Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can be a significant expense when buying a home. It protects the lender if you can’t meet your mortgage repayments, but it doesn’t benefit you directly. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to avoid paying LMI, making homeownership more affordable. What is LMI and Why Do You Need It?…
At the April board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the official cash rate at 4.1% after the February rate cut, maintaining that the outlook remains “uncertain”. As widely expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1%, following February’s long-awaited 25-basis-point cut. Economists at each of the…
At the February board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) provided home loan customers with some relief by lowering the official cash rate by 0.25% to 4.10%. According to the RBA Underlying inflation is moderating The RBA reported that Inflation has fallen substantially since the peak in 2022, as higher interest rates have been…
Saving for your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it can feel daunting at the outset. With the right strategies, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality sooner than you might think. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to accelerate your progress, here are some practical tips…
As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to reassess your financial health, especially if you’re planning to purchase a home or already have a mortgage. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, a financial reset can set the tone for a successful and stress-free year ahead. Here’s how to get…
At the December board meeting the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35%. The cash rate has remained at a 12-year high since the most recent hike in November 2023, an elevated level aimed at taming inflation. In its decision, the board admitted while inflation had fallen since its…
On Melbourne Cup Day, 5 November 2024, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced another hold in the cash rate, leaving it at 4.35%. The Melbourne Cup Day monetary policy meeting in 2023 marked the last time the RBA hiked interest rates, going up from 4.1 per cent to 4.35 per cent. The cash…
At its board meeting this week, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced it will hold the cash rate at 4.35%. This follows an increase in annual inflation with data last week showing an increase to 3.8% over the year to June. The inflation data shows he first increase since the December 2022 quarter, with many…
Building wealth is a goal most people aspire to. Contrary to common belief, the secret to building wealth isn’t having an enormous salary; rather, it can revolve around three core principles: saving, investing and reinvesting. Understanding some of the fundamentals can set you on the path to financial freedom. The fundamental principles of wealth-building Building wealth,…
With everything getting more expensive, it’s no surprise that many of us are looking for ways to keep a little more cash in our pockets. You may think a home loan refinance is too hard – but these days it’s not really – with the help of a lending specialist. Over the past year, spending…