Financial independence. If you ask 100 different people you’ll probably get 100 different answers as to what it actually is. For most, it’s the ability to do what they like, when they like. If you love your job, it may simply mean that you continue to work but with a strong safety net behind you.…
If ever there was a need for a case study about property market cycles, the past 18 months would pose as a great demonstration. After a soft start to the 2019 calendar year, the stage was set for a very underwhelming FY2020. Last year, positivity had returned before COVID-19 However, the start of FY20 saw…
Early July data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the value of new finance commitments for the purchase of dwellings fell by a record 11.6% over May 2020. This is the largest single monthly drop in the 18 year series. But at the same time, more Australians than ever refinanced their home loan…
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will keep interest rates on hold in July as experts predict the next interest rate move won’t be for years. The RBA hasn’t moved rates from their record low 0.25 per cent level since March as Australia battles the twin challenges of coronavirus and the economic fallout. A panel…
Like another A Star is Born remake, sometimes it’s good to boot out the old and welcome the new. You’ll experience renewed enthusiasm, big twists and turns, and Bradley Cooper or Lady Gaga – whichever takes your fancy. When it comes to home loans, finding a new one could actually save you serious dollars. If…
Now you’ve got a plan in place, it’s time to stick to it as much as possible. Budgets are often started, put on the shelf and forgotten. Give yourself the best chance of success, print out your budget and stick it to the fridge or somewhere else you’ll see it regularly. Keep yourself accountable, better yet…
Refinancing multiple debts into your home loan can help simplify your finances. If you’re juggling many loans, each with different repayments, fees and interest rates you have a better option to help you get ahead. Sounds like a great idea? Before deciding if this is the right choice for you, it is important to understand…
If you’re looking to buy an investment property and have equity in your own home, refinancing your home loan could be the best way to fund your purchase. In this article we’ll explain how this may work for you. Why refinance your existing home loan? Usually, when you take out a home loan to buy…
Comparison rates help us to compare loan products. They are designed to enable us to compare apples with apples, when it comes to the total cost of lending products, but unfortunately they don’t paint the whole picture. What is a Comparison Rate? A comparison rate provides a simplified way to compare the effective cost of…
It always takes some planning to get your finances in order for the end of financial year, and this year may look a little different, come June 30. The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted your circumstances and therefore your situation could be looking different to normal. Perhaps you have been working from home, your wages…