At a time of almost constant (even daily) changes in the finance world – and an absolute overload of information online – it’s easy to see why some consumers are becoming ‘switched off’. A recent study about financial literacy found 57% of respondents didn’t know that banks determine actual interest rates – not the RBA. It […]
Your credit file is one of your most important financial assets. Safeguarding this file is an important part of the finance application process. Your credit file contains: • credit applications, overdue credit accounts, payment defaults, clearouts (as a missing debtor), commercial credit information and public record information. You will have a credit score calculated from […]
There’s an interesting property market trend underway… Let’s all welcome the single, female first home buyer! Statistics show Gen Y females are the fastest growing group of mortgagors, taking out almost one quarter of mortgages in Australia in 2015. In fact, almost twice as many single women are buying homes as single men! Why are […]
If you are in retirement mode – and especially if you are thinking of downsizing – you may be looking at passing on precious possessions to your children or grandchildren. There may be just one small problem…. Do they really want them? You COULD be in for a surprise! Many of our younger generation are […]
At the end of 2014 statistics showed a significant decrease in the percentage of homeowners experiencing mortgage stress – from 28% to around 15% – largely attributed to low interest rates. However, a further 15% of those surveyed were anticipating mortgage stress at some time in the future. Well it seems the future may be […]
We often observe clients (especially busy parents juggling careers and kids) leaving management of their finances on the back burner. Mixing sleepless nights with long work hours can mean that even though our bills magically get paid each month, the dirty ‘b’ word – ‘budget’ – is rarely spoken or thought of. Let’s change that […]
Sweeping changes to the finance industry will affect YOU… You have probably noticed in recent months that financial institutions have started to increase interest rates independently of the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep the cash rate on hold. Not only are interest rates increasing but financial institutions are now starting to significantly change the lending […]
It is that taxing time of the year again! If you are a property owner and/or property investor there are various tax considerations you need to be familiar with – including capital gains tax (CGT). If you haven’t been subject to CGT before it may seem complex. Let’s explore the basics… What is capital gains […]
Our recent client survey revealed 48% of our respondents told us they have an investment property! That’s music to a finance specialist’s ears – it’s satisfying to hear those people have a financial strategy that could lead to a more comfortable retirement. However, 66% of respondents also said they are worried about having enough money in […]
When faced with the sad loss of a loved one the bereavement process can be an incredibly difficult period. It is certainly not a time when we need additional stress. One of the earliest tasks that often needs to be completed is locating important documents such as insurance policies, wills, funeral plans etc. If your […]