Today, my wife and I signed an agreement to lend our money at 14 per cent interest.   Before you brand us as loansharks and call the police, let me add that everything is done legally and above the counter.   We have consented collectively with a bunch of other investors to lend our monies to a registered  Australian property developer.  The loan is meant for constructing eight houses in the Pilbara region in northwestern Australia.   In return, we will receive 14 per cent interest per annum, paid biannually.  The loan term is for a year, which means we will get back our principal in twelve months' time.   Sound like a risky venture, isn't it?   Indeed it is, but we have taken precautions.  The loan is secured against the title deed and backed by two guarantees.   On our end, the amount lent is ......