Finance Blog

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5 fun (and budget-friendly) ideas for an Easter staycation

This Easter offers more than chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. It brings a rare mega-holiday, and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a trip away, check out our tips to enjoy a memorable getaway – at home. Fun fact: 2025 sees the Easter public holidays fall in the same week as Anzac Day. That

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Low cost renos to help keep your home cosy this autumn

It’s been a long, hot summer, but the seasons are shifting and it’s time to prepare for the cooler months ahead. A few simple improvements could help keep your home snug without overheating your power bills. It’s almost time to pack away the boardies, swap sarongs for sweaters and cross from cricket to footy. As

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Was that the shortest property downturn ever?

The so-called market ‘downturn’ we saw over the last few months was a blink-and-you-miss-it affair. Home prices are once again on the up. We unpack what’s happening – and why now could be a good time to buy. Jeepers. That didn’t last long. Back in early January, CoreLogic declared Australia’s housing market had entered ​a downturn after

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Major change coming to mortgage rules for university grads

Good news for the three million Australians who have a student debt. New rules are on the cards that could soon increase their borrowing power when applying for a home loan. Heading off to uni can be a great investment in your skills and qualifications, potentially leading to a higher income over the course of

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RBA cuts the cash rate for the first time since 2020

Finally, a long-awaited reprieve for borrowers. The Reserve Bank of Australia has today cut the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.10%. How much could this rate cut decrease your monthly mortgage repayments? And can we expect more cuts this year? This is the first time the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut

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The scheme that’s helped 193,000 Aussies buy a first home

If you’re in the market for a first home, there’s one scheme you should know about. It’s called the Home Guarantee Scheme, and it could slash the time it takes to buy a place of your own by several years. Here’s how it works. Saving that all-important 20% deposit for a first home isn’t easy

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How to finance your 2025 home renovation

Bathroom blitz? Kitchen kit out? Or perhaps some landscaping love might be on your house upgrade wishlist for 2025? If so, it’s worth knowing what reno finance options are available. Today we’ll explain some ways to fund your home improvement project. Spending on home renovations has boomed over the past five years, and it seems we’re

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Decisions decisions… Fixed-rate vs variable home loan rate

Amid growing expectations of rate cuts in 2025, sticking with a variable home loan rate can seem like a no-brainer. But not so fast. Locking in your home loan rate can also have upsides, including the potential for a lower rate right now. Home loans come in all shapes and sizes. A common thread is

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Three financial New Year’s resolutions to tackle 2025 head-on

How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re like most people, they’re likely related to health, fitness or abstinence. But why not consider a financial one too? Here are three resolutions worth considering for 2025. There’s no denying that 2024 was a tough year for many mortgage holders – in no small part

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