Finding the right property takes time, and when you’re already juggling work, family, and everything else life throws at you, it can feel impossible to give the search the attention it deserves.   For an investment property, it’s less about the “feel” of the place and more about the numbers, the strategy, and whether the asset will genuinely move you forward financially.   A skilled buyer’s agent can make a meaningful difference. They can take on the heavy lifting, bring expe

Banks and non-bank lenders have been quick to pass on this month’s RBA rate increase to home loan customers, but most remain silent on any corresponding rise in savings account interest.   If you’ve got a mortgage and also money sitting in a savings account, the gap between what the borrowed money costs and what your own money earns has widened.   To make the most of the rate change, consider using your loan’s offset account or redraw facility. These options can help you bene

Every financial decision carries weight. And when things feel uncertain, it’s natural to default to what feels “safe”: pay down debt, build buffers, avoid complexity, and invest if there’s money left over.   But here’s the catch - That safety-first mindset can keep you stuck in slow motion. A well‑designed debt recycling strategy  isn’t about taking big risks. It’s about being intentional with the money you already earn.   When structured properly, it can help you: Pay down b

A quick reality check on home loan maths - At an interest rate of 5.3%, every $1 you borrow ends up costing you about $2  over the life of the loan.  That’s your original dollar plus another dollar in interest.   But here’s the part many people overlook: If that same dollar is sitting in your offset account (or paid into your loan as an extra repayment) you’re not charged any interest on it at all . Compare that to the dollar sitting in your bank account earning a lower int

A 30-year mortgage can feel like a marathon, but it doesn’t have to be. Paying off your home loan faster is a smart financial move that can save you thousands in interest and bring you closer to financial freedom, years ahead of schedule. Here are three powerful strategies to help make that happen: Make extra repayments - Even one extra month’s repayment each year can make a big difference. Over time, this simple habit could cut your loan term by around five years, and save y

No-one enjoys paying interest, so it’s natural to look for ways to minimise it over the life of your loan. A common question I hear is: Should I make monthly or fortnightly repayments?   A recent client was adamant about fortnightly repayments, having heard repeatedly that that would save interest. Let’s break it down with a simple example.   The Numbers Loan amount: $500,000 Interest rate: 5.5% Total annual repayments: $36,000 The results: Monthly repayments: Loan paid off i

Securing a home loan as a self-employed person can feel more complex than it should. While you may have strong earnings and a thriving business, lenders often want extra reassurance before approving your application. The good news? With the right preparation, you can present a strong case and access competitive rates.   Evidence of income matters Lenders want to see that your income is consistent and reliable. Unlike salaried employees who provide payslips, self-employed

A look at what you can do to reduce the stress of your property purchase by getting pre-approved for finance

Recent articles in the media such as this one have referred to the so-called “loyalty tax” or “lazy tax” - the price consumers pay for not comparing their options when taking out car insurance, home insurance, credit cards etc. This has me thinking - how much is enough to justify moving from one lender to another to refinance a home loan. Obviously the answer to this question is going to differ from person to person, and certainly cost is not the only factor when you’re we

This article looks at what LMI is, and who it's actually protecting

This video takes you through what an offset account is, what the benefits are, and also highlights some situations where you might actually choose NOT to opt for an offset account #Offsetaccounts

Here's some useful information on what's involved in borrowing within your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to purchase property. For those...

If you're currently looking around for a loan or thinking about refinancing an existing one, here are some key factors to bear in mind...

With interest rates at a historic low, I’ve been asked a lot about whether to lock in home loan repayments at fixed rates, or wait and...

Bernard Salt’s article in the Australian suggesting that young people should skip their smashed avocado breakfasts and use the money they...