Congrats to our April Winner – Kirsten wins a $500 Bunnings voucher! We appreciate your feedback, that’s why each month we give our customers who have recently settled a loan the chance to go in the competition to win a small thank-you gift. This month’s winner is Kirsten, and she’s won a $500 Bunnings voucher. […]
A new way to quickly and securely share your banking data could help you take more control of your finances. With all the news about Covid last year and its financial impact – interest rates, loan repayment pauses, financial relief packages, government building incentives and so on – you may have missed the news that
Some tips and tricks to paying off your home loan sooner. Buying a home is likely the most significant financial transaction you’ll ever make. So it stands to reason that your home loan will be your largest ongoing financial obligation. Imagine what life would be like without that monthly or fortnightly strain on your income?
The RBA has remained consistent in wanting to see a sustained period with inflation in their 2-3% target range and steady wages growth before raising the cash rate. With global uncertainties remaining and modest wage growth, expect the Reserve Bank to continue to closely monitor supply chain disruptions, increasing energy prices and global events. The
As widely expected, the RBA board confirmed today that the official cash rate would again remain at 0.10%. With inflation now within its target band of 2-3%, markets have been speculating the RBA will increase rates as early as June this year. The Central Bank will be closely monitoring for any signs of additional inflationary
Aussie rhyming slang Are you having a “Barry Crocker” of a day? Rhyming slang was born out of London’s east end in the 1800s, with the Cockneys no doubt taking the crown for their rhyming linguistic acrobatics. Our English roots meant it wasn’t long before rhyming slang made its way to the Antipodes. And as
It may be an admirable trait in personal relationships, but in financial matters, loyalty can come at a cost. Sticking with the same loan longer than three years can cost borrowers thousands, with competition to win business resulting in new customers paying lower rates than existing ones. This so-called loyalty tax has become such a
Great outdoor areas can add tens of thousands to the value of your home, not to mention the added enjoyment of spending time in the garden with family and friends. Landscaping is also one of the few home improvements that can actually increase in value over time as plantings mature. So, shake off the winter
Waste not, want not Australians churn out 540kg of household waste per person, each year. That’s a whopping 10kg for every single person – every single week. More than ever, it’s time to cut our waste. With a little planning and creativity, the environment and your wallet will be grateful. Buying less means wasting less.
Navigating the dos and don’ts of investment property returns. Rental properties and holiday homes are once again in the sights of the Australian Tax Office, which has had growing success identifying erroneous claims. Last year about 70 per cent of returns related to investment properties audited by the ATO had to be amended, most often
