THE unresolved Telstra talks may become an election issue for shareholders. For Telstra, the uncertainty has weighed on the share price, which touched an all-time low last week of $2.88. It has remained below the level of all three floats, ensuring no Telstra shareholder is happy. For the government, it is yet another loose end that has found its way into an election year, and is rapidly gaining traction among shareholder voters.

THE 2010 Edelman Trust Barometer, an international opinion survey out this week, has interesting news for both politicians and CEOs.

THE lessons from the subprime crisis are now indelibly etched in share investors' minds. So much so that Australian shareholders are constantly on the lookout for the next event that may trigger a global crisis.

The March 2010 issue of our monthly members' magazine, Equity, is now available for members to access online and features an article on shareholder activism - its Its applications, techniques and role in the Australian market as well as a reminder from ASIC to "invest between the flags".  

View March 2010 issue

by Peter Thornhill, Motivated Money

Retirement is a time for some serious mental adjustment (amongst other things!).  Following decades of asset accumulation, we are faced with the switch to the initially unfamiliar scenario of income plus wealth maintenance in the best case or, in the worst case, gradual wealth consumption. I find too many potential retirees spend the last few years before retirement agonising over the amount of money they will need when, voluntarily or not, ones working life comes to an end.

Estate Planning Strategies

No matter the size of your estate, planning its efficient and correct distribution should be a priority.

Sydney | Saturday, 13 March 2010 | $50 

Brisbane | Saturday, 20 March 2010 | $50 

Perth | Saturday, 20 March 2010 | $50

Melbourne | Saturday, 14 August 2010 | $50 

Adelaide | Saturday, 30 October 2010 | $50 

Company Analysis in Practice

This interactive workshop provides a practical, real-life opportunity for you to fine tune and enhance your financial analysis skills.  

Melbourne | Saturday, 20 March 2010 | $50 

Sydney | Saturday, 6 November 2010 | $50 

Canberra | Saturday, 13 November 2010 | $50 

Brisbane | Saturday, 20 November 2010 | $50 

Portfolio Management in a Nut Shell

Find out why effective share portfolio management and construction is vital to long term wealth creation. This seminar will highlight the importance of analysing the stocks you choose for your portfolio, gathering information, formulating an investment strategy and being aware of the risks.

Sydney | Tuesday, 20 April 2010 | $50 

Conscious Investing

Adelaide | Saturday, 1 May 2010 | $50  

Understanding taxation, superannuation and succession

Tax and legislative changes, budget implications and changes to your portfolio value necessitate a review of your strategies to minimise tax and maximise your portfolio's performance.

Perth | Saturday, 22 May 2010 | $50 

Melbourne | Tuesday, 25 May 2010 | $50 

Sydney | Wednesday, 26 May 2010 | $50 

Canberra | Thursday, 27 May2010 | $50   

Internet for Investors

This seminar will help you to expand your investor awareness and expose you to the wide range of mostly free investment information available via the internet.

Brisbane | Saturday, 31 Jul 2010 | $50 

Perth | Thursday, 6 May 2010 | $50 

Geelong | Sunday, 24 October 2010 | $50 

Fundamental Analysis

Obtain insights on fundamental analysis and how it fits with investing in the current market conditions. Fundamental analysis can be used to evaluate a company's performance and gauge how well the company is being run.

Geelong | Sunday, 30 May 2010 | $50 

Newcastle | Monday, 26 July 2010 | $35