sydney can be daunting. From interest rates to loan types, and eligibility criteria to property valuations, there are myriad factors to consider when embarking on this financial journey. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process, providing insights and tips to help you secure the ideal home loan in Sydney.

Understanding Home Loans

Before diving into the home loan guide, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals. A home loan, or mortgage, is a sum of money borrowed from a financial institution to purchase a property. The borrower agrees to repay the loan amount plus interest over a specified period, typically ranging from 15 to 30 years.

Types of Home Loans

In Sydney, borrowers can choose from several types of home loans, each tailored to different needs:

Variable Rate Loans: Interest rates fluctuate with market conditions.Fixed Rate Loans: Interest rates remain constant for a specified period, providing stability and predictability in repayments.Interest-Only Loans: Borrowers pay only the interest for a certain period before transitioning to principal and interest payments.Split Loans: A combination of fixed and variable rate components, offering flexibility.Factors Influencing Home Loan Approval

Lenders assess several factors when evaluating home loan applications:

Credit Score: A higher credit score enhances eligibility and can secure better interest rates.Income and Employment: Stability and sufficient income are crucial.Deposit: A larger deposit typically results in more favorable loan terms.Property Type and Valuation: The property’s value influences the loan amount and terms.Comparing Lenders

In Sydney’s competitive mortgage market, borrowers are encouraged to compare lenders and loan products. Factors to consider include:

Interest Rates: Compare fixed and variable rates.Charges: Application fees, ongoing fees, and exit fees can significantly impact the overall cost of the loan.Loan Features: Look for additional features such as redraw facilities, offset accounts, and flexible repayment options.Government Support and Grants

First-time home buyers in Sydney may be eligible for government incentives, such as the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp duty concessions. These initiatives aim to make homeownership more accessible.

Navigating the Sydney Property Market

Sydney’s property market is dynamic and diverse, with varying property values across suburbs. Conduct thorough research to identify areas that align with your budget and lifestyle.

Securing Pre-Approval

Before house hunting, seek pre-approval from lenders. Pre-approval confirms your borrowing capacity, empowering you to make informed purchasing decisions.

Seeking Professional Advice

Navigating the intricacies of home loans in Sydney can be overwhelming. Engage with mortgage brokers, financial advisors, or property experts to gain personalized insights and guidance.

Long-Term Financial Planning

Owning a home in Sydney is a significant financial commitment. Develop a long-term financial plan that encompasses mortgage repayments, ongoing expenses, and future goals.

Conclusion

Securing a home loan in Sydney requires careful consideration and planning. By understanding the nuances of home loans, comparing lenders, leveraging government support, and seeking professional advice, you can embark on this journey with confidence. Remember, owning a home is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about realizing your dreams and creating a place to call your own in the vibrant city of Sydney.

For all your finance-related concerns, Efficient Capital is here to assist you. Contact us today to ensure a smooth and efficient home loan experience.

[dontmean2bepoliticalbut]

[bonefall]

[ID: Ask from @storiesandsquirrels, transcribed in alt text]

also: link to Cow Lore

There's one major misconception here I've gotta correct before answering earnestly; Holsteins do need Super Duper Food. This is one of their major problems as a breed, you need to give them high quality feed for high quantity, low quality milk.

But! That said! These are valid questions that deserve real responses. In spite of the quick correction, I actually want to answer them as you phrased them because I think it would be more illuminating. I'm going to try and summarize them as I go along;

Question 1: "Why wouldn't we want to use The Most Efficient Cow?"

The simplest answer is disease. My ""prediction"" came true, and bird flu has mutated to spread extremely easily through the infected udders of Holsteins. No one has died of bovine-contracted HPAI yet, but with Brainworm Bobby and his love of raw milk in charge of the CDC...

well. my last prediction was prophetic. let's hope this one's not.

Minmaxing a breed for one specific purpose always means intensive inbreeding. Like I mentioned, 9 million Holsteins are genetically equivalent to 60 individuals. A more genetically diverse population is one that will be better at preventing disease outbreaks, and reducing their severity when they do.

And what even is the Most Efficient Milk Cow? If you're only selecting for pure milk production to drive down its cost, you get a breed of cattle that lacks every other important trait that would make it good livestock;

They get sick more often, due to inbreeding depression and lack of physical fitness, requiring more antibiotics and veterinary care.

They are bad parents who will need more human intervention to birth and raise calves

They won't be good grazers, meaning they need a specific food grown for them, increasing how much "functional" land is actually dedicated to cattle husbandry.

Their carcass won't yield as much meat, so more cattle have to be raised and slaughtered to meet demand.

Their bodies will burn out much quicker than a healthier animal, meaning you need to replace your livestock more often.

When it comes to living beings, "efficiency" is "fragility." It's not a stable system to begin with.

Even with the pure logic aside, just, step back here and look at the situation with a heart. We'd be making unhealthy, short-lived animals lacking critical instincts to lead good social lives. AND we probably haven't even fixed the "less land" problem, just shifted the land off-site.

For what? For more milk? We have SO MUCH milk we don't even know what to do with it!

Question 2: "Isn't an overabundance of cheap milk a good thing?"

no.

Under the infinite genius of Capitalism, thousands of gallons of milk just gets poured into the sewer daily because there's too much of it. Transporting it to a processor would cost more than it's worth, sometimes the processors turn milk away because they don't want to overproduce products, and even the US government can't subsidize every last drop; it still has 1.4 billion pounds of cheese in various caves and warehouses across the country.

The price of milk cannot get any lower because it's already being sold below the cost it takes to produce it, and yet, we're still here literally pouring it down the drain.

[photo from bill ulrich who photographed a farmer dumping milk back during the pandemic. this isn't even a recent photo. this happens every time there's a milk surplus. im using this photo because i like the farmer's cunty little pose. look at him. "just ain't right"core.]

And milk being dumped into the sewer is more than just wasteful. It's a biohazard.

Milk doesn't stop rotting when it's dumped. If you live downstream of a milkhouse, improper milk disposal reeks.

It's full of nutrients, too, which causes diatoms, cyanobacteria, and other types of algae to go into overdrive-- causing a Harmful Algal Bloom event in the water, or HAB.

HABs are horrific. There's HUNDREDS of different types. They can suck up oxygen and create "dead zones" which kills all aquatic life, they can poison the water supply for an entire town, and some can even cause toxic fumes that make it hard to breathe on land.

Now, listen, I don't want to scare you into never dumping out rotten milk or anything! It's that on an industrial scale, it's REALLY REALLY bad if a farm overproduces milk-- especially crummy milk that can't be made into decent cheese or other dairy products.

In fact, if we did produce milk on a smaller scale, it would be better for everyone! Unless you're a Milk Guzzling Fiend like I am, you probably wouldn't need to buy a whole gallon at a time. In countries like Italy, it's sold fresh and in smaller containers, and you're just expected to pick it up as you need it.

This is why milkmen used to exist, and still do in places that are cool; they'd deliver your supply fresh from the creamery. Less waste, less stress! The "subscription model" is actually sooooooooooo much better for milk production, since it helps to stagger out those "surges and drops" of demand that leads to milk dumps.

Question 3: "If the cow eats less, doesn't that mean less land for pasture, which is a good thing?"

There's a lot to unpack within this sentiment. It's actually based on a couple of common assumptions on a few levels, which are incorrect in fascinating ways. Challenging this means opening up your worldview on how complex keeping livestock actually is!

I'll start with the simpler part;

You could cut fresh pasture out of the equation entirely and shove a cow into a concrete pen with a food box-- but are you counting the land growing the fodder?

When you grow corn the way that we do on industrial farms in the US, it's unbelievably destructive. Unending oceans of monoculture. Fogged with pesticide, pumped full of fertilizer which causes HABs like dumped milk does, sprayed with thousands of gallons of wasted water.

When you look at this image, I need you to understand you are looking at a dead zone. Like a suburban lawn, just because it's green doesn't mean it's good. Nothing grows here but corn and pests of corn, which gets poisoned and dies without returning any of that energy to the ecosystem.

This is usually what is being given to "grain-fed cattle," either when they're sent to a feedlot to hit their slaughter weight, or when they're lactating so they need the extra nutrition. It's also so nasty it's inedible to human beings.

Now, a lot of cattle farmers will just supplement their cow's diet, doing a mix of pasture feeding (much cheaper) and grain feeding (quicker gains). But the facts on this are clear; pasture-kept cattle result in LESS emissions and need LESS total space than cows in confinement.

In fact, there were a LOT of benefits!

Overall gas emissions from the cows dropped by 8%

Ammonia pollution was down by 30%

Not needing to run farm equipment for fodder planting and harvest reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 10%

Rotated crop fields didn't sequester carbon; but the newly converted perennial grasslands store as much as 3,400 pounds per acre.

The outside cows did produce less milk volume, but the milk they did produce was higher quality. So, looking at all the benefits here, it's clear that pasture is actually something that should be embraced for ecological reasons, not rejected.

In FACT, it should be EMPHASIZED. Because, this is the mind-blowing part,

Pasture can ALSO be an ecosystem.

In fact, I'm a Warrior Cats guy who once did a deep dive on moorlands just so I could write WindClan better. There are entire biomes that only exist because of grazing, and British lowland heath is one of them!

Keeping cattle in a sustainable, ecologically sound way is going to look different depending on where in the world you're doing it. So many earnest, good-willed people have bought into the lie that humans are a problem, and that everything "associated" with us becomes a barren wasteland as if we are tainted. YOU are not the problem! The problem is, and always has been, exploitation. Unsustainable relationships with the land we're part of.

Indigenous people in Europe, Asia, and Africa have been keeping cattle for thousands of years. In North America, cattle can be used to maintain ecosystems that have been badly affected by the colonial eradication of the American Bison. In South America, Brazil specifically has been making incredible advances with highly efficient integrated crop-livestock-forestry farming.

Generally, pastures here in the US are not as intensely managed as an equivalent crop field. Some people fertilize them, or water them mid-summer, but absolutely not to the same extent as industrial corn farms. Cattle are typically rotated between pastures, allowing each to re-grow before they come back to graze again.

Obviously, yes, overgrazing can be an issue. Not every open space should be converted into a pasture, and the destruction of other environments to turn into cow land is a problem. But that is an issue of bad land stewardship, not the mere practice of keeping livestock.

Bottom line, though? Cattle who can graze and survive outside are better for the environment than cattle that can't.

...but hey, you know what Holsteins happen to be really bad at?

EVERYTHING. GRAZING.

They are notoriously terrible grazers. They can't do megan THEEEEE thing that cows are known for. Fragile frames, a lack of fat to keep them warm outside, increased demand for food, distaste for any rough forage, horrible mothering instincts, the list goes on. Holsteins are a NIGHTMARE to try and keep outside all year round compared to other breeds.

(especially heritage breeds, like the Milking Devon, Florida Cracker, or Texas Longhorn. Between these three, you'd be totally covered in 80% of American climates.)

I've already explained why it's not actually very good or important that we minmax milk volume, but even if that was actually something we should value, there are so many downsides that they would absolutely not be the dominant cow breed in a truly "efficient" system.

"Less cows means less cow food and cow land" is sound logic, but Holsteins are not the right cow for that job.

Question 4: "How could this be done in a way that doesn't increase cost of living?"

I'm not sure how to answer this question, simply because I'm not Bonestar, Leader of AmericaClan. Wish I was. I would rule tyrannically.

It's worth noting that Brazil is the second largest producer of beef in the entire world, AND the number one largest exporter of it, AND only puts 30% of its land to total agricultural use. The USA dedicates over 50%. And also Brazil is net reducing its amount of agricultural land while increasing output.

It seems clear to me that the USA actually has a massive food waste and resource distribution problem, to the point where the price we pay for stuff is actually wildly disconnected from the actual value of the goods and labor.

I think the way that us Americans tend to frame our conversations on these topics as "growth" vs "cuts" instead of asking how to minimize waste by making existing systems more efficient prevents us from solving problems. We're also just... really culturally resistant to the idea of anything being more "expensive," even if it ends up costing us a lot more money in waste or mismanagement later.

Penny wise and dollar foolish ass country.

Question 5: "What can we personally do about this?"

I mean, I wasn't making a call to action in Cow Lore, I was just explaining to one of my regulars why I don't like Holsteins LMAO. Since you're asking though...

I don't think we can change the wider trend in the dairy industry without actual government intervention and regulation, though, and that's very unlikely in the current political environment. they just sent random dudes to Ausalvador-Birkenau and when the Supreme Court said "bring this specific person back" they said "nuh uh." fellas I don't think we're getting better dairy regulations in the foreseeable future.

So I think the most productive thing to do is focusing on supporting small farms and heritage breeds. Get involved in your community garden or heritage society if you have one.

Not only is that generally a very rewarding thing, but it will be helpful to you in case The Situation Gets Worse. Knowing your neighbors and having real human connection is your best defense against economic recession.

Supporting the locals is always a great thing to do, which can be as simple as going to farmer's markets. You don't need to buy fancy food every day to make an impact on your community-- it can be a treat sometimes!

You could also subscribe to the Livestock Conservancy's free newsletter, where they talk about the work they're doing and upcoming events. If you're a knitter, crocheter, or any other kind of fiber artist, you could even join in on a challenge they're running where you make items out of rare wool for prizes!

Should you end up liking the work they do, you can become a member for 4$ a month, or go to one of their educational events.

Even just talking about the problem can do a lot! Did you know the Highland Cow was actually critically endangered in the USA within the past 10 years? It was the work of the Livestock Conservancy, plus a surge in their popularity, that helped to bring their numbers up. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.

All that said, remember, you can't solve every problem. It's a big world and there's a lot of them. Being made aware of an issue doesn't mean you have to drop what you were previously doing-- just care a lot about something that you want to improve, and let that guide you.

[unitedfrontvarietyhour]

More Elon slander bc fuck that guy.

(Pt.2)

[nando161mando]

The efficient healthcare is desired

[mintybagels]

just heard somebody mention how everything being so rapid pace and overly efficient is like taking the fun menial tasks out of cozy games.

most of my ideas come from the in-between bits of living where i find some cool insight from a ritualized task like taking care of my bunny. why are we trying to take the silly side quests out of life, those are my favourite parts of the game

waste time, read books, get into super niche things that nobody else finds value in because you can and you should

[bonbonburgerpants]

Nikki Sixx this, Dr Mike that,

meanwhile me: a mf train loving capitalism hating neeeeerd

His name's Adam Something on youtube

He loves public transport but especially trains, hates stupid big projects that devour funding and could be done differently, finds Elon Muskrat a cringelord and many other things

I love watching him and rewatching his videos time and time again, so when I watched his video about Prague (from where I got all these caps), I went: "OH NO HE'S HOOOOOT"

Also more caps are coming, just lemme reblog it

[efficientcapitalsolutions06]

Can You Really Pay Your Mortgage Using a Credit Card? Here’s the Truth

For many Australians, using a credit card for everyday expenses is a smart way to earn rewards points, manage cash flow, and track spending. So, it’s no surprise that some homeowners wonder: “Can I pay my mortgage with a credit card?”

The short answer is — not directly. Most lenders in Australia do not accept credit card payments for mortgage repayments. But there are workarounds. In this article, we explore how it can be done, the pros and cons, and whether it's a smart financial move.

Why Don't Lenders Accept Credit Cards for Mortgage Payments?

Australian lenders typically only accept repayments through direct debit, BPAY, or bank transfers. Credit cards are not accepted primarily due to:

Transaction fees incurred by lenders

Risk of consumer debt stacking high-interest debt on top of secured home loans

Compliance and regulatory concerns

3 Workarounds to Pay Your Mortgage Using a Credit Card

While lenders don’t allow it directly, some alternative methods exist — each with their own pros and cons.

1. Third-Party Bill Payment Services

Platforms like B2Bpay (Australia) or Sniip allow you to pay bills using your credit card. They act as intermediaries, accepting the card payment and forwarding funds to your lender via bank transfer or BPAY.

✅ Pros: You can earn credit card reward points or extend cash flow.

⚠️ Cons: Service fees usually apply (~1.5%–2.5%), and not all mortgage accounts are eligible.

2. Cash Advance or Credit Card Cheques

You could withdraw cash or use a credit card cheque to pay your mortgage. However, this method is rarely recommended.

⚠️ Cons: High interest rates (often 20%+), no interest-free period, additional cash advance fees.

3. Balance Transfer Offers to Bank Accounts

Some credit card providers allow you to transfer a portion of your credit limit directly into a bank account, often as part of a promotional 0% balance transfer offer.

✅ Pros: Temporary interest-free period (e.g. 12–18 months).

⚠️ Cons: Balance must be repaid within the offer period to avoid backdated interest.

Is It a Good Idea?

✅ Potential Benefits

Earn frequent flyer or rewards points

Help with short-term cash flow

Extend your interest-free period (if using specific balance transfer offers)

❌ Major Drawbacks

High transaction or service fees

Risk of credit card debt compounding

No interest-free days if treated as a cash advance

Could affect your credit score and borrowing capacity

Smarter Alternatives to Consider

Before going down the credit card route, explore more sustainable ways to manage your mortgage repayments:

Refinance your home loan to access a lower rate

Use an offset or redraw facility for short-term cash needs

Speak to a broker to explore flexible repayment structures

Review your overall debt strategy to avoid high-interest liabilities

Final Thoughts

While it is technically possible to pay your mortgage with a credit card through third-party services or indirect methods, it’s often not financially sound for most borrowers. Between the fees, interest rates, and risks to your credit health, the costs often outweigh the benefits.

If you're looking to better manage your mortgage, refinance to a better rate, or explore flexible lending options, our team at Efficient Capital is here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance tailored to your financial goals.

Need expert mortgage advice? 📞 Call us or visit efficientcapital.com.au to book a free consultation.

[dispatchesfromtheclasswar]

[political-us]

DOGE deception

[phoenixyfriend]

I wonder how many business majors turn out like I did: disillusioned leftists who view all they learned for that degree with a healthy dose of skepticism.

[ofruinsandmyth]

[unitedfrontvarietyhour]

Trump Update: he's still stupid and evil.

(Pt.1)