What would you do with $950?

Colsmith · #1 04-02-2009, 07:28 AM

Well it seems good ol' uncle Kev is going to give most of us $950!

So, what will you do withh it (it you get it)?

I've wanted a 120mm refracter for quite a while, so I'll put it towards that. Maybe a Black Diamond?

$950 would go a long way towards a large Dob, or maybe you want to get into astrophotography? Of course some will be tempted to pay off personal debt or save it. Or maybe you would buy a new Ethos EP (as suggested in another thread)?

What will you do?

(Please limit your replies to the topic and avoid political discussions)

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #2 04-02-2009, 07:29 AM

Col - this is already under discussion here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=40808 but I understand that you're conducting a poll.

If you want to tabulate this, you probably want to offer a "don't qualify" choice?

Colsmith · #3 04-02-2009, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omaroo

Col - this is already under discussion here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=40808

Yes, but its not a poll and it has devolved into a political discussion! Still, if people think this is superfluous, I won't be too upset if it is removed

iceman (Mike) · #4 04-02-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colsmith

(Please limit your replies to the topic and avoid political discussions)

Yes!

erick (Eric) · #5 04-02-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colsmith

(Please limit your replies to the topic and avoid political discussions)

A donation to the Greens? Oops! Censored!

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #6 04-02-2009, 12:10 PM

The money is going towards a slab so I can finally set up my observatory.
I'm sick of seeing it sitting in pieces in the front paddock while I'm having to constantly set up and pull down every time I want to observe.

stevejack (Steve) · #7 04-02-2009, 12:16 PM

Yeah the last thread went way off the mark - same qestion though so for me (assuming eligibility and follow through) it'll definitely either be a couple of eyepieces (new from Aussie suppliers) or perhaps an Argo Nav. Most likely an Argo.

I guess we could see it as the government actively funding the International Year of Astronomy

AdrianF (Adrian) · #8 04-02-2009, 12:56 PM

Probably save it because I cant think of anything that I really need right now except some extension tubes so I can mount my camera to the scope and achieve focus other than that.......

Adrian

Starkler (Geoff) · #9 04-02-2009, 02:02 PM

Those on low incomes who aren't desperate for the $ (whos that?) , could give their battered super a kick-a-long by taking the $950 gift and putting it into super, and leverage another $1425 (1.5x contribution) from the gov via the super co-contribution scheme

You could take the $950 now, or get $2375 invested into your super

A dollar contributed to super now would be worth a lot more in future than a depreciated dollar investment from a year ago.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #10 04-02-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starkler

Those on low incomes who aren't desperate for the $ (whos that?) , could give their battered super a kick-a-long by taking the $950 gift and putting it into super, and leverage another $1425 (1.5x contribution) from the gov via the super co-contribution scheme

You could take the $950 now, or get $2375 invested into your super

A dollar contributed to super now would be worth a lot more in future than a depreciated dollar investment from a year ago.

Very good advice!!!
Although it will defeat the objective of the giveaway which is to get the money spent but it is still sound advice.

Ric · #11 04-02-2009, 02:55 PM

An ED80 OTA will definitely be on the list

leon · #12 04-02-2009, 04:00 PM

he money is going towards a slab so I can finally set up my observatory.
I'm sick of seeing it sitting in pieces in the front paddock while I'm having to constantly set up and pull down every time I want to observe. __________________
Jeanette

JJJ, for a minute I thought you were talking a slab of beer, to get you through building your observatory.

Leon

Starkler (Geoff) · #13 04-02-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevejack

Argo Nav. Most likely an Argo.

I would love to see every dedicated dob'er get an Argo navis with the $.

Along with enhancing your dso viewing pleasure multiple times over, you would be supporting a worthy Australian astro business and doing your bit for the economy too

renormalised (Carl) · #14 04-02-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starkler

Those on low incomes who aren't desperate for the $ (whos that?) , could give their battered super a kick-a-long by taking the $950 gift and putting it into super, and leverage another $1425 (1.5x contribution) from the gov via the super co-contribution scheme

You could take the $950 now, or get $2375 invested into your super

A dollar contributed to super now would be worth a lot more in future than a depreciated dollar investment from a year ago.

Might sound like a great idea, but what would be the point....the govn' is only going to take it back off you when you collect your super by slugging you with a hefty tax on your super. You end up gaining nothing.

Anyway....I'll be spending mine (if I ever see it) on gear. Still haven't made up my mind yet on what, but I have a few things I'm thinking of grabbing.

stevejack (Steve) · #15 04-02-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starkler

I would love to see every dedicated dob'er get an Argo navis with the $.

Along with enhancing your dso viewing pleasure multiple times over, you would be supporting a worthy Australian astro business too and doing your bit for the economy

Yeah, Argo is a luxury taht I couldn't really justify spending the money on at any other time - especially when I'm screaming for eyepices (whats the point in finding things when you can't enjoy the view?).

But I think its a good chance to inject some cash into a reputable Australian company and get something I'll really enjoy at the same time, and since I was already saving for a 13mm nagler anyway they should hopefully both arrive at about the same time!

On a side note - Gary from Wildcard has personally answered quite a few of my questions on this forum with very detailed responses so he's certainly earned it

Starkler (Geoff) · #16 04-02-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renormalised

Might sound like a great idea, but what would be the point....the govn' is only going to take it back off you when you collect your super by slugging you with a hefty tax on your super. You end up gaining nothing.

I never knew that the gains on super are taxed at 100%.

Even if it were, putting this free gift into super can turn $1 into $2.50 before you even start generating future growth.

The real truth is that money made in super is taxed at lower rates than any other method of wealth generation that the man in the street can access.

vindictive666 (John) · #17 04-02-2009, 04:44 PM

latest news on the 950 the opposition is not going to support all of the biiiiiggggg splurge

regards john

JethroB76 (Jeff) · #18 04-02-2009, 04:49 PM

Does anyone think this will actually get the go ahead through the senate, where KRudd needs to get the greens and some independents on board?

peterodactyl · #19 04-02-2009, 04:57 PM

I'll mostly just be wondering what the funds could have been better spent on if we didn't have Kevin "Pinko" Rudd in power.

Starkler (Geoff) · #20 04-02-2009, 04:59 PM

Guys this thread is under request to stay on topic and to keep political commentary out.