Mark Bristow

Can you borrow extra on your mortgage for furniture?

It may be possible to borrow extra money on your home loan to help pay for furniture. However, this could mean paying more interest on your mortgage, potentially blowing out the cost of furnishing your home.

Can I change jobs while I am applying for a home loan?

Many lenders require you to be in a permanent job with the same employer for at least six months before applying for a home loan. If your work situation changes for any reason while you’re applying for a mortgage, this could reduce your application’s chances of approval. But contacting the lender as soon as you know your employment situation is changing may allow you to come to an agreement.

Does my credit card include ski trip travel insurance?

Many credit cards, especially gold and platinum cards, offer complimentary travel insurance when you book your trip using the card. However, this may not always cover higher-risk activities such as skiing, so it’s important to compare your options and make sure you’re covered.

What the RBA's Financial Stability Review says about money in Australia right now

Global volatility, higher inflation and interest rates, plus cyber-attacks and climate change are all affecting Australia’s financial stability. The new report from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) looks at the risk these factors and more pose to the nation’s economy, but what can you do about their effect on your household bank accounts?

What is the average Australian home loan amount?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average home loan amount in Australia for owner-occupier dwellings as of August 2022 is about $589,141, which may seem like a lot. But you must remember that the state and capital city you reside in is an important factor that determines the property values, which in turn influences the average Australian home loan.

Can you break a term deposit?

It’s usually possible to withdraw your money from a term deposit early if you need the cash back in your pocket. But doing so may require providing advance notice to the bank, and you may miss out on earning interest on your savings.

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the October 2022 rate hike?

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is slowing down its hikes to the national cash rate, raising by just 25 basis points in October 2022. But with several of the major banks being quick to announce that they would pass this rise on in full to their home loan customers, it’s important to compare your options when looking for a low-rate home loan.

Which banks have hiked term deposit and savings account rates in October 2022?

The October 2022 meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) saw the national cash rate rise by just 25 basis points. While the RBA may be starting to slow the pace of its rate rises, several leading banks and Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) have been quick to announce increases to their interest rates for savers.

Some of the best home loans in October 2022

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) decision to hike the cash rate by just 25 basis points, rather than 50, at its October 2022 meeting could be a sign there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for homeowners being squeezed by rising mortgage repayments. But with economists forecasting that interest rates could still have further to rise before the RBA hits pause, it may be worth comparing home loan offers to work out if you’re on the best value home loan for your needs.

What's the most tax effective way to buy a car?

Buying a car can be a major financial commitment, so it makes sense to check how this purchase could influence the tax you pay. Depending on your financial situation and how you plan to use the car, there may be several strategies available to claim tax deductions on your car purchase. It’s important to compare the available options to work out which one may be the most tax-effective choice for you.