
Articles, Stories, Tips & Resources
Are you too loyal for your own good? The banks think so
The average Australian homeowner is paying more than $37,000 in extra interest over the life of their home loan due to the loyalty tax, and it’s got three-quarters of borrowers feeling “ripped off” and “angry”.
Refinancing figures are on a record-breaking run: here’s why
With interest rates at record low levels, the number of homeowners refinancing skyrocketed to an all-time high in July. Today we’ll run you through why so many people are refinancing, and why you should consider doing so too.
Are they really OK? Here’s how to check in with them today
Do you know how the people in your world are really doing right now? Chances are you know someone who’s doing it tough, but silently pressing on. As always, we’re here to support you, and for R U OK? Day we’re sharing ways you can help others.
Nine in 10 FHBs trust brokers to help them buy their first property
Remember that classic TV ad: ‘nine out of 10 dentists recommend using [toothpaste brand]?’ Well, it turns out we’ve earned a similar level of trust when it comes to helping first home buyers sink their teeth into the property market.
How to ease financial pressure through debt consolidation
With many people around the country doing it tough right now, this week we’ll look at a way you can take some pressure off your monthly finances through debt consolidation.
SME Recovery Loan Scheme revamped to help more businesses
More small and medium-sized businesses struggling to stay afloat due to the economic impacts of COVID will have access to cheaper funding after the federal government expanded the eligibility criteria for the SME Recovery Loan Scheme.
COVID hardship and grant options that could help you
With the pandemic once again tightening its grip around many parts of Australia, today we’ll run you through hardship and grant options that could be available to you or your business.
New super laws: a timely reminder to check your life insurance policy
What measures do you have in place to help protect your family home or business? If life insurance through your superannuation account is one of them, then it’s a good time to give it a quick review – especially if you work in a high-risk environment.
Brokers Vs Bankers: Which way to go
Buying your first home or investing in property are the biggest decisions a person or family can make. There are so many loopholes and pitfalls it can be hard to navigate, it’s best to find someone to guide you through the process. But should you go directly to the bank or should you use a mortgage broker?
House price growth hits 17-year high, but is it slowing down?
You’d have to go all the way back to the 2004 Athens Olympics to find a time when house price growth was faster than it has recently been. But latest data suggests the golden run has started to slow down.
Cash flow tips for businesses thriving and surviving the pandemic
Australia is a tale of two economies right now, depending on the state or sector your business is based in. Today we’ll run you through three cash flow tips for your business, whether it’s growing or struggling.
Buy Now Pay Later users put on notice by credit agency
Do you use a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service like Afterpay or Zip? If so, be warned that one leading credit agency has made a big change that means your BNPL data will go onto your credit report.
What’s the best day to auction your house?
Drive or walk around your local suburb mid-morning on a Saturday and chances are you’ll pass a few freshly banged up ‘Auction’ signs. But is Saturday actually the best day to auction your home? New data suggests perhaps not.
Need help paying your insurance and workers comp premiums this year?
As if Australian business owners hadn’t faced enough challenges this past year – now the dreaded annual insurance and workers compensation premiums will soon arrive in mailboxes. Here’s how to smooth ‘em all out (and get an early bird discount!).
Green thumbs beware: one-third of veggie gardens contaminated with lead
One of the most exciting things about moving into your own home is doing whatever you want with it, such as growing your own veggie patch. But did you know more than a third of Aussie backyards are contaminated with lead? Here’s how to get your soil tested for free.
How much extra will your mortgage cost when interest rates rise?
After 18 straight RBA cash rate cuts it can be easy to dismiss the notion that interest rates might rise again. But if the cash rate returned to mid-2019 levels, how much extra would an average new mortgage holder expect to pay each month? Let’s take a look.
It’s on! First home loan deposit schemes open for applications
If you’d like to buy your first home with just a 5% deposit and pay no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), then you better act quick, as thousands of first home buyers are expected to rush to apply for the limited spots up for grabs.
EOFY alert! Financial year end just days away
Small business owners wanting to buy a vehicle, asset or important piece of equipment and immediately write off the cost only have a few days to act this financial year.
Property price caps increased for first home loan deposit scheme
First home buyers can now purchase more expensive properties under the federal government’s hugely popular 5% deposit, no LMI scheme.
Size matters: how to get more bang for your buck on property sizes
An increasing number of Australians are prioritising larger homes and bigger blocks in their house-hunting endeavours since the pandemic began. But where to look? Well, a new search tool helps you calculate which suburbs offer the best bang for your buck.