Just a quick note...

If your going to invest in shares rather than managed fund then learn how to use options as hedging.

Using a margin loan and writing "naked" puts/covered calls over the right stocks you can return in excess of 100% p.a.

The puts aren't really naked as you would have the bought the shares anyway, your just buying them at a lower price then you would have orignially paid for.

Its a far less risky way to trade. The gains without a margin loan are usually in the 20-30% p.a.

Good Luck.