Playing the sex card to get ahead; Mortgage stress test; Insurance, savings and so much more; AMP hot stock?; Bicyles races are coming your way

By Amanda Morrall

1) Erotic capital

Finally, someone has come out and said it; Looks do count and in business, they can be a prime asset.  Call it "erotic capital.''

London School of Economics sociology professor Catherine Hakim, in her new book, Honey Money; The Power of Erotic Capital, suggests the “combination of beauty, sex appeal, skills of self-presentation and social skills” is every bit as valuable as a good education and social networks. (Read the full story here at the Globe and Mail).

As you can imagine, Hakim is copping it from feminists, PCs and business nerds for whom style has no meaning.

Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it. That goes for both sexes I reckon.

2) Help for stressed borrowers

Across the pond the Australian Securities Commission is gearing up for the launch of mortgage health check month.  (See Sydney Morning Herald article here).

The aim is to raise borrowers' awareness about their rights, options and appropriate mortgage structures. Some useful and practical tips for New Zealanders as well.

3) Principles for Sustainable Insurance

Investment Savings and Insurance Association CEO Peter Neilson spent eight years with the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development before joining the ISI this year.

Here's Peter talking about some interesting intiatives on the table and challenges facing the industry.

4) AMP Hot stock

The superannuation pot in Australia is among one of the biggest in the world now, with A$1.2 trillion under management.

Behind the scenes, that's big business for the firms managing all the money. One to watch, according to Colin Whitehead, with the Sydney Morning Herald is AMP.

Whitehead, in this article, says while the share price performance may be unimpressive, the investment case for AMP has strengthened considerably since the completion of the AMP and AXA merger in March.

AMP now has more than 4,000 financial planners on its books and as such is well positioned to capture a bigger piece of the lucrative the savings and investment pie in Australia.

5) Harbour lights and fastlane

I might be the last cyclist in Auckland to see this video of what the proposed Harbour cycle lane might look like but just in case I'm sharing it.

The designers are after feed back so don't miss your chance.

Proposed toll is NZ$2 each way. Cheaper than driving I reckon and way more fun.