Since the start of the financial year, the RBA has cut rates to an unprecedented 0.75%. What happens if rates crash through zero and into negative territory? In August, Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe told Federal Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economics that the RBA was prepared to do “unconventional things” to kick-start a flailing economy.… Read more about Uncharted waters: what happens if rates go sub-zero?
In the last five years, Australians’ perception of banks has changed. For many, dealing with banks has become a challenging and sometimes confusing process. As banks become more hands-off with their customers, more people are turning to brokers for help with their finance needs. This trend leaves room for brokers to step in and provide… Read more about The rise of second-tier lenders in Australia
If you are buying a new home or investment, chances are you will be attending a lot of open houses and meeting a lot of real estate agents. Finding the right property involves time and research, so you will need to ask the right questions to ensure you are making a competitive offer on a… Read more about Four questions every property buyer should ask their real estate agent
With interest rates at record lows and competitive deals on offer, switching to a new loan or lender may be an appealing prospect, with the potential to make significant savings. Since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began its latest round of rate cutting, lenders have been lowering mortgage interest rates across the board, with… Read more about Three questions to ask before you refinance
Buying a home is probably one of life’s most important milestones, so getting the right home loan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances is essential. When it comes to home loans, there are many factors to consider besides interest rates. Choosing the right home loan could not only provide flexibility as your financial situation… Read more about Understanding Which Home Loan Features Are Right For You
If you applied for a home loan in the current financial environment , your lender would probably assess your application in the context of both your credit score and your credit history – on top of your income, assets, liabilities and living expenses. Your credit score is a number calculated by a credit-reporting agency, which compares… Read more about Credit report changes: don’t be caught out
After all the talk, October’s decision by the Reserve Bank to cut rates didn’t come as a surprise. The RBA’s call sent the cash rate to a historic low of 0.75 per cent, the third cut inside six months. The call was the latest attempt by the RBA to drive economic growth, and while much… Read more about How low can you go: making the most of record-low rates
Small businesses can always benefit from an upgrade to existing equipment or from purchasing the very latest technology or machinery. However, the reality is that many business owners simply don’t have enough working capital to consider an outright purchase – making equipment finance an advantageous option. Even if you can afford to invest significant cash… Read more about The Small Owner’s Definitive Guide To Equipment Finance
Buying a property that is yet to be built is a popular strategy, particularly for first-time homebuyers. It offers the potential for stamp-duty savings, time to save more for the deposit, and, of course, the opportunity to move into a brand-new home. While the glossy brochures and artists’ impressions can be appealing, purchasing property off-the-plan… Read more about Four Things To Consider Before Buying Off-The-Plan
As a business owner, it’s likely you have no shortage of competing demands on your capital. In your quest for growth, you might want to hire additional staff, move to bigger premises, increase production capacity, diversify your product range or spend more on marketing. Using traditional loans or cash to pay for new equipment and… Read more about How asset finance can help your business grow
Rentvesting – renting a property to live in while owning one or more investment properties – is becoming an increasingly popular way for Australians to get a foot on the property ladder. According to Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA)1, 36% of first home buyers opted to invest in property and continue to rent instead… Read more about Five Things You Need To Know Before Becoming A Rentvestor
Most small businesses use finance when they’re starting out. Access to finance can also help you manage your cash flow, cover unexpected expenses and purchase the equipment you need to grow. Different loans are designed for different circumstances so it’s important to find one that meets your needs in a cost-effective way. To help you… Read more about A Simple Guide To Small Business loans
