British Gold Coins and Capital Gains Tax

British Gold Sovereign Coin
The British Sovereign is one of the most widely traded gold coins in the World. Besides the intrinsic gold value that these coins hold, their appeal stretches beyond their weight in gold due to exemption from capital gains tax. The Full Sovereign weighs 7.9g, with the Half Sovereign weighing 3.9g, and the much more recent Quarter Sovereign weighing 1.9g. All Sovereigns are struck in .916 2/3 fineness, more commonly known as 22ct, and have been Minted by either the Royal Mint in London, or a royally sanctioned Mint in Australia, India, Canada or South America. Regardless of the country in which these coin have been minted, they all carry the British Design, and therefore remain legal tender, with a nominal value of one pound sterling. Needless to say the market value of these coins as an investment is significantly higher than their £1 face value.

Money Myth No.2: The Ultimate Goal Is More Money

The ultimate goal is not more money; the ultimate goal is more influence. Money is just one of the ways for us to get to a place of influence. Money is simply the vehicle - an important one, yes - but a vehicle nonetheless, not the destination itself. The goal is to use the wealth we gain to increase purchasing power, so that we may effectively impact and change the lives of those with whom we come into contact.

The Bible says "money answers all things". (Eccl 10:19) It answers problems. It provides solutions to things that plague our world. So, what you're after is the solution, not the money! Why is that important? It's important because it encourages us to spend our lives looking for problems to solve. Don't wake up every morning chasing dollars. Wake up every morning with the desire to uncover problems! Ask God to show you where you can be of help, where you can be of service. How you can make a difference? When you do that, then you are motivated to earn more money, motivated to create, to take action, to do what's necessary to gain wealth because you have a higher purpose for it.

Money Myth No4: Your Increase Has to Come Through Your Job or Business

It's true, 2Thess3:10 does say that "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." So, yes, you have to keep working for God to bless your efforts, but that blessing can come from anywhere. Money doesn't always have to come through your work!

God says this in Is45:3: "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

There are riches stored in secret places! Riches you aren't even aware of, treasures hidden in dark places! It's amazing how God moves - He can use people to bless you, people you never expected to come your way! He can use anything and anyone - related or completely unrelated to your work. In other words, you don't have to just rely on next week's paycheck, the blessing may come before then, and it may come from an unexpected giver. 

Money Myth No1: It's How Much You Keep

Have you ever heard it said, "It's not how much you make, it's how much you keep"? I hear people say it all the time - especially bankers, financial planners and counselors. I disagree, though. It's not how much you make or how much you keep, it's how you use what you have.

The most important lesson I've learned about money is this: respect God's provision. God is expecting you to honor Him and all He's given you. He has given you the power to acquire wealth, and like anything else, if you are careless with that wealth, and choose not to respect it, He will allow it to be taken from you, or "devoured" by the enemy. (Mal 3:11)

So, here's how you honor and respect God's provision:

Why You Need To Understand Bank Exchange Rates

In an increasingly global market place, particularly in Australia where the bulk of goods we consume come from overseas imports it has become important to understand Bank Exchange Rates and how they are calculated.

The strong Aussie dollar - near record highs - has seen the majority of Australians now buying their goods from overseas usually over the internet. The reason for this is usually two fold and comes down to ease and more competitive prices. Personally, I have traveled the world and have seen the prices paid for basic and non basic items and became somewhat disillusioned with the poor service and prices we receive in outlets across Australia. Without harping on too much, it is important to understand how the bank's come up with this rate and what you can do to achieve the best possible rate.