variable rate

Another rate cut – what could you do with that money?

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

According to the latest news coming from various economists, there is the increasing likelihood that the Reserve Bank may announce another rate cut in early February. 

And this is more great news for many mortgage holders. (more…)

The rate wobbles

Friday, November 26th, 2010

With yet another official rate announcement expected in just over a week to cap off the year, there are some sectors of the market with an obvious case of the rate wobbles.
This condition is characterised by the following symptoms: (more…)

Don’t bank on interest rate outcomes

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

It’s one of life’s ironies that a Reserve Bank announcement on interest rates will be handed down on the same day when more Australians than ever are having a flutter on our nation’s most loved horse race.

Because in reality, there’s no banking on the outcome of today’s official interest rate announcement and what it will mean for borrowers. Some odds are in favour of official rates staying as they are – but others are stacked in favour of the banks to raise their rates regardless. Either way – it’s a gamble to try and predict the result. (more…)

Look after your best interest

Friday, October 29th, 2010

In the current climate of rising rates – it’s all about interest.

And I’m not just talking about the interest on your loan, but working out ways to make your mortgage work in the best interests of your financial wellbeing. (more…)

What women want!

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Julia, Julie, Kristina, Anna, Quentin – and no doubt there’s more to come.

In case you haven’t noticed – there’s a pattern emerging in the world of business and politics where women are slowly, but surely, starting to take centre stage.

And that pattern has also transcended into the world of finance in terms of women empowering themselves in the ways of the property market. (more…)

To fix or not to fix – that’s the question

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

There’s been quite a bit of talk lately about whether now is a good time to fix your loan, as rates level off and the pundits continue to speculate where things may go from here.

And the answer lies with you. Because if you’re prepared for rates to stabilise or even drop over the next year even after you lock in a higher rate – you’re probably the sort of person (and personality) who is comfortable with taking that risk.

But if you’re living from hand to mouth each month and every rate announcement sends you into a hot sweat – you need to consider whether you would be better with a fixed rate that will give you more certainty around your payments, or indeed whether that hot sweat means you need to drastically revise your whole approach to managing your finances.

So before we put ourselves in one corner or another – let’s have a look at the pros and cons of both types of loans….. (more…)

Beware of the risks of debt consolidation!

Friday, May 14th, 2010

In comparison to income growth, the escalation of household debt over the past 30 years has reached substantial levels.  According to the ABS, the last 18 years have seen the total amount of debt owned by Australian households to rise by almost six-fold.

These figures are not aided by the high interest repayments of credit cards of between 15-10 percent and personal loans having an average rate of 10 percent.  The burden of struggling to meet interest rate repayments can become overwhelming so the concept of consolidating these debts into your mortgage, where rates are around 7 percent, turns into a favourable option. (more…)