Your home is probably the most expensive thing you’ll ever purchase, but what if you made a mistake about what sort of property would make you happy? Professor Michael Norton from Harvard Business School, co-author of Happy Money: The New Science of Smarter Spending, says when choosing a home, many of us unwisely prioritise physical aspects. “It can be wiser to spend time and […]
Income protection insurance – not just about the amount you earn
A common misconception about income protection insurance is that it’s only for high-earners, but this isn’t the case. In reality, no one can afford to be without this safety net, regardless of the amount of income you earn. The only things certain in life are death and taxes—or so the famous saying goes. Thankfully, income […]
Important Changes to Lending Practices
With the Royal Commission and recent changes to lending practices it’s more important than ever to understand your credit score and borrowing capacity. Understand your credit score Some of the nation’s largest financial institutions have all started collecting customers’ positive credit information, including how many open credit accounts you have, how much debt you are […]
6 ways to navigate your finances in your 40s
Although marriage, mortgage, and young children may have characterised your 30s, your 40s often feature growing responsibilities and ever-competing priorities. Your parents are older, your mortgage is still on foot, children’s education costs are growing, and though retirement may seem a distant reality, planning for that reality becomes an important consideration. The good news is […]
How certain are you about your current mortgage?
How certain are you that your current mortgage is the best value for money in the current market? If you are with one of the big banks I’m confident you may not have the best deal around. If you’re paying more that 4% for the loan against your own home, now is a great time […]
Compare principal and interest and interest-only home loans
Finding out which home loan is right for you depends on your personal situation. Are you looking for a home loan to buy your first home, update your current one or as an investment in retirement? Are you confused by all the jargon and what type of home loan is right for you? We delve […]
What’s the key to quick capital gains?
Buying, renovating and selling a home quickly can be a fast-track to property investment success. On the flip-side however, mismanagement of your investment or buying without knowing the lay of the land, can quickly change your dream into a nightmare. To help make sure your real estate doesn’t cause you night terrors, we’ve whipped up […]
How can I use the equity in my property?
After a few years of solid, consistent repayments, you might find yourself with plenty of equity in your home. You may be considering refinancing your current home loan in order to use that capital, rather than having to wait until you sell. However, the idea of a “second mortgage” might be putting you off. After […]