Can refinancing my home loan save me money? By replacing your existing loan with a new one, you could take advantage of a better deal. Even if you secured a competitive package when you first took out your home loan, it’s worth reviewing each year1 to ensure the interest rates, fees and features continue to meet your needs. With interest rates also at an all-time low in Australia2, now may be an opportune time to …
Should I repay my home loan or boost my super? Both options make good financial sense—we look at some pros and cons to help you decide. Retirement may not be as far off as it used to be. With this in mind, are you finding there’s a trade-off between home loan repayments and your retirement nest egg? Adding money to super has its advantages and so does paying off your home loan. So if you’ve …
Saving in a material world It’s not easy to be thrifty in our consumer society. We’re surrounded by so much temptation that it can be difficult to avoid spending money. So why not try taking a break from spending? If you can tighten your belt on the little things, it can help ensure you have enough for the odd splurge, that well-earned holiday, or for unforeseen expenses. Here are some creative ways to cut …
Property Myth Busting If you’ve always thought property prices only go up… With so much emphasis on property in the media, it can be difficult to sort fact from fiction. But before investing in any type of asset—including property—it pays to consider the pros and cons, and any commonly held misconceptions. We bust 3 property myths. Myth 1: Prices always go up Believing that property always goes up is understandable—especially given prices have dramatically increased …
The Power of Budgeting A budget can help you work out what you’re spending money on and when Are you aware you need to change your spending habits, but not sure where to start? A budget can help you get back to basics and work out what’s going where and when. Whatever your plans, a budget can help you to: get more organised with your finances cut down spending in areas you have a tendency …
Understanding lender’s mortgage insurance Find out what lender’s mortgage insurance is and how it may affect your home loan. You’re looking for the house of your dreams or maybe you’ve already found it. It’s an exciting time but it can be daunting when it comes to arranging finance and meeting all the upfront and ongoing costs, such as lender’s mortgage insurance. How lender’s mortgage insurance works When it comes to arranging a home loan, if …
How can I own my home sooner? It doesn’t have to be the stuff of dreams. There are several strategies that could help you pay off your home loan sooner. And it doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the things you love doing today. The first step towards paying off your home sooner is to understand your loan—how much you owe, how much you are paying and what other financial commitments you have. Once you know …
Brush Up On Your Knowledge Of Credit Cards The use of credit cards continues to enjoy an almost meteoric rise to popularity and fame. It has been seen that credit cards have now even overtaken debit cards in the race to become the top plastic alternative to money. The use of credit cards is more often than not rewarding in terms of credit scores and points. Yet, it is important that you are smart when …
Purchasing a property Finding the right property and making all the arrangements to buy it can take time. It’s a big financial decision so it’s important to look at as many properties as possible and make the right choice. It’s also a good idea to speak with property experts such as real estate agents, bankers and mortgage brokers. Before buying a home you should: consider the financial costs involved find the right lender and home …
