What is the First Home Owner Grant? The FHOG was introduced by the Federal Government in 2000 to assist first home buyers with purchasing a home. Since then, the rules around it have repeatedly changed. While the FHOG is a national scheme, it’s funded by the states and territories—and administered by each of them individually. … Read more
If you are saving for a long-term goal, it can feel like you have to miss out on things such as travel to keep your savings on track. That’s not necessarily the case, it is possible to have a fantastic holiday without breaking the bank or derailing your savings plans. Let’s face it, cost of … Read more
As a home owner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘refinancing’. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances. Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly. … Read more
When you run your own business a good retirement plan can bring real peace of mind. Read more about your options – and why it’s never too early to start. Planning your retirement When you’re busy running your own business retiring could be the last thing on your mind. But planning your retirement well in … Read more
What’s a debt consolidation loan? A debt consolidation loan is a way to combine all your debts – credit card, personal loans, store card etc. – into one loan so you’ll be making repayments in one place. It means that you can take a breath and take back some control. It also means no multiple annual fees, … Read more
A mortgage is a long-term commitment, which many people enter with a ‘set and forget’ mentality. Most loans are around 30 years – during which many things can change, not just in your personal circumstances but in the financial world, with the new loan products and fluctuations in interest rates. If you haven’t reviewed your … Read more
Find out how to save money every day and make a savings plan to stay on track. Separate and automate your savings An online savings account is a great way to grow your money faster. Unlike a transaction account, you can’t spend money directly from a savings account, so it’s harder to dip into your savings. Automate … Read more
Spring is traditionally the hottest season for property, with buyers and sellers springing into action. There are more listings and more properties sold than any other season, with the REA finding that market action increases in early October.i Due to the increase in listings, buyers tend to have more to choose from during spring, which … Read more
Ensuring you’ve structured your finances tax-effectively is always a concern, but with new tax rules for super on the horizon, many people with large balances are considering alternative vehicles to save for retirement. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked a renewed interest in an old favourite – trusts. Trusts have always been popular in Australia, with the … Read more
