Entries by Tracie

A simple guide to small business loans

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 […]

How asset finance can help your business grow

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 […]

Credit report changes: don’t be caught out

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 […]

Is one phone call really all it takes to secure a lower interest rate?

With official interest rates trending downward, shrewd mortgage holders may take the opportunity to call their lender to ask for a better deal. But when even a small interest rate reduction means potential savings of thousands of dollars, is a simple phone call really enough to get you there? In 2019, ‘your interest rate should […]

White-label loans … and why you might want one!

A white-label loan is essentially a home-branded loan, much like the home-branded products you see in the supermarket aisles. Like these products, white-label loans aim to deliver many of the same great features as bank-branded home loans, but for a lower cost to you the customer.  A trend seen in supermarkets over recent years has […]

4 steps to home loan pre-approval

Ready to buy a property? You’ll need to show the seller you have enough money. For most people, this will mean getting a loan, and the first step to getting one is obtaining pre-approval for it. Pre-approval – also known as conditional approval or approval in principle – is an indication from a lender as […]

5 Questions for First Home Buyers

Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming a first home buyer?  There are a few things to consider before diving in.  Here are 5 questions potential first home buyer’s should ask themselves … Is it the right time? Moving house can be stressful and time-consuming, so consider whether it’s suitable right now. Will […]

Borrowing Capacity vs Borrowing Comfort

The amount you can borrow and the amount you should borrow to be financially comfortable are sometimes two very different things. Before you apply for a home loan, it makes sense to realistically assess your financial situation. Here’s how to do it. Understand your borrowing capacity Generally speaking, your borrowing capacity – what you can […]

Managing your household budget

We’re often tempted to put off the business of budgeting until tomorrow. We tell ourselves we’ll start next week or maybe next month. Then, when we finally work out our budget, it often doesn’t go to plan. We tend to spend more than we thought we would, and our buffer – that surplus of income […]

How to Get Your Home Loan Paid Off Sooner

Wondering how to pay off your home loan sooner? We look at some things you could do. Australian home loan interest rates remain at historic lows, and the opportunities for paying off a mortgage early are better than ever. Used in conjunction with low rates, here are some extra steps that can speed up loan […]