2020 was definitely one of those years that stopped us in our tracks. At times we were forced into new situations, new routines and having to frustratingly press “pause” on some of our goals, financial and otherwise. For many Australians, this included the dream of being a homeowner. As the new year begins, we’re now…
Every year, we have a chance to reflect on the year and think about the future. What do we want to achieve in the next 12 months? Where to go on holiday? Could the house do with a lick of paint? However, 2020 was a bit different, fundamentally changing the way we live, work and…
With many state capitals becoming a hive of construction activity, even more properties are being sold off-the-plan. It’s a purchase option that gives buyers a range of valuable advantages, like saving on price, the option to customise and stamp duty concessions. But splashing out on plans alone may not be the best choice for every…
Are you hoping to buy a property in 2021? Here are seven new year’s resolutions that can help keep your financial resume in shape. And the fitter it is, the more chance you have to be able to buy. Resolution #1 – Clearly outline your goal Having a very specific goal is the first step…
Shift your money mindset and watch your fortune grow. Let’s face it—money can be scary, especially if you’re low on funds. Even worse? Money-related stress can wreak havoc on our lives—it’s one of the leading causes of stress for most Australians which is why it’s critical to take proactive steps to manage your relationship with money. Whether you’re feeling the financial pinch…
It’s the million-dollar question for all aspiring homeowners. How do you buy your first home when saving 20% is so hard, even impossible for some (not to mention stamp duty and other costs)? Well, the good news is there is a lifeline that gives you the option to buy with a 5% deposit – enough to make anyone…
Want to plan a chic kitchen renovation that works for everyone in the house? We called in an expert to take us through what makes the most family-friendly, modern kitchens. The kitchen is the hub of the family home and if it’s ugly, cramped, chaotic and splattered with gunk 24/7, then it’s going to get…
Choosing between a fixed or variable rate home loan is a common dilemma for many borrowers. With interest rates at historical lows you may now be considering fixing in your home loan rate. But this may come with a catch. We look at what they are and outline some of the key advantages and disadvantages of…
Small changes now can mean big differences later to how much of your home loan you end up repaying – and how long it takes. If you’ve recently had a home loan approved or are already some way into your repayments, you may be thinking about how you can pay it off sooner rather than…
Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) premiums are payable in two ways, an upfront fee, or by capitalisation. Capitalising your LMI premium essentially means adding it to the total loan amount, and paying it off in regular instalments with your home loan. For most home purchasers saving a 20% deposit can be hard – and takes time.…