In late June, during an online panel discussion hosted by ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy, RBA Governor Philip Lowe said what many had already assumed: “I think it’s likely we’re going to see interest rates at their current level for years”. So it was no surprise that rates have been held at 0.25% for… Read more about Back in Action: How long-term low interest rates could benefit your business
Getting what you need to get ahead: asset finance explained
In business, growth is often the goal. But for many businesses, expansion means needing new equipment, vehicles, machinery or technology – and that all costs money. Asset finance can help reduce the initial outlay, while your business gets what it needs to scale. Here are some key things to consider before you apply and what… Read more about Getting what you need to get ahead: asset finance explained
Getting it together: what to know before you consolidate
Managing multiple loans can be difficult – and stressful. One way to simplify your financial situation and save yourself time, effort and (hopefully) money is to centralise your debt. But it’s not always the right answer, so here’s what to consider before you consolidate. When you borrow money, the most important thing is being able… Read more about Getting it together: what to know before you consolidate
Inspiration or imitation? Home design in an online world
If you want to look inside perfectly-designed homes, there are more and more ways to than ever before, many delivered directly to your phone or social feed. But – from blogs and newsletters to Pinterest – when does inspiration become overload? While it used to be that the cutting edge of design was reserved for… Read more about Inspiration or imitation? Home design in an online world
Future focused: apps and tools to track your finances
It’s never a bad idea to have a little help managing your money – and when you’ve got monthly mortgage repayments to make, balancing the books is extra important. There’s a great range of apps and tools designed to help you budget, save and track your finances. And we’ve put together a list of some… Read more about Future focused: apps and tools to track your finances
Concerned about servicing your loans?
If you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to your local mortgage broker for help. As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances, mortgage brokers stand ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number… Read more about Concerned about servicing your loans?
Building not buying: do you need a mortgage or a construction loan?
Building a new home that looks and feels just right – or making big changes to the place you live – is a goal for many. But it can be a more complicated process and a very different experience to buying an existing property. And it can require a specific type of financing – a… Read more about Building not buying: do you need a mortgage or a construction loan?
Let’s go shopping: is now the time to refinance?
Australia’s cash rate is at its lowest level in history. Does that mean the time is right to make the most of the low cash rate environment and refinance your mortgage? When discussing the Reserve Bank of Australia’s February decision to hold rates, Governor Philip Lowe was unambiguous in his take. If you took your… Read more about Let’s go shopping: is now the time to refinance?
To build or rebuild? That is the question.
You’re in the perfect location, so it might make sense to invest in what you’ve already got. Your first problem; improve and expand, or rip it down and start over? If the location suits, and you love the form and function of your place, renovating might be the answer. But if you’re running out of… Read more about To build or rebuild? That is the question.
10 questions to ask a mortgage broker
Using a mortgage broker to help you choose a home loan can save you considerable time and could result in huge savings. However, before you decide on a broker, you need to make sure they’re going to meet your needs. Here are some questions to ask. How long have you been a mortgage broker?… Read more about 10 questions to ask a mortgage broker
On the market? The federal government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme explained.
The barriers a first home buyer faces when entering the property market are well documented. So, will the government’s new First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) help, or not? Here’s a guide to who’s eligible, how it will work and what the new scheme may mean for the housing market. Have you got a spare… Read more about On the market? The federal government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme explained.
As low as it could go: is now the moment to fix your mortgage rate?
Australia’s cash rate is now the lowest it has been in 23 years, a reaction initially to stunted economic growth and now to the impact of COVID-19 on the local and global economic landscape. As the uncharted negative interest rate zone looms, is it worth fixing your rate? Here’s what to weigh up when making… Read more about As low as it could go: is now the moment to fix your mortgage rate?